“He is as fine a fellow,”said Mr.Bennet,as soon as they were out of the house,“as ever I saw. He simpers, and smirks, and makes love to us all.I am prodigiously proud of him.I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-in-law.”
Mr.Wickham's adieus were much more affectionate than his wife's.He smiled,looked handsome,and said many pretty things.
“I saw you look at me to-day, Lizzy, when my aunt told us of the present report;and I know I appeared distressed.But don't imagine it was from any silly cause.I was only confused for the moment,because I felt that I should be looked at.I do assure you that the news does not affect me either with pleasure or pain.I am glad of one thing,that he comes alone;because we shall see the less of him.Not that I am afraid of myself,but I dread other people's remarks.”
“No,no.You forced me into visiting him last year,and promised, if I went to see him,he should marry one of my daughters.But it ended in nothing,and I will not be sent on a fool's errand again.”
“Oh!my dear Lydia,”she cried,“when shall we meet again?”
The subject which had been so warmly canvassed between their parents, about a twelvemonth ago, was now brought forward again.
“Well,all I know is,that it will be abominably rude if you do not wait on him.But,however,that shan't prevent my asking him to dine here,I am determined.We must have Mrs.Long and the Gouldings soon.That will make thirteen with ourselves,so there will be just room at table for him.”