Austen Said:

"How much they must enjoy it! But"

"it cannot be expected to last long. At this time of the year, and after such a series of rain, we shall certainly have very little more of it. Frosts will soon set in, and in all probability with severity. In another day or two perhaps; this extreme mildness can hardly last longer — nay, perhaps it may freeze tonight!"

"At any rate,"

"I dare say we shall have Sir John and Lady Middleton in town by the end of next week."

"And now,"

"she will write to Combe by this day's post."

"Don't you find it colder than it was in the morning, Elinor? There seems to me a very decided difference. I can hardly keep my hands warm even in my muff. It was not so yesterday, I think. The clouds seem parting too, the sun will be out in a moment, and we shall have a clear afternoon."

"Good God!"

"he has been here while we were out."

"Depend upon it, he will call again tomorrow."

"For me!"

"It is indeed for Mrs. Jennings; how provoking!"

"You are expecting a letter, then?"

"Yes, a little — not much."

"You have no confidence in me, Marianne."

"Nay, Elinor, this reproach from YOU — you who have confidence in no one!"

"Me!"

"indeed, Marianne, I have nothing to tell."

"Nor I,"

"our situations then are alike. We have neither of us any thing to tell; you, because you do not communicate, and I, because I conceal nothing."

"Did you?"

"I do not know."

"Invited!"

to write the next morning to her mother, and hoped by awakening her fears for the health of Marianne, to procure those inquiries which had been so long delayed;

could not suppose it to be to any other person.

"your sister looks unwell to-day,"

"your sister seems out of spirits,"

when he was to congratulate her on the acquisition of a brother?

what he meant?

"your sister's engagement to Mr. Willoughby is very generally known."

"It cannot be generally known,"

"for her own family do not know it."

"I beg your pardon, I am afraid my inquiry has been impertinent; but I had not supposed any secrecy intended, as they openly correspond, and their marriage is universally talked of."

"How can that be? By whom can you have heard it mentioned?"

"By many — by some of whom you know nothing, by others with whom you are most intimate, Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Palmer, and the Middletons. But still I might not have believed it, for where the mind is perhaps rather unwilling to be convinced, it will always find something to support its doubts, if I had not, when the servant let me in today, accidentally seen a letter in his hand, directed to Mr. Willoughby in your sister's writing. I came to inquire, but I was convinced before I could ask the question. Is every thing finally settled? Is it impossible to-? But I have no right, and I could have no chance of succeeding. Excuse me, Miss Dashwood. I believe I have been wrong in saying so much, but I hardly know what to do, and on your prudence I have the strongest dependence. Tell me that it is all absolutely resolved on, that any attempt, that in short concealment, if concealment be possible, is all that remains."

The real state of things between Willoughby and her sister was so little known to herself, that in endeavouring to explain it, she might be as liable to say too much as too little.

Marianne's affection for Willoughby, could leave no hope of Colonel Brandon's success, whatever the event of that affection might be,

though she had never been informed by themselves of the terms on which they stood with each other, of their mutual affection she had no doubt, and of their correspondence she was not astonished to hear.

"to your sister I wish all imaginable happiness; to Willoughby that he may endeavour to deserve her," —

"Good heavens!"

"he is there — he is there — Oh! why does he not look at me? why cannot I speak to him?"

"Pray, pray be composed,"

"and do not betray what you feel to every body present. Perhaps he has not observed you yet."

"Good God! Willoughby, what is the meaning of this? Have you not received my letters? Will you not shake hands with me?"

"I did myself the honour of calling in Berkeley Street last Tuesday, and very much regretted that I was not fortunate enough to find yourselves and Mrs. Jennings at home. My card was not lost, I hope."

"But have you not received my notes?"

"Here is some mistake I am sure — some dreadful mistake. What can be the meaning of it? Tell me, Willoughby; for heaven's sake tell me, what is the matter?"

"Yes, I had the pleasure of receiving the information of your arrival in town, which you were so good as to send me,"

"Go to him, Elinor,"

"and force him to come to me. Tell him I must see him again — must speak to him instantly. — I cannot rest — I shall not have a moment's peace till this is explained — some dreadful misapprehension or other. — Oh go to him this moment."