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(comparatively speaking) a stranger to our family, should have

been amongst you at such a time. Pray write instantly, and let

me understand it -- unless it is, for very cogent reasons, to remain

in the secrecy which Lydia seems to think necessary; and then

I must endeavour to be satisfied with ignorance.'

'Not that I shall, though,' she added to herself, and she finished

the letter; 'and, my dear aunt, if you do not tell me in an honour^

able manner, I shall certainly be reduced to tricks and stratagems

to find it out.'

Jane's delicate sense of honour would not allow her to speak

to Elizabeth privately of what Lydia had let fall; Elizabeth was

glad of it: -- till it appeared whether her inquiries would receive

any satisfaction, she had rather be without a confidante.

Chapter LII

Elizabeth had the satisfaction of receiving an answer to her

letter, as soon as she possibly could. She was no sooner in pos'

session of it, than hurrying into the little copse, where she was

least likely to be interrupted, she sat down on one of the benches,

and prepared to be happy; for the length of the letter convinced

her, that it did not contain a denial.

'Gracechurch'Street, Sept. 6.

'My dear Niece,

'I have just received your letter, and shall devote this whole morning

to answering it, as I foresee that a little writing will not comprise what

I have to tell you. I must confess myself surprised by your applicau'on;

I did not expect it from you. Don't think me angry, however, for I

only mean to let you know, that I had not imagined such inquiries to

be necessary on your side. If you do not choose to understand me,

forgive my impertinence. Your uncle is as much surprized as I am --

and nothing but the belief of your being a party concerned would have

allowed him to act as he has done. But if you are really innocent and

ignorant, I must be more explicit. On the very day of my coming

home from Longbourn, your uncle had a most unexpected visitor.

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