Pagina 593 di 817

"It does seem, and it is most shocking, indeed," replied

Elizabeth, with tears in her eyes, "that a sister's sense of

decency and virtue in such a point should admit of doubt. But,

really, I know not what to say. Perhaps I am not doing her

justice. But she is very young: she has never been taught to

think on serious subjects; and for the last half year, nay, for a

twelvemonth, she has been given up to nothing but amusement and

vanity. She has been allowed to dispose of her time in the most

idle and frivolous manner, and to adopt any opinions that came in

her way. Since the ----shire were first quartered in Meryton,

nothing but love, flirtation, and officers, have been in her

head. She has been doing everything in her power, by thinking and

talking on the subject, to give greater--what shall I call

it?--susceptibility to her feelings; which are naturally lively

enough. And we all know that Wickham has every charm of person

and address that can captivate a woman."