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not think any one abiding in it an object of compassion while

they are sharers of our intimacy at Rosings.'

Words were insufficient for the elevation of his feelings;

and he was obliged to walk about the room, while Elizabeth

tried to unite civility and truth in a few short sentences.

'You may, in fact, carry a very favourable report of us into

Hertfordshire, my dear cousin. I flatter myself, at least, that

you will be able to do so. Lady Catherine's great attentions

to Mrs. Collins you have been a daily witness of; and

altogether I trust it does not appear that your friend has

drawn an unfortunate -- but on this point it will be as well

to be silent. Only let me assure you, my dear Miss Elizabeth,

that I can from my heart most cordially wish you equal

felicity in marriage. My dear Charlotte and I have but one

mind and one way of thinking. There is in everything a most

remarkable resemblance of character and ideas between us.

We seem to have been designed for each other.'

Elizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness

where that was the case, and with equal sincerity could add,

that she firmly believed and rejoiced in his domestic comforts.

She was not sorry, however, to have the recital of them

interrupted by the entrance of the lady from whom they

sprang. Poor Charlotte! it was melancholy to leave her to

such society! But she had chosen it with her eyes open;

and though evidently regretting that her visitors were to go,

she did not seem to ask for compassion. Her home and her

housekeeping, her parish and her poultry, and all their de-

pendent concerns, had not yet lost their charms.

At length the chaise arrived, the trunks were fastened

on, the parcels placed within, and it was pronounced to be

ready.

After an affectionate parting between the friends, Elizabeth

was attended to the carriage by Mr. Collins; and as they

walked down the garden, he was commissioning her with

his best respects to all her family, not forgetting his thanks

for the kindness he had received at Longbourn in the winter,

and his compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, though un-

known. He then handed her in, Maria followed, and the

door was on the point of being closed, when he suddenly

reminded them, with some consternation, that they had

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