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of me. But of course she did not mention my name to

you.'

'Yes, she did.'

'And what did she say?'

'That you were gone into the army, and she was afraid

had -- not turned out well. At such a distance as _that,_ you

know, things are strangely misrepresented.'

'Certainly,' he replied, biting his lips. Elizabeth hoped

she had silenced him; but he soon afterwards said,--

'I was surprised to see Darcy in town last month. We

passed each other several times. I wonder what he can be

doing there.'

'Perhaps preparing for his marriage with Miss de Bourgh,'

said Elizabeth. 'It must be something particular to take him

there at this time of year.'

'Undoubtedly. Did you see him while you were at

Lambton? I thought I understood from the Gardiners that

you had.'

'Yes; he introduced us to his sister.'

'And do you like her?'

'Very much.'

'I have heard, indeed, that she is uncommonly improved

within this year or two. When I last saw her, she was not

very promising. I am very glad you liked her. I hope she

will turn out well.'

'I daresay she will; she has got over the most trying age.'

'Did you go by the village of Kympton?'

'I do not recollect that we did.'

'I mention it because it is the living which I ought to have

had. A must delightful place! Excellent parsonage house!

It would have suited me in every respect.'

'How should you have liked making sermons?'

'Exceedingly well. I should have considered it as part

of my duty, and the exertion would soon have been noth-

ing. One ought not to repine; but, to be sure, it would

have been such a thing for me! The quiet, the retire-

ment of such a life, would have answered all my ideas

of happiness! But it was not to be. Did you ever

hear Darcy mention the circumstance when you were in

Kent?'

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