Page 492 of 817

When the party broke up, Lydia returned with Mrs. Forster to

Meryton, from whence they were to set out early the next morning.

The separation between her and her family was rather noisy than

pathetic. Kitty was the only one who shed tears; but she did weep

from vexation and envy. Mrs. Bennet was diffuse in her good

wishes for the felicity of her daughter, and impressive in her

injunctions that she would not miss the opportunity of enjoying

herself as much as possible,--advice which there was every reason

to believe would be attended to; and, in the clamorous happiness

of Lydia herself in bidding farewell, the more gentle adieus of

her sisters were uttered without being heard.

CHAPTER XLII.