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Rh even anxious about it, and, for the next three days, she harassed both Fanny and herself with misgivings as to Mr. Bennett's forgetfulness. The fourth evening came and still no letter; when, just as Mrs. Beaumont was saying "Ah Fanny, it is of no use hoping, nobody cares for us now," a parcel was brought in addressed to her. It was opened with trembling eagerness, and, among other things, Fanny saw a letter inscribed to herself. The contents ran thus:–

"My dear young Friend, "My long silence, occasioned by severe illness, has I fear led you to suppose that I had forgotten the interest that I had expressed in your situation: as soon as you mentioned what your wishes for the future were, a plan occurred to me which I trusted might prove mutually agreeable. Mrs. Bennett agrees with myself in thinking our little girls will be most fortunate if placed under your care. She has herself written to you. Will you permit me to enclose the