第80章[第3页/共3页]

disappointed feelings became the object of compassion. His attachment excited gratitude,his general character respect;but she could not approve him; nor could she for a moment repent her refusal, or feel the slightest inclination ever to see him again. In her own past behaviour, there was a constant source of vexation and regret;and in the unhappy defects of her family,a subject of yet heavier chagrin.They were hopeless of remedy. Her father, contented with laughing at them,would never exert himself to restrain the wild giddiness of his youngest daughters; and her mother, with manners so far from right herself,was entirely insensible of the evil. Elizabeth had frequently united with Jane in an endeavour to check the imprudence of Catherine and Lydia;but while they were supported by their mother's indulgence,what chance could there be of improvement?Catherine,weak-spirited,irritable,and completely under Lydia's guidance,had been always affronted by their advice; and Lydia, self-willed and careless, would scarcely give them a hearing.They were ignorant, idle, and vain.While there was an officer in Meryton,they would flirt with him;and while Meryton was within a walk of Longbourn, they would be going there forever.