[Hesitatingly.] I might perhaps bring Colonel Forster in for a few moments on the way back—that is, if we return this way.
All.
Oh, yes, do.
Mrs. Bennet.
Yes, indeed. Tell Colonel Forster we should be delighted to see him.
Wickham.
Thank you, I will. But now I really must be gone. [Bowing brightly to Jane and Lydia.] Good morning.
[To Charlotte Lucas.] Good morning, Miss Lucas. You must let me hear more about those clever plans of yours. I am vastly interested in them. [To Elizabeth.] Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. [Laughing.] You must try to temper your justice with mercy the next time I join you in a walk. [Pausing, he looks at Mrs. Bennet, who is standing between her daughters.] Do you know, Mrs. Bennet, that you always remind me of one of my old schoolboy phrases. Filiæ pulchræ!—Mater pulchrior! Good-bye.
[He runs off laughing. He has only gone a few steps when Lydia, who has been standing close to the door, runs out and calls to him.]
Lydia.