"It must be something extraordinary that could make Colonel Brandon leave my breakfast table so suddenly." In about five minutes he returned.
"No bad news, Colonel, I hope;" said Mrs.Jennings, as soon as he entered the room.
"None at all, ma'am, I thank you." "Was it from Avignon?
I hope it is not to say that your sister is worse." "No, ma'am.

It came from town, and is merely a letter of business." "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," said Lady Middleton, "recollect what you are saying." "Perhaps it is to tell you that your cousin Fanny is married ?" said Mrs.Jennings, without attending to her daughter's reproof.
"No, indeed, it is not." "Well, then, I know who it is from, Colonel.

And I hope she is well." "Whom do you mean, ma'am ?" said he, colouring a little.
"Oh! you know who I mean." "I am particularly sorry, ma'am," said he, addressing Lady Middleton, "that I should receive this letter today, for it is on business which requires my immediate attendance in town." "In town!" cried Mrs.Jennings.

"What can you have to do in town at this time of year ?" "My own loss is great," he continued, "in being obliged to leave so agreeable a party; but I am the more concerned, as I fear my presence is necessary to gain your admittance at Whitwell." What a blow upon them all was this! "But if you write a note to the housekeeper, Mr.Brandon," said Marianne, eagerly, "will it not be sufficient ?" He shook his head.
"We must go," said Sir John.--"It shall not be put off when we are so near it.

You cannot go to town till tomorrow, Brandon, that is all." "I wish it could be so easily settled.