Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 40 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 40

JANE AUSTEN

and was in a way to be very much in love; but she

considered with pleasure that it was not likely to be

discovered by the world in general, since Jane united,

with great strength of feeling, a composure of temper

and a uniform cheerfulness of manner which would

guard her from the suspicions of the impertinent. She

mentioned this to her friend Miss Lucas.

“It may perhaps be pleasant,” replied Charlotte, “to

be able to impose on the public in such a case; but

it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded.

If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill

from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of

fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to

believe the world equally in the dark. There is so much

of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that

it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin

freelya slight preference is natural enough; but there

are very few of us who have heart enough to be really

in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten

a woman had better show more affection than she feels.

Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never

do more than like her, if she does not help him on.”