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Elizabeth then contrived to sit by her aunt. Their first subject

was her sister; and she was more grieved than astonished to hear,

in reply to her minute inquiries, that though Jane always

struggled to support her spirits, there were periods of

dejection. It was reasonable, however, to hope that they would

not continue long. Mrs. Gardiner gave her the particulars also of

Miss Bingley's visit in Gracechurch Street, and repeated

conversations occurring at different times between Jane and

herself, which proved that the former had, from her heart, given

up the acquaintance.

Mrs. Gardiner then rallied her niece on Wickham's desertion, and

complimented her on bearing it so well.

"But, my dear Elizabeth," she added, "what sort of girl is Miss

King? I should be sorry to think our friend mercenary."