Chapter 38 Summary

In this chapter Elinor and Marianne reflect on Edward's integrity in deciding to pursue his own course. Neither of them hears anything more about the matter for three days, when Elinor and Mrs. Jennings go for a walk in Kensington Gardens. Elinor runs into Anne Steele, and she learns that Edward has offered to break off his engagement with Lucy because of his poverty. Lucy refuses, promising that she will live with him with nothing at all. When Elinor learns that Anne was eavesdropping on a private conversation she is disgusted. Anne adds that Edward wants to go to Oxford, and that Lucy asked her to write to Dr. Davies about getting him a position.

Later in the chapter Elinor receives a letter from Lucy telling her about the situation. In the letter she mentions that she would like Elinor to ask the...