Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 530 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 530

JANE AUSTEN

“They met again on Sunday, and then I saw him

too. It was not all settled before Monday: as soon as

it was, the express was sent off to Longbourn. But our

visitor was very obstinate. I fancy, Lizzy, that obstinacy

is the real defect of his character, after all. He has been

accused of many faults at different times, but this is

the true one. Nothing was to be done that he did not

do himself; though I am sure (and I do not speak it to

be thanked, therefore say nothing about it), your uncle

would most readily have settled the whole.

“They battled it together for a long time, which was

more than either the gentleman or lady concerned in

it deserved. But at last your uncle was forced to yield,

and instead of being allowed to be of use to his niece,

was forced to put up with only having the probable

credit of it, which went sorely against the grain; and I

really believe your letter this morning gave him great

pleasure, because it required an explanation that would

rob him of his borrowed feathers, and give the praise

where it was due. But, Lizzy, this must go no farther

than yourself, or Jane at most.

“You know pretty well, I suppose, what has been

done for the young people. His debts are to be paid,

amounting, I believe, to considerably more than a

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