Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 452 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 452

JANE AUSTEN

uncle’s advice and assistance would be everything in

the world; he will immediately comprehend what I

must feel, and I rely upon his goodness.”

“Oh! where, where is my uncle?” cried Elizabeth,

darting from her seat as she finished the letter, in

eagerness to follow him, without losing a moment of

the time so precious; but as she reached the door it was

opened by a servant, and Mr. Darcy appeared. Her pale

face and impetuous manner made him start, and before

he could recover himself to speak, she, in whose mind

every idea was superseded by Lydia’s situation, hastily

exclaimed, “I beg your pardon, but I must leave you. I

must find Mr. Gardiner this moment, on business that

cannot be delayed; I have not an instant to lose.”

“Good God! what is the matter?” cried he, with more

feeling than politeness; then recollecting himself, “I will

not detain you a minute; but let me, or let the servant go

after Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. You are not well enough;

you cannot go yourself.”

Elizabeth hesitated, but her knees trembled under

her and she felt how little would be gained by her

attempting to pursue them. Calling back the servant,

therefore, she commissioned him, though in so breath-

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