{{prhprp407.jpg}}

that we never let them know what has been said against

him; we must forget it ourselves. They were off Satur-

day night about twelve, as is conjectured, but were not

missed till yesterday morning at eight. The express was

sent off directly. My dear Lizzy, they must have passed

within ten miles of us. Colonel Forster gives us reason

to expect him here soon. Lydia left a few lines for his

wife, informing her of their intention. I must conclude,

for I cannot be long from my poor mother. I am afraid

you will not be able to make it out, but I hardly know what

I have written.'

Without allowing herself time for consideration and

scarcely knowing what she felt, Elizabeth, on finishing this

letter, instantly seized the other, and opening it with the

utmost impatience, read as follows: it had been written a

day later than the conclusion of the first.

'By this time, my dearest sister, you have received my

hurried letter; I wish this may be more intelligible, but

though not confined for time, my head is so bewildered that

I cannot answer for being coherent. Dearest Lizzy, I hardly

know what I would write, but I have bad news for you, and

it cannot be delayed. Imprudent as a marriage between Mr.

Wickham and our poor Lydia would be, we are now anxious

to be assured it has taken place, for there is but too much

reason to fear they are not gone to Scotland. Colonel Fors-

ter came yesterday, having left Brighton the day before,

not many hours after the express. Though Lydia's short

letter to Mrs. F. gave them to understand that they were

going to Gretna Green, something was dropped by Denny

expressing his belief that W. never intended to go there,

or to marry Lydia at all, which was repeated to Colonel

F., who, instantly taking the alarm, set off from B., intend-

ing to trace their route. He did trace them easily to Clap-

ham, but no farther; for on entering that place, they re-

moved into a hackney-coach, and dismissed the chaise that

brought them from Epsom. All that is known after this

is, that they were seen to continue the London road. I

know not what to think. After making every possible

inquiry on that side London, Colonel F. came on into Hert-

fordshire, anxiously renewing them at all the turnpikes,

 [407]