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“My dearest child,”she cried,“I can think of nothing else!Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! 'Tis as good as a Lord! And a special licence.You must and shall be married by a special licence. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of,that I may have it to-morrow.”

Elizabeth's mind was now relieved from a very heavy weight;and,after half an hour's quiet reflection in her own room,she was able to join the others with tolerable composure.Every thing was too recent for gaiety,but the evening passed tranquilly away;there was no longer anything material to be dreaded,and the comfort of ease and familiarity would come in time.

He then recollected her embarrassment a few days before,on his reading Mr. Collins's letter; and after laughing at her some time,allowed her at last to go―saying,as she quitted the room,“If any young men come for Mary or Kitty,send them in,for I am quite at leisure.”

Elizabeth had the satisfaction of seeing her father taking pains to get acquainted with him;and Mr.Bennet s