{{prxprp188.jpg}} || 188 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

poultry, and all their dependent concerns, had not yet lost

cheir charms.

At length the chaise arrived, the trunks were fastened on, the

parcels placed within, and it was pronounced to be ready. After

an affectionate parting between the friends, Elizabeth was attended

to the carriage by Mr. Collins, and as they walked down the

garden, he was commissioning her with his best respects to all

her family, not forgetting his thanks for the kindness he had re"

ceived at Longbourn in the winter, and his compliments to

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, though unknown. He then handed

her in, Maria followed, and the door was on the point of being

closed, when he suddenly reminded them, with some consterna^

tion, that they had hitherto forgotten to leave any message for the

ladies of Rosings.

'But,' he added, 'you will of course wish to have your humble

respects delivered to them, with your grateful thanks for their

kindness to you while you have been here.'

Elizabeth made no objection; -- the door was then allowed to be

shut, and the carriage drove off.

'Good gracious!' cried Maria, after a few minutes' silence, 'it

seems but a day or two since we first came! -- and yet how many

things have happened!'

'A great many indeed,' said her companion, with a sigh.

'We have dined nine times at Rosings, besides drinking tea

there twice! -- How much I shall have to tell!'

Elizabeth privately added, 'and how much I shall have to

conceal!'

Their journey was performed without much conversation, or

any alarm; and within four hours of their leaving Hunsford, they

reached Mr. Gardiner's house, where they were to remain a

few days.

Jane looked well, and Elizabeth had little opportunity of

studying her spirits, amidst the various engagements which the

kindness of her aunt had reserved for them. But Jane was to

go home with her, and at Longbourn there would be leisure

enough for observation.

It was not without an effort mean while that she could wait

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