“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.”
“And till Colonel Forster came himself, not one of you entertained a doubt,I suppose,of their being really married?”
But Mr. Gardiner, though he assured her again of his earnest endeavours in the cause, could not avoid recommending moderation to her,as well in her hopes as her fear;and after talking with her in this manner till dinner was on the table,they all left her to vent all her feelings on the housekeeper,who attended in the absence of her daughters.