"These matters are always a secret, till it is found out that every body knows them.

Only let me be told when I may speak out .-- I wonder whether Jane has any suspicion." He went to Highbury the next morning, and satisfied himself on that point.

He told her the news.

Was not she like a daughter, his eldest daughter ?--he must tell her; and Miss Bates being present, it passed, of course, to Mrs.Cole, Mrs.Perry, and Mrs.Elton, immediately afterwards.

It was no more than the principals were prepared for; they had calculated from the time of its being known at Randalls, how soon it would be over Highbury; and were thinking of themselves, as the evening wonder in many a family circle, with great sagacity.
In general, it was a very well approved match.