—You have no doubt of his having superior Abilities—he has proved it at the University—he is I dare say such a Scholar as your agreeable, idle Brothers would ill bear a comparison with.

What is Jane Austen telling her niece about Mr. J. P. in this passage from “On Making an Agreeable Marriage”?

Fanny’s brothers are ill, so Fanny should not compare them with Mr. J. P.
Even though he is ill, Mr. J. P. is smarter than Fanny’s brothers are.
Mr. J. P. has more schooling than Fanny’s brothers, but he is still idle, while they have found jobs.

Question

—You have no doubt of his having superior Abilities—he has proved it at the University—he is I dare say such a Scholar as your agreeable, idle Brothers would ill bear a comparison with.

What is Jane Austen telling her niece about Mr. J. P. in this passage from “On Making an Agreeable Marriage”? 
  
 Fanny’s brothers are ill, so Fanny should not compare them with Mr. J. P. 
 Even though he is ill, Mr. J. P. is smarter than Fanny’s brothers are. 
 Mr. J. P. has more schooling than Fanny’s brothers, but he is still idle, while they have found jobs.

anonymous · Answer

The answer is A.