{{prxprp072.jpg}} || 72 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

or lose the influence of the Pemberley House, is a powerful

motive. He has also brotherly pride, which, with some brotherly

affection, makes him a very kind and careful guardian of his

sister; and you will hear him generally cried up as the most

attentive and best of brothers.'

'What sort of a girl is Miss Darcy J '

He shook his head. -- 'I wish I could call her amiable. It

gives me pain to speak ill of a Darcy. But she is too much like

her brother -- very, very proud. -- As a child, she was affectionate

and pleasing, and extremely fond of me; and I have devoted

hours and hours to her amusement. But she is nothing to me

now. She is a handsome girl, about fifteen or sixteen, and

I understand highly accomplished. Since her father's death,

her home has been London, where a lady lives with her, and

superintends her education.'

After many pauses and many trials of other subjects, Elizabeth

could not help reverting once more to the first, and saying,

'I am astonished at his intimacy with Mr. Bingley! How can

Mr. Bingley, who seems good humour itself, and is, I really

believe, truly amiable, be in friendship with such a man? How

can they suit each others -- Do you know Mr. Bingley?'

'Not at all.'

'He is a sweet-tempered, amiable, charming man. He cannot

know what Mr. Darcy is.'

'Probably not; -- but Mr. Darcy can please where he chuses.

He does not want abilities. He can be a conversible companion

if he thinks it worth his while. Among those who are at all

his equals in consequence, he is a very different man from what

he is to the less prosperous. His pride never deserts him; but

with the rich he is liberal-minded, just, sincere, rational,

honourable, and perhaps agreeable -- allowing something for

fortune and figure.'

The whist party soon afterwards breaking up, the players

gathered round the other table, and Mr. Collins took his station

between his cousin Elizabeth and Mrs. Philips. -- The usual

inquiries as to his success were made by the latter. It had not

been very great; he had lost every point; but when Mrs. Philips

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