With all this turmoil, it's funny to be reminded that this is all happening over the course of 24 hours or so. No wonder they are making such rash decisions, they are obviously sleep deprived! I loved this exchange:

"Matilda held down her head, and replied, I hope my dearest Isabella does not doubt her Matilda's friendship: I never beheld that youth until yesterday; he is almost a stranger to me: but as the surgeons have pronounced your father out of danger..."

I had to laugh at this. Here the long-lost father returns and is wounded, odd happenings abound, but they still have time and energy to go back and forth over young Theodore's potential affections! "My lovely friend, said Isabella...it is you that Theodore admires...nor shall a thought of my own happiness suffer me to interfere with yours."