The kindness, the unceasing kindness of Mrs.Jennings, I had repaid with ungrateful contempt.

To the Middletons, to the Palmers, the Steeles, to every common acquaintance even, I had been insolent and unjust; with a heart hardened against their merits, and a temper irritated by their very attention .-- To John, to Fanny,--yes, even to them, little as they deserve, I had given less than their due.

But you,--you above all, above my mother, had been wronged by me.

I, and only I, knew your heart and its sorrows; yet to what did it influence me ?--not to any compassion that could benefit you or myself .-- Your example was before me; but to what avail ?--Was I more considerate of you and your comfort?
Did I imitate your forbearance, or lessen your restraints, by taking any part in those offices of general complaisance or particular gratitude which you had hitherto been left to discharge alone ?--No;--not less when I knew you to be unhappy, than when I had believed you at ease, did I turn away from every exertion of duty or friendship; scarcely allowing sorrow to exist but with me, regretting only THAT heart which had deserted and wronged me, and leaving you, for whom I professed an unbounded affection, to be miserable for my sake." Here ceased the rapid flow of her self-reproving spirit; and Elinor, impatient to soothe, though too honest to flatter, gave her instantly that praise and support which her frankness and her contrition so well deserved.

Marianne pressed her hand and replied, "You are very good .-- The future must be my proof.