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She dared not even mention that gentleman. Her curiosity,

however, was unexpectedly relieved. Mr. Wickham began

the subject himself. He inquired how far Netherfield was

from Meryton; and, after receiving her answer, asked in a

hesitating manner how long Mr. Darcy had been staying

there.

'About a month,' said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let

the subject drop, added, 'he is a man of very large property

in Derbyshire, I understand.'

'Yes,' replied Wickham; 'his estate there is a noble one.

A clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met

with a person more capable of giving you certain informa-

tion on that head than myself -- for I have been connected

with his family, in a particular manner, from my infancy.'

Elizabeth could not but look surprised.

'You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, at such an as-

sertion, after seeing, as you probably might, the very cold

manner of our meeting yesterday. Are you much acquainted

with Mr. Darcy?'

'As much as I ever wish to be,' cried Elizabeth, warmly.

'I have spent four days in the same house with him, and I

think him very disagreeable.'

'I have no right to give _my_ opinion,' said Wickham, 'as

to his being agreeable or otherwise. I am not qualified to

form one. I have known him too long and too well to be

a fair judge. It is impossible for _me_ to be impartial. But

I believe your opinion of him would in general astonish --

and, perhaps, you would not express it quite so strongly

anywhere else. Here you are in your own family.'

'Upon my word I say no more _here_ than I might say in

any house in the neighbourhood, except Netherfield. He is

not at all liked in Hertfordshire. Everybody is disgusted

with his pride. You will not find him more favourably spoken

of by any one.'

'I cannot pretend to be sorry,' said Wickham, after a short

interruption, 'that he or that any man should not be esti-

mated beyond their deserts; but with _him_ I believe it does

not often happen. The world is blinded by his fortune and

consequence, or frightened by his high and imposing man-

ners, and sees him only as he chooses to be seen.'

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