The whole party were in hopes of a letter from Mr.Bennet the next morning,but the post came in without bringing a single line from him.His family knew him to be,on all common occasions, a most negligent and dilatory correspondent;but at such a time they had hoped for exertion.They were forced to conclude that he had no pleasing intelligence to send; but even of that they would have been glad to be certain.Mr.Gardiner had waited only for the letters before he set off.
Every day at Longbourn was now a day of anxiety;but the most anxious part of each was when the post was expected.The arrival of letters was the first grand object of every morning's impatience. Through letters,whatever of good or bad was to be told would be communicated,and every succeeding day was expected to bring some news of importance.
When he was gone, they were certain at least of receiving constant information of what was going on, and their uncle promised, at parting, to prevail on Mr. Bennet to return to Longbourn, as soon as he could,to the great consolation of his sister,who considered it as the only security for her husband's not being killed in a duel.
She had never heard of his having had any relations, except a father and mother,both of whom had been dead many years.It was possible,however,that some of his companions in the―shire might be able to give more information;and though she was not very sanguine in expecting it,the application was a something to look forward to.