第109章[第2页/共4页]

Mrs.Gardiner and the children were to remain in Hertfordshire a few days longer, as the former thought her presence might be serviceable to her nieces. She shared in their attendance on Mrs. Bennet, and was a great comfort to them in their hours of freedom.Their other aunt also visited them frequently, and always, as she said, with the design of cheering and heartening them up―though, as she never came without reporting some fresh instance of Wickham's extravagance or irregularity, she seldom went away without leaving them more dispirited than she found them.

“I have written to Colonel Forster to desire him to find out,if possible,from some of the young man's intimates in the regiment, whether Wickham has any relations or connections who would be likely to know in what part of town he has now concealed himself. If there were anyone that one could apply to with a probability of gaining such a clue as that,it might be of essential consequence. At present we have nothing to guide us. Colonel Forster will, I dare say,do everything in his power to satisfy us on this head.But, on second thoughts,perhaps,Lizzy could tell us what relations he has now living,better than any other person.”

But before they heard again from Mr.Gardiner,a letter arrived for their father,from a different quarter,from Mr.Collins;which, as Jane had received directions to open all that came for him in his absence,she accordingly read;and Elizabeth,who knew what curiosities his letters always were, looked over her, and read it likewise.It was as follows: