I'm never able to read this passage without wanting to slap Willoughby (though I need little excuse during any of the rest of it, either!):

"Last night, in Drury-lane lobby, I ran against Sir John Middleton, and when he saw who I was (for the first time these two months) he spoke to me. That he had cut me ever since my marriage, I had seen without surprise or resentment. Now, however, his good-natured, honest, stupid soul, full of indignation against me, and concern for your sister, could not resist the temptation of telling me what he knew ought to though probably he did not think it would , vex me horridly . . . I was too much shocked to be able to pass myself off as insensible, even to the undiscerning Sir John. His heart was softened in seeing mine suffer; and so much of his ill-will was done away, that when we parted, he almost shook me by the hand while he reminded me of an old promise about a pointer puppy. What I felt on hearing that your sister was dying -- and dying, too, believing me the greatest villain upon earth, scorning, hating me in her latest moments -- for how could I tell what horrid projects might not have been imputed? -- One person I was sure would represent me as capable of anything. What I felt was dreadful! My resolution was soon made, and at eight o'clock this morning I was in my carriage. Now you know all."

Just think of what is depicted in this passage. Willoughby can't even just say, "I heard the news from Sir John." He has to throw in phrases like "stupid soul" and "could not resist the temptation of telling me" and "undiscerning Sir John." We have some insight into Willoughby's hated for Brandon, but what harm has Sir John ever done to him? Even that initial coldness (more than justified) when he tells Willoughby about Marianne has, by Willoughby's account, nearly faded away by the end of this meeting, to the point where Sir John is almost ready to shake his hand and talk about puppies! (More of the famous Willoughby charm at work?)