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���������~�ء���xӋ���������cƫҊ��������Elizabeth had agreed to visit Charlotte in March. She had at first not thought very seriously about going, but Charlotte was very eager that she should do so. She was to go along with Sir William and his second daughter Maria. With time it was decided that they would also spend a night in London, and the plan became as perfect as could be. The only problem was that she would have to leave her father, who would certainly miss her-so much so that he almost promised to answer her letters.����The farewell between herself and Mr. Wickham was perfectly friendly, even more so on his side than hers. Although his attentions were now focused elsewhere, nothing could not make him forget that Elizabeth had been the first to excite his affection. She parted from him convinced that, whether he were married or single, he must always be her model of what was friendly and pleasing.����The day came when Elizabeth and the Lucases were to leave for London, on the way to visit Charlotte in Kent. The distance to London was only twenty-four miles, and they began it early so as to arrive in Gracechurch Street by noon. As they drove to Mr. Gardiner's door, Jane was at a window waiting for their arrival. When they came in, she was there to welcome them. Elizabeth, looki.ng eagerly in her face, was pleased to see she looked as healthy and lovely as ever.����Elizabeth then found an excuse to sit by her aunt. Their first subject to discuss was her sister. Elizabeth was more upset than surprised to hear that, although Jane always struggled to stay happy, there were still periods of sadness.����Mrs. Gardiner then comforted her niece on the topic of Mr. Wickham's new love interest, and complimented her on dealing with it so well.Before they were interrupted by others, she had the unexpected happiness of receiving an invitation to go with her uncle and aunt on a����vacation tour, which they planned to take in the summer.����"We have not decided how far we will go," said Mrs. Gardiner, "but, perhaps, to the Lake District."����No plan could have been more agreeable to Elizabeth, and she gratefully accepted the invitation. "Oh, my dear, dear aunt," she joyously cried, "what joy! What happiness! Who can care about young men when surrounded by rocks and mountains?"��������