be able to do so. Lady Catherine’s great attentions to Mrs. Collins you

have been a daily witness of; and altogether I trust it does not appear

that your friend has drawn an unfortunate—but on this point it will be

as well to be silent. Only let me assure you, my dear Miss Elizabeth,

that I can from my heart most cordially wish you equal felicity in

marriage. My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of

thinking. There is in everything a most remarkable resemblance of

character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each

other.”
Elizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness where that was

the case, and with equal sincerity could add, that she firmly believed

and rejoiced in his domestic comforts. She was not sorry, however, to

have the recital of them interrupted by the entrance of the lady from

whom they sprang. Poor Charlotte! it was melancholy to leave her to such

society! But she had chosen it with her eyes open; and though evidently

regretting that her visitors were to go, she did not seem to ask for

compassion. Her home and her housekeeping, her parish and her poultry,

and all their dependent concerns, had not yet lost their charms.
At length the chaise arrived, the trunks were fastened on, the parcels

placed within, and it was pronounced to be ready. After an affectionate

parting between the friends, Elizabeth was attended to the carriage by

Mr. Collins; and as they walked down the garden, he was commissioning

her with his best respects to all her family, not forgetting his thanks

for the kindness he had received at Longbourn in the winter, and his

compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, though unknown. He then handed{270}

her in, Maria followed, and the door was on the point of being closed,

when he suddenly reminded them, with some consternation, that they had

hitherto forgotten to leave any message for the ladies of Rosings.

[Image unavailable.]