Posted by Kali on July 20, 1997 at 01:47:55:
In reply to Cheerful manner posted by Kathy F. on July 19, 1997 at 15:40:59
Mr. Knightley had a cheerful manner, which always did him good; and his many inquiries after "poor Isabella" and her children were answered most satisfactorily.
I've always assumed that this paragraph - this sentence especially - was meant to read a bit tongue-in-cheek. It would make sense that Mr. Knightley's kind and cheerful manner would bring out the best in other people - especially Mr. Woodhouse, whose charm and animation shines when the right buttons are pushed. So in a way, it can be read BOTH ways at once, though the syntax chalks up in favor of Mr. Knightley as the object...