صفحة 40 من 817

"Yes: these four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that

they both like Vingt-un better than Commerce, but with respect to

any other leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much has

been unfolded."

"Well," said Charlotte, "I wish Jane success with all my heart;

and if she were married to him to-morrow, I should think she had

as good a chance of happiness as if she were to be studying his

character for a twelvemonth. Happiness in marriage is entirely a

matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so

well known to each other, or ever so similar beforehand, it does

not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to

grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of

vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the

defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."

"You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know it

is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself."