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and at the inns in Barnet and Hatfield, but without any

success, -- no such people had been seen to pass through.

With the kindest concern he came on to Longbourn, and

broke his apprehensions to us in a manner most creditable

to his heart. I am sincerely grieved for him and Mrs.

F.; but no one can throw any blame on them. Our dis-

tress, my dear Lizzy, is very great. My father and mother

believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of him. Many

circumstances might make it more eligible for them to be

married privately in town than to pursue their first plan;

and even if _he_ could form such a design against a young

woman of Lydia's connections, which is not likely, can I

suppose her so lost to everything? Impossible! I grieve

to find, however, that Colonel F. is not disposed to depend

upon their marriage: he shook his head when I expressed

my hopes, and said he feared W. was not a man to be

trusted. My poor mother is really ill, and keeps her room.

Could she exert herself, it would be better, but this is not

to be expected; and as to my father, I never in my life

saw him so affected. Poor Kitty has anger for having con-

cealed their attachment; but as it was a matter of confi-

dence, one cannot wonder. I am truly glad, dearest Lizzy,

that you have been spared something of these distressing

scenes; but now, as the first shock is over, shall I own that I

long for your return? I am not so selfish, however, as to

press for it, if inconvenient. Adieu! I take up my pen

again to do what I have just told you I would not; but cir-

cumstances are such, that I cannot help earnestly begging

you all to come here as soon as possible. I know my dear

uncle and aunt so well, that I am not afraid of requesting

it, though I have still something more to ask of the former.

My father is going to London with Colonel Forster instantly,

to try to discover her. What he means to do, I am sure

I know not; but his excessive distress will not allow him

to pursue any measure in the best and safest way, and

Colonel Forster is obliged to be at Brighton again to-mor-

row evening. In such an exigence my uncle's advice and

assistance would be everything in the world; he will imme-

diately comprehend what I must feel, and I rely upon his

goodness.'

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