, in fact, carry a very favourable report of us into Hertfordshire,
my dear cousin. I flatter myself at least that you will be able to do so. Lady
Catherine's great attentions to Mrs. Collins you have been a daily witness of;
and altogether I trust it does not appear that your friend has drawn an
unfortunate - but on this point it will be as well to be silent. Only let me
assure you, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that I can from my heart most cordially wish
you equal felicity in marriage. My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and
one way of thinking. There is in every thing a most remarkable resemblance of
character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other.«
    Elizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness where that was the
case, and with equal sincerity could add that she firmly believed and rejoiced
in his domestic comforts. She was not sorry, however, to have the recital of
them interrupted by the entrance of the lady from whom they sprung. Poor
Charlotte! - it was melancholy to leave her to such society! - But she had
chosen it with her eyes open; and though evidently regretting that her visitors
were to go, she did not seem to ask for compassion. Her home and her
housekeeping, her parish and her poultry, and all their dependent concerns, had
not yet lost their charms.
    At length the chaise arrived, the trunks were fastened on, the parcels
placed within, and it was pronounced to be ready. After an affectionate parting
between the friends, Elizabeth was attended to the carriage by Mr. Collins, and
as they walked down the garden, he was commissioning her with his best respects
to all her family, not forgetting his thanks for the kindness he had received at
Longbourn in the winter, and his compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, though
unknown. He then handed her in, Maria followed, and the door was on the point of
being closed, when he suddenly reminded them, with some consternation, that they
had hitherto forgotten to leave any message for the ladies of Rosings.
    »But,« he added, »you will of course wish to have your humble respects
delivered to them, with your grateful thanks for their kindness to you while you
have been here.«
    Elizabeth made no objection; - the door was then allowed to be shut, and the
carriage drove off.
    »Good gracious!« cried Maria, after a few minutes silence, »it seems but a
day or two since we first came
