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"'When my brother left us yesterday, he imagined that the

business which took him to London might be concluded in three or

four days; but as we are certain it cannot be so, and at the same

time convinced that when Charles gets to town he will be in no

hurry to leave it again, we have determined on following him

thither, that he may not be obliged to spend his vacant hours in

a comfortless hotel. Many of my acquaintance are already there

for the winter: I wish I could hear that you, my dearest friend,

had any intention of making one in the crowd, but of that I

despair. I sincerely hope your Christmas in Hertfordshire may

abound in the gaieties which that season generally brings, and

that your beaux will be so numerous as to prevent your feeling

the loss of the three of whom we shall deprive you.'

"It is evident by this," added Jane, "that he comes back no more

this winter."

"It is only evident that Miss Bingley does not mean he should."