صفحة 758 من 817

If he had been wavering before, as to what he should do, which

had often seemed likely, the advice and entreaty of so near a

relation might settle every doubt, and determine him at once to

be as happy as dignity unblemished could make him. In that case

he would return no more. Lady Catherine might see him in her way

through town; and his engagement to Bingley of coming again to

Netherfield must give way.

"If, therefore, an excuse for not keeping his promise should come

to his friend within a few days," she added, "I shall know how to

understand it. I shall then give over every expectation, every

wish of his constancy. If he is satisfied with only regretting

me, when he might have obtained my affections and hand, I shall

soon cease to regret him at all."