Chapter 47 272
whisper to Elizabeth , with a countenance of grave reflection , soon after they were seated at table :
" This is a most unfortunate affair , and will probably be much talked of . But we must stem the tide of malice , and pour into the wounded bosoms of each other the balm of sisterly consolation ."
Then , perceiving in Elizabeth no inclination of replying , she added , " Unhappy as the event must be for Lydia , we may draw from it this useful lesson : that loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable ; that one false step involves her in endless ruin ; that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful ; and that she cannot be too much guarded in her behaviour towards the undeserving of the other sex ."
Elizabeth lifted up her eyes in amazement , but was too much oppressed to make any reply . Mary , however , continued to console herself with such kind of moral extractions from the evil before them .
In the afternoon , the two elder Miss Bennets were able to be for half-an-hour by themselves ; and Elizabeth instantly availed herself of the opportunity of making any inquiries , which Jane was equally eager to satisfy . After joining in general lamentations over the dreadful sequel of this event , which Elizabeth considered as all but certain , and Miss Bennet could not assert to be wholly impossible , the former continued the subject , by saying , " But tell me all and everything about it which I have not already heard . Give me further particulars . What did Colonel Forster say ? Had they no apprehension of anything before the elopement took place ? They must have seen them together for ever ."
" Colonel Forster did own that he had often suspected some partiality , especially on Lydia ' s side , but nothing to give him any alarm . I am so grieved for him ! His behaviour was attentive and kind to the utmost . He was coming to us , in order to assure us of his concern , before he had any idea of their not being gone to Scotland : when that apprehension first got abroad , it hastened his journey ."