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instantly, and let me understand it -- unless it is, for very

cogent reasons, to remain in the secrecy which Lydia seems

to think necessary; and then I must endeavour to be satis-

fied with ignorance.'

'Not that I _shall_ though,' she added to herself, and she

finished the letter; 'and, my dear aunt, if you do not tell me

in an honourable manner, I shall certainly be reduced to

tricks and stratagems to find it out.'

Jane's delicate sense of honour would not allow her to

speak to Elizabeth privately of what Lydia had let fall;

Elizabeth was glad of it: -- till it appeared whether her in-

quiries would receive any satisfaction, she had rather be

without a confidante.

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