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flirt with him; and while Meryton was within a walk of

Longbourn, they would be going there for ever.

Anxiety on Jane's behalf was another prevailing concern;

and Mr. Darcy's explanation, by restoring Bingley to all her

former good opinion, heightened the sense of what Jane had

lost. His affection was proved to have been sincere, and his

conduct cleared of all blame, unless any could attach to the

implicitness of his confidence in his friend. How grievous

then was the thought that, of a situation so desirable in every

respect, so replete with advantage, so promising for happi-

ness, Jane had been deprived, by the folly and indecorum of

her own family!

When to these recollections was added the development

of Wickham's character, it may be easily believed that the

happy spirits which had seldom been depressed before were

now so much affected as to make it almost impossible for her

to appear tolerably cheerful.

Their engagements at Rosings were as frequent during the

last week of her stay as they had been at first. The very last

evening was spent there; and her Ladyship again inquired

minutely into the particulars of their journey, gave them

directions as to the best method of packing, and was so

urgent on the necessity of placing gowns in the only right

way, that Maria thought herself obliged, on her return, to

undo all the work of the morning, and pack her trunk afresh.

When they parted, Lady Catherine, with great condescen-

sion, wished them a good journey, and invited them to come

to Hunsford again next year; and Miss De Bourgh exerted

herself so far as to courtesy and hold out her hand to both.

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