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Pride & Prejudice – page 476

JANE AUSTEN

her for such a step. She had known, it seems, of their

being in love with each other, many weeks.”

“But not before they went to Brighton?”

“No, I believe not.”

“And did Colonel Forster appear to think well of

Wickham himself? Does he know his real character?”

“I must confess that he did not speak so well of

Wickham as he formerly did. He believed him to be

imprudent and extravagant. And since this sad affair

has taken place, it is said that he left Meryton greatly

in debt; but I hope this may be false.”

“Oh, Jane, had we been less secret, had we told what

we knew of him, this could not have happened!”

“Perhaps it would have been better,” replied her

sister. “But to expose the former faults of any

person without knowing what their present feelings

were, seemed unjustifiable. We acted with the best

intentions.”

“Could Colonel Forster repeat the particulars of

Lydia’s note to his wife?”

“He brought it with him for us to see.”

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