Stile

" Mary finding a comfortable seat for herself, on the step of a stile..." (Austen, 73).

Stile is defined as " a step or set of steps for passing over a fence or wall ". There are words from the late nineteenth century scattered throughout her book, which only helps Austen keep the reader settled in the setting of her novel. Austen is also using the images of steps to support her theme and motif of society. The steps symbolize the different sects of the social class of England during the Victorian period. The higher the step, the better off one is in the eyes of their respected society.

Links:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stile