"Oh! Colonel," said she, with her usual noisy cheerfulness, "I am monstrous glad to see you--sorry I could not come before--beg your pardon, but I have been forced to look about me a little, and settle my matters; for it is a long while since I have been at home, and you know one has always a world of little odd things to do after one has been away for any time; and then I have had Cartwright to settle with-- Lord, I have been as busy as a bee ever since dinner! But pray, Colonel, how came you to conjure out that I should be in town today ?" "I had the pleasure of hearing it at Mr.Palmer's, where I have been dining." "Oh, you did; well, and how do they all do at their house?
How does Charlotte do?
I warrant you she is a fine size by this time." "Mrs.Palmer appeared quite well, and I am commissioned to tell you, that you will certainly see her to-morrow." "Ay, to be sure, I thought as much.

Well, Colonel, I have brought two young ladies with me, you see--that is, you see but one of them now, but there is another somewhere.

Your friend, Miss Marianne, too--which you will not be sorry to hear.

I do not know what you and Mr.
Willoughby will do between you about her.

Ay, it is a fine thing to be young and handsome.