Page:Austen - Sense and Sensibility, vol. II, 1811.djvu/107

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

( 99 )

CHAPTER VII.

Before the house-maid had lit their fire the next day, or the sun gained any power over a cold, gloomy morning in January, Marianne, only half dressed, was kneeling against one of the window-seats for the sake of all the little light she could command from it, and writing as fast as a continual flow of tears would permit her. In this situation, Elinor, roused from sleep by her agitation and sobs, first perceived her; and after observing her for a few moments with silent anxiety, said, in a tone of the most considerate gentleness,

“Marianne, may I ask?”—

F 2
“No,