“Well,and what news does it bring―good or bad?”
Two days after Mr.Bennet's return,as Jane and Elizabeth were walking together in the shrubbery behind the house,they saw the housekeeper coming towards them, and, concluding that she came to call them to their mother, went forward to meet her; but, instead of the expected summons, when they approached her, she said to Miss Bennet,“I beg your pardon,madam,for interrupting you, but I was in hopes you might have got some good news from town,so I took the liberty of coming to ask.”
“Then it is as I always hoped,”cried Jane;“they are married!”
“Dear madam,”cried Mrs. Hill, in great astonishment,“don't you know there is an express come for master from Mr.Gardiner? He has been here this half-hour,and master has had a letter.”
“Oh, papa, what news―what news? Have you heard from my uncle?”
“No;but it must be done soon.”
“What is there of good to be expected?”said he, taking the letter from his pocket.“But perhaps you would like to read it.”
“That is very true,”said Elizabeth;“though it had not occurred to me before.His debts to be discharged,and something still to remain!Oh!it must be my uncle's doings!Generous,good man,I am afraid he has distressed himself.A small sum could not do all this.”
“My dear Brother,