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The period of expectation was now doubled. Four weeks were to

pass away before her uncle and aunt's arrival. But they did pass

away, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, with their four children, did at

length appear at Longbourn. The children, two girls of six and

eight years old, and two younger boys, were to be left under the

particular care of their cousin Jane, who was the general

favourite, and whose steady sense and sweetness of temper exactly

adapted her for attending to them in every way--teaching them,

playing with them, and loving them.

The Gardiners stayed only one night at Longbourn, and set off the

next morning with Elizabeth in pursuit of novelty and amusement.

One enjoyment was certain--that of suitableness as companions; a

suitableness which comprehended health and temper to bear

inconveniences--cheerfulness to enhance every pleasure--and

affection and intelligence, which might supply it among

themselves if there were disappointments abroad.