"Now I have got some news for you," said Lydia, as they sat down at table. "What do you think? It is excellent news--capital news--and about a certain person we all like!"

     Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other, and the waiter was told he need not stay. Lydia laughed, and said:

     "Aye, that is just like your formality and discretion. You thought the waiter must not hear, as if he cared! I dare say he often hears worse things said than I am going to say. But he is an ugly fellow! I am glad he is gone. I never saw such a long chin in my life. Well, but now for my news; it is about dear Wickham; too good for the waiter, is it not? There is no danger of Wickham's marrying Mary King. There's for you! She is gone down to her uncle at Liverpool: gone to stay. Wickham is safe."

     "And Mary King is safe!" added Elizabeth; "safe from a connection imprudent as to fortune."

     "She is a great fool for going away, if she liked him."