On Saturday morning Elizabeth and Mr. Collins met for breakfast a few minutes before the others appeared;and he took the opportunity of paying the parting civilities which he deemed indispensably necessary.
Jane looked well, and Elizabeth had little opportunity of studying her spirits, amidst the various engagements which the kindness of her aunt had reserved for them.But Jane was to go home with her,and at Longbourn there would be leisure enough for observation.
Words were insufficient for the elevation of his feelings; and he was obliged to walk about the room,while Elizabeth tried to unite civility and truth in a few short sentences.
Elizabeth made no objection;the door was then allowed to be shut,and the carriage drove off.
Their journey was performed without much conversation, or any alarm; and within four hours of their leaving Hunsford they reached Mr. Gardiner's house,where they were to remain a few days.
“But,”he added,“you will of course wish to have your humble respects delivered to them, with your grateful thanks for their kindness to you while you have been here.”
“We have dined nine times at Rosings, besides drinking tea there twice! How much I shall have to tell!”