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Without allowing herself time for consideration, and scarcely knowing what she felt,Elizabeth on finishing this letter instantly seized the other,and opening it with the utmost impatience,read as follows:it had been written a day later than the conclusion of the first.

They had just been preparing to walk as the letters came in;and her uncle and aunt, leaving her to enjoy them in quiet, set off by themselves.The one missent must first be attended to;it had been written five days ago.The beginning contained an account of all their little parties and engagements,with such news as the country afforded; but the latter half, which was dated a day later,and written in evident agitation,gave more important intelligence.It was to this effect:

“Since writing the above,dearest Lizzy,something has occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature; but I am afraid of alarming you―be assured that we are all well.What I have to say relates to poor Lydia.An express came at twelve last night, just as we were all gone to bed,from Colonel Forster,to inform us that she was gone off to Scotland with o