And even Mr. Arthur Parker, though little disposed for supernumerary exertion, always quitted the Terrace in his way to his brother's by this corner house, for the sake of a glimpse of the Miss Beauforts, though it was half a quarter of a mile round about and added two steps to the ascent of the hill.
This is a clear example of the narrator’s penchant for sarcasm; she invites mockery of Arthur’s ridiculousness by noting his exertion in taking two additional steps.
There, with the hire of a harp for one and the purchase of some drawing paper for the other, and all the finery they could already command, they meant to be very economical, very elegant and very secluded; with the hope, on Miss Beaufort's side, of praise and celebrity from all who walked within the sound of her instrument
Again, the narrator is using juxtaposition to make the Miss Beauforts appear ridiculous; they bought finery to be economical, they want celebrity in their seclusion
They had tolerable complections, showy figures, an upright decided carriage and an assured look; they were very accomplished and very ignorant
The narrator is using the character flaws of the Miss Beauforts to make a disconcerting but amusing dichotomy; they are accomplished (laudable), but ignorant (a detriment).
Of these three, and indeed of all, Miss Lambe was beyond comparison the most important and precious, as she paid in proportion to her fortune.
This seems like a sarcastic remark from the narrator, drily noting that the care of a young girl should be proportional to her fortune.
"I hope you will eat some of this toast," said he. "I reckon myself a very good toaster.
This is a blatant display of ridiculousness; Claiming that he is a “good toaster” seems like the epitome of a weird brag.
I am very subject to perspiration, and there cannot be a surer sign of nervousness."
Arthur seems to be one those characters that the narrator barely needs to mock, since he does such a good job of it himself; readers either have to cringe when he describes his sweating habits, or laugh.
As far as I can understand what nervous complaints are, I have a great idea of the efficacy of air and exercise for them—daily, regular exercise—and I should recommend rather more of it to you than I suspect you are in the habit of taking.
This seems like pointed sarcasm from Charlotte; she essentially tells Arthur that he doesn’t look like he exercises.
The more wine I drink in moderation the better I am.
Arthur’s word choice makes him comically ridiculous; the idea of drinking more and moderation seem obviously incongruent.
Vain thought!
Beginning of 3rd movement: He pulls himself out of daydreaming
At such a season and with such a chargeOnce went I forth, and found, till then unknown
Beginning of 2nd movement: He starts recounting a specific story