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was heard only by herself, soon went away. But before

she had been three minutes in her room, her mother fol-

lowed her.

'My dearest child,' she cried, 'I can think of nothing else.

Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! Tis as good

as a lord! And a special license -- you must and shall be

married by a special license. But, my dearest love, tell me

what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of, that I may

have it to-morrow.'

This was a sad omen of what her mother's behaviour to

the gentleman himself might be; and Elizabeth found that,

though in the certain possession of his warmest affection,

and secure of her relations' consent, there was still some-

thing to be wished for. But the morrow passed off much

better than she expected; for Mrs. Bennet luckily stood in

such awe of her intended son-in-law, that she ventured not

to speak to him, unless it was in her power to offer him

any attention, or mark her deference for his opinion.

Elizabeth had the satisfaction of seeing her father taking

pains to get acquainted with him; and Mr. Bennet soon

assured her that he was rising every hour in his esteem.

'I admire all my three sons-in-law highly,' said he. 'Wick-

ham, perhaps, is my favourite; but I think I shall like your

husband quite as well as Jane's.'

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