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.