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The sudden acquisition of ten thousand pounds was the

most remarkable charm of the young lady to whom he was

now rendering himself agreeable; but Elizabeth, less clear-~

sighted perhaps in this case than in Charlotte's, did not

quarrel with him for his wish of independence. Nothing,

on the contrary, could be more natural; and, while able to

suppose that it cost him a few struggles to relinquish her,

she was ready to allow it a wise and desirable measure for

both, and could very sincerely wish him happy.

All this was acknowledged to Mrs. Gardiner; and, after

relating the circumstances, she thus went on: -- 'I am now

convinced, my dear aunt, that I have never been much in

love; for had I really experienced that pure and elevating

passion, I should at present detest his very name, and wish

him all manner of evil. But my feelings are not only

cordial towards _him,_ they are even impartial towards Miss

King. I cannot find out that I hate her at all, or that I

am in the least unwilling to think her a very good sort of

girl. There can be no love in all this. My watchfulness has

been effectual; and though I should certainly be a more in-

teresting object to all my acquaintance, were I distractedly

in love with him, I cannot say that I regret my comparative

insignificance. Importance may sometimes be purchased

too dearly. Kitty and Lydia take his defection much more

to heart than I do. They are young in the ways of the

world, and not yet open to the mortifying conviction that

handsome young men must have something to live on, as

well as the plain.'

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