When to these recollections was added the development of Wickham's character, it may be easily believed that the happy spirits which had seldom been depressed before, were now so much affected as to make it almost impossible for her to appear tolerably cheerful.
Anxiety on Jane's behalf was another prevailing concern; and Mr. Darcy's explanation, by restoring Bingley to all her former good opinion, heightened the sense of what Jane had lost. His affection was proved to have been sincere, and his conduct cleared of all blame,unless any could attach to the implicitness of his confidence in his friend.How grievous then was the thought that,of a situation so desirable in every respect,so replete with advantage,so promising for happiness,Jane had been deprived,by the folly and indecorum of her own family!
“Oh!Your uncle!He keeps a man-servant,does he?I am very glad you have somebody who thinks of these things.Where shall you change horses? Oh! Bromley, of course. If you mention my name at the Bell,you will be attended to.”
When they parted,Lady Catherine,with great condescension, wished them a good journey, and invited them to come to Hunsford again next year;and Miss de Bourgh exerted herself so far as to curtsey and hold out her hand to both.
Mr. Darcy's letter she was in a fair way of soon knowing by h