{{prxprp238.jpg}} || 238 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

no connections, nothing that can tempt him to -- she is lost

for ever.'

Darcy was fixed in astonishment. 'When I consider,' she

added in a yet more agitated voice, 'that I might have prevented

it! -- 7, who knew what he was. Had I but explained some part

of it only -- some pan of what I learnt, to my own family! Had

his character been known, this could not have happened. But

it is all, all too late now.'

'I am grieved indeed,' cried Darcy; 'grieved -- shocked. But

is it certain -- absolutely certain I '

'Oh yes! -- They left Brighton together on Sunday night, and

were traced almost to London, but not beyond; they are certainly

not gone to Scotland.'

'And what has been done, what has been attempted, to

recover her?'

'My father is gone to London, and Jane has written to beg my

uncle's immediate assistance; and we shall be off, I hope, in half

an hour. But nothing can be done, I know very well that

nothing can be done. How is such a man to be worked on;

How are they even to be discovered; I have not die smallest

hope. It is every way horrible!'

Darcy shook his head in silent acquiescence.

'When my eyes were opened to his real character. -- Oh! had

I known what I ought, what I dared, to do! But I knew not --

I was afraid of doing too much. Wretched, wretched mistake!'

Darcy made no answer. He seemed scarcely to hear her, and

was walking up and down the room in earnest meditation; his

brow contracted, his air gloomy. Elizabeth soon observed, and

instandy understood it. Her power was sinking; everything must

sink under such a proof of family weakness, such an assurance of

the deepest disgrace. She could neither wonder nor condemn,

but the belief of his sclf-conquest brought nothing consolatory to

her bosom, afforded no palliation of her distress. It was, on the

contrary, exactly calculated to make her understand her own

wishes; and never had she so honestly felt that she could have

loved him, as now, when all love must be vain.

But self, though it would intrude, could not engross her.

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