Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 510 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 510

JANE AUSTEN

The wish of procuring her regard, which she had

assured herself of his feeling in Derbyshire, could not

in rational expectation survive such a blow as this. She

was humbled, she was grieved; she repented, though

she hardly knew of what. She became jealous of his

esteem, when she could no longer hope to be benefited

by it. She wanted to hear of him, when there seemed the

least chance of gaining intelligence. She was convinced

that she could have been happy with him, when it was

no longer likely they should meet.

What a triumph for him, as she often thought, could

he know that the proposals which she had proudly

spurned only four months ago, would now have

been most gladly and gratefully received! He was as

generous, she doubted not, as the most generous of his

sex; but while he was mortal, there must be a triumph.

She began now to comprehend that he was exactly

the man who, in disposition and talents, would most

suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike

her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was

an union that must have been to the advantage of

both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have

been softened, his manners improved; and from his

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