It was for the sake of what had been, rather than what was.

I was quiet but I was not blind.

How she might have felt had there been no Captain Wentworth in the case, was not worth enquiry; for there was a Captain Wentworth: and be the conclusion of the present suspense good or bad, her affection would be his forever. Their union, she believed, could not divide her more from other men, than their final separation.

One likes to hear what is to be going on, to be au fair with the newest modes of being trifling and silly.

Marianne was silent; it was impossible for her to say what she did not feel, however trivial the occasion.

I had a very pleasant evening, however, though you will probably find out that there was no particular reason for it; but I do not think it worthwhile to wait for enjoyment until there is some real opportunity for it.

Almost anything is possible with time