صفحة 250 من 817

"How can you talk so?" said Jane, faintly smiling; "you must

know, that, though I should be exceedingly grieved at their

disapprobation, I could not hesitate."

"I did not think you would; and that being the case, I cannot

consider your situation with much compassion."

"But if he returns no more this winter, my choice will never be

required. A thousand things may arise in six months."

The idea of his returning no more Elizabeth treated with the

utmost contempt. It appeared to her merely the suggestion of

Caroline's interested wishes; and she could not for a moment

suppose that those wishes, however openly or artfully spoken,

could influence a young man so totally independent of everyone.