Anxiety on Jane’s behalf was another prevailing concern; and Mr. Darcy’s

explanation, by restoring Bingley to all her former good opinion,

heightened the sense of what Jane had lost. His affection was proved to

have been sincere, and his conduct cleared of all blame, unless any

could attach to the implicitness of his confidence in his friend. How

grievous then was the thought that, of a situation so desirable in every

respect, so replete with advantage, so promising for happiness, Jane had

been deprived, by the folly and indecorum of her own family!
When to these recollections was added the development of Wickham’s

character, it may be easily believed that the happy spirits which had

seldom been depressed before were now so much affected as to make it

almost impossible for her to appear tolerably cheerful.
Their engagements at Rosings were as frequent during the last week of

her stay as they had been at first. The very last evening was spent

there; and her Ladyship again inquired minutely into the particulars of

their journey, gave them directions as to the best method of packing,

and was so urgent on the necessity of placing gowns in the only right

way, that Maria thought herself obliged, on her return, to undo all the

work of the morning, and pack her trunk afresh.
When they parted, Lady Catherine, with great condescension, wished them

a good journey, and invited them to come to Hunsford again next year;

and Miss de Bourgh exerted herself so far as to courtesy and hold out

her hand to both.{267}

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“The elevation of his feelings.”


CHAPTER XXXVIII.

ON Saturday morning Elizabeth and Mr. Collins met for breakfast a few

minutes before the others appeared; and he took the opportunity of

paying the parting civilities which he deemed indispensably necessary.
“I know not, Miss Elizabeth,” said he, “whether Mrs. Collins has yet

expressed her sense of your kindness in coming to us; but I am very