Sometimes one officer, sometimes another, had been her favourite, as their attentions raised them in her opinion.

Her affections had continually been fluctuating but never without an object.

The mischief of neglect and mistaken indulgence towards such a girl--oh! how acutely did she now feel it! She was wild to be at home--to hear, to see, to be upon the spot to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon her, in a family so deranged, a father absent, a mother incapable of exertion, and requiring constant attendance; and though almost persuaded that nothing could be done for Lydia, her uncle's interference seemed of the utmost importance, and till he entered the room her impatience was severe.

Mr.
and Mrs.Gardiner had hurried back in alarm, supposing by the servant's account that their niece was taken suddenly ill; but satisfying them instantly on that head, she eagerly communicated the cause of their summons, reading the two letters aloud, and dwelling on the postscript of the last with trembling energy, though Lydia had never been a favourite with them, Mr.and Mrs.Gardiner could not but be deeply afflicted.

Not Lydia only, but all were concerned in it; and after the first exclamations of surprise and horror, Mr.Gardiner promised every assistance in his power.