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After wandering along the lane for two hours, giving way to every

variety of thought, reconsidering events, determining

probabilities, and reconciling herself, as well as she could, to

a change so sudden and so important, fatigue, and a recollection

of her long absence, made her at length return home; and she

entered the house with the wish of appearing cheerful as usual,

and the resolution of repressing such reflections as must make

her unfit for conversation.

She was immediately told, that the two gentlemen from Rosings had

each called during her absence; Mr. Darcy, only for a few

minutes, to take leave, but that Colonel Fitzwilliam had been

sitting with them at least an hour, hoping for her return, and

almost resolving to walk after her till she could be found.

Elizabeth could but just affect concern in missing him; she

really rejoiced at it. Colonel Fitzwilliam was no longer an

object. She could think only of her letter.

CHAPTER XXXVII.