Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 322 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 322

JANE AUSTEN

Elizabeth disdained the appearance of noticing this

civil reflection, but its meaning did not escape, nor was

it likely to conciliate her.

“But it is not merely this affair,” she continued,

“on which my dislike is founded. Long before it had

taken place my opinion of you was decided. Your

character was unfolded in the recital which I received

many months ago from Mr. Wickham. On this subject,

what can you have to say? In what imaginary act of

friendship can you here defend yourself? or under what

misrepresentation can you here impose upon others?”

“You take an eager interest in that gentleman’s

concerns,” said Darcy, in a less tranquil tone, and with

a heightened colour.

“Who that knows what his misfortunes have been,

can help feeling an interest in him?”

“His misfortunes!” repeated Darcy contemptuously;

“yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed.”

“And of your infliction,” cried Elizabeth with

energy. “You have reduced him to his present state

of povertycomparative poverty. You have withheld

the advantages which you must know to have been

designed for him. You have deprived the best years of

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