Pagina 444 van 817

Mr. Darcy's letter she was in a fair way of soon knowing by

heart. She studied every sentence; and her feelings towards its

writer were at times widely different. When she remembered the

style of his address, she was still full of indignation: but when

she considered how unjustly she had condemned and upbraided him,

her anger was turned against herself; and his disappointed

feelings became the object of compassion. His attachment excited

gratitude, his general character respect: but she could not

approve him; nor could she for a moment repent her refusal, or

feel the slightest inclination ever to see him again. In her own

past behaviour, there was a constant source of vexation and

regret: and in the unhappy defects of her family, a subject of

yet heavier chagrin. They were hopeless of remedy.