Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 234 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 234

JANE AUSTEN

want of attention to other people’s feelings, and want

of resolution, will do the business.”

“And do you impute it to either of those?”

“Yes; to the last. But if I go on, I shall displease you

by saying what I think of persons you esteem. Stop me

whilst you can.”

“You persist, then, in supposing his sisters influence

him?”

“Yes, in conjunction with his friend.”

“I cannot believe it. Why should they try to influence

him? They can only wish his happiness; and if he is

attached to me, no other woman can secure it.”

“Your first position is false. They may wish many

things besides his happiness; they may wish his

increase of wealth and consequence; they may wish

him to marry a girl who has all the importance of

money, great connections, and pride.”

“Beyond a doubt, they do wish him to choose Miss

Darcy,” replied Jane; “but this may be from better

feelings than you are supposing. They have known her

much longer than they have known me; no wonder if

they love her better. But, whatever may be their own

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