But before they heard again from Mr.Gardiner,a letter arrived for their father,from a different quarter,from Mr.Collins;which, as Jane had received directions to open all that came for him in his absence,she accordingly read;and Elizabeth,who knew what curiosities his letters always were, looked over her, and read it likewise.It was as follows:
Elizabeth was at no loss to understand from whence this deference to her authority proceeded; but it was not in her power to give any information of so satisfactory a nature as the compliment deserved.