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Pride & Prejudice – page 233

Pride and Prejudice

persuade yourself or me, that selfishness is prudence,

and insensibility of danger security for happiness.”

“I must think your language too strong in speaking

of both,” replied Jane; “and I hope you will be convinced

of it by seeing them happy together. But enough of

this. You alluded to something else. You mentioned two

instances. I cannot misunderstand you, but I entreat

you, dear Lizzy, not to pain me by thinking that person

to blame, and saying your opinion of him is sunk. We

must not be so ready to fancy ourselves intentionally

injured. We must not expect a lively young man to be

always so guarded and circumspect. It is very often

nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Women

fancy admiration means more than it does.”

“And men take care that they should.”

“If it is designedly done, they cannot be justified; but

I have no idea of there being so much design in the

world as some persons imagine.”

“I am far from attributing any part of Mr. Bingley’s

conduct to design,” said Elizabeth; “but without schem-

ing to do wrong, or to make others unhappy, there may

be error, and there may be misery. Thoughtlessness,

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