{{prxprp234.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

Chapter XLVI

Elizabeth had been a good deal disappointed in not finding a

letter from Jane, on their first arrival at Lambton; and this dis^

appointment had been renewed on each of the mornings that had

now been spent there; but on the third, her repining was over,

and her sister justified, by the receipt of two letters from her at

once, on one of which was marked that it had been missent else

where. Elizabeth was not surprized at it, as Jane had written

the direction remarkably ill.

They had just been preparing to walk as the letters came in;

and her uncle and aunt, leaving her to enjoy them in quiet, set

off by themselves. The one missent must be first attended to; it

had been written five days ago. The beginning contained an

account of all their little parties and engagements, with such news

as the country afforded; but the latter half, which was dated a

day later, and written in evident agitation, gave more important

intelligence. It was to this effect:

'Since writing the above, dearest Lizzy, something has occurred

of a most unexpected and serious nature; but I am afraid of

alarming you -- be assured that we are all well. -- What I have to

say relates to poor Lydia. An express came at twelve last night,

just as we were all gone to bed, from Colonel Forster, to inform

us that she was gone off to Scodand with one of his officers; to

own the truth, with Wickham! -- Imagine our surprize. To

Kitty, however, it does not seem so wholly unexpected. I am

very, very sorry. So imprudent a match on both sides! -- But

I am willing to hope the best, and that his character has been

misunderstood. Thoughtless and indiscreet I can easily believe

him, but this step (and let us rejoice over it) marks nothing bad

at heart. His choice is disinterested at least, for he must know

my father can give her nothing. Our poor mother is sadly

grieved. My father bears it better. How thankful am I, that we

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