Страница 247 из 817

My brother admires her greatly already; he will have frequent

opportunity now of seeing her on the most intimate footing; her

relations all wish the connection as much as his own; and a

sister's partiality is not misleading me, I think, when I call

Charles most capable of engaging any woman's heart. With all

these circumstances to favour an attachment, and nothing to

prevent it, am I wrong, my dearest Jane, in indulging the hope of

an event which will secure the happiness of so many?' What think

you of this sentence, my dear Lizzy?" said Jane, as she finished

it. "Is it not clear enough? Does it not expressly declare that

Caroline neither expects nor wishes me to be her sister; that she

is perfectly convinced of her brother's indifference; and that if

she suspects the nature of my feelings for him she means (most

kindly!) to put me on my guard. Can there be any other opinion on

the subject?"

"Yes, there can; for mine is totally different. Will you hear

it?"

"Most willingly."