I avoided the Middletons as much as possible, as well as everybody else who was likely to prove an acquaintance in common.

Not aware of their being in town, however, I blundered on Sir John, I believe, the first day of his coming, and the day after I had called at Mrs.Jennings's.

He asked me to a party, a dance at his house in the evening .-- Had he NOT told me as an inducement that you and your sister were to be there, I should have felt it too certain a thing, to trust myself near him.

The next morning brought another short note from Marianne--still affectionate, open, artless, confiding--everything that could make MY conduct most hateful.

I could not answer it.