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When the party broke up, Lydia returned with Mrs. Forster

to Meryton, from whence they were to set out early the next

morning. The separation between her and her family was rather

noisy than pathetic. Kitty was the only one who shed tears;

but she did weep from vexation and envy. Mrs. Bennct was

diffuse in her good wishes for the felicity of her daughter, and

impressive in her injunctions that she would not miss the oppor^

tunity of enjoying herself as much as possible -- advice, which

there was every reason to believe would be attended to; and in

the clamorous happiness of Lydia herself in bidding farewell,

the more gentle adieus of her sisters were uttered without

being heard.

Chapter XLII

Had Elizabeth's opinion been all drawn from her own family,

she could not have formed a very pleasing picture of conjugal

felicity or domestic comfort. Her father, captivated by youth

and beauty, and that appearance of good humour which youth

and beauty generally give, had married a woman whose weak

understanding and illiberal mind had very early in their marriage

put an end to all real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and

confidence had vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic

happiness were overthrown. But Mr. Bennct was not of a dis^

position to seek comfort for the disappointment which his own

imprudence had brought on, in any of those pleasures which too

often console the unfortunate for their folly or their vice. He

was fond of the country and of books; and from these tastes had

arisen his principal enjoyments. To his wife he was very little

otherwise indebted, than as her ignorance and folly had contri^

buted to his amusement. This is not the sort of happiness which

a man would in general wish to owe to his wife; but where other

powers of entertainment are wanting, the true philosopher will

derive benefit from such as are given.

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