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'And men take care that they should.'

'If it is designedly done, they cannot be justified; but I

have no idea of there being so much design in the world as

some persons imagine.'

'I am far from attributing any part of Mr. Bingley's

conduct to design,' said Elizabeth; 'but, without scheming

to do wrong, or to make others unhappy, there may be error

and there may be misery. Thoughtlessness, want of atten-

tion to other people's feelings, and want of resolution, will

do the business.'

'And do you impute it to either of those?'

'Yes; to the last. But if I go on I shall displease you

by saying what I think of persons you esteem. Stop me

whilst you can.'

'You persist, then, in supposing his sisters influence him.'

'Yes, in conjunction with his friend.'

'I cannot believe it. Why should they try to influence

him? They can only wish his happiness; and if he is

attached to me no other woman can secure it.'

'Your first position is false. They may wish many things

besides his happiness: they may wish his increase of wealth

and consequence; they may wish him to marry a girl who

has all the importance of money, great connections, and

pride.'

'Beyond a doubt they do wish him to choose Miss Darcy,'

replied Jane; 'but this may be from better feelings than you

are supposing. They have known her much longer than they

have known me; no wonder if they love her better. But,

whatever may be their own wishes, it is very unlikely they

should have opposed their brother's. What sister would

think herself at liberty to do it, unless there were something

very objectionable? If they believed him attached to me

they would not try to part us; if he were so they could not

succeed. By supposing such an affection, you make every-

body acting unnaturally and wrong, and me most unhappy.

Do not distress me by the idea. I am not ashamed of having

been mistaken -- or, at least it is slight, it is nothing in

comparison of what I should feel in thinking ill of him or his

sisters. Let me take it in the best light, in the light in which

it may be understood.'

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