{{prxprp190.jpg}} || 190 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

And when her sisters abused it as ugly, she added, with perfect

unconcern, 'Oh! but there were two or three much uglier in the

shop; and when I have bought some prettier-coloured satin to

trim it with fresh, I think it will be very tolerable. Besides, it

will not much signify what one wears this summer, after the

shire have left Mcryton, and they arc going in a fortnight.'

'Are they indeed!' cried Elizabeth, with the greatest satisfaction.

'They arc going to be encamped near Brighton; and I do so

want papa to take us all there for the summer! It would be such

a delicious scheme, and I dare say would hardly cost anything at

all. Mamma would like to go too of all things! Only think

what a miserable summer else we shall have!'

'Yes,' thought Elizabeth, 'that would be a delightful scheme,

indeed, and completely do for us at once. Good Heaven!

Brighton, and a whole camp full of soldiers, to us, who have

been overset already by one poor regiment of militia, and the

monthly balls of Meryton!'

'Now I have got some news for you,' said Lydia, as they sat

down to table. 'What do you think? It is excellent news,

capital news, and about a certain person that we all like.'

Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other, and the waiter was

told that he need not stay. Lydia laughed, and said,

'Aye, that is just like your formality and discretion. You

thought the waiter must not hear, as if he cared! I dare say he

often hears worse things said than I am going to say. But he is

an ugly fellow! I am glad he is gone. I never saw such a long

chin in my life. Well, but now for my news: it is about dear

Wickham; too good for the waiter, is not it? There is no danger

of Wickham's marrying Mary King. -- There's for you! She is

gone down to her uncle at Liverpool; gone to stay. Wickham

is safe.'

'And Mary King is safe!' added Elizabeth; 'safe from a

connection imprudent as to fortune.'

'She is a great fool for going away, if she liked him.'

'But I hope there is no strong attachment on cither side,' said

Jane.

'I am sure there is not on his. I will answer for it he never

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