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Their first subject was the diminution of the Rosings' party. "I

assure you, I feel it exceedingly," said Lady Catherine; "I

believe nobody feels the loss of friends so much as I do. But I

am particularly attached to these young men; and know them to be

so much attached to me! They were excessively sorry to go! But so

they always are. The dear Colonel rallied his spirits tolerably

till just at last; but Darcy seemed to feel it most

acutely--more, I think, than last year. His attachment to Rosings

certainly increases."

Mr. Collins had a compliment and an allusion to throw in here,

which were kindly smiled on by the mother and daughter.

Lady Catherine observed, after dinner, that Miss Bennet seemed

out of spirits; and immediately accounting for it herself, by

supposing that she did not like to go home again so soon, she

added,--

"But if that is the case, you must write to your mother to beg

that you may stay a little longer. Mrs. Collins will be very glad

of your company, I am sure."