Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 596 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 596

JANE AUSTEN

desire,splendid property, noble kindred, and exten -

sive patronage. Yet in spite of all these temptations, let

me warn my cousin Elizabeth, and yourself, of what

evils you may incur by a precipitate closure with this

gentleman’s proposals, which, of course, you will be

inclined to take immediate advantage of.’

“Have you any idea, Lizzy, who this gentleman is?

But now it comes out:

“‘My motive for cautioning you is as follows. We

have reason to imagine that his aunt, Lady Catherine de

Bourgh, does not look on the match with a friendly eye.’

“Mr. Darcy, you see, is the man! Now, Lizzy, I

think I have surprised you. Could he, or the Lucases,

have pitched on any man within the circle of our

acquaintance, whose name would have given the lie

more effectually to what they related? Mr. Darcy, who

never looks at any woman but to see a blemish, and who

probably never looked at you in his life! It is admirable!”

Elizabeth tried to join in her father’s pleasantry, but

could only force one most reluctant smile. Never had

his wit been directed in a manner so little agreeable to

her.

“Are you not diverted?”

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