Chapter 47 269
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 twice . 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 him to do . He merely added that he should not write again till he had something of importance to mention ."
" And my mother--how is she ? How are you all ?"
" My mother is tolerably well , I trust ; though her spirits are greatly shaken . She is upstairs and will have great satisfaction in seeing you all . She does not yet leave her dressing-room . Mary and Kitty , thank Heaven , are quite well ."
" But you--how are you ?" cried Elizabeth . " You look pale . How much you must have gone through !"
Her sister , however , assured her of her being perfectly well ; and their conversation , which had been passing while Mr . and Mrs . Gardiner were engaged with their children , was now put an end to by the approach of the whole party . Jane ran to her uncle and aunt , and welcomed and thanked them both , with alternate smiles and tears .
When they were all in the drawing-room , the questions which Elizabeth had already asked were of course repeated by the others , and they soon