“What is all settled?”repeated the other, as she ran into her room to prepare.“And are they upon such terms as for her to disclose the real truth?Oh,that I knew how it was!”
She was wild to be at home―to hear, to see, to be upon the spot to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon her, in a family so deranged, a father absent, a mother incapable of exertion, and requiring constant attendance; and though almost persuaded that nothing could be done for Lydia, her uncle's interference seemed of the utmost importance, and till he entered the room her impatience was severe.Mr.and Mrs. Gardiner had hurried back in alarm, supposing by the servant's account that their niece was taken suddenly ill; but satisfying them instantly on that head,she eagerly communicated the cause of their summons,reading the two letters aloud,and dwelling on the post of the last with trembling energy,though Lydia had never been a favourite with them,Mr.and Mrs.Gardiner could not but be deeply a?icted.Not Lydia only,but all were concer