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"Good gracious!" cried Maria, after a few minutes' silence, "it

seems but a day or two since we first came! and yet how many

things have happened!"

"A great many indeed," said her companion, with a sigh.

"We have dined nine times at Rosings, besides drinking tea there

twice! How much I shall have to tell!"

Elizabeth privately added, "And how much I shall have to

conceal!"

Their journey was performed without much conversation, or any

alarm; and within four hours of their leaving Hunsford they

reached Mr. Gardiner's house, where they were to remain a few

days.

Jane looked well, and Elizabeth had little opportunity of

studying her spirits, amidst the various engagements which the

kindness of her aunt had reserved for them. But Jane was to go

home with her, and at Longbourn there would be leisure enough for

observation.