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 never let them know what has been said against

him; we must forget it ourselves. They were off Saturday night about

twelve, as is conjectured, but were not missed till yesterday morning at

eight. The express was sent off directly. My dear Lizzy, they must have

passed within ten miles of us. Colonel Forster gives us reason to expect

him here soon. Lydia left a few lines for his wife, informing her of

their intention. I must conclude, for I cannot be long from my poor

mother. I am afraid you will not be able to make it out, but I hardly

know what I have written.”
Without allowing herself time for consideration, and scarcely knowing

what she felt, Elizabeth, on finishing this letter, instantly seized the

other, and opening it with the utmost impatience, read as follows: it

had been written a day later than the conclusion of the first.
“By this time, my dearest sister, you have received my hurried letter; I

wish this may be more intelligible, but though not confined for time, my

head is so bewildered that I cannot answer for being coherent. Dearest

Lizzy,{336} I hardly know what I would write, but I have bad news for you,

and it cannot be delayed. Imprudent as a marriage between Mr. Wickham

and our poor Lydia would be, we are now anxious to be assured it has

taken place, for there is but too much reason to fear they are not gone

to Scotland. Colonel Forster came yesterday, having left Brighton the

day before, not many hours after the express. Though Lydia’s short

letter to Mrs. F. gave them to understand that they were going to Gretna

Green, something was dropped by Denny expressing his belief that W.

never intended to go there, or to marry Lydia at all, which was repeated