eight o'clock in the morning
With no expectation of pleasure , but with the strongest curiosity , Elizabeth opened the letter , and , to her still increasing wonder , perceived an envelope containing two sheets of letter-paper , written quite through , in a very close hand . The envelope itself was likewise full . Pursuing her way along the lane , she then began it . It was dated from Rosings , at eight o'clock in the morning , and was as follows : -- `` Be not alarmed , madam , on receiving this letter , by the apprehension of its containing any repetition of those sentiments or renewal of those offers which were last night so disgusting to you . I write without any intention of paining you , or humbling myself , by dwelling on wishes which , for the happiness of both , can not be too soon forgotten ; and the effort which the formation and the perusal of this letter must occasion , should have been spared , had not my character required it to be written and read . You must , therefore , pardon the freedom with which I demand your attention ; your feelings , I know , will bestow it unwillingly , but I demand it of your justice . `` Two offenses of a very different nature , and by no means of equal magnitude , you last night laid to my charge .