Strona 573 z 817

He did trace them easily to Clapham, but no farther; for on

entering that place, they removed into a hackney-coach, and

dismissed the chaise that brought them from Epsom. All that is

known after this is, that they were seen to continue the London

road. I know not what to think. After making every possible

inquiry on that side of London, Colonel F. came on into

Hertfordshire, anxiously renewing them at all the turnpikes, and

at the inns in Barnet and Hatfield, but without any success,--no

such people had been seen to pass through. With the kindest

concern he came on to Longbourn, and broke his apprehensions to

us in a manner most creditable to his heart. I am sincerely

grieved for him and Mrs. F.; but no one can throw any blame on

them. Our distress, my dear Lizzy, is very great. My father and

mother believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of him.