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Elizabeth took the letter from his writing-table, and they went upstairs together. Mary and Kitty were both with Mrs. Bennet:one communication would,therefore,do for all.After a slight preparation for good news,the letter was read aloud.Mrs. Bennet could hardly contain herself.As soon as Jane had read Mr.Gardiner's hope of Lydia's being soon married,her joy burst forth,and every following sentence added to its exuberance.She was now in an irritation as violent from delight,as she had ever been fidgety from alarm and vexation.To know that her daughter would be married was enough.She was disturbed by no fear for her felicity,nor humbled by any remembrance of her misconduct.

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.