To this Mary very gravely replied,“Far be it from me,my dear sister, to depreciate such pleasures!They would doubtless be congenial with the generality of female minds.But I confess they would have no charms for me―I should infinitely prefer a book.”

She had not been many hours at home before she found that the Brighton scheme,of which Lydia had given them a hint at the inn,was under frequent discussion between her parents.Elizabeth saw directly that her father had not the smallest intention of yielding; but his answers were at the same time so vague and equivocal,that her mother,though often disheartened,had never yet despaired of succeeding at last.

In the afternoon Lydia was urgent with the rest of the girls to walk to Meryton, and to see how everybody went on; but Elizabeth steadily opposed the scheme.It should not be said that the Miss Bennets could not be at home half a day before they were in pursuit of the officers.There was another reason too for her opposition.She dreaded seeing Mr.Wickham again,and was resolved to avoid it as long as possible.The comfort to her of the regiment's approaching