Pagina 514 di 817

"Yes, sir, I know I am. If I were to go through the world, I

could not meet with a better. But I have always observed, that

they who are good-natured when children, are good-natured when

they grow up; and he was always the sweetest tempered, most

generous-hearted boy in the world."

Elizabeth almost stared at her. "Can this be Mr. Darcy?" thought

she.

"His father was an excellent man," said Mrs. Gardiner.

"Yes, ma'am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like

him--just as affable to the poor."

Elizabeth listened, wondered, doubted, and was impatient for

more. Mrs. Reynolds could interest her on no other point. She

related the subjects of the pictures, the dimensions of the

rooms, and the price of the furniture in vain. Mr. Gardiner,

highly amused by the kind of family prejudice, to which he

attributed her excessive commendation of her master, soon led

again to the subject; and she dwelt with energy on his many

merits, as they proceeded together up the great staircase.