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Chapter XVII

Elizabeth related to Jane, the next day, what had

passed between Mr. Wickham and herself. Jane lis-

tened with astonishment and concern: she knew not

how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr.

Bingley's regard; and yet it was not in her nature to question

the veracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as

Wickham. The possibility of his having really endured such

unkindness was enough to interest all her tender feelings;

and nothing therefore remained to be done but to think well

of them both, to defend the conduct of each, and throw into

the account of accident or mistake whatever could not be

otherwise explained.

'They have both,' said she, 'been deceived, I daresay, in

some way or other, of which we can form no idea. Interested

people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other. It is,

in short, impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circum-

stances which may have alienated them, without actual blame

on either side.'

'Very true, indeed; and now, my dear Jane, what have

you got to say in behalf of the interested people who have

probably been concerned in the business? Do clear _them,_

too, or we shall be obliged to think ill of somebody.'

'Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me

out of my opinion. My dearest Lizzy, do but consider in

what a disgraceful light it places Mr. Darcy, to be treating

his father's favourite in such a manner, -- one whom his father

had promised to provide for. It is impossible. No man of

common humanity, no man who had any value for his char-

acter, could be capable of it. Can his most intimate friends

be so excessively deceived in him? Oh no.'

'I can much more easily believe Mr. Bingley's being im-

posed on than that Mr. Wickham should invent such a history

of himself as he gave me last night; names, facts, everything

mentioned without ceremony. If it be not so, let Mr. Darcy

contradict it. Besides, there was truth in his looks.'

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