Chapter 24C

‘I must think your language too strong in speaking of both,’replied Jane, ‘and I hope you will be convinced of it, by seeingthem happy together. But enough of this. You alluded tosomething else. You mentioned two instances. I cannotmisunderstand you, but I intreat you, dear Lizzy, not to pain meby thinking that person to blame, and saying your opinion of him issunk. We must not be so ready to fancy ourselves intentionallyinjured. We must not expect a lively young man to be always soguarded and circumspect. It is very often nothing but our ownvanity that deceives us. Women fancy admiration means morethan it does.’‘And men take care that they should.’‘If it is designedly done, they cannot be justified; but I have noidea of there being so much design in the world as some personsimagine.’ ‘I am far from attributing any part of Mr. Bingley’s conduct todesign,’ said Elizabeth; ‘but without scheming to do wrong, or tomake others unhappy, there may be error, and there may bemisery. Thoughtlessness, want of attention to other people’sfeelings, and want of resolution, will do the business.’‘And do you impute it to either of those?’‘Yes; to the last. But if I go on, I shall displease you by sayingwhat I think of persons you esteem. Stop me whilst you can.’‘You persist, then, in supposing his sisters influence him.’‘Yes, in conjunction with his friend.’‘I cannot believe it. Why should they try to influence him? Theycan only wish his happiness, and if he is attached to me, no otherwoman can secure it.’‘Your first position is false. They may wish many things besideshis happiness; they may wish his increase of wealth andconsequence; they may wish him to marry a girl who has all theimportance of money, great connections, and pride.’‘Beyond a doubt, they do wish him to chuse Miss Darcy,’ repliedJane; ‘but this may be from better feelings than you are supposing.They have known her much longer than they have known me; nowonder if they love her better. But, whatever may be their ownwishes, it is very unlikely they should have opposed theirbrother’s. What sister would think herself at liberty to do it, unlessthere were something very objectionable? If they believed himattached to me, they would not try to part us; if he were so, theycould not succeed. By supposing such an affection, you makeevery body acting unnaturally and wrong, and me most unhappy.Do not distress me by the idea. I am not ashamed of having beenmistaken—or, at least, it is slight, it is nothing in comparison of what I should feel in thinking ill of him or his sisters. Let me takeit in the best light, in the light in which it may be understood.’Elizabeth could not oppose such a wish; and from this time Mr.Bingley’s name was scarcely ever mentioned between them.