It was kindly said, and very far from giving offence.  A pleasant “thank you” seemed meant to laugh it off, but a blush, a quivering lip, a tear in the eye, shewed that it was felt beyond a laugh.  Her attention was now claimed by Mr. Woodhouse, who being, according to his custom on such occasions, making the circle of his guests, and paying his particular compliments to the ladies, was ending with her—­and with all his mildest urbanity, said,

“I am very sorry to hear, Miss Fairfax, of your being out this morning in the rain.  Young ladies should take care of themselves.—­ Young ladies are delicate plants.  They should take care of their health and their complexion.  My dear, did you change your stockings?”

“Yes, sir, I did indeed; and I am very much obliged by your kind solicitude about me.”

“My dear Miss Fairfax, young ladies are very sure to be cared for.—­ I hope your good grand-mama and aunt are well.  They are some of my very old friends.  I wish my health allowed me to be a better neighbour.  You do us a great deal of honour to-day, I am sure.  My daughter and I are both highly sensible of your goodness, and have the greatest satisfaction in seeing you at Hartfield.”

The kind-hearted, polite old man might then sit down and feel that he had done his duty, and made every fair lady welcome and easy.

By this time, the walk in the rain had reached Mrs. Elton, and her remonstrances now opened upon Jane.

“My dear Jane, what is this I hear?—­Going to the post-office in the rain!—­This must not be, I assure you.—­You sad girl, how could you do such a thing?—­It is a sign I was not there to take care of you.”

Jane very patiently assured her that she had not caught any cold.

“Oh! do not tell me.  You really are a very sad girl, and do not know how to take care of yourself.—­To the post-office indeed!  Mrs. Weston, did you ever hear the like?  You and I must positively exert our authority.”

“My advice,” said Mrs. Weston kindly and persuasively, “I certainly do feel tempted to give.  Miss Fairfax, you must not run such risks.—­ Liable as you have been to severe colds, indeed you ought to be particularly careful, especially at this time of year.  The spring I always think requires more than common care.  Better wait an hour or two, or even half a day for your letters, than run the risk of bringing on your cough again.  Now do not you feel that you had?  Yes, I am sure you are much too reasonable.  You look as if you would not do such a thing again.”

“Oh! she shall not do such a thing again,” eagerly rejoined Mrs. Elton.  “We will not allow her to do such a thing again:”—­ and nodding significantly—­“there must be some arrangement made, there must indeed.  I shall speak to Mr. E. The man who fetches our letters every morning (one of our men, I forget his name) shall inquire for yours too and bring them to you.  That will obviate all difficulties you know; and from us I really think, my dear Jane, you can have no scruple to accept such an accommodation.”