Bennet seemed wholly disinclined at present to leave London, and

promised to write again very soon. There was also a postscript to this

effect:—
“I have written to Colonel Forster to desire him to find out, if

possible, from some of the young man’s intimates in the regiment,

whether Wickham has any relations or connections who would be likely to

know in what part of the town he has now concealed himself. If there

were anyone that one could apply to, with a probability of gaining such

a clue as that, it might be of essential consequence. At present we have

nothing to guide us. Colonel Forster will, I dare say, do everything in

his power to satisfy us on this head. But, on second thoughts, perhaps

Lizzy could tell us what relations he has now living better than any

other person.”
Elizabeth was at no loss to understand from whence this deference for

her authority proceeded; but it was not in her power to give any

information of so satisfactory a nature as the compliment deserved.
She had never heard of his having had any relations,{362} except a father

and mother, both of whom had been dead many years. It was possible,

however, that some of his companions in the ——shire might be able to

give more information; and though she was not very sanguine in expecting

it, the application was a something to look forward to.
Every day at Longbourn was now a day of anxiety; but the most anxious

part of each was when the post was expected. The arrival of letters was

the first grand object of every morning’s impatience. Through letters,

whatever of good or bad was to be told would be communicated; and every

succeeding day was expected to bring some news of importance.
But before they heard again from Mr. Gardiner, a letter arrived for

their father, from a different quarter, from Mr. Collins; which, as Jane

had received directions to open all that came for him in his absence,

she accordingly read; and Elizabeth, who knew what curiosities his