Pagina 672 van 817

"Well, and so, just as the carriage came to the door, my uncle

was called away upon business to that horrid man Mr. Stone. And

then, you know, when once they get together, there is no end of

it. Well, I was so frightened I did not know what to do, for my

uncle was to give me away; and if we were beyond the hour we

could not be married all day. But, luckily, he came back again in

ten minutes' time, and then we all set out. However, I

recollected afterwards, that if he had been prevented going, the

wedding need not be put off, for Mr. Darcy might have done as

well."

"Mr. Darcy!" repeated Elizabeth, in utter amazement.

"Oh, yes! he was to come there with Wickham, you know. But,

gracious me! I quite forgot! I ought not to have said a word

about it. I promised them so faithfully! What will Wickham say?

It was to be such a secret!"

"If it was to be a secret," said Jane, "say not another word on

the subject. You may depend upon my seeking no further."