Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 142 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 142

JANE AUSTEN

his having an unforgiving temper. His disposition must

be dreadful.”

“I will not trust myself on the subject,” replied

Wickham; “I can hardly be just to him.”

Elizabeth was again deep in thought, and after

a time exclaimed, “To treat in such a manner the

godson, the friend, the favourite of his father!” She

could have added, “A young man, too, like you,

whose very countenance may vouch for your being

amiable”but she contented herself with, “and one, too,

who had probably been his companion from childhood,

connected together, as I think you said, in the closest

manner!”

“We were born in the same parish, within the

same park; the greatest part of our youth was passed

together; inmates of the same house, sharing the same

amusements, objects of the same parental care. My

father began life in the profession which your uncle,

Mr. Phillips, appears to do so much credit tobut he

gave up everything to be of use to the late Mr. Darcy

and devoted all his time to the care of the Pemberley

property. He was most highly esteemed by Mr. Darcy,

a most intimate, confidential friend. Mr. Darcy often

acknowledged himself to be under the greatest obliga-

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