صفحة 154 من 817

"Oh no--it is not for me to be driven away by Mr. Darcy. If he

wishes to avoid seeing me he must go. We are not on friendly

terms, and it always gives me pain to meet him, but I have no

reason for avoiding him but what I might proclaim to all the

world--a sense of very great ill-usage, and most painful regrets

at his being what he is. His father, Miss Bennet, the late Mr.

Darcy, was one of the best men that ever breathed, and the truest

friend I ever had; and I can never be in company with this Mr.

Darcy without being grieved to the soul by a thousand tender

recollections. His behaviour to myself has been scandalous; but I

verily believe I could forgive him anything and everything,

rather than his disappointing the hopes and disgracing the memory

of his father."

Elizabeth found the interest of the subject increase, and

listened with all her heart; but the delicacy of it prevented

further inquiry.