Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/98

 know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.'

"Another entreaty that she would be serious, however, produced the desired effect, and she soon satisfied Jane by her solemn assurances of attachment. When convinced on that article, Miss Bennet had nothing further to wish.

"'Now I am quite happy,' said she, 'for you will be as happy as myself. I always had a value for him. Were it for nothing but his love for you, I must always have esteemed him; but now, as Bingley's friend and your husband, there can be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me.'"

This has ended satisfactorily, but the father and mother have still to hear of it, and Elizabeth goes through a good deal when Darcy has spoken to Mr. Bennet, and she is summoned to him.

"Her father was walking about the room, looking grave and anxious. 'Lizzy,' said he, 'what are you doing? Are you out of your senses to be accepting this man? Have you not always hated him?'

"How earnestly did she then wish that her former opinions had been more reasonable, her expressions more moderate! It would have spared her from explanations and professions which it was exceedingly awkward to give, but they were now necessary, and she assured him, with some confusion, of her attachment to Mr. Darcy.

"'Or, in other words, you are determined to have him. He is rich, to be sure, and you may have more fine clothes and fine carriages than Jane, but will they make you happy?'

"'Have you any other objection,' said Elizabeth, 'than your belief of my indifference?'