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reason; and, in my opinion, exertion should always be in

proportion to what is required.'

'We will go as far as Meryton with you,' said Catherine

and Lydia. Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three

young ladies set off together.

'If we make haste,' said Lydia, as they walked along,

'perhaps we may see something of Captain Carter, before

he goes.'

In Meryton they parted: the two youngest repaired to the

lodgings of one of the officers' wives, and Elizabeth con-

tinued her walk alone, crossing field after field at a quick

pace, jumping over stiles and springing over puddles, with

impatient activity, and finding herself at last within view

of the house, with weary ankles, dirty stockings, and a face

glowing with the warmth of exercise.

She was shown into the breakfast parlour, where all but

Jane were assembled, and where her appearance created a

great deal of surprise. That she should have walked three

miles so early in the day in such dirty weather, and by her-

self, was almost incredible to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley;

and Elizabeth was convinced that they held her in con-

tempt for it. She was received, however, very politely by

them; and in their brother's manners there was something

better than politeness -- there was good-humour and kind-

ness. Mr. Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst nothing

at all. The former was divided between admiration

of the brilliancy which exercise had given to her

complexion and doubt as to the occasion's justifying her

coming so far alone. The latter was thinking only of his

breakfast.

Her inquiries after her sister were not very favourably

answered. Miss Bennet had slept ill, and, though up, was

very feverish, and not well enough to leave her room.

Elizabeth was glad to be taken to her immediately; and

Jane, who had only been withheld by the fear of giving

alarm or inconvenience, from expressing in her note how

much she longed for such a visit, was delighted at her en-

trance. She was not equal, however, to much conversation;

and when Miss Bingley left them together, could attempt

little beside expressions of gratitude for the extraordinary

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