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Elizabeth was pleased to find that he had not betrayed the

interference of his friend; for, though Jane had the most

generous and forgiving heart in the world, she knew it was a

circumstance which must prejudice her against him.

"I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!"

cried Jane. "Oh, Lizzy, why am I thus singled from my family, and

blessed above them all? If I could but see you as happy! If there

were but such another man for you!"

"If you were to give me forty such men I never could be so happy

as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can

have your happiness. No, no, let me shift for myself; and,

perhaps, if I have very good luck, I may meet with another Mr.

Collins in time."

The situation of affairs in the Longbourn family could not be

long a secret. Mrs. Bennet was privileged to whisper it to Mrs.

Philips, and she ventured, without any permission, to do the same

by all her neighbours in Meryton.