第102章[第3頁/共6頁]

zzy, is very great. My father and mother believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of him. Many circumstances might make it more eligible for them to be married privately in town than to pursue their first plan;and even if he could form such a design against a young woman of Lydia's connections,which is not likely,can I suppose her so lost to everything?Impossible!I grieve to find,however,that Colonel F. is not disposed to depend upon their marriage; he shook his head when I expressed my hopes,and said he feared W.was not a man to be trusted.My poor mother is really ill,and keeps her room. Could she exert herself, it would be better; but this is not to be expected.And as to my father,I never in my life saw him so affected.Poor Kitty has anger for having concealed their attachment; but as it was a matter of confidence, one cannot wonder.I am truly glad,dearest Lizzy,that you have been spared something of these distressing scenes;but now,as the first shock is over, shall I own that I long for your return? I am not so selfish,however,as to press for it,if inconvenient.Adieu!I take up my pen again to do what I have just told you I would not;but circumstances are such that I cannot help earnestly begging you all to come here as soon as possible.I know my dear uncle and aunt so well,that I am not afraid of requesting it,though I have still something more to ask of the former.My father is going to London with Colonel Forster instantly, to try to discover her.What he means to do, I am sure I know not; but his excessive distress will not allow him to pursue any measure in the best and safest way,and Colonel Forster is obliged to be at Brighton again to-morrow evening. In such an exigence, my uncle's advice and assistance would be everything in the world;he will immediately comprehend what I must feel,and I rely upon his goodness.”