Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 319 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 319

Pride and Prejudice

compose herself to answer him with patience, when he

should have done. He concluded with representing to

her the strength of that attachment which, in spite of

all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer;

and with expressing his hope that it would now be

rewarded by her acceptance of his hand. As he said

this, she could easily see that he had no doubt of

a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and

anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security.

Such a circumstance could only exasperate farther, and,

when he ceased, the colour rose into her cheeks, and

she said:

“In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established

mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments

avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It

is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could

feel gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannotI

have never desired your good opinion, and you have

certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to

have occasioned pain to anyone. It has been most

unconsciously done, however, and I hope will be of

short duration. The feelings which, you tell me, have

long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard,

can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this

explanation.”

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