第84章[第2页/共4页]

“And yet I meant to be uncommonly clever in taking so decided a dislike to him, without any reason. It is such a spur to one's genius, such an opening for wit, to have a dislike of that kind. One may be continually abusive without saying anything just;but one cannot always be laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.”

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

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.

“But you will know it,when I have told you what happened the very next day.”

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.