Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 484 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 484

JANE AUSTEN

If there were anyone that one could apply to with a

probability of gaining such a clue as that, it might be of

essential consequence. At present we have nothing to

guide us. Colonel Forster will, I dare say, do everything

in his power to satisfy us on this head. But, on second

thoughts, perhaps, Lizzy could tell us what relations he

has now living, better than any other person.”

Elizabeth was at no loss to understand from whence

this deference to her authority proceeded; but it was not

in her power to give any information of so satisfactory

a nature as the compliment deserved. She had never

heard of his having had any relations, except a father

and mother, both of whom had been dead many years.

It was possible, however, that some of his companions

in the shire might be able to give more information;

and though she was not very sanguine in expecting it,

the application was a something to look forward to.

Every day at Longbourn was now a day of anxiety;

but the most anxious part of each was when the post

was expected. The arrival of letters was the grand

object of every morning’s impatience. Through letters,

whatever of good or bad was to be told would be

communicated, and every succeeding day was expected

to bring some news of importance.

476