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Chapter XXV

After a week spent in professions of love and schemes

of felicity, Mr. Collins was called from his amiable

Charlotte by the arrival of Saturday. The pain of

separation, however, might be alleviated on his side by

preparations for the reception of his bride, as he had rea-

son to hope that, shortly after his next return into Hert-

fordshire, the day would be fixed that was to make him

the happiest of men. He took leave of his relations at

Longbourn with as much solemnity as before; wished his

fair cousins health and happiness again, and promised their

father another letter of thanks.

On the following Monday, Mrs. Bennet had the pleasure

of receiving her brother and his wife, who came, as usual,

to spend the Christmas at Longbourn. Mr. Gardiner was a

sensible, gentlemanlike man, greatly superior to his sister, as

well by nature as education. The Netherfield ladies would

have had difficulty in believing that a man who lived by

trade, and within view of his own warehouse, could have

been so well bred and agreeable. Mrs. Gardiner,? who was

several years younger than Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Philips,

was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, and a great

favourite with her Longbourn nieces. Between the two

eldest and herself especially there subsisted a very par-

ticular regard. They had frequently been staying with her

in town.

The first part of Mrs. Gardiner's business, on her arrival,

was to distribute her presents and describe the newest

fashions. When this was done, she had a less active part

to play. It became her turn to listen. Mrs. Bennet had

many grievances to relate, and much to complain of. They

had all been very ill used since she last saw her sister. Two

of her girls had been on the point of marriage, and after all

there was nothing in it.

'I do not blame Jane,' she continued, 'for Jane would

have got Mr. Bingley if she could. But, Lizzy! Oh, sister!

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