第86章[第2页/共5页]

“If you were aware,”said Elizabeth,“of the very great disadvantage to us all which must arise from the public notice of Lydia's unguarded and imprudent manner―nay,which has already arisen from it,I am sure you would judge differently in the affair.”

But the gloom of Lydia's prospect was shortly cleared away;for she received an invitation from Mrs. Forster, the wife of the colonel of the regiment, to accompany her to Brighton. This invaluable friend was a very young woman, and very lately married.A resemblance in good humour and good spirits had recommended her and Lydia to each other,and out of their three months' acquaintance they had been intimate two.

“Good Heaven!what is to become of us?What are we to do?”would they often exclaim in the bitterness of woe.“How can you be smiling so,Lizzy?”

“I cannot see why Mrs. Forster should not ask me as well as Lydia,”said she,“Though I am not her particular friend.I have just as much right to be asked as she has,and more too,for I am two years older.”

“A little sea-bathing would set me up forever.”

Mr. Bennet saw that her whole heart was in the subject, and affectionately taking her hand said in reply: