Discussing Col. Brandon's gift of the living to Edward, & finding out its value John says, "...he might have got I dare say-- fourteen hundred pounds. And how came he not have settled that matter before this person's death?--Now indeed it would be too late to sell it, but a man of Colonel Brandon's sense!--I wonder he should be so improvident in a point of such common, such natural concern!.--Well, I am convinced that there is a vast deal of inconsistency in almost every human character......What could be the Colonel's motive?"

John Dashwood is mystified by an act of kindness that involves the loss of potential income...he would never do anything so foolish.

I've grown increasingly aware in this group read that money/property is a character in itself. The John Dashwoods & the Ferrars (except Edward)& Lady Middleton have it and define themselves completely in relation to it. Lucy & Miss Steele don't have it but still define themselves in relation to it & want it. Sir John, Mrs. Jennings, & Col. Brandon have it but use it for the comfort and betterment of others. Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters don't have much, but if they had more it would make them more comfortable but would not change who they were. What I guess I'm saying is that the characters seem to divide into those who use fortune as a means and those for whom it is the end.