第135章[第1页/共5页]

“We will not quarrel for the greater share of blame annexed to that evening,”said Elizabeth.“The conduct of neither,if strictly examined,will be irreproachable;but since then,we have both,I hope,improved in civility.”

“You must not blame my aunt. Lydia's thoughtlessness first betrayed to me that you had been concerned in the matter;and,of course,I could not rest till I knew the particulars.Let me thank you again and again,in the name of all my family,for that generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble,and bear so many mortifications,for the sake of discovering them.”

“It taught me to hope,”said he,“as I had scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before.I knew enough of your disposition to be certain that,had you been absolutely,irrevocably decided against me,you would have acknowledged it to Lady Catherine,frankly and openly.”

“I am sorry, exceedingly sorry,”replied Darcy, in a tone of surprise and emotion,“that you have ever been informed of what may, in a mistaken light, have given you uneasiness. I did not think Mrs.Gardiner was so little to be trusted.”

“If you will thank me,”he replied,“let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on,I shall not attempt to deny.But your family owe me nothing.Much as I respect them,I believe I thought only of you.”