Page 608 of 817

In the afternoon, the two elder Miss Bennets were able to be for

half an hour by themselves; and Elizabeth instantly availed

herself of the opportunity of making any inquiries which Jane was

equally eager to satisfy. After joining in general lamentations

over the dreadful sequel of this event, which Elizabeth

considered as all but certain, and Miss Bennet could not assert

to be wholly impossible, the former continued the subject by

saying, "But tell me all and everything about it which I have not

already heard. Give me further particulars. What did Colonel

Forster say? Had they no apprehension of anything before the

elopement took place? They must have seen them together for

ever."