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Elizabeth was excessively disappointed: she had set her

heart on seeing the Lakes; and still thought there might have

been time enough. But it was her business to be satisfied --

and certainly her temper to be happy; and all was soon right

again.

With the mention of Derbyshire there were many ideas

connected. It was impossible for her to see the word without

thinking of Pemberley and its owner. 'But surely,' said she,

'I may enter his county with impunity, and rob it of a few

petrified spars, without his perceiving me.'

The period of expectation was now doubled. Four weeks

were to pass away before her uncle and aunt's arrival. But

they did pass away, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, with their

four children, did at length appear at Longbourn. The chil-

dren, two girls of six and eight years old, and two younger

boys, were to be left under the particular care of their cousin

Jane, who was the general favourite, and whose steady sense

and sweetness of temper exactly adapted her for attending to

then; in every way -- teaching them, playing with them, and

loving them.

The Gardiners stayed only one night at Longbourn, and

set off the next morning with Elizabeth in pursuit of novelty

and amusement. One enjoyment was certain -- that of suit-

ableness as companions -- a suitableness which comprehended

health and temper to bear inconveniences -- cheerfulness to

enhance every pleasure -- and affection and intelligence, which

might supply it among themselves if there were disappoint-

ments abroad.

It is not the object of this work to give a description of

Derbyshire, nor of any of the remarkable places through

which their route thither lay -- Oxford, Blenheim, Warwick,

Kenilworth, Birmingham, etc., are sufficiently known. A

small part of Derbyshire is all the present concern. To the

little town of Lambton, the scene of Mrs. Gardiner's former

residence, and where she had lately learned that some ac-

quaintance still remained, they bent their steps, after having

seen all the principal wonders of the country; and within five

miles of Lambton, Elizabeth found, from her aunt, that

Pemberley was situated. It was not in their direct road;

nor more than a mile or two out of it. In talking over their

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