She burst into tears as she alluded to it,and for a few minutes could not speak another word. Darcy, in wretched suspense, could only say something indistinctly of his concern,and observe her in compassionate silence.At length she spoke again.“I have just had a letter from Jane, with such dreadful news. It cannot be concealed from anyone. My younger sister has left all her friends―has eloped;has thrown herself into the power of―of Mr. Wickham.They are gone off together from Brighton.You know him too well to doubt the rest.She has no money,no connections, nothing that can tempt him to―she is lost for ever.”
“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, I hardly know what I would write, but I have bad news for you, and it cannot be delayed. Imprudent as the 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