 and she
could not help remembering what Charlotte's opinion had always been. - Neither
could she deny the justice of his description of Jane. - She felt that Jane's
feeling's, though fervent, were little displayed, and that there was a constant
complacency in her air and manner, not often united with great sensibility.
    When she came to that part of the letter in which her family were mentioned,
in terms of such mortifying, yet merited reproach, her sense of shame was
severe. The justice of the charge struck her too forcibly for denial, and the
circumstances to which he particularly alluded, as having passed at the
Netherfield ball, and as confirming all his first disapprobation, could not have
made a stronger impression on his mind than on hers.
    The compliment to herself and her sister, was not unfelt. It soothed, but it
could not console her for the contempt which had been thus self-attracted by the
rest of her family; - and as she considered that Jane's disappointment had in
fact been the work of her nearest relations, and reflected how materially the
credit of both must be hurt by such impropriety of conduct, she felt depressed
beyond any thing she had ever known before.
    After wandering along the lane for two hours, giving way to every variety of
thought; re-considering events, determining probabilities, and reconciling
herself as well as she could, to a change so sudden and so important, fatigue,
and a recollection of her long absence, made her at length return home; and she
entered the house with the wish of appearing cheerful as usual, and the
resolution of repressing such reflections as must make her unfit for
conversation.
    She was immediately told, that the two gentlemen from Rosings had each
called during her absence; Mr. Darcy, only for a few minutes to take leave, but
that Colonel Fitzwilliam had been sitting with them at least an hour, hoping for
her return, and almost resolving to walk after her till she could be found. -
Elizabeth could but just affect concern in missing him; she really rejoiced at
it. Colonel Fitzwilliam was no longer an object. She could think only of her
letter.
 

                                  Chapter XIV

The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning; and Mr. Collins having been in
waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, was able to bring
home the pleasing intelligence, of their appearing in very good health, and in
as tolerable spirits as could be expected, after the melancholy scene so lately
gone through at Rosings. To Rosings he then hastened to console Lady Catherine
