صفحة 764 من 817

It was an encouragement of vice; and had I been the rector of

Longbourn, I should very strenuously have opposed it. You ought

certainly to forgive them as a Christian, but never to admit them

in your sight, or allow their names to be mentioned in your

hearing.' That is his notion of Christian forgiveness! The rest

of his letter is only about his dear Charlotte's situation, and

his expectation of a young olive-branch. But, Lizzy, you look as

if you did not enjoy it. You are not going to be missish, I hope,

and pretend to be affronted at an idle report. For what do we

live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in

our turn?"

"Oh," cried Elizabeth, "I am exceedingly diverted. But it is so

strange!"