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Will you do me the honour of reading that letter?" and then, with

a slight bow, turned again into the plantation, and was soon out

of sight.

With no expectation of pleasure, but with the strongest

curiosity, Elizabeth opened the letter, and to her still

increasing wonder, perceived an envelope containing two sheets of

letter paper, written quite through, in a very close hand. The

envelope itself was likewise full. Pursuing her way along the

lane, she then began it. It was dated from Rosings, at eight

o'clock in the morning, and was as follows:--