Austen Said:

"Your sister, I understand, does not approve of second attachments."

"Or rather, as I believe, she considers them impossible to exist."

"This will probably be the case,"

"and yet there is something so amiable in the prejudices of a young mind, that one is sorry to see them give way to the reception of more general opinions."

"Does your sister make no distinction in her objections against a second attachment? or is it equally criminal in every body? Are those who have been disappointed in their first choice, whether from the inconstancy of its object, or the perverseness of circumstances, to be equally indifferent during the rest of their lives?"

"This,"

"cannot hold; but a change, a total change of sentiments — No, no, do not desire it; for when the romantic refinements of a young mind are obliged to give way, how frequently are they succeeded by such opinions as are but too common, and too dangerous! I speak from experience. I once knew a lady who in temper and mind greatly resembled your sister, who thought and judged like her, but who from an inforced change — from a series of unfortunate circumstances"

"Oh! pray, Miss Margaret, let us know all about it,"

"What is the gentleman's name?"

"Yes, yes, we can guess where he is; at his own house at Norland to be sure. He is the curate of the parish I dare say."

"that it rained very hard,"

"What is the matter with Brandon?"

"I hope he has had no bad news,"

"It must be something extraordinary that could make Colonel Brandon leave my breakfast table so suddenly."

"No bad news, Colonel, I hope;"

"None at all, ma'am, I thank you."

"Was it from Avignon? I hope it is not to say that your sister is worse."

"No, ma'am. It came from town, and is merely a letter of business."

"But how came the hand to discompose you so much, if it was only a letter of business? Come, come, this won't do, Colonel; so let us hear the truth of it."

"My dear madam,"

"recollect what you are saying."

"Perhaps it is to tell you that your cousin Fanny is married?"

"No, indeed, it is not."

"Well, then, I know who it is from, Colonel. And I hope she is well."

"Whom do you mean, ma'am?"

"Oh! you know who I mean."

"I am particularly sorry, ma'am,"

"that I should receive this letter today, for it is on business which requires my immediate attendance in town."

"In town!"

"What can you have to do in town at this time of year?"

"My own loss is great,"

"in being obliged to leave so agreeable a party; but I am the more concerned, as I fear my presence is necessary to gain your admittance at Whitwell."

"We must go,"

"It shall not be put off when we are so near it. You cannot go to town till tomorrow, Brandon, that is all."

"I wish it could be so easily settled. But it is not in my power to delay my journey for one day!"

"If you would but let us know what your business is,"

"we might see whether it could be put off or not."

"I cannot afford to lose ONE hour." —

"There is no persuading you to change your mind, Brandon, I know of old,"

"when once you are determined on anything. But, however, I hope you will think better of it. Consider, here are the two Miss Careys come over from Newton, the three Miss Dashwoods walked up from the cottage, and Mr. Willoughby got up two hours before his usual time, on purpose to go to Whitwell."

"Well, then, when will you come back again?"

"I hope we shall see you at Barton,"

"as soon as you can conveniently leave town; and we must put off the party to Whitwell till you return."

"You are very obliging. But it is so uncertain, when I may have it in my power to return, that I dare not engage for it at all."

"Oh! he must and shall come back,"

"If he is not here by the end of the week, I shall go after him."

"Ay, so do, Sir John,"

"and then perhaps you may find out what his business is."

"I do not want to pry into other men's concerns. I suppose it is something he is ashamed of."

"You do not go to town on horseback, do you?"