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"You may readily comprehend," she added, "what my curiosity must

be to know how a person unconnected with any of us, and,

comparatively speaking, a stranger to our family, should have

been amongst you at such a time. Pray write instantly, and let me

understand it--unless it is, for very cogent reasons, to remain

in the secrecy which Lydia seems to think necessary; and then I

must endeavour to be satisfied with ignorance."

"Not that I shall, though," she added to herself, and she

finished the letter; "and, my dear aunt, if you do not tell me in

an honourable manner, I shall certainly be reduced to tricks and

stratagems to find it out."

Jane's delicate sense of honour would not allow her to speak to

Elizabeth privately of what Lydia had let fall; Elizabeth was

glad of it:--till it appeared whether her inquiries would receive

any satisfaction, she had rather be without a confidante.

CHAPTER LII.