At last it was time for leave-taking, which was the occasion for many instructions, cautions, &c. On Kitty’s part were recommendations as to the employment of her bonnet, and describing the presents she imagined would be no trouble at all, nearly all of which were repetitions of the conversation over the tea. Mr. Bennet’s adieu to Elizabeth was longer and much more affecting, and as he took both of Elizabeth’s hands and kissed her good-bye, she realised that they were actually going to be separated from home and friends for a long time. “What changes we may see when we return!” she thought. Mr. Bennet turned away from the party, resorting to the library for the purpose of cheering his spirits. Kitty settled back into her accustomed rôle of keeping house for her father and husband, and finding herself continually robbed of the pleasure of being unhappy by the dependable good humour of both. Parson Overstowey continued to wave and shout advice and good wishes from the lane well after the carriages were over the hill and out of view.

A stay at Kettering provided a convenient stopping-place for the first night. Although but a modest post-house, the Darcys assumed the customary perquisites of present-day travellers on an English road: pleasant inn-keepers, plenty of good-tasting, wholesome food, and clean apartments. What was expected as a matter of course was soon become a fool’s paradise. However, for the present, the three journeyed comfortably onward into Hertfordshire, stopping at Longbourn, the seat now in the possession of Mr. and Mrs. Collins as, it being Sunday on the morrow, there was no travel. The Pemberley family seldom saw Mr. Collins and Mary, especially after their removal to Longbourn; the latter’s income admitted of little travel, and their mutual inclination to remain within their accustomed circle did not encourage it. Mary did her best to make all feel welcome, and Elizabeth was both surprised and pleased at the energy with which she did the honours of her home.

Mr. Collins and his second wife suited each other exceedingly well; both had acquired a confidence and steadiness that had been wanting before their marriage. However, whilst Mr. Collins was less absurd and Mary more reasonable, making them extremely agreeable companions to one another in a constant intercourse seldom relieved by visitors to their family circle, the particularity of their views and habits had multiplied rather than mitigated the oddities of both. Mr. Collins could often be seen swaying beside his wife, eyes asquint close-up to the music-book as she played and sang, for in this case marriage had not led to a reduction in the activity, as Mary now had an uncritical audience whose delight in her display encouraged it often.