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was spent there; and her ladyship again inquired minutely into

the particulars of their journey, gave them directions as to the

best method of packing, and was so urgent on the necessity of

placing gowns in the only right way, that Maria thought herself

obliged, on her return, to undo all the work of the morning, and

pack her trunk afresh.

When they parted, Lady Catherine, with great condescension,

wished them a good journey, and invited them to come to

Hunsford again next year- and Miss dc Bourgh exerted herself

so fax as to curtsey and hold our her hand to both.

Chapter XXXVIII

On Saturday morning Elizabeth and Mr. Collins met for break-'

fast a few minutes before the others appeared; and he took the

opportunity of paying the parting civilities which he deemed

indispensably necessary.

'I know not, Miss Elizabeth,' said he, 'whether Mrs. Collins

has yet expressed her sense of your kindness in coming to us; but

I am very certain you will not leave the house without receiving

her thanks for it. The favour of your company has been much

felt, I assure you. We know how little there is to tempt any one

to our humble abode. Our plain manner of living, our small

rooms and few domestics, and the little we sec of the world, must

make Hunsford extremely dull to a young lady like yourself; but

I hope you will believe us grateful for the condescension, and that

we have done every thing in our power to prevent your spending

your time unpleasantly.'

Elizabeth was eager with her thanks and assurances of happiness.

She had spent six weeks with great enjoyment; and the pleasure

of being with Charlotte, and the kind attentions she had received

must make her feel the obliged. Mr. Collins was gratified, and

with a more smiling solemnity replied,

'It gives me the greatest pleasure to hear that you have passed

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