] And what of this? (snip) With Mr Dashwood (the elder) in such a state, no wonder poor John got so confused about his obligations! (-;

And with such a wife! Obligations? Ha!
"Mrs. John Dashwood had never been a favourite with any of her husband's family; but she had no oppportunity, till the present, of shewing them with how little attention to the comfort of other people she could act when occasion required it."

ROTFLOL. Did I mention I love JA? :D