that he is always here so often. It is on your account that he has been

so frequently invited this week. You know my mother’s ideas as to the

necessity of constant company for her friends. But really, and upon my

honour, I will try to do what I think to be wisest; and now I hope you

are satisfied.”
Her aunt assured her that she was; and Elizabeth, having thanked her for

the kindness of her hints, they parted,—a wonderful instance of advice

being given on such a point without being resented.
Mr. Collins returned into Hertfordshire soon after it had been quitted

by the Gardiners and Jane; but, as he took up his abode with the

Lucases, his arrival was no great inconvenience to Mrs. Bennet. His

marriage was now fast approaching; and she was at length so far resigned

as to think it inevitable, and even repeatedly to say, in an ill-natured

tone, that she “wished they might be happy.” Thursday was to be the

wedding-day, and on Wednesday Miss Lucas paid her farewell visit; and

when she rose to take leave, Elizabeth, ashamed of her mother’s

ungracious and reluctant good wishes, and sincerely affected herself,

accompanied her out of the room. As they went down stairs together,

Charlotte said,—
“I shall depend on hearing from you very often, Eliza.”
“That you certainly shall.”
“And I have another favour to ask. Will you come and see me?”
“We shall often meet, I hope, in Hertfordshire.”
“I am not likely to leave Kent for some time. Promise me, therefore, to

come to Hunsford.”
Elizabeth could not refuse, though she foresaw little pleasure in the

visit.{184}
“My father and Maria are to come to me in March,” added Charlotte, “and

I hope you will consent to be of the party. Indeed, Eliza, you will be

as welcome to me as either of them.”
The wedding took place: the bride and bridegroom set off for Kent from

the church door, and everybody had as much to say or to hear on the

subject as usual. Elizabeth soon heard from her friend, and their