Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 320 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 320

JANE AUSTEN

Mr. Darcy, who was leaning against the mantelpiece

with his eyes fixed on her face, seemed to catch her

words with no less resentment than surprise. His com-

plexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of

his mind was visible in every feature. He was struggling

for the appearance of composure, and would not open

his lips till he believed himself to have attained it. The

pause was to Elizabeth’s feelings dreadful. At length,

with a voice of forced calmness, he said:

“And this is all the reply which I am to have the

honour of expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be

informed why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am

thus rejected. But it is of small importance.”

“I might as well inquire,” replied she, “why with so

evident a desire of offending and insulting me, you

chose to tell me that you liked me against your will,

against your reason, and even against your character?

Was not this some excuse for incivility, if I was uncivil?

But I have other provocations. You know I have. Had

not my feelings decided against youhad they been

indifferent, or had they even been favourable, do you

think that any consideration would tempt me to accept

the man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps

for ever, the happiness of a most beloved sister?”

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