صفحة 452 من 817

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 of

Rosings.

"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."

Elizabeth made no objection: the door was then allowed to be

shut, and the carriage drove off.