She had never heard of his having had any relations, except a father and mother,both of whom had been dead many years.It was possible,however,that some of his companions in the―shire might be able to give more information;and though she was not very sanguine in expecting it,the application was a something to look forward to.
Elizabeth was at no loss to understand from whence this deference to her authority proceeded; but it was not in her power to give any information of so satisfactory a nature as the compliment deserved.
When he was gone, they were certain at least of receiving constant information of what was going on, and their uncle promised, at parting, to prevail on Mr. Bennet to return to Longbourn, as soon as he could,to the great consolation of his sister,who considered it as the only security for her husband's not being killed in a duel.
Mrs.Gardiner and the children were to remain in Hertfordshire a few days longer, as the former thought her presence might be serviceable to her nieces. She shared in their attendance on Mrs. Bennet, and was a great comfort to them in their hours of freedom.Their other aunt also visited them frequently, and always, as she said, with the design of cheering and heartening them up―though, as she never came without reporting some fresh instance of Wickham's extravagance or irregularity, she seldom went away without leaving them more dispirited than she found them.