Part 42 (1/2)

MR. BENNET.

That is what I should like to know.

ELIZABETH.

Well, my uncle's kindness can never be requited. If such goodness as his does not make Lydia miserable, then she will never deserve to be happy.

[_Laughter and voices are heard outside._]

ELIZABETH.

Surely I hear voices. [_Looking off._] Why, they have come. See papa--Jane--there are Lydia and Wickham.

MR. BENNET.

Yes, here they are. I will go to the library. I can receive their congratulations later. You know I am prodigiously fond of Wickham, Lizzy. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-in-law.

[_He goes out._]

JANE.

I must run and tell mamma.

[_She is just starting when_ WICKHAM _and_ LYDIA _enter. They are in travelling dress and are followed by servants bringing all sorts of bandboxes, wraps and parcels. They come in with the utmost unconcern and no shadow of shame._]

LYDIA.

Well, Jane, well, Lizzy, here we are!

WICKHAM.

[_Smiling and unabashed._] My sister, Jane--My sister Elizabeth.

[_He kisses their hands._ JANE _and_ ELIZABETH _are confused and blus.h.i.+ng. Neither_ WICKHAM _nor_ LYDIA _is in the least discomposed_.]

LYDIA.

[_Looking about._] Good gracious! Here I am again! I am sure I had no idea of being married when I went away, though I thought it would be very good fun if I was. Why don't you take the boxes in, Harris?

Wickham, have you seen my pink-flowered bandbox? [_Looking over the parcels._] No, it isn't here. Oh, my dear Wickham, do go fetch it--you know 'tis the box with the white satin hat you bought me. I wouldn't lose it for the world. Go, go!

WICKHAM.