It was not without an effort, meanwhile, that she could wait even for Longbourn, before she told her sister of Mr. Darcy's proposals.To know that she had the power of revealing what would so exceedingly astonish Jane,and must,at the same time, so highly gratify whatever of her own vanity she had not yet been able to reason away,was such a temptation to openness as nothing could have conquered but the state of indecision in which she remained as to the extent of what she should communicate;and her fear,if she once entered on the subject,of being hurried into repeating something of Bingley which might only grieve her sister further.
“A great many indeed,”said her companion with a sigh.
“But,”he added,“you will of course wish to have your humble respects delivered to them, with your grateful thanks for their kindness to you while you have been here.”
“We have dined nine times at Rosings, besides drinking tea there twice! How much I shall have to tell!”
At length the chaise arrived,the trunks were fastened on,the parcels placed within,and it was pronounced to be ready.After an affectionate parting between the friends,Elizabeth was attended to the carriage by Mr. Collins, and as they walked down the garden he was commissioning her with his best respects to all her family,not forgetting his thanks for the kindness he had received at Longbourn in the winter, and his compliments to Mr. and Mrs.Gardiner,though unknown.He then handed her in,Maria followed,and the door was on the point of being closed,when he suddenly reminded them,with some consternation,that they had hitherto forgotten to leave any message for the ladies at Rosings.