Part 39 (1/2)

JANE.

[_Who has been looking off toward the driveway during part of this tirade._] Oh, mamma--mamma! Lizzy's running up the drive. She is smiling! She has some good news, I am sure.

MRS. BENNET.

Take care, Jane. You are exciting me. Oh, my poor nerves.

[ELIZABETH _enters, breathless. She has a letter in her hand._]

ELIZABETH.

Oh, good news--good news, Jane!--mamma! They are married!

JANE.

Oh, Lizzy--Lizzy!

MRS. BENNET.

You are sure, Lizzy? Don't excite me. You are sure?

ELIZABETH.

[_Half laughing and half crying._] Oh, yes, 'tis certain. My dear Aunt Gardiner has written me all about it. They are really married! Oh, how good my uncle is! [_She kisses the letter._]

MRS. BENNET.

Oh, Jane--Oh, Lizzy! My dear, dear Lydia! She is really married! I shall see her again! Oh, my good, kind brother! But how did it happen, Lizzy?

JANE.

Yes, tell us all about it. Let me read it. [_She reaches for the letter._]

ELIZABETH.

[_Keeping the letter._] No, I will tell you. Well, my father and my uncle succeeded in finding Lydia. My aunt does not tell me just how it was done.

MRS. BENNET.

[_Triumphantly._] And your father found that they were married after all. I told him----

ELIZABETH.