“Very true;and if I had my will,we should.But my dear Lydia,I don't at all like your going such a way off.Must it be so?”
Lydia's voice was heard in the vestibule; the door was thrown open,and she ran into the room. Her mother stepped forwards, embraced her, and welcomed her with rapture; gave her hand, with an affectionate smile, to Wickham, who followed his lady;and wished them both joy with an alacrity which shewed no doubt of their happiness.
Elizabeth was disgusted, and even Miss Bennet was shocked. Lydia was Lydia still;untamed,unabashed,wild,noisy,and fearless. She turned from sister to sister,demanding their congratulations;and when at length they all sat down,looked eagerly round the room, took notice of some little alteration in it, and observed, with a laugh,that it was a great while since she had been there.
“Only think of its being three months,”she cried,“since I went away;it seems but a fortnight I declare;and yet there have been things enough happened in the time.Good gracious!When I went away,I am sure I had no more idea of being married till I came back again!Though I thought it would be very good fun if I was.”Her father lifted up his eyes. Jane was distressed. Elizabeth looked expressively at Lydia; but she, who never heard nor saw anything of which she chose to be insensible,gaily continued,