] Marianne was silent; it was impossible for her to say what she did not feel, however trivial the occasion; and upon Elinor, therefore, the whole task of telling lies when politeness required it, always fell.

I must think a bit more on the contrast shown of Marianne by Barbara - I had not noticed it before. But I did pause and re-read the quote from above during my read last week. It seemed to me one more example of Marianne's selfishness. The situation puts Elinor in an awkward position - she has to fill the social situation for both herself and her sister. But as long as Marianne does not feel uncomfroatbale, then all is well. And, I believe Marianne thinks herself better than Elinor because she does not give in to social norms, but follows her heart.

] In fact, I rather enjoyed Elinor's way of being polite with a bite, and actually it is quite clear exactly what she thinks, without her being so rude as Marianne.

As do I - it is quiite amusing how she gets her point across, but in such a way that no one hearing her can take offense.