Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 464 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 464

JANE AUSTEN

“It does seem, and it is most shocking indeed,”

replied Elizabeth, with tears in her eyes, “that a

sister’s sense of decency and virtue in such a point

should admit of doubt. But, really, I know not what

to say. Perhaps I am not doing her justice. But she is

very young; she has never been taught to think on

serious subjects; and for the last half-year, nay, for a

twelvemonthshe has been given up to nothing but

amusement and vanity. She has been allowed to dispose

of her time in the most idle and frivolous manner, and

to adopt any opinions that came in her way. Since the

shire were first quartered in Meryton, nothing but

love, flirtation, and officers have been in her head. She

has been doing everything in her power by thinking

and talking on the subject, to give greaterwhat shall

I call it? susceptibility to her feelings; which are natu-

rally lively enough. And we all know that Wickham has

every charm of person and address that can captivate

a woman.”

“But you see that Jane,” said her aunt, “does not think

so very ill of Wickham as to believe him capable of the

attempt.”

“Of whom does Jane ever think ill? And who is

there, whatever might be their former conduct, that she

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