Austen Said:

"You are mistaken, Elinor,"

"in supposing I know very little of Willoughby. I have not known him long indeed, but I am much better acquainted with him, than I am with any other creature in the world, except yourself and mama. It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy; — it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others. I should hold myself guilty of greater impropriety in accepting a horse from my brother, than from Willoughby. Of John I know very little, though we have lived together for years; but of Willoughby my judgment has long been formed."

to tell Willoughby when she saw him next, that it must be declined.

on being obliged to forego the acceptance of his present.

"Oh, Elinor!"

"I have such a secret to tell you about Marianne. I am sure she will be married to Mr. Willoughby very soon."

"You have said so,"

"almost every day since they first met on High-church Down; and they had not known each other a week, I believe, before

you were certain that

Marianne wore his picture round her neck;

but it turned out to be only the miniature of our great uncle."

"But indeed this is quite another thing. I am sure they will be married very soon, for he has got a lock of her hair."

"Take care, Margaret. It may be only the hair of some great uncle of HIS."

"But, indeed, Elinor, it is Marianne's. I am almost sure it is, for I saw him cut it off. Last night after tea, when you and mama went out of the room, they were whispering and talking together as fast as could be, and he seemed to be begging something of her, and presently he took up her scissors and cut off a long lock of her hair, for it was all tumbled down her back; and he kissed it, and folded it up in a piece of white paper; and put it into his pocket-book."

Elinor's particular favourite,

"I must not tell, may I, Elinor?"

"Remember that whatever your conjectures may be, you have no right to repeat them."

"I never had any conjectures about it,"

"it was you who told me of it yourself."

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

"What is the gentleman's name?"

"I must not tell, ma'am. But I know very well what it is; and I know where he is too."

"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."

"No, THAT he is not. He is of no profession at all."

"Margaret,"

"you know that all this is an invention of your own, and that there is no such person in existence."

"Well, then, he is lately dead, Marianne, for I am sure there was such a man once, and his name begins with an F."

"that it rained very hard,"

"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;"

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

"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?"

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

"Oh! you know who I mean."

"In town!"

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

"But if you write a note to the housekeeper, Mr. Brandon,"

"will it not be sufficient?"

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

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

"I have no doubt of it,"

"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."

"Ay, so do, Sir John,"

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

"I am afraid, none at all."