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Nothing, on the contrary, could be more natural; and, while able

to suppose that it cost him a few struggles to relinquish her,

she was ready to allow it a wise and desirable measure for both,

and could very sincerely wish him happy.

All this was acknowledged to Mrs. Gardiner; and, after relating

the circumstances, she thus went on:--"I am now convinced, my

dear aunt, that I have never been much in love; for had I really

experienced that pure and elevating passion, I should at present

detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil. But my

feelings are not only cordial towards him, they are even

impartial towards Miss King. I cannot find out that I hate her at

all, or that I am in the least unwilling to think her a very good

sort of girl. There can be no love in all this. My watchfulness

has been effectual; and though I should certainly be a more

interesting object to all my acquaintance, were I distractedly in

love with him, I cannot say that I regret my comparative

insignificance. Importance may sometimes be purchased too dearly.

Kitty and Lydia take his defection much more to heart than I do.