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"Mary and Kitty have been very kind, and would have shared in

every fatigue, I am sure, but I did not think it right for either

of them. Kitty is slight and delicate, and Mary studies so much

that her hours of repose should not be broken in on. My aunt

Philips came to Longbourn on Tuesday, after my father went away;

and was so good as to stay till Thursday with me. She was of

great use and comfort to us all, and Lady Lucas has been very

kind: she walked here on Wednesday morning to condole with us,

and offered her services, or any of her daughters, if they could

be of use to us."

"She had better have stayed at home," cried Elizabeth: "perhaps

she meant well, but, under such a misfortune as this, one cannot

see too little of one's neighbours. Assistance is impossible;

condolence, insufferable. Let them triumph over us at a distance,

and be satisfied."

She then proceeded to inquire into the measures which her father

had intended to pursue, while in town, for the recovery of his

daughter.