“We have heard only once.He wrote me a few lines on Wednesday to say that he had arrived in safety,and to give me his directions, which I particularly begged him to do.He merely added that he should not write again till he had something of importance to mention.”
“If I had been able,”said she,“to carry my point in going to Brighton,with all my family, this would not have happened;but poor dear Lydia had nobody to take care of her.Why did the Forsters ever let her go out of their sight? I am sure there was some great neglect or other on their side,for she is not the kind of girl to do such a thing if she had been well looked after. I always thought they were very unfit to have the charge of her;but I was overruled, as I always am. Poor dear child!And now here's Mr.Bennet gone away,and I know he will fight Wickham, wherever he meets him and then he will be killed,and what is to become of us all?The Collinses will turn us out before he is cold in his grave,and if you are not kind to us,brother,I do not know what we shall do.”
“But you―how are you?”cried Elizabeth.“You look pale.How much you must have gone through!”
Her sister,however,assured her of her being perfectly well;and their conversation, which had been passing while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were engaged with their children,was now put an end to by the approach of the whole party.Jane ran to her uncle and aunt,and welcomed and thanked them both,with alternate smiles and tears.