I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

On this day, Pei Xiang and Mrs. Dashwood were shopping on Bond Street.

When she walked out of the gate of a shop, several homeless children ran past her.Seeing that one of the teenage boys was about to hit her, Pei Xiang quickly took two steps back and avoided an accident very dexterously, but the maid beside her couldn't react in time, and was suddenly bumped into The waif staggered.

"Hey, why is this person... ah, grab something!"

The maid blurted out her complaints, but before she finished speaking, she felt light in her hands, and the bag that she was holding in her arms just now had been snatched away.

"Catch him and rob him!"

Pei Xiang narrowed his eyes and looked at the backs of the waifs going away, with an anxious and angry look on his face at the right time.She is now a delicate and graceful lady, and she must not throw the little parasol in her hand to knock people unconscious.

The maid's exclamation attracted the attention of the surrounding people, and several nearby gentlemen and servants reacted immediately and took action to intercept the daring robber.

However, the waif was extremely agile. He ran quickly in the crowd, dodged back and forth, like a fish swimming in water, and shuttled among the pedestrians and carriages coming and going, without giving the captor any chance.

"Stop that little thief!"

"God, there are people who rob so blatantly..."

"Where's the patrol? Where's the security officer? This is Bond Street, it's horrible!"

Suddenly there were exclamations on the peaceful and lively street, and the passers-by talked a lot. Several young and enthusiastic gentlemen tried their best to stop the vagrant, but they all failed.

At this time, a handsome young man came out from a cafe diagonally across the street.He was surprised by the chaos on the street at first, and then realized what happened from the few words of passers-by, and immediately showed a serious expression.

He looked at the direction in which the vagrant was fleeing, and suddenly ran towards the alley behind the cafe. There was a muddy path that was not easy to walk there, but he could take a shortcut to intercept the robbers...

After more than 20 minutes, Mr. Willoughby, who was brave and determined to recover the lost property, got the sincere love of Mrs. Dashwood.

When the lady found that every time the young man in front of her looked at Pei Xiang, she would show an infatuation mixed with amazement and shyness, she was even more excited.

In the eyes of Mrs. Dashwood, who is full of emotions, there is nothing more romantic than a hero saving a beauty and falling in love at first sight. It is like a fate arranged by God.

Hence Mrs. Dashwood's tone of kindness and tenderness.

"So Mr. Willoughby knew Sir John? What a coincidence."

"Yes, Mrs. Dashwood, I have hunted and danced with Sir John. I will tell you that I have a distant relation who lives in Allenham, Devon, and I visit her every year because She wants to gift me a property. Allenhan is very close to Barton Manor, oh, what a coincidence."

Mrs. Dashwood was already full of gratitude and appreciation for Willoughby, and thought that he was personable, gentle and polite, and a rare and upright gentleman. When she heard that he knew Sir John, she felt even closer to him.

So Willoughby was invited by Mrs. Dashwood to be a guest at 16 Condit Street.

After listening to Willoughby's self-introduction, Pei Xiang immediately realized that this handsome gentleman was the man who abandoned Marianne in the original book.

She looked at Willoughby a little more curiously, wondering whether today's act of righteousness was a pure coincidence or a human arrangement?

Willoughby sensed Pei Xiang's scrutiny, and changed his stance indistinctly, making his figure look slimmer and taller.

"Miss Marianne, you are such a brave girl. If other ladies encountered such a situation, they might be so frightened that they would faint."

"In this way, I do lack some tenderness and sentimentality. But to be honest, I didn't feel so frightened at that time, even so frightened... that I would faint on the street with people coming and going, alas, I just cared Anxious and angry."

"No, Miss Marianne, I think you have misunderstood me."

Willoughby shook his head repeatedly because of Pei Xiang's answer:

"I believe that every woman is inherently soft, delicate and sentimental in her heart, and Miss Marianne is no exception. But you are different. You have cultivated in this weak nature Acquired courage and calmness, this is what moved me."

Pei Xiang silently rolled his eyes in his heart.

Listening to Willoughby's words alone, it seems that she has done something heroic and fearless. In fact, isn't it just standing there for a while after being robbed?This is actually equated with "courageous and calm"?

Willoughby's sweet words are easy to come by, and he talks in different ways, without repeating all kinds of beautiful metaphors.Pei Xiang responded perfunctorily at first, but after listening to it, he actually found some fun.

She suddenly realized that this was a very good learning opportunity.

Regarding how playboys in this era please women, Willoughby can definitely play a leading role and is a good imitation research object.

So, Pei Xiang changed his initial casual attitude, and gradually listened seriously.Willoughby was aware of any change in her manner.While young people feel inspired, they are actually quite confused.

Because he has never figured out which sweet words touched the arrogant little girl in front of him, and happened to flatter her heart.

Yes, after a short time with Pei Xiang, Willoughby, who thinks he has a more accurate grasp of women's minds, has realized that the second young lady of the Dashwood family is not very young, but she is not the kind of woman who can be easily fooled. little girl.

She looked at him with a look of alienation and boredom without any concealment.

At a certain moment, Willoughby thought of giving up, but he couldn't bear the beauty of Miss Marianne and the dowry of ten thousand pounds.

Although there is a richer Miss Gray as a "candidate", Willoughby is not very interested in Miss Gray's appearance. He is a shrewd young man who always hopes to not wrong himself as much as possible.

Mr. Willoughby became Mrs. Dashwood's favorite guest, and naturally became intimate with Sir John's family.

Mrs. Jennings liked the company of unmarried young men and women, for it gave her a great deal of mediatorial pleasure.So soon, she began to tease Pei Xiang and Willoughby, and at the same time did not let Colonel Brandon go.

However, I do not know when, Mrs. Jennings began to feel that Elinor and Colonel Brandon were also very suitable, so she updated the version of her gossip jokes.

For Willoughby's appearance, Colonel Brandon was a little nervous at first, he knew too well the attraction of such a suave and handsome young man to a young girl.

But it didn't take long for Colonel Brandon to realize that he was thinking too much.

Even though Miss Marianne would listen carefully to every word Willoughby said, her frank attitude showed that she did not admire Willoughby.Her eyes are always clear, her smile is always polite.

Colonel Brandon had to admit that Miss Dashwood's attitude towards him, a 35-year-old man, and the youthful Willoughby was always the same, and there was not much difference.

——It is possible to be friends, but it is impossible to further deepen the relationship.

Colonel Brandon once asked Elinor, how could Miss Marianne be so indifferent, and what kind of man would she be tempted for?

Elinor thought about it seriously, and said frankly: "If Marian was before the age of 15, she would very likely like a lovable young man like Willoughby."

Colonel Brandon looked melancholy. He knew that he and Mr. Willoughby were two completely different people.

Elinor continued: "However, many things have happened in the past two years, and Marianne's temperament has gradually changed. Now, as a sister, I can't say which type of gentleman my sister will like. But there is one thing that can be guaranteed, that is, it must grow well.”

Colonel Brandon was even more disappointed.

Elinor saw the bitterness in Colonel Brandon's eyes, and thought of the fact that her sister had secretly asked her before, and felt that now was a good opportunity to clarify the matter.

"Colonel Brandon, I noticed that from the first time we met, you looked at Marianne differently. Later, when she played the piano, you listened very carefully. Although it was not to the point of obsession, you occasionally showed a trance. I would venture to ask, are you remembering someone through Marianne?"

Regarding Elinor's question, Colonel Brandon's face changed slightly, it can be seen that these words touched his inner wound.He didn't immediately deny it or leave angrily, but after thinking about it for a moment, he nodded slowly:

"Miss Dashwood, I venture to guess that you have heard some true and false news from Sir John and Mrs. Jennings. I don't want to talk too much about the past, but I must admit that the first time When I saw Miss Marianne, at first glance, it really reminded me of a certain old person. They look alike, and their posture of playing the piano is also very similar."

Elinor asked in a serious tone: "So that's it. So, Colonel Brandon, you have a good impression of my sister because of empathy? Are they really that similar in appearance and personality?"

Colonel Brandon was a little lost, he seemed to be stuck in memory, and after a long silence, he confided in a low voice:

"I can't remember clearly. The appearance of the old man is gradually becoming blurred, and the past seems to have disappeared. However, when I saw Miss Marianne's carefree smile for the first time, it seemed that I went back to more than ten years ago, many years ago. Memories popped up all of a sudden.

"Miss Dashwood, I have to clarify that if at the beginning, I regarded Miss Marianne as an old friend, but today, I no longer have that familiar feeling, because the two of them People have completely different personalities.

"I sometimes think that if, if my cousin had had Miss Marianne's temperament and sense, perhaps the subsequent tragedies would not have happened. Miss Dashwood, every time I see Miss Marianne, I seem to see It’s definitely not an empathy or a replacement for another life possibility.”

Elinor was a little curious about Colonel Brandon's past, but she knew that as long as the colonel didn't take the initiative to tell the story, she shouldn't get to the bottom of it.

So, she could only suppress the doubts in her heart, and said with a smile:

"Marian is very smart, and she probably felt it too. Colonel, you are remembering the old people through her smiles. She can understand the regrets and shortcomings in the lives of others, but she doesn't intend to get involved in the period, so from the beginning to the end, she They all regard the Colonel as a respectable friend."

It was almost telling Colonel Brandon that Marianne Dashwood would never accept his affections.

Brandon closed his eyes, his heart full of regret.

"Miss Dashwood, I shall cherish Miss Marianne's friendship."

Thus ended this private conversation.

When the two sisters got together to whisper at night, Elinor told Pei Xiang that she had completed her sister's "commission".

"I have spoken thoroughly according to your ideas. Marianne, Colonel Brandon must be able to guess that what I said is actually conveying your true heart. I think he will take it back and pour it on you soon. feelings."

Pei Xiang rolled around on the big bed and said lazily:

"He is a very nice person, and he will definitely find a virtuous and gentle Mrs. Brandon. But I can't, I am overbearing and selfish, and I can't stand a little grievance, so don't waste time and money on me energy."

Elinor smoothed her sister's messy hair, and lightly pressed a small lock of curled bangs, and asked in a gentle voice:

"Push Colonel Brandon away like this, don't you regret it? He told me that although at the beginning it was because of the similar appearance, he regarded you as someone else. But with the increase in the number of daily contacts, he has realized that, You and that old man have completely different personalities, and he is now able to clearly distinguish reality from the past."

Pei Xiang shook his head, expressing that he was not tempted.

Elinor sighed and said with emotion:

"Marian, we have lived in London for several months and met many people, including going to the ball at Earl de Vere's house and the dinner at Baron Sissel's house. We have indeed met many young people with suitable conditions.

"But to be honest, many of them are not as good as Colonel Brandon in terms of education and conduct, leaving aside those external conditions. Some are empty-headed but look down on educated women; some are cold-tempered. Feelings are barren; there are others who are so contemptuous of marriage, that they are very likely to spend their wives' dowry in their hands after marriage. It seems that there are not many people as prudent and sincere as Colonel Brandon."

Pei Xiang felt Elinor's pessimism and comforted her:

"There will always be good men. And, Elinor, there is nothing perfect in this world? There are always regrets. Look at the families around us, Sir John and Mrs. Palmer, oh, and With our brothers and sisters-in-law, isn't life full of excitement?

"Especially our brother and sister-in-law, eh, Mr. Dashwood, he is probably the kind of person you said who is indifferent, more rational than emotional, but he treats Fanny and his son really well. He is stingy and selfish to relatives and friends, Got a lot of ridicule in secret, but spent all the money on Fanny and the son. We didn't like him, thought he was bad, but to Fanny, he was a good man who was obedient and caring."

Regarding Pei Xiang's example, Elinor was a little speechless.

Pei Xiang gave another example with a smile:

"From the point of view of friends, we all think that Mr. Lester Sissel is really nice, generous and funny, understanding, and respectful. He is an excellent gentleman. But you also know that he has Mistress, and ah, after getting married in the future, I can guarantee that although he is not the kind of greedy man who squanders his wife's dowry, he is likely to use his property to support women other than his wife."

Elinor's eyes widened in surprise: "So, you mean...in marriage, John Dashwood is better than Lester Sissel?"

Pei Xiang shook his head again and again, denying this conclusion:

"No, our evaluation of who is good and who is bad is not accurate. Only their wives are qualified to give points. Elinor, different women have different expectations for marriage. Just like the old saying, every Individuals are looking for the shoes that fit best.”

"The right shoes?"

"Yes, like..."

"Marian, wait a minute, let me think about it." Elinor stopped her sister from continuing to give examples.

The room was quiet for a while, and Elinor said after a moment of contemplation:

"Marian, if I were in Fanny's place, I wouldn't be happy. It is true that a man like our brother would be loyal to his wife and not go out with his wife, but his personality is not respected or recognized by me at all. , I only have ridicule and disdain for him in my heart. If my future husband is such a man, I will only feel sad."

Pei Xiang smiled: "I guess that's the case. Therefore, you think that men like Mr. Edward Ferrars or Colonel Brandon are more worthy of entrusting you for life. And Fanny is still annoyed by her brother's secret engagement. I don't think it's commendable or respectful for a gentleman to keep his word."

Elinor burst into laughter when she thought of the troubles that Fanny had encountered, and then quickly suppressed the gloating in her eyes.Her upbringing restrained her to try to be a kind and gentle girl.

Miss Dashwood coughed lightly, and changed the subject:

"How did we talk about this issue now? Oh, by the way, at first it was mentioned that you declined Colonel Brandon through me, and then, I was worried that you would regret it..."

Pei Xiang tilted his head to look at Elinor, and said with certainty:

"I won't regret it. I don't want to be someone's salvation, to help someone make up for their regrets. I am a cold girl who lacks dedication. I just want to live happily."

Elinor nodded her sister's nose mockingly, jokingly said:

"Aren't you the kindest and most beautiful forest fairy?"

"Ah, the little fairy only likes beautiful and devoted little fairy boys. If she can't find one, she would rather play alone."

"That Mr. Willoughby..."

"No, Elinor, don't spoil the word fairy, Willoughby is a vain and greedy playboy."

This remark surprised Elinor, and she asked her sister why she said that.

But Pei Xiang didn't want to continue explaining. She just glanced at the time and realized that it was time to go out to do some errands.She has to meet several people tonight, and she is a little nervous about the schedule.

So the sleepy pretty girl yawned, rubbed her eyes and said slowly:

"Elinor, it's too late today, let's talk tomorrow when we have time. Anyway, I won't speak ill of anyone for no reason."

Of course Elinor believed her sister, and she was only a little surprised, because in her and Mrs. Dashwood's eyes, Mr. Willoughby was a very worthy young man.

However, she noticed Pei Xiangha's exhausted look, and knew that now was not a good time to talk in detail, so she nodded in a good-tempered manner.

Elinor suppressed the curiosity in her heart, Wen Sheng said good night to her sister, and then left Pei Xiang's bedroom with a lamp.

Half an hour later, Pei Xiang dressed neatly again and quietly walked over the wall.