第793页 / 共817页

Elizabeth, still more affected, was earnest and solemn in her

reply; and, at length, by repeated assurances that Mr. Darcy was

really the object of her choice, by explaining the gradual change

which her estimation of him had undergone, relating her absolute

certainty that his affection was not the work of a day, but had

stood the test of many months' suspense, and enumerating with

energy all his good qualities, she did conquer her father's

incredulity, and reconcile him to the match.

"Well, my dear," said he, when she ceased speaking, "I have no

more to say. If this be the case, he deserves you. I could not

have parted with you, my Lizzy, to anyone less worthy."

To complete the favourable impression, she then told him what Mr.

Darcy had voluntarily done for Lydia. He heard her with

astonishment.