Even though this is not my first read of S&S, I'm always surprised by the strong language to describe Elinor's feelings toward Willoughby when his letter arrives.

Before Elinor even reads the letter, she realizes what it must contain, and her tears are 'scarcely less violent than Marianne's' After reading, her feelings are described as 'bitter' but beyond that, she thinks of him with 'abhorrence', believes him to be 'deep in hardened villainy', thinks that the mind which could compose such a letter is 'depraved', and that for Marianne (or anyone) to be married to such a person would be 'the worst and most irremediable of all evils'. Pretty strong stuff!

I know Marianne is aware that Elinor feels very deeply and sincerely bad for her, but think that Marianne would be quite amazed to be inside Elinor's head at this time!

I think it is interesting that she did not think in such strong language thinking of Lucy Steele--or even Edward, whom she could not think of as having intentionally deceived her. She is indignant and resentful towards Lucy, and felt pitiable and miserable for herself, but I still don't think the language was as strong.