In chapter 3 it says that "She was a plain, motherly kind of woman, who had worked hard in her youth, and now thought herself entitled to the occasional holiday of a tea-visit; and having formerly owed much to Mr. Woodhouse's kindness, felt his particular claim on her to leave her neat parlour, hung round with fancy work, whenever she could, and win or lose a few sixpences by the fireside."
I've read this many times before and am always struck on a re-read what jumps out at you as new! What assistance could Mr. Woodhouse have offered? What would have been acceptable? She was not poor (I think) so I don't think it could be the charitable assistance offered to the Bates....I'm really curious. Any thoughts?