Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 40

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.

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.

"His being so sure of succeeding was wrong," said she, "and

certainly ought not to have appeared; but consider how much it

must increase his disappointment!"

"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?"

"Blame you! Oh, no."

"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."

"But you _will_ know it, when I tell 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.

"This will not do," said Elizabeth; "you never will be able to

make both of them good for anything. Take your choice, but

you must be satisfied with only one. There is but such a quantity

of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of

man; and of late it has been shifting about pretty much. For my

part, I am inclined to believe it all Darcy's; but you shall do

as you choose."

It was some time, however, before a smile could be extorted

from Jane.