so, but now more than ever." "You have been, so to speak, brought up
together," said Mrs. Dennistoun, whose mind was by no means so easy on
the subject. "That is the reason, I suppose," said Elinor, with happy
looks.

But poor John said nothing of this kind. What he felt was that he might
have spared himself the trouble of all those researches of his; that to
roam about looking for a young lady whom he might--not devour, but learn
to love, was pains as unnecessary as ever man took. He still hugged
himself, however, over the thought that in no circumstances would he
have been a marrying man; that if Elinor had been free he would have
found plenty of reasons why they should remain on their present terms
and go no farther. As it was clear that they must remain on their
present terms, and could go no farther, it was certainly better that he
should cherish that thought.

And curiously enough, though they heard so little from the outside
world, they had heard just so much as this, that John's assiduities to
the Miss Gaythornes (which the reader may remember was the first of all
his attempts, and quite antiquated in his recollection) had occasioned
remarks, and he had not been many evenings at Lakeside before he was
questioned on the subject. Had it been true, or had he changed his mind
or had the lady----? It vexed him that there was not the least little
opposition or despite in their tones, such as a man's female friends
often show towards the objects of his admiration, not from any feeling
on their own part, except that most natural one, which is surprised and
almost hurt to find that, "having known me, he could decline"--a feeling
which, in its original expression, was not a woman's sentiment, but a
man's, and therefore is, I suppose, common to both sides. But the ladies
at Lakeside did not even betray this feeling. They desired to know if
there had been anything in it--with smiles, it is true; but Mrs.
Dennistoun at the same time expressed her regret warmly.

"We were in great hopes something would come of it, John. Elinor has met
the Gaythornes, and thought them very nice; and if there is a thing in
the world that would give me pleasure, it would be to see you with a
nice wife, John."

"I am sure I am much obliged to you, aunt; but there really was nothing
in it. That is, I was seized with various impulses on the subject, and
rather agreed with you: but I never mentioned the matter to any of the
Miss Gaythornes. They