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"My mother is tolerably well, I trust; though her spirits are

greatly shaken. She is upstairs, and will have great satisfaction

in seeing you all. She does not yet leave her dressing-room. Mary

and Kitty, thank Heaven! are quite well."

"But you--how are you?" cried Elizabeth. "You look pale. How much

you must have gone through!"

Her sister, however, assured her of her being perfectly well; and

their conversation, which had been passing while Mr. and Mrs.

Gardiner were engaged with their children, was now put an end to

by the approach of the whole party. Jane ran to her uncle and

aunt, and welcomed and thanked them both, with alternate smiles

and tears.