{{prxprp127.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 127 ||

abominable Mr. Darcy! -- My father's opinion of me does me the

greatest honour; and I should be miserable to forfeit it. My

father, however, is partial to Mr. Wickham. In short, my dear

aunt, I should be very sorry to be the means of making any of

you unhappy; but since we see every day that where there is

affection, young people are seldom withheld by immediate want

of fortune, from entering into engagements with each other, how

can I promise to be wiser than so many of my fellow'Creatures, if

I am tempted, or how am I even to know that it would be wisdom

to resist; All that I can promise you, therefore, is not to be in a

hurry. I will not be in a hurry to believe myself his fiisi object.

When I am in company with him, I will not be wishing. In

short, I will do my best.'

'Perhaps it will be as well, if you discourage his coming here

so very often. At least, you should not remind your mother of

inviting him.'

'As I did the other day,' said Elizabeth with a conscious smile:

'very true, it will be wise in me to refrain from that. But do not

imagine that he is always here so often. It is on your account

that he has been so frequently invited this week. You know my

mother's ideas as to the nectssity of constant company for her

friends. But really, and upon my honour, I will try to do what

I think to be wisest; and now, I hope you are satisfied.'

Her aunt assured her that she was, and Elizabeth having

thanked her for the kindness of her hints, they parted; a wonderful

instance of advice being given on such a point, without being

resented.

Mr. Collins returned into Hertfordshire soon after it had been

quitted by the Gardiners and Jane; but as he took up his abode

with the Lucases, his arrival was no great inconvenience to

Mrs. Bennet. His marriage was now fast approaching, and she

was at length so far resigned as to think it inevitable, and even

repeatedly to say, in an ill-natured tone, that she 'wished they

might be happy.' Thursday was to be the wedding day, and on

Wednesday Miss [Lucas] paid her farewell visit; and when she

rose to take leave, Elizabeth, ashamed of her mother's ungracious

and reluctant good wishes, and sincerely affected herself, acconv

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