“Lizzy,when you first read that letter,I am sure you could not treat the matter as you do now.”
“Poor Wickham!there is such an expression of goodness in his countenance!such an openness and gentleness in his manner!”
“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?”
“But you blame me for having spoken so warmly of Wickham?”“No―I do not know that you were wrong in saying what you did.”
“How unfortunate that you should have used such very strong expressions in speaking of Wickham to Mr.Darcy,for now they do appear wholly undeserved.”
“I never thought Mr.Darcy so deficient in the appearance of it as you used to do.”
“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.”
“But you will know it,when I have told you what happened the very next day.”
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.