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The Bennets were speedily pronounced to be the luckiest family in

the world; though only a few weeks before, when Lydia had first

run away, they had been generally proved to be marked out for

misfortune.

CHAPTER LVI.

One morning, about a week after Bingley's engagement with Jane

had been formed, as he and the females of the family were sitting

together in the dining-room, their attention was suddenly drawn

to the window by the sound of a carriage; and they perceived a

chaise and four driving up the lawn. It was too early in the

morning for visitors; and besides, the equipage did not answer to

that of any of their neighbours. The horses were post; and

neither the carriage, nor the livery of the servant who preceded

it, were familiar to them. As it was certain, however, that

somebody was coming, Bingley instantly prevailed on Miss Bennet

to avoid the confinement of such an intrusion, and walk away with

him into the shrubbery. They both set off; and the conjectures of

the remaining three continued, though with little satisfaction,

till the door was thrown open, and their visitor entered. It was

Lady Catherine de Bourgh.