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She was wild to be at home--to hear, to see, to be upon the spot

to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon

her, in a family so deranged; a father absent, a mother incapable

of exertion, and requiring constant attendance; and though almost

persuaded that nothing could be done for Lydia, her uncle's

interference seemed of the utmost importance, and till he entered

the room the misery of her impatience was severe. Mr. and Mrs.

Gardiner had hurried back in alarm, supposing, by the servant's

account, that their niece was taken suddenly ill; but satisfying

them instantly on that head, she eagerly communicated the cause

of their summons, reading the two letters aloud, and dwelling on

the postscript of the last with trembling energy. Though Lydia

had never been a favourite with them, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner could

not but be deeply affected. Not Lydia only, but all were

concerned in it; and after the first exclamations of surprise and

horror, Mr.