Pagina 427 de 817

In this perturbed state of mind, with thoughts that could rest on

nothing, she walked on; but it would not do: in half a minute the

letter was unfolded again; and collecting herself as well as she

could, she again began the mortifying perusal of all that related

to Wickham, and commanded herself so far as to examine the

meaning of every sentence. The account of his connection with the

Pemberley family was exactly what he had related himself; and the

kindness of the late Mr. Darcy, though she had not before known

its extent, agreed equally well with his own words. So far each

recital confirmed the other; but when she came to the will, the

difference was great. What Wickham had said of the living was

fresh in her memory; and as she recalled his very words, it was

impossible not to feel that there was gross duplicity on one side

or the other, and, for a few moments, she flattered herself that

her wishes did not err.