 no real
confidence could ever subsist between them again. Her disappointment in
Charlotte made her turn with fonder regard to her sister, of whose rectitude and
delicacy she was sure her opinion could never be shaken, and for whose happiness
she grew daily more anxious, as Bingley had now been gone a week, and nothing
was heard of his return.
    Jane had sent Caroline an early answer to her letter, and was counting the
days till she might reasonably hope to hear again. The promised letter of thanks
from Mr. Collins arrived on Tuesday, addressed to their father, and written with
all the solemnity of gratitude which a twelvemonth's abode in the family might
have prompted. After discharging his conscience on that head, he proceeded to
inform them, with many rapturous expressions, of his happiness in having
obtained the affection of their amiable neighbour, Miss Lucas, and then
explained that it was merely with the view of enjoying her society that he had
been so ready to close with their kind wish of seeing him again at Longbourn,
whither he hoped to be able to return on Monday fortnight; for Lady Catherine,
he added, so heartily approved his marriage, that she wished it to take place as
soon as possible, which he trusted would be an unanswerable argument with his
amiable Charlotte to name an early day for making him the happiest of men.
    Mr. Collins's return into Hertfordshire was no longer a matter of pleasure
to Mrs. Bennet. On the contrary she was as much disposed to complain of it as
her husband. - It was very strange that he should come to Longbourn instead of
to Lucas Lodge; it was also very inconvenient and exceedingly troublesome. - She
hated having visitors in the house while her health was so indifferent, and
lovers were of all people the most disagreeable. Such were the gentle murmurs of
Mrs. Bennet, and they gave way only to the greater distress of Mr. Bingley's
continued absence.
    Neither Jane nor Elizabeth were comfortable on this subject. Day after day
passed away without bringing any other tidings of him than the report which
shortly prevailed in Meryton of his coming no more to Netherfield the whole
winter; a report which highly incensed Mrs. Bennet, and which she never failed
to contradict as a most scandalous falsehood.
    Even Elizabeth began to fear - not that Bingley was indifferent - but that
his sisters would be successful in keeping him away. Unwilling as she was to
admit an idea so destructive of Jane's happiness, and so dishonourable to the
stability of her lover, she could not prevent its frequently recurring. The
united efforts of
