“That a gentleman, whom I had reason to think⁠—in short, that a man, whom I knew to be engaged⁠—but how shall I tell you? If you know it already, as surely you must, I may be spared.”

“You mean,” answered Elinor, with forced calmness, “ Mr. Willoughby’s marriage with Miss Grey. Yes, we do know it all. This seems to have been a day of general elucidation, for this very morning first unfolded it to us. Mr. Willoughby is unfathomable! Where did you hear it?”