{{prxprp214.jpg}} || 214 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

when they grow up; and he was always the sweetest'tempered,

most generous'hearted boy in the world.'

Elizabeth almost stared at her. -- 'Can this be Mr. Darcy!'

thought she.

'His father was an excellent man,' said Mrs. Gardiner.

'Yes, ma'am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just

like him -- just as affable to the poor.'

Elizabeth listened, wondered, doubted, and was impatient for

more. Mrs. Reynolds could interest her on no other point. She

related the subjects of the pictures, the dimensions of the rooms,

and the price of the furniture in vain. Mr. Gardiner, highly

amused by the kind of family prejudice, to which he attributed

her excessive commendation of her master, soon led again to the

subject; and she dwelt with energy on his many merits, as they

proceeded together up the great staircase.

'He is the best landlord, and the best master,' said she, 'that

ever lived. Not like the wild young men nowadays, who think

of nothing but themselves. There is not one of his tenants or

servants but what will give him a good name. Some people

call him proud; but I am sure I never saw anything of it. To my

fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other

young men.'

'In what an amiable light does this place him!' thought

Elizabeth.

'This fine account of him,' whispered her aunt, as they walked,

'is not quite consistent with his behaviour to our poor friend.'

'Perhaps we might be deceived.'

'That is not very likely; our authority was too good.'

On reaching the spacious lobby above, they were shown into

a very pretty sitting-room, lately fitted up with greater elegance

and lightness than the apartments below; and were informed that

it was but just done to give pleasure to Miss Darcy, who had

taken a liking to the room, when last at Pemberlcy.

'He is certainly a good brother,' said Elizabeth, as she walked

towards one of the windows.

Mrs. Reynolds anticipated Miss Darcy 's delight, when she

should enter the room. 'And this is always the way with him,'

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