Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 468 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 468

JANE AUSTEN

The little Gardiners, attracted by the sight of a

chaise, were standing on the steps of the house as they

entered the paddock; and, when the carriage drove up

to the door, the joyful surprise that lighted up their

faces, and displayed itself over their whole bodies, in

a variety of capers and frisks, was the first pleasing

earnest of their welcome.

Elizabeth jumped out; and, after giving each of them

a hasty kiss, hurried into the vestibule, where Jane,

who came running down from her mother’s apartment,

immediately met her.

Elizabeth, as she affectionately embraced her, whilst

tears filled the eyes of both, lost not a moment in asking

whether anything had been heard of the fugitives.

“Not yet,” replied Jane. “But now that my dear uncle

is come, I hope everything will be well.”

“Is my father in town?”

“Yes, he went on Tuesday, as I wrote you word.”

“And have you heard from him often?”

“We have heard only once. He wrote me a few lines

on Wednesday to say that he had arrived in safety, and

to give me his directions, which I particularly begged

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