Pagina 645 de 817

She was then proceeding to all the particulars of calico, muslin,

and cambric, and would shortly have dictated some very plentiful

orders, had not Jane, though with some difficulty, persuaded her

to wait till her father was at leisure to be consulted. One day's

delay, she observed, would be of small importance; and her mother

was too happy to be quite so obstinate as usual. Other schemes,

too, came into her head.

"I will go to Meryton," said she, "as soon as I am dressed, and

tell the good, good news to my sister Philips. And as I come

back, I can call on Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long. Kitty, run down and

order the carriage. An airing would do me a great deal of good, I

am sure. Girls, can I do anything for you in Meryton? Oh! here

comes Hill. My dear Hill, have you heard the good news? Miss

Lydia is going to be married; and you shall all have a bowl of

punch to make merry at her wedding."