Colonel Forster gives us reason to expect him here soon.

Lydia left a few lines for his wife, informing her of their intention.

I must conclude, for I cannot be long from my poor mother.

I am afraid you will not be able to make it out, but I hardly know what I have written." Without allowing herself time for consideration, and scarcely knowing what she felt, Elizabeth on finishing this letter instantly seized the other, and opening it with the utmost impatience, read as follows: it had been written a day later than the conclusion of the first.
"By this time, my dearest sister, you have received my hurried letter; I wish this may be more intelligible, but though not confined for time, my head is so bewildered that I cannot answer for being coherent.

Dearest Lizzy, I hardly know what I would write, but I have bad news for you, and it cannot be delayed.