第138章[第2页/共5页]

“There can be no doubt of that.It is settled between us already, that we are to be the happiest couple in the world.But are you pleased,Jane?Shall you like to have such a brother?”

“I am quite sorry,Lizzy,that you should be forced to have that disagreeable man all to yourself, but I hope you will not mind it.It is all for Jane's sake,you know;and there is no occasion for talking to him,except just now and then.So,do not put yourself to inconvenience.”

Jane looked at her doubtingly.“Oh,Lizzy!it cannot be.I know how much you dislike him.”

“What do you mean?”

“My dearest sister,now be serious.I want to talk very seriously. Let me know every thing that I am to know,without delay.Will you tell me how long you have loved him?”

At night she opened her heart to Jane.Though suspicion was very far from Miss Bennet's general habits, she was absolutely incredulous here.

“You know nothing of the matter. That is all to be forgot. Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now.But in such cases as these,a good memory is unpardonable.This is the last time I shall ever remember it myself.”