I wonder what it can be! May be his sister is worse at Avignon, and has sent for him over.His setting off in such a hurry seems very like it.Well, I wish him out of all his trouble with all my heart, and a good wife into the bargain."So wondered, so talked Mrs.Jennings.
Her opinion varying with every fresh conjecture, and all seeming equally probable as they arose.Elinor, though she felt really interested in the welfare of Colonel Brandon, could not bestow all the wonder on his going so suddenly away, which Mrs.Jennings was desirous of her feeling;for besides that the circumstance did not in her opinion justify such lasting amazement or variety of speculation, her wonder was otherwise disposed of.It was engossed by the extraordinary silence of her sister and Willoughby on the subject, which they must know to be peculiarly interesting to them all.As this silence continued, every day made it appear more strange and more incompatible with the disposition of both.Why they should not openly acknowledge to her mother and herself, what their constant behaviour to each other declared to have taken place, Elinor could not imagine.
She could easily conceive that marriage might not be immediately in their power; for though Willoughby was independent, there was no reason to believe him rich.