"That is to say, you had given your permission. I guessed as much." And though he exclaimed at the term, she found that it had been pretty much the case.

     "On the evening before my going to London," said he, "I made a confession to him, which I believe I ought to have made long ago. I told him of all that had occurred to make my former interference in his affairs absurd and impertinent. His surprise was great. He had never had the slightest suspicion. I told him, moreover, that I believed myself mistaken in supposing, as I had done, that your sister was indifferent to him; and as I could easily perceive that his attachment to her was unabated, I felt no doubt of their happiness together."

     Elizabeth could not help smiling at his easy manner of directing his friend.

     "Did you speak from your own observation," said she, "when you told him that my sister loved him, or merely from my information last spring?"

     "From the former. I had narrowly observed her during the two visits which I had lately made here; and I was convinced of her affection."

     "And your assurance of it, I suppose, carried immediate conviction to him."