Monday, April 14, 2003

‘Upon my word,’ said Mr. Dashwood, ‘I believe you are perfectly right. My father certainly could mean nothing more by his request to me than what you say. I clearly understand it now, and I will strictly fulfill my engagement by such acts of assistance and kindness to them as you have described. When my mother removes into another house my services shall be readily given to accommodate her as far as I can. Some little present of furniture too may be acceptable then.’

‘Certainly,’ returned Mrs. John Dashwood. ‘But, however, one thing must be considered. When your father and mother moved to Norland, though the furniture of Stanhill was sold, all the china, plate, and linen was sav–“

SHUT UP, MR. DASHWOOD. SHUT UP, MRS. JOHN DASHWOOD.

Get your shotgun, gentle reader, and silence these characters for me, would you? I want to enjoy the warm spring evening.