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But self, though it would intrude, could not engross her.

Lydia--the humiliation, the misery she was bringing on them

all--soon swallowed up every private care; and covering her face

with her handkerchief, Elizabeth was soon lost to everything

else; and, after a pause of several minutes, was only recalled to

a sense of her situation by the voice of her companion, who, in a

manner which, though it spoke compassion, spoke likewise

restraint, said,--

"I am afraid you have been long desiring my absence, nor have I

anything to plead in excuse of my stay, but real, though

unavailing concern. Would to Heaven that anything could be either

said or done on my part, that might offer consolation to such

distress! But I will not torment you with vain wishes, which may

seem purposely to ask for your thanks. This unfortunate affair

will, I fear, prevent my sister's having the pleasure of seeing

you at Pemberley to-day."