............prev.....................next{{prxprp126.jpg}} || 126 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||
of him, she tried to remember something of that gentleman's
reputed disposition when quite a lad, which might agree with it,
and was confident at last, that she recollected having heard
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy formerly spoken of as a very proud,
ill-natured boy.
Mrs. Gardiner's caution to Elizabeth was punctually and
kindly given on the first favourable opportunity of speaking to
her alone; after honestly telling her what she thought, she thus
went on:
'You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in love merely because
you are warned against it; and, therefore, I am not afraid of
speaking openly. Seriously, I would have you be on your
guard. Do not involve yourself, or endeavour to involve him in
an affection which the want of fortune would make so very
imprudent. I have nothing to say against him; he is a most
interesting young man; and if he had the fortune he ought to
have, I should think you could not do better. But as it is -- you
must not let your fancy run away with you. You have sense,
and we all expect you to use it. Your father would depend on
your resolution and good conduct, I am sure. You must not
disappoint your father.'
'My dear aunt, this is being serious indeed.'
'Yes, and I hope to engage you to be serious likewise.'
'Well, then, you need not be under any alarm. I will take
care of myself, and of Mr. Wickham too. He shall not be in
love with me, if I can prevent it.'
'Elizabeth, you are not serious now.'
'I beg your pardon. I will try again. At present I am not in
love with Mr. Wickham; no, I certainly am not. But he is,
beyond all comparison, the most agreeable man I ever saw -- and
if he becomes really attached to me -- I believe it will be better
that he should not. I see the imprudence of it. -- Oh! that
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