She would not wound the feelings of her sister on any account, and yet to say what she did not believe was impossible.

At length she replied: "Do not be offended, Elinor, if my praise of him is not in every thing equal to your sense of his merits.

I have not had so many opportunities of estimating the minuter propensities of his mind, his inclinations and tastes, as you have; but I have the highest opinion in the world of his goodness and sense.

I think him every thing that is worthy and amiable." "I am sure," replied Elinor, with a smile, "that his dearest friends could not be dissatisfied with such commendation as that.

I do not perceive how you could express yourself more warmly." Marianne was rejoiced to find her sister so easily pleased.
"Of his sense and his goodness," continued Elinor, "no one can, I think, be in doubt, who has seen him often enough to engage him in unreserved conversation.