Page 569 sur 817

Elizabeth had been a good deal disappointed in not finding a

letter from Jane on their first arrival at Lambton; and this

disappointment had been renewed on each of the mornings that had

now been spent there; but on the third her repining was over, and

her sister justified, by the receipt of two letters from her at

once, on one of which was marked that it had been mis-sent

elsewhere. Elizabeth was not surprised at it, as Jane had written

the direction remarkably ill.

They had just been preparing to walk as the letters came in; and

her uncle and aunt, leaving her to enjoy them in quiet, set off

by themselves. The one mis-sent must be first attended to; it had

been written five days ago. The beginning contained an account of

all their little parties and engagements, with such news as the

country afforded; but the latter half, which was dated a day

later, and written in evident agitation, gave more important

intelligence. It was to this effect:--