row any blame on them. Our distress, my dear Lizzy, is very great. My father and mother believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of him. Many circumstances might make it more eligible for them to be married privately in town than to pursue their first plan;and even if he could form such a design against a young woman of Lydia's connections,which is not likely,can I suppose her so lost to everything?Impossible!I grieve to find,however,that Colonel F. is not disposed to depend upon their marriage; he shook his head when I expressed my hopes,and said he feared W.was not a man to be trusted.My poor mother is really ill,and keeps her room. Could she exert herself, it would be better; but this is not to be expected.And as to my father,I never in my life saw him so affected.Poor Kitty has anger for having concealed their attachment; but as it was a matter of confidence, one cannot wonder.I am truly glad,dearest Lizzy,that you have been spared something of these distressing scenes;but now,as the first shock is over, shall I own that I long for your return? I am not so selfish,however,as to press for it,if inconvenient.Adieu!I take up my pen again to do what I have just told you I would not;but circumstances are such that I cannot help earnestly begging you all to come here as soon as possible.I know my dear