{{prxprp281.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 281 ||

he had liberality, and he had the means of exercising it; and

though she would not place herself as his principal inducement,

she could, perhaps, believe, that remaining partiality for her might

assist his endeavours in a cause where her peace of mind must

be materially concerned. It was painful, exceedingly painful,

to know that they were under obligations to a person who could

never receive a return. They owed the restoration of Lydia, her

character, everything to him. Oh! how heartily did she grieve

over every ungracious sensation she had ever encouraged, every

saucy speech she had ever directed towards him. For herself, she

was humbled; but she was proud of him. Proud that in a cause

of compassion and honour he had been able to get the better of

himself. She read over her aunt's commendation of him again

and again. It was hardly enough; but it pleased her. She was

even sensible of some pleasure, though mixed with regret, on

finding how stedfastly both she and her uncle had been per'

suaded that affection and confidence subsisted between Mr. Darcy

and herself.

She was roused from her seat and her reflections by some one's

approach; and, before she could strike into another path, she was

overtaken by Wickham.

'I am afraid I interrupt your solitary ramble, my dear sister?'

said he, as he joined her.

'You certainly do,' she replied, with a smile; 'but it does not

follow that the interruption must be unwelcome.'

T should be sorry indeed if it were. We were always good

friends; and now we are better.'

'True. Are the others coming out?'

'I do not know. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia are going in the

carriage to Meryton. And so, my dear sister, I find from our

uncle and aunt that you have actually seen Pemberley.'

She replied in the affirmative.

'I almost envy you the pleasure, and yet I believe it would be

too much for me, or else I could take it in my way to Newcastle.

And you saw the old housekeeper, I suppose? Poor Reynolds,

she was always very fond of me. But of course she did not

mention my name to you.'

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