She came hallooing to the window, "How do you do, my dear?
How does Mrs.
Dashwood do?
And where are your sisters?
What! all alone! you will be glad of a little company to sit with you.

I have brought my other son and daughter to see you.

Only think of their coming so suddenly! I thought I heard a carriage last night, while we were drinking our tea, but it never entered my head that it could be them.

I thought of nothing but whether it might not be Colonel Brandon come back again; so I said to Sir John, I do think I hear a carriage; perhaps it is Colonel Brandon come back again"-- Elinor was obliged to turn from her, in the middle of her story, to receive the rest of the party; Lady Middleton introduced the two strangers; Mrs.Dashwood and Margaret came down stairs at the same time, and they all sat down to look at one another, while Mrs.Jennings continued her story as she walked through the passage into the parlour, attended by Sir John.
Mrs.Palmer was several years younger than Lady Middleton, and totally unlike her in every respect.

She was short and plump, had a very pretty face, and the finest expression of good humour in it that could possibly be.