Sense and Sensibility

The family of Dashwood had long been settled in Sussex. Their estate was large, and their residence was at Norland Park, in the centre of their property, where, for many generations, they had lived in so respectable a manner as to engage the general good opinion of their surrounding acquaintance. The late owner of this estate was a single man, who lived to a very advanced age, and who, for many years of his life, had a constant companion and housekeeper in his sister.

But this sister, having a generous disposition, was shortly after her brother’s death married to a man whose wealth was not great, and who had lately retired from a lucrative trade to a quiet country house in Devonshire. By this marriage the family of Dashwood was brought into connection with one of the most respectable families of the county, and a very warm friendship was established between Mrs. Dashwood and the lady of this new acquaintance.