CHAPTER 40.
"Well, Miss Dashwood," said Mrs.Jennings, sagaciously smiling, as soon as the gentleman had withdrawn, "I do not ask you what the Colonel has been saying to you; for though, upon my honour, I TRIED to keep out of hearing, I could not help catching enough to understand his business.
And I assure you I never was better pleased in my life, and I wish you joy of it with all my heart." "Thank you, ma'am," said Elinor.

"It is a matter of great joy to me; and I feel the goodness of Colonel Brandon most sensibly.

There are not many men who would act as he has done.

Few people who have so compassionate a heart! I never was more astonished in my life." "Lord! my dear, you are very modest.

I an't the least astonished at it in the world, for I have often thought of late, there was nothing more likely to happen." "You judged from your knowledge of the Colonel's general benevolence; but at least you could not foresee that the opportunity would so very soon occur." "Opportunity!" repeated Mrs.Jennings--"Oh! as to that, when a man has once made up his mind to such a thing, somehow or other he will soon find an opportunity.