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Chapter XL

Elizabeth's impatience to acquaint Jane with what

had happened could no longer be overcome; and at

length, resolving to suppress every particular in which

her sister was concerned, and preparing her to be surprised,

she related to her the next morning the chief of the scene

between Mr. Darcy and herself.

Miss Bennet's astonishment was soon lessened by the strong

sisterly partiality which made any admiration of Elizabeth

appear perfectly natural; and all surprise was shortly lost in

other feelings. She was sorry that Mr. Darcy should have

delivered his sentiments in a manner so little suited to recom-

mend them; but still more was she grieved for the unhappi-

ness which her sister's refusal must have given him.

'His being so sure of succeeding was wrong,' said she,

'and certainly ought not to have appeared; but consider how

much it must increase his disappointment.'

'Indeed,' replied Elizabeth, 'I am heartily sorry for him;

but he has other feelings which will probably soon drive away

his regard for me. You do not blame me, however, for

refusing him?'

'Blame you! Oh, no.'

'But you blame me for having spoken so warmly of

Wickham?'

'No -- I do not know that you were wrong in saying what

you did.'

'But you _will_ know it, when I have told you what happened

the very next day.'

She then spoke of the letter, repeating the whole of its

contents as far as they concerned George Wickham. What a

stroke was this for poor Jane! who would willingly have gone

through the world without believing that so much wickedness

existed in the whole race of mankind as was here collected

in one individual. Nor was Darcy's vindication, though

grateful to her feelings, capable of consoling her for such

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