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entering into engagements with each other, how can I

promise to be wiser than so many of my fellow-creatures,

if I am tempted, or how am I even to know that it would

be wisdom to resist? All that I can promise you, therefore,

is not to be in a hurry. I will not be in a hurry to believe

myself his first object. When I am in company with him,

I will not be wishing. In short, I will do my best.'

'Perhaps it will be as well if you discourage his coming

here so very often. At least you should not _remind_ your

mother of inviting him.'

'As I did the other day,' said Elizabeth, with a conscious

smile; 'very true it will be wise in me to refrain from _that._

But do not imagine that he is always here so often. It is on

your account that he has been so frequently invited this

week. You know my mother's ideas as to the necessity of

constant company for her friends. But really, and upon

my honour, I will try to do what I think to be wisest; and

now I hope you are satisfied.'

Her aunt assured her that she was; and Elizabeth, having

thanked her for the kindness of her hints, they parted, -- a

wonderful instance of advice being given on such a point

without being resented.

Mr. Collins returned into Hertfordshire soon after it had

been quitted by the Gardiners and Jane; but, as he took up

his abode with the Lucases, his arrival was no great incon-

venience to Mrs. Bennet. His marriage was now fast ap-

proaching; and she was at length so far resigned as to think

it inevitable, and even repeatedly to say, in an ill-natured

tone, that she _'wished_ they might be happy.' Thursday was

to be the wedding day, and on Wednesday Miss Lucas paid

her farewell visit; and when she rose to take leave, Elizabeth,

ashamed of her mother's ungracious and reluctant good

wishes, and sincerely affected herself, accompanied her out

of the room. As they went downstairs together, Charlotte

said,--

'I shall depend on hearing from you very often, Eliza.'

_'That_ you certainly shall.'

'And I have another favour to ask. Will you come and

see me?'

'We shall often meet, I hope, in Hertfordshire.'

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