Host/Reader

One gentleman only was standing there, and it is probable that Eleanor was not without hope of exciting his politeness to a quicker dispatch.

But the correctness of his eye and the delicacy of his taste proved to be beyond his politeness.

He was giving orders for a toothpick case for himself... until its size, shape and ornaments were determined... all of which, after examining and debating for a quarter of an hour... over every toothpick case in the shop... were finally arranged by his own inventive fancy.

He had no leisure to bestow any other attention on the two ladies...

than what was comprised in three or four very broad stairs, a kind of notice which served to imprint on Eleanor the remembrance of a person and face, of strong, natural, sterling insignificance, though adorned in the first style of fashion.

Marianne was spared from the troublesome feelings of contempt and resentment on this impertinent examination of their features and on the puppyism of his manner in deciding on all the different horrors of the different toothpick cases presented to his inspection by remaining unconscious of it all.

for she was as well able to collect her thoughts within herself and be as ignorant of what was passing around her in Mr. Gray's shop as in her own bedroom.

At last the affair was decided.

The ivory, the gold, and the pearls all received their appointment, and the gentleman, having named the last day on which his existence could be continued without the possession of the toothpick case, drew on his gloves with leisurely care, and bestowing another glance on the Miss Dashwoods,

but such a one as seemed rather to demand than express admiration, walked off with a happy air of real conceit and affected indifference.

Eleanor lost no time in bringing her business forward, was on the point of concluding it, when another gentleman presented himself at her side.

She turned her eyes towards his face and found him with some surprise to be her brother.

Their affection and pleasure in meeting was just enough to make a very creditable appearance in Mr. Gray's shop.

John Dashwood was really far from being sorry to see his sisters again.

It rather gave them satisfaction, and his inquiries after their mother were respectful and attentive.

Eleanor found that he and Fanny had been in town two days.

I wished very much to call upon you yesterday, said he.

But it was impossible, for we were obliged to take Harry to see the wild beasts at Exeter Exchange, and we spent the rest of the day with Mrs. Ferrars.

Harry was vastly pleased.

This morning I had fully intended to call on you if I could possibly find a spare half hour, but one has always so much to do on first coming to town.