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Elizabeth was now most heartily sorry that she had,from the distress of the moment,been led to make Mr.Darcy acquainted with their fears for her sister; for since her marriage would so shortly give the proper termination to the elopement,they might hope to conceal its unfavourable beginning from all those who were not immediately on the spot.

But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude what connubial felicity really was. An union of a different tendency,and precluding the possibility of the other,was soon to be formed in their family.

From such a connection she could not wonder that he would shrink.The wish of procuring her regard,which she had assured herself of his feeling in Derbyshire, could not in rational expectation survive such a blow as this. She was humbled, she was grieved;she repented,though she hardly knew of what.She became jealous of his esteem,when she could no longer hope to be benefited by it.She wanted to hear of him,when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence.She was convinced that she could have been happy with him,when it was no longer likely they should meet.

She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened,his manners improved;and from his judgement, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.