Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 344 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 344

JANE AUSTEN

could so represent as to render Mr. Darcy’s conduct in

it less than infamous, was capable of a turn which must

make him entirely blameless throughout the whole.

The extravagance and general profligacy which

he scrupled not to lay to Mr. Wickham’s charge,

exceedingly shocked her; the more so, as she could

bring no proof of its injustice. She had never heard of

him before his entrance into the shire Militia, in

which he had engaged at the persuasion of the young

man who, on meeting him accidentally in town, had

there renewed a slight acquaintance. Of his former

way of life nothing had been known in Hertfordshire

but what he told himself. As to his real character, had

information been in her power, she had never felt a

wish of inquiring. His countenance, voice, and manner

had established him at once in the possession of every

virtue. She tried to recollect some instance of goodness,

some distinguished trait of integrity or benevolence,

that might rescue him from the attacks of Mr. Darcy; or

at least, by the predominance of virtue, atone for those

casual errors under which she would endeavour to class

what Mr. Darcy had described as the idleness and vice

of many years’ continuance. But no such recollection

befriended her. She could see him instantly before

her, in every charm of air and address; but she could

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