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"This is a wretched beginning, indeed! My sole dependence was on

you; and I am sure nobody else will believe me, if you do not.

Yet, indeed, I am in earnest. I speak nothing but the truth. He

still loves me, and we are engaged."

Jane looked at her doubtingly. "Oh, Lizzy! it cannot be. I know

how much you dislike him."

"You know nothing of the matter. That is all to be forgot.

Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now; but in

such cases as these a good memory is unpardonable. This is the

last time I shall ever remember it myself."

Miss Bennet still looked all amazement. Elizabeth again, and more

seriously, assured her of its truth.

"Good heaven! can it be really so? Yet now I must believe you,"

cried Jane. "My dear, dear Lizzy, I would, I do congratulate you;

but are you certain--forgive the question--are you quite certain

that you can be happy with him?"