第84章[第3页/共4页]

“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.”

“Blame you!Oh,no.”

She then spoke of the letter,repeating the whole of its contents as far as they concerned George Wickham.What a stroke was this for poor Jane,who would willingly have gone through the world without believing that so much wickedness existed in the whole race of mankind,as was here collected in one individual.Nor was Darcy's vindication, though grateful to her feelings, capable of consoling her for such discovery.Most earnestly did she labour to prove the probability of error,and seek to clear the one without involving the other.

Elizabeth's impatience to acquaint Jane with what had happened could no longer be overcome;and at length,resolving to suppress every particular in which her sister was concerned,and preparing her to be surprised,she related to her the next morning the chief of the scene between Mr.Darcy and herself.

“Poor Wickham!there is such an expression of goodness in his countenance!such an openness and gentleness in his manner!”