“Just as you please.”
“Their conduct has been such,”replied Elizabeth,“as neither you,nor I,nor anybody can ever forget.It is useless to talk of it.”
“My dear, dear Lydia!”she cried.“This is delightful indeed! She will be married!I shall see her again!She will be married at sixteen!My good,kind brother!I knew how it would be.I knew he would manage everything!How I long to see her!and to see dear Wickham too!But the clothes,the wedding clothes! I will write to my sister Gardiner about them directly.Lizzy,my dear, run down to your father,and ask him how much he will give her. Stay,stay,I will go myself.Ring the bell,Kitty,for Hill.I will put on my things in a moment.My dear,dear Lydia!How merry we shall be together when we meet!”
Her eldest daughter endeavoured to give some relief to the violence of these transports, by leading her thoughts to the obligations which Mr.Gardiner's behaviour laid them all under.
Mrs.Hill began instantly to express her joy.Elizabeth received her congratulations amongst the rest,and then,sick of this folly, took refuge in her own room,that she might think with freedom.
“I will go to Meryton,”said she,“as soon as I am dressed,and tell the good,good news to my sister Philips.And as I come back, I can call on Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long. Kitty, run down and order the carriage.An airing would do me a great deal of good,I am sure.Girls,can I do anything for you in Meryton?Oh!Here comes Hill! My dear Hill, have you heard the good news? Miss Lydia is going to be married; and you shall all have a bowl of punch to make merry at her wedding.”