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and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the

world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day

confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human char-

acters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the

appearance of either merit or sense. I have met with two

instances lately: one I will not mention, the other is Char-

lotte's marriage. It is unaccountable! in every view it is un-

accountable!'

'My dear Lizzy, do not give way to such feelings as these.

They will ruin your happiness. You do not make allowance

enough for difference of situation and temper. Consider

Mr. Collins's respectability, and Charlotte's prudent, steady

character. Remember that she is one of a large family; that

as to fortune it is a most eligible match; and be ready to

believe, for everybody's sake, that she may feel something

like regard and esteem for our cousin.'

'To oblige you, I would try to believe almost anything,

but no one else could be benefited by such a belief as this;

for were I persuaded that Charlotte had any regard for him,

I should only think worse of her understanding than I now

do of her heart. My dear Jane, Mr. Collins is a conceited,

pompous, narrow-minded, silly man: you know he is, as well

as I do; and you must feel, as well as I do, that the woman

who marries him cannot have a proper way of thinking.

You shall not defend her, though it is Charlotte Lucas. You

shall not, for the sake of one individual, change the meaning

of principle and integrity, nor endeavour to persuade your-

self or me that selfishness is prudence, and insensibility of

danger security for happiness.'

'I must think your language too strong in speaking of

both,' replied Jane; 'and i hope you will be convinced of it,

by seeing them happy together. But enough of this. You

alluded to something else. You mentioned _two_ instances. I

cannot misunderstand you, but I entreat you, dear Lizzy, not

to pain me by thinking _that_ _person_ to blame, and saying your

opinion of him is sunk. We must not be so ready to fancy

ourselves intentionally injured. We must not expect a lively

young man to be always so guarded and circumspect. It is

very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us.

Women fancy admiration means more than it does.'

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