“Indeed,”replied Elizabeth,“I am heartily sorry for him;but he has other feelings,which will probably soon drive away his regard for me.You do not blame me,however,for refusing him?”
She then spoke of the letter,repeating the whole of its contents as far as they concerned George Wickham.What a stroke was this for poor Jane,who would willingly have gone through the world without believing that so much wickedness existed in the whole race of mankind,as was here collected in one individual.Nor was Darcy's vindication, though grateful to her feelings, capable of consoling her for such discovery.Most earnestly did she labour to prove the probability of error,and seek to clear the one without involving the other.
It was some time, however, before a smile could be extorted from Jane.
“Poor Wickham!there is such an expression of goodness in his countenance!such an openness and gentleness in his manner!”