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Philips protested that they would have a nice comfortable noisy

game of lottery tickets, and a little bit of hot supper

afterwards. The prospect of such delights was very cheering, and

they parted in mutual good spirits. Mr. Collins repeated his

apologies in quitting the room, and was assured, with unwearying

civility, that they were perfectly needless.

As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she had seen

pass between the two gentlemen; but though Jane would have

defended either or both, had they appeared to be wrong, she could

no more explain such behaviour than her sister.