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A promise of secrecy was of course very dutifully given, but it

could not be kept without difficulty; for the curiosity excited

by his long absence burst forth in such very direct questions on

his return, as required some ingenuity to evade, and he was at

the same time exercising great self-denial, for he was longing to

publish his prosperous love.

As he was to begin his journey too early on the morrow to see any

of the family, the ceremony of leave-taking was performed when

the ladies moved for the night; and Mrs. Bennet, with great

politeness and cordiality, said how happy they should be to see

him at Longbourn again, whenever his other engagements might

allow him to visit them.

"My dear madam," he replied, "this invitation is particularly

gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; and

you may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon

as possible."