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They all exclaimed against such terrific ideas; and Mr. Gardiner,

after general assurances of his affection for her and all her

family, told her that he meant to be in London the very next day,

and would assist Mr. Bennet in every endeavour for recovering

Lydia.

"Do not give way to useless alarm," added he: "though it is right

to be prepared for the worst, there is no occasion to look on it

as certain. It is not quite a week since they left Brighton. In a

few days more, we may gain some news of them; and till we know

that they are not married, and have no design of marrying, do not

let us give the matter over as lost. As soon as I get to town, I

shall go to my brother, and make him come home with me to

Gracechurch Street, and then we may consult together as to what

is to be done."