第84章[第1页/共4页]

“Indeed,”replied Elizabeth,“I am heartily sorry for him;but he has other feelings,which will probably soon drive away his regard for me.You do not blame me,however,for refusing him?”

Miss Bennet's astonishment was soon lessened by the strong sisterly partiality which made any admiration of Elizabeth appear perfectly natural;and all surprise was shortly lost in other feelings. She was sorry that Mr.Darcy should have delivered his sentiments in a manner so little suited to recommend them; but still more was she grieved for the unhappiness which her sister's refusal must have given him.

“There certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men.One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.”

“Oh! no, my regret and compassion are all done away by seeing you so full of both. I know you will do him such ample justice,that I am growing every moment more unconcerned and indifferent.Your profusion makes me saving; and if you lament over him much longer,my heart will be as light as a feather.”

“His being so sure of succeeding was wrong,”said she,“and certainly ought not to have appeared;but consider how much it must increase his disappointment!”