पृष्ठ 242 / 817

Soon after their return, a letter was delivered to Miss Bennet;

it came from Netherfield, and was opened immediately. The

envelope contained a sheet of elegant, little, hot-pressed paper,

well covered with a lady's fair, flowing hand; and Elizabeth saw

her sister's countenance change as she read it, and saw her

dwelling intently on some particular passages. Jane recollected

herself soon; and putting the letter away, tried to join, with

her usual cheerfulness, in the general conversation: but

Elizabeth felt an anxiety on the subject which drew off her

attention even from Wickham; and no sooner had he and his

companion taken leave, than a glance from Jane invited her to

follow her upstairs. When they had gained their own room, Jane,

taking out her letter, said, "This is from Caroline Bingley: what

it contains has surprised me a good deal. The whole party have

left Netherfield by this time, and are on their way to town; and

without any intention of coming back again.