{{prxprp236.jpg}} || 236 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

such people had been seen to pass through. With the kindest

concern he came on to Longbourn, and broke his apprehensions

to us in a manner most creditable to his heart. I am sincerely

grieved for him and Mrs. F. -- but no one can throw any blame on

them. Our distress, my dear Lizzy, is very great. My father

and mother believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of him.

Many circumstances might make it more eligible for them to be

married privately in town than to pursue their first plan; and even

if be could form such a design against a young woman of Lydia's

connections, which is not likely, can I suppose her so lost to

everything? -- Impossible! I grieve to find, however, that Colonel

F. is not disposed to depend upon their marriage; he shook his

head when I expressed my hopes, and said he feared W. was not

a man to be trusted. My poor mother is really ill and keeps her

room. Could she exert [herself] it would be better, but this

is not to be expected; and as to my father, I never in my life

saw him so affected. Poor Kitty has anger for having concealed

their attachment; but as it was a matter of confidence one cannot

wonder. I am truly glad, dearest Lizzy, that you have been

spared something of these distressing scenes; but now, as the first

shock is over, shall I own that I long for your return? I am not

so selfish, however, as to press for it, if inconvenient. Adieu!

I take up my pen again to do, what I have just told you I would

not, but circumstances are such, that I cannot help earnestly

begging you all to come here, as soon as possible. I know my

dear uncle and aunt so well, that I am not afraid of requesting it,

though I have still something more to ask of the former. My

father is going to London with Colonel Forster instantly, to try

to discover her. What he means to do I am sure I know not;

but his excessive distress will not allow him to pursue any measure

in the best and safest way, and Colonel Forster is obliged to be

at Brighton again to-morrow evening. In such an exigence my

uncle's advice and assistance would be every thing in the world;

he will immediately comprehend what I must feel, and I rely

upon his goodness.'

'Oh! where, where is my uncle j' cried Elizabeth, darting from

her seat as she finished the letter, in eagerness to follow him,

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