Such were the kind of lamentations resounding perpetually through Longbourn House. Elizabeth tried to be diverted by them;but all sense of pleasure was lost in shame.She felt anew the justice of Mr. Darcy's objections; and never had she been so much disposed to pardon his interference in the views of his friend.
“And my aunt Phillips is sure it would do me a great deal of good,”added Kitty.
“Already arisen?”repeated Mr. Bennet.“What, has she frightened away some of your lovers? Poor little Lizzy! But do not be cast down. Such squeamish youths as cannot bear to be connected with a little absurdity are not worth a regret.Come, let me see the list of pitiful fellows who have been kept aloof by Lydia's folly.”
“If you were aware,”said Elizabeth,“of the very great disadvantage to us all which must arise from the public notice of Lydia's unguarded and imprudent manner―nay,which has already arisen from it,I am sure you would judge differently in the affair.”
“Oh,yes!―if one could but go to Brighton!But papa is so disagreeable.”
“Lydia will never be easy until she has exposed herself in some public place or other,and we can never expect her to do it with so little expense or inconvenience to her family as under the present circumstances.”