Austen Said:

“I think, madam, I cannot be mistaken; it is a long time since I had the pleasure of seeing you, but is not your name Allen?”

“Here come my dear girls,”

“My dear Mrs. Allen, I long to introduce them; they will be so delighted to see you: the tallest is Isabella, my eldest; is not she a fine young woman? The others are very much admired too, but I believe Isabella is the handsomest.”

“The very picture of him indeed!”

“Well, my dear,”

“I hope you have had an agreeable partner.”

“I am glad of it. John has charming spirits, has not he?”

“Indeed he is, Mrs. Allen,”

“I must say it, though I am his mother, that there is not a more agreeable young man in the world.”

“dear John”

“dear Catherine”

“dear Anne and dear Maria”

“dears”

“Mr. Morland has behaved vastly handsome indeed,”

“I only wish I could do as much. One could not expect more from him, you know. If he finds he can do more by and by, I dare say he will, for I am sure he must be an excellent good-hearted man. Four hundred is but a small income to begin on indeed, but your wishes, my dear Isabella, are so moderate, you do not consider how little you ever want, my dear.”

“I know you never do, my dear; and you will always find your reward in the affection it makes everybody feel for you. There never was a young woman so beloved as you are by everybody that knows you; and I dare say when Mr. Morland sees you, my dear child — but do not let us distress our dear Catherine by talking of such things. Mr. Morland has behaved so very handsome, you know. I always heard he was a most excellent man; and you know, my dear, we are not to suppose but what, if you had had a suitable fortune, he would have come down with something more, for I am sure he must be a most liberal-minded man.”

“Yes, yes, my darling Isabella,”

“we perfectly see into your heart. You have no disguise. We perfectly understand the present vexation; and everybody must love you the better for such a noble honest affection.”