............prev.....................next{{prxprp194.jpg}} || 194 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||
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 surprized, 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 surprize was shortly lost in other feelings.
She was sorry that Mr. Darcy should have delivered his sentiments
in a manner so little suited to recommend them; but still more
was she grieved for the unhappiness 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 discovery. Most earnestly
194
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