，最快更新傲慢与偏见最新章节！If gratitude and esteem are good foundationsaffection, Elizabeth's changesentiment willneither improbableif otherwise—if regard springing from such sourcesunreasonableunnatural,in parisonwhatso often describedarisinga first interview with its object,and even before two words have been exchanged, nothing cansaidher defence, except that she had given somewhata trialthe latter methodher partiality for wickham, and that its ill success might, perhaps, authorise herseek the other less interesting modhatit may,she saw himwith regret;andthis early examplewhat Lydia's infamy must produce,found additional anguishshe reflectedthat wretche, since reading Jane's second letter, had she entertaineopewickham's meaningmarr one but Jane, she thought, could flatter herself with sucas the leasther feelingsthi the contentsthe first letter remainedher mind, she was all surprise—all astonishment that wickham should marrirl whomwas impossiblecould marry for money;and how Lydia could ever have attached him had appeare nowwas allsuchattachmentthis,she might have sufficient charms;and though she did not suppose Lydiabe deliberately engagingan elopement without the intentionmarriage,she haddifficultybelieving that neither her virtue nor her understanding would preserve her from fallingeasy prey.
She had never perceived,while the regiment wasHertfordshire, that Lydia had any partiality for him; but she was convinced that Lydia wanted only encouragementattach herselne officer, sometimes another, had been her favourite,as their attentions raised themhe affections had continually been fluctuating but never withouischiefneglect and mistaken indulgence towards sucirl—oh!how acutely did she now feel it!
She was wildbehome—to hear,see,be upon the spotshare with Janethe cares that must now fall wholly upon her,a familyderanged, a father absent, a mother incapableexertion, and requiring constant attendance; and though almost persuaded that nothing coulddone for Lydia, her uncle's interference seemedthe utmost importance, and tillentered the room her impatiencemrs. Gardiner had hurried backalarm, supposingthe servant's account that their niece was taken suddenly ill; but satisfying them instantlythat head,she eagerly municated the causetheir summons,reading the two letters aloud,and dwellingthe postthe last with trembling energy,though Lydia had never beeavourite with them,mr.an could not butdeeply a? Lydia only,but all were concernedit;and after the first exclamationssurprise and horror,mr. Gardiner promised every assistancehi, though expectingless, thanked him with tearsgratitude;and all three being actuatedone spirit,everything relatingtheir journey was speedil werebe offsoonpossible.“But whattodone about Pemberley?”crie“John was here when you sent for us;wasso?”
“Yes;and I told himshould notablekeepis all settled.”
“whatall settled?”repeated the other,she ran into her roomprepare.“And are they upon such termsfor herdisclose the real truth?oh,that I knew howwas!”
But wishes were vain,orbest could only serveamuse herthe hurry and confusionthe followin Elizabeth beenleisurebe idle,she would have remained certain that all employment was impossibleonewretchedherself;but she had her sharebusinesswellher aunt,and amongst the rest there were notesbe writtenall their friendsLambton, with false excuses for their sudde hour,however, saw the whole pleted; and mr. Gardiner meanwhile having settled his accountthe inn,nothing remainedbe done butgo;and Elizabeth,after all the miserythe morning,found herself,ihorter spacetime than she could have supposed, seatedthe carriage,andthe roadLongbourn.