Not a word,however,passed his lips in allusion to it,till their visitor took his leave for the night;but as soon as he was gone,he turned to his daughter,and said:
“Where is your sister?”said he hastily,as he opened the door.
“I must go instantly to my mother;”she cried.“I would not on any account trifle with her affectionate solicitude;or allow her to hear it from anyone but myself.He is gone to my father already. Oh!Lizzy,to know that what I have to relate will give such pleasure to all my dear family!how shall I bear so much happiness!”
“You are a good girl;”he replied,“and I have great pleasure in thinking you will be so happily settled.I have not a doubt of your doing very well together.Your tempers are by no means unlike.You are each of you so complying,that nothing will ever be resolved on;so easy,that every servant will cheat you;and so generous,that you will always exceed your income.”
“With my mother upstairs. She will be down in a moment, I dare say.”
“Jane,I congratulate you.You will be a very happy woman.”
It was an evening of no common delight to them all; the satisfaction of Miss Bennet's mind gave a glow of such sweet animation to her face, as made her look handsomer than ever. Kitty simpered and smiled,and hoped her turn w