 time - it is not probable that I should soon have the pleasure of
meeting you again. I go to Oxford to-morrow.«
    »You would not have gone, however,« said Elinor, recovering herself, and
determined to get over what she so much dreaded as soon as possible, »without
receiving our good wishes, even if we had not been able to give them in person.
Mrs. Jennings was quite right in what she said. I have something of consequence
to inform you of, which I was on the point of communicating by paper. I am
charged with a most agreeable office, (breathing rather faster than usual as she
spoke.) Colonel Brandon, who was here only ten minutes ago, has desired me to
say that, understanding you mean to take orders, he has great pleasure in
offering you the living of Delaford, now just vacant, and only wishes it were
more valuable. Allow me to congratulate you on having so respectable and
well-judging a friend, and to join in his wish that the living - it is about two
hundred a-year - were much more considerable, and such as might better enable
you to - as might be more than a temporary accommodation to yourself - such, in
short, as might establish all your views of happiness.«
    What Edward felt, as he could not say it himself, it cannot be expected that
any one else should say for him. He looked all the astonishment which such
unexpected, such unthought-of information could not fail of exciting; but he
said only these two words,
    »Colonel Brandon!«
    »Yes,« continued Elinor, gathering more resolution, as some of the worst was
over; »Colonel Brandon means it as a testimony of his concern for what has
lately passed - for the cruel situation in which the unjustifiable conduct of
your family has placed you - a concern which I am sure Marianne, myself, and all
your friends must share; and likewise as a proof of his high esteem for your
general character, and his particular approbation of your behaviour on the
present occasion.«
    »Colonel Brandon give me a living! - Can it be possible?«
    »The unkindness of your own relations has made you astonished to find
friendship any where.«
    »No,« replied he, with sudden consciousness, »not to find it in you; for I
cannot be ignorant that to you, to your goodness I owe it all. - I feel it - I
would express it if I could - but, as you well know, I am no
