《傲慢与偏见》 第1章 序 风格的再现是名著翻译的精髓 (1) 文学风格之如人的气质和风貌，一部作品缺少了它就失掉了其赖以存在的独特和个性。如果在一部世界名著的译本中没有完整地再现原作的风格，那么这部世界名著的价值将会受到损害，它将会失去其“这一个”区别于“那一个”的个别性。因此，在我们目前所进行的名著翻译和重译过程中，我们应该把风格的再现摆在最重要的位置，以使我们的名著翻译能较以前有一个大的提高。因为尽管我们的译者们的翻译原则多有不同，不过有一点我想我们大家是都能赞同的，那就是在译作中尽可能充分和完美地再现原著的风格和内容。尤其是在一部原著已有几个译本存在的情况下，如果译者要想再译这部名著，那他就必须深刻地看出各个译本的短长，深刻地研究原著的风格，从而能尽可能地克服这些译本的短处，借鉴别人的长处，发挥出自己的所长，旨在最大程度地再现出原文的风格，而和已有的译本不相雷同。唯有这样，我们才能真正做到“百花齐放，百家争鸣”，真正促进翻译事业的发展。而唯有如此，你的译本才会有其自身存在的价值，而不至于被大浪淘沙给淘汰掉。 以上的文字既可说是一个开场白，也可说是我在译毕了《了不起的盖茨比》和这部《傲慢与偏见》后所产生的一些感触。下面我便将该书的风格作一简短的分析，然后就王科一先生、孙致礼先生和我的译本中的一些译例做一比较，看看在风格的再现方面，各有什么短长得失。 这部作品描写的是体面人家的生活和交往，看似平凡而琐碎，作者的风格却能雅而不俗。她的这种优雅精美的风格可以从以下三个方面得到证明：1.这是作者刻意追求和保持的一种风格，奥丁斯把自己的艺术比作是在“二寸象牙上细细地描写”，要想在在二寸象牙上做文章，那显然是一种精雕细刻了。所以我们译者在翻译这部作品时，也须用极细腻的笔触去再现她的这一风格。2.书中叙的都是上流社会人物的生活、举止和谈吐，虽也提到佣人奴仆，只是一带而过，鲜有对他们言行的描写，唯有达西家的老女管家赞美达西先生的那一番话例外，而那也主要是为了给伊丽莎白的感情发展提供一个依据，作品所描写的人物群决定了它现在的这一高雅娴适的风格。3.每个主要人物的言谈都极富于其性格的特征，而且也都符合于他们各自的社会地位和身份，对话栩栩如生，呼之欲出，单凭他们的说话，你就不会认错了人。而贯串于全书字里行间中的作者的嘲讽，也正是从这些各具特点的人物谈吐之中得到了最充分的体现的。 译例比较： 1.“Mr. Be，how you abuse your own children in such a way ？You take delight in Vexing me.You have nopassion on my poor nerves.” “You mistake me，my dear. I have a high respect for your hey are my old-friend. I have heard you mention them with sideratiowenty years at least.” “Ah！ You do not know what I-suffer.” “But I hope you will get it over， and live to see many young men of four thousand a yeare into the neighbourhood.” 王科一先生译文： “我的好老爷，你怎么舍得这样糟踏自己的亲生女儿？你是在故意叫我气恼，好让你自己得意吧。你半点儿也不体谅我的神经衰弱。” “你真错怪了我，我的好太太。我非常尊重你的神经。它们是我的老朋友。至少在最近二十年以来，我一直听你郑重其事地提到它们。” “啊！你不知道我怎样受苦呢！” “不过我希望你这毛病会好起来，那么，像这种每年有四千镑收入的阔少爷，你就可以眼看着他们一个个搬来做你的邻居了。” 孙致礼先生的译文： “贝内特先生，你怎么能这样糟蹋自己的孩子？你就喜欢气我，压根儿不体谅我那脆弱的神经。” “你错怪我了，亲爱的。我非常尊重你的神经。它们是我的老朋友啦。至少在这二十年里，我总是听见你郑重其事地说起它们。” “唉！你不知道我受多大的罪。” “我希望你会好起来，亲眼看见好多每年有四千镑收入的阔少爷搬到这一带。” 我的译文： “班纳特，你怎么能这样来数落你的孩子？这样子来烦恼我是你的乐事。你对我的可怜的神经，没有一点儿同情心。” “你错怪我了，亲爱的。我对你的神经是非常尊重的。它们是我的老朋友了。我洗耳恭听你提到它们至少已有二十年了。” “啊！你不知道我所受的痛苦。” “不过我还是希望你能战胜这痛苦，活着看到许多一年有四千英镑收入的小伙子们住进邻里来。”？ 班纳特先生浑身都是机智和幽默，他对智力平平爱发牢骚的妻子的看不起，使他一跟妻子说话，总是要用他那哲人式的简洁语言对她嘲讽。因此嘲讽和简洁是他与妻子对话时的最大特点。 为了节省篇幅，我们只就画线的部分进行比较：前两个译文由于都是把放在原文句末的时间状语放到了句首来译，人为地拉长了句子的长度，难免会多少影响到班纳特简洁谈风的再现。第二个划线部分，笔都认为把“get it over”和“live to see”这两个短语直译过来，似乎能更多地表现出班纳特的那一嘲讽的口吻。另外，在表现的细腻方面，笔者觉得王的译文略胜于孙的。 2.“I admire the activity of your benevolence，”observed Mary，“but every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason。 and，in my opinioion should always be in proportion to what is required.” 王科一先生的译文： 这时曼丽说道：“你完全是一片手足之情，我很佩服，可是你千万不要感情用事，你得理智一点，而且我觉得尽力也不要尽得过分。” 孙致礼先生的译文： “我佩服你的仁厚举动，”玛丽说道，“但是千万不能感情用事，感情应该受到理智的约束。依我看，做事总得有个分寸。” 我的译文： “我很赞赏你的这一出于疼爱之情的举动，”玛丽说，“不过，任何一种感情上的冲动应该受到理智的支配才是；我的看法是，出力应该总是与其所被需要的相符才好。” 玛丽是一个不问时事、很少参加社交活动、一味死啃书本的女孩子，她说话时咬文嚼字，堆砌词语而很少有内容可表达。作者模仿她的这种谈吐，正是对这一类人的一种嘲讽。笔者前面已经提到过，作者的细腻文风也表现在人物的谈吐恰似人物的性格这一方面，因此笔者认为尽可能多地再现玛丽说话的句式和其所堆砌的词语，是与体现原文的细腻风格有益的。在这段译文里，我照搬了原文的句式和一些词语，所以这儿数我的译文最长，在可读性方面也许要受到些影响，在这里就要看译者们是如何取舍了。王、孙两位先生选择了可读性，我选择了细腻性。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第2章 序 风格的再现是名著翻译的精髓 (2) 3.With this answer Elizabeth was forced to be tent； but her own opinion tihe same， and she left him disappointed and sorry. It was not in her nature， however， to increase her vexations， by dwelling on them. She was fident of having performed her duty， and to fret over unavoidable evils， ment them by ay，was no part of her disposition. 王科一先生的译文： “伊丽莎白听到父亲这样回答虽然并没有因此改变主张，却也只得表示满意，闷闷不乐地走开了。以她那样性格的人，也不会尽想着这些事自寻烦恼。她相信她已经尽了自己的责任，至于要她为那些无法避免的害处去忧闷，或者是过分焦虑，那她可办不到。” 孙致礼先生的译文： “听到父亲这番回答，伊丽莎白不得不表示赞同，但她并没有改变主张，便心灰意冷地离开了父亲。然而，她生性不爱多想烦恼的事，省得越想越麻烦。她深信自己尽到了责任，决不会为那些无可避免的不幸而烦恼，或者因为忧心忡忡而增添不幸。” 我的译文： “听了这番回答，伊丽莎白只能作罢了；可是她并没有改变她的意见，她失望而又怏怏不乐地离开了父亲。不过，再去想些问题来增添她的烦恼，也不是她的性格。她自信她已经尽到了自己的责任，去为无法避免的危害担忧，或者是用过分的焦虑去浇灌它们，不是她的天性。” 在王和孙两位先生的译文中，都分别有几个原文的词语没有在他们的译文中表达出来，如原文中的“indrease”“augment them”“no part of her disposition”等，还有两个对称结构“……not in her disposition”和“……no part of her disposition”，也没有在他们的译文中得到表现。这样子译来，原文的那一素雅细腻的风格就要难免有所丢失了。这样又难免不可能不影响到意思上的略微改变，伊丽莎白是那种顺应自然的性格，她就没想着那样去做，而不是“办不到”。 4.“But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I aowledge？” “This is a puestion which I hardly know how to answer. We all love to instruct， though we tealy what is not worth knowing. ive me， and if you persist in indifference， do not make me your fidante.” 王科一先生的译文： “可是，你为什么偏要逼我，认为我没有把真心话全说出来呢？” “这话可叫我无从回答了。我们都喜欢替人家出主意，可是出了主意，人家又不领情。算我对不起你。如果你再三要说你对他没有什么意思，可休想叫我相信。” 孙致礼的译文： “那你为什么要让我承认，我没把心里话全说出来？” “这个问题简直让我无法回答。我们人人都喜欢指指点点的，然而指点的东西又不值得一听。恕我直言，你要是执意要说你对他没有意思，可休想让我相信。” 我的译文： “可是，你为什么非想要说服我，让我承认我没有说出我的全部心里话呢？” “对你的这个问题，我几乎也不知道该怎么回答了。我们每个人都喜欢劝导别人，尽管我们说出来的话儿都不中听。请原谅我的率直；如果你一味地摆出一副若无其事的样子，那就不要想让我做你的知己了。” 吉英和伊丽莎白是情深意笃的一对姐妹，又是最知己的朋友，现在在这件极为微妙的情事上，吉英一时难于启齿，伊丽莎白出于对姐姐的关心，想逗引她说出真情，她们这一对话的基调仍然是温婉的。笔者认为这段译文中的划线部分的语气，较之原文都有些重了。这里提出了直译和意译的问题，凡能直译处则坚持直译是我所遵循的原则，而综观王科一先生和孙致礼先生的译文，他们基本上遵守的是意译的原则。两种翻译的原则各有所长，各有所短，不过就这儿的划线部分而言，他们的意译是与原文的语气有些背离了。笔者认为直译能较好地再现原文的语言、形式和风格特点，尽管如果译者处理得不好，也许会使译文显得不是那么生动活泼。 5.But at length， by Etizabeth′s persuasion， he revailed on to overlook the offence， and seek a reciliation； after a little farther resistanse on the part of his aunt， her rese gave away， either to her affe for him， or her curiosity to see how his wife ducted herself；and shedesded to wait o pemberley， in spite of that pollution which its woods had received， not merely from the presence of such a mistress， but the visits of her uncle and aunt from the city. 王科一先生译文： “……尽管彭伯里因为添了这样一位主妇，而且主妇在城里的两位舅父母都到这儿来过，因此使门户受到了玷污，但她老人家还是屈尊到彭伯里来访问。” 孙致礼先生的译文： “……尽管彭伯利添了这样一位主妇，而且主妇在城里的舅父母也多次来访，致使这里的树林受到了玷污，但凯瑟琳夫人还是屈尊来探望这夫妇俩。” 我的译文： “……她放下架子来到了彭伯利，也顾不得这庄园由于接纳了这位主妇和经她的舅父母的几次访问，而变得污浊了的空气了。” 凯瑟琳夫人是一个非常高傲自负的女人，她依仗着自己的财产和地位，到处对人发号施令，作者对她是极尽了嘲讽之能事的。作者的嘲讽渗透在字里行间，即这种嘲讽是通过词语的选择和句式的组合安排表现出来的。在这儿我觉得，按照原文的语序译来，似乎是能较多体现出一些作者的嘲讽口吻。在词语的翻译上也是如此，“pollution”一般是指具体环境的污染，这儿将此词直译出来，即译出它的本义，较能体现原文的风格和口吻。译为“玷污”好像便失掉了原文在这儿的一个隐喻了。？ 限于篇幅，我不能再举更多的例子来加以比较了。希望读者能从这一斑窥见出一点儿我想要表达的思想的全貌来。笔者认为，总的来说，我们的作品翻译在再现原作的“丰姿”方面做得不够，并不是说我们的翻译家们水平不高，而是可能由于翻译家们太多地注意了译文的通俗和可读性，而没有对这一问题引起应有的重视。我们知道，特定的艺术内容总是有形式于其自身，或者说内容之为内容即由于它包括有特定的形式在内，因此在文学作品的翻译中，如果我们忽视了对原作语言组合上的特征的再现，那么在译作中受损害的就不仅仅是从这一特定的语言组合中显出的艺术形式(例如色彩、气氛、对称、节奏、气势、格调，各种修辞手法等)，而且必然会影响对原作的独特内容的再现，从而最终影响到在“内容和形式的统一中显出的独特风貌”，即风格的再现。基于这样一种认为，我觉得我们对原作的用词用句是应该倍加留意的，不仅要研究它们在词句上的特点，而且要尽可能地再现出原作者在词语使用和句式组合上的特征。笔者认为，做到这一步是再现原作风格的前提条件。当然译者的文学素养、语言修养、美学理论等修养于风格的再现也是非常重要的。 总之，在具体的翻译实践中，我基本上遵循的是一条尽可能地保留原文的用词特点和原文句式的翻译原则。我认为，由于我的翻译原则和王、孙二位先生的有所不同，因而我的译本在整体风貌上似乎与他们的是不太一样的。当然他们的译本也各有所长，王科一先生的译本传神而细腻，孙致礼先生的译文通俗而上口，不过在细腻上，似乎是王先生的略胜一筹。从根本上说，王、孙二位先生差不多遵循的是同一条翻译原则，因而从整体风貌上看，他们的译本有相似之处。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第3章 一个富有的单身汉所缺少的一定是一位年轻貌美的太太，这已是一条举世公认的真理。 不管这样一个单身汉的感情或者看法如何地鲜为他的新邻居所知，这条真理在周围住户人们的脑子里却是根深蒂固的，乃至总有这个或者那个邻居把他看作了他们某一个女儿的理所应得的财产。 “班纳特，我亲爱的，”他的太太有一天对他说，“你听说尼塞费尔德花园已终于被租出去的消息吗？” 班纳特先生说他没有听到过。 “可这却是真的，”她接着说，“因为郎格太太刚刚来过这里，她告诉了我有关的全部情况。” 班纳特先生没有吭声。 “难道你不想听听是谁租下了这个花园吗？”他的妻子有些沉不住气地喊起来。 “你想要告诉我，而我也并不反对来听一听。” 这话足以是对她继续讲下去的一种鼓励了。 “嗨，亲爱的，你得知道，郎格太太说租尼塞费尔德的是一位从英国北部来的阔少爷；他乘着一辆驷马高车已在星期一那天来看过花园了，他非常满意这个地方，当下就和毛利斯先生谈妥了，计划是在米迦勒节以前搬进来，他的一些佣人们在下周末就住进来。” “这个年轻人叫什么名字？” “彬格莱。” “他成家了还是单身？” “噢！亲爱的，是个单身，这一点儿也没错。一个拥有不少财产的单身汉；一年有四五千英磅的收入。这可是咱们女儿们的一件大好事！” “这话怎么讲？那财产和我们的女儿有什么关系？” “唉，我的班纳特，”他的妻子回答说，“你怎么这样扫人的兴！你也一定知道，我正在想的是让他娶我们的一个女儿。” “这也是他住到这儿来的打算吗？” “他的打算！你真能瞎说八道！不过很有可能的倒是他也许会爱上她们中间的一个，所以等他来了以后你必须尽快地去访问他。” “我看不出有这个必要。你和女儿们去就行了，或者你可以打发让她们自己去，这样或许更好一些，因为你和女儿们一样的漂亮，彬格莱先生在这中间也许会喜欢上你的。” “亲爱的，你尽拣好听的给我说了。我肯定曾享受过我的那份美丽，不过现在我可不愿说我有什么花容月貌了。当一个女人已经有了五个长大成人的姑娘以后，她就不该想她自己的美貌了。” “在这样的场合下，一个女人通常是不会有许多的美丽可去值得想了。” “不管怎么说，亲爱的，在彬格莱先生搬进邻里以后，你一定得去见见他。” “确切地说，这超过了我所应当要做的。” “可是你该考虑考虑你的女儿们才是。只要想象一下这会给你的一个女儿建立起什么样的幸福。威廉·鲁卡斯爵士和他的太太就冲着这一条已经决定要去了，因为你要不去，我和女儿们就没有理由去访问他啦。” “你无疑是有点儿过分谨慎了。我敢说彬格莱先生将会很高兴见你们的；我愿意写几句话叫你带上，向他保证不管他要的是哪一个女儿我都会是十二分赞成；不过对我的小丽萃我一定会添上点儿美言的。” “我不愿你做这样的傻事。丽萃一点儿也不比别的几个女儿强；我敢肯定她连吉英一半的美貌也没有，连丽迪雅一半的活泼性子也没有。可是你呀，却总是偏爱她。” “她们哪一个也没有什么值得可夸赞的，”他说，“她们像别人家的女孩子一样，又傻又无知；不过丽萃倒是比她的几个姐妹们脑子伶俐一些。” “班纳特，你怎么能用这样的话来数落你的孩子？这样子来烦恼我是你的乐事。你对我的可怜的神经没有一点儿同情心。” “你错怪我了，亲爱的。我对你的神经是非常尊重的。它们是我的老朋友了。我洗耳恭听你提到它们至少已有二十年了。” “啊！你不知道我所受的痛苦。” “不过我还是希望你能战胜这痛苦，活着看到许多一年有四千英磅收入的小伙子们住进邻里来。” “那对我们没有一点儿的用处，如果这样的人搬来二十个你也不愿访问他们的话。” “你可以相信，亲爱的，当这里有了二十个，我愿意一一地拜访他们。” 机智、诙谐和幽默，不苟言笑和变化叵测是那么奇特地融汇在班纳特先生的身上，以致他妻子跟他生活了二十三年还不足以能摸透他的性格。而她的思想却不难揣摸。她是一个智商不高的女人，懂得很少，性情又很不稳定。当她不高兴的时候，她便以为她的神经出毛病了。她活着就是为了把她的女儿们嫁出去；她生活中的慰藉就是访客拜友打听消息。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第4章 其实，班纳特先生是最早便在等候彬格莱先生到来的那些人们中间的一个。他一直都在想着拜访彬格莱先生，尽管到了最后他还是在向妻子说他不会去的；直待他已经做过访问回到家中来的那天傍晚，班纳特夫人对此仍是一无所知。不过，就是在那个时候，这件事情用下面的方式给公布于众了。看着他的二女儿在整饰着她的帽子，班纳特先生突然对她说： “我希望彬格莱先生会喜欢这顶帽子，丽萃。” “我们无从知道彬格莱先生到底喜欢什么，”她的母亲不无抱怨地说，“既然我们不访问人家了。” “可是，你别忘记，母亲，”伊丽莎白说，“我们将会在舞会上见到他，而且朗格太太也已经答应为我们引见了。” “我不相信朗格太太会做这种好事。她自己便有两个待嫁的侄女。而且她又自私又虚伪，我对她可没有什么好印象。” “我也是如此，”班纳特先生说，“我很高兴你没有对她的帮忙存幻想。” 班纳特夫人现在无心与她的丈夫斗嘴，可是又控制不住她的情绪，只好借她的女儿来出气。 “不要咳嗽上没完没了的，吉蒂，你行行好！多少也可怜可怜我的神经。你要把它们给撕碎了。” “吉蒂咳嗽不看时候，”她的父亲说，“她择时不当。” “我咳嗽可不是觉得它好玩。”吉蒂气恼地说。 “你们下一次的舞会是什么时候？” “从明天算起，再过两个星期。” “噢，那么，”她母亲嚷道，“朗格太太在举办舞会的前一天才能回来；所以让她为我们引见是不可能的了，因为她自己到那时还不认识他嘛。” “哦，亲爱的，这样子你就可能占上风了，你可以将彬格莱先生介绍给她了。” “这不可能，班纳特，不可能，我自己还不熟悉他呢；你怎么能这样逗我生气？” “对你的周到慎重我表示尊敬。两个星期的相识当然算不了什么。人们不能用两个星期的时间就真正了解了一个人。不过如果我们不冒险，别人就会这么做了；朗格太太和她的两个侄女毕竟不会坐失良机的；因此，如果你拒绝做这一引见的事儿——为此朗格太太当然会对你十分感激的。那么我可就自己把它承担下来了。” 女儿们都瞪大了眼睛看着她们的父亲。班纳特夫人只是说着：“瞎扯，简直是瞎扯！” “你的这一表示强调的感叹语气是什么意思？”他大声说，“你是不是觉得所应行的介绍礼仪以及对它们的重视是胡扯八道，你是一个有着深刻思想的姑娘，读了许多的经典名著，而且做了不少的摘录。” 玛丽很想发表点高见，但却不知从何说起。 “在玛丽整理她的思想的当儿，”他继续说，“还是让我们回到彬格莱先生的话题上吧。” “我现在讨厌听到彬格莱先生这个名字。”他的妻子嚷起来。 “听到这话我可就感到遗憾了；你为什么不早一点这样告诉我？假如我今天早晨知道是如此的话，那我就一定不会去访问他了。这有多糟；不过既然我已经的的确确做过这次造访了，我们现在可就避免不了和人家结识了。” 女性们的诧异和吃惊的程度正像他事先所预料的那样，或许班纳特夫人的惊异更胜女儿们一筹；尽管在一阵惊喜过后，恰是她开始宣称，这一切都早在她的预料之中了。 “班纳特，我的亲爱的，你真好！我早就知道我最后总会说服你的。我确信你对女儿们的疼爱是不会使你放弃这样一个机会的。噢，我真是太高兴了！也亏你能开出这样的玩笑来，早晨你就去了而直到刚才你还只字没提。” “喂，吉蒂，你现在可以想怎么咳嗽就怎么咳嗽了。”班纳特先生说着便离开了房间，他妻子的狂喜已经弄得他有些倦怠了。 “女儿们，你们有一个多么体贴你们的父亲啊，”在门被关上以后她说，“我不知道你们将来如何才能报答他的关心；还有如何才能报答我，在这件事情上。在我们这把年纪，我可以老实告诉你们，成天地去结交新相识可不是一件快意的事情；不过，为了你们我们父母什么也愿意做。丽迪雅，我的宝贝，尽管数你的年龄小，我敢说在下一次舞会上彬格莱准会和你跳舞的。” “噢！”丽迪雅满不在乎地说，“那我才不怕呢；因为虽然我年龄最小，可个子数我高。” 那天晚上所剩下的时间母女们都用来揣测彬格莱先生几时会对她们的父亲做回访，用来决定她们多会儿请他来吃饭最为合适了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第5章 不过，班纳特夫人凭着她的五个女儿的帮腔就这次访问所能探询出的一切情况，还是不能足以从她的丈夫那里得到一个对彬格莱先生的较为满意的描述。她们用了种种的方法来对付他；赤裸裸地提出问题，巧妙的设想，不着边际的猜测；可是这些技巧都未能对他奏效；最后，她们只好满足于从她们的邻居鲁卡斯太太那儿听到间接的消息了。邻居的报导很令人心动。威廉爵士对彬格莱先生很有好感。他非常的年轻，出奇的英俊，对人格外的随和，而且最叫人高兴的是，他有意带许多的朋友来参加下一次的舞会。再也没有比这更令人兴奋的了！喜爱跳舞，这就意味着朝坠入爱河的道路迈出了实在的一步；姑娘们跃跃欲试都希望自己能赢得彬格莱先生的心。 “要是我看到我的一个女儿能欢欢喜喜地嫁到尼塞费尔德，”班纳特夫人对她的丈夫说，“而且其他的女儿也都能嫁个好人家，我这辈子也就心满意足了。” 几天以后彬格莱先生回访了班纳特先生，在他的书房与他坐了大约有十分钟的时间。他原本想着能够一睹到年轻小姐们的芳容，对她们的美貌他已多有耳闻；可是见他的只有她们的父亲。小姐们倒比他幸运一些，因为她们已从楼上的窗子里看到了，他穿着一件蓝外套，骑着一匹黑色的马。 饭局的邀请不久便发出去了；班纳特夫人已经在计划操办很能体现出她做饭手艺的几道菜，这时突然从那边传来回话，于是这请饭的事也就搁下了。彬格莱先生第二天要进城去，所以不能接受他们的盛情邀请，班纳特夫人为此觉得很不自在。她简直想象不出他刚刚来到哈福德郡就要回到城里去干什么；她开始担心他会不会总是这样子从一个地方跑到另一个地方，永远不会像他所打算的那样在尼塞费尔德安顿下来。鲁卡斯太太说她想他去伦敦只是为了带回大批的客人来参加舞会，这才略微安定了她的情绪；很快就传出消息说彬格莱将领12个女士7个男子来参加舞会。这里的姑娘听说有这么多女士要来不免有些沮丧，不过到了举办舞会的前一天她们的心情又好了起来，因为她们又听到消息说，他从伦敦只带回了六个人——他的五个姐妹和一个表妹。当他和他的客人们进到舞厅的时候，他们一共仅有五个人：彬格莱先生，他的两个姐妹，姐夫和另外一个男人。 彬格莱长得仪表堂堂，很有绅士风度；他的面庞惹人喜爱，言谈举止平易近人毫无造作。他的两个姐妹也都是靓女，行为装束都很风雅。他的姐夫赫斯特先生看上去只是个普通的绅士而已，可是彬格莱的朋友达西却很快引起来了满屋子人的注意，只见他长得眉清目秀，身材匀称魁伟，举止高贵；在他刚刚进来五分钟的时间里，他一年有一万英磅收入的消息已经在四下传开。男子们称颂他是男人中的佼佼者，女人们夸赞他比彬格莱先生漂亮得多。在前半个晚上，他一直沐浴在人们景仰钦羡的目光里，后来他的行为开始引起了人们的反感，使他的声誉一下子一落千丈；因为舞会上的人们发现出他孤傲不群，人们无法接近和愉悦于他；这样一来，不管是他那德比郡的庄园有多大，也不能使他免遭人们非议了，人们说看他的面孔有多冷峻，仿佛要拒人以千里之外，与他的朋友相比他简直就算不上什么。 彬格莱先生很快便熟悉了在场的所有头面人物；他生动风趣，落落大方，每一场舞必跳，最后还遗憾地说这舞会结束得太快了，说他自己也将在尼塞费尔德举办舞会。如此和蔼平易的品性为他增色不少。这使他与他的朋友之间形成了多么鲜明的对照！达西先生仅跟赫斯特夫人和彬格莱小姐两人分别跳了一次舞，就再也没有和任何别的女人跳过，剩下的时间他都是在屋子里来回地走动，有时偶尔和他一块来的那伙人们聊上几句。他的性格在场的人们已经给他下了评断。他是世界上最高傲最令人不快的那种人，大家都希望他再也不要到这里来才好。在这中间最为反对他的要数班纳特夫人了，由于他轻蔑地对待了她的一个女儿，她对其行为举止的泛泛不满变为了一种特别的忿怨之情。 因为晚会上的男舞伴们少，伊丽莎白·班纳特有两场舞不得不空坐在那里；在那期间，达西先生就站在离她不远的地方，因此当彬格莱先生离开场子几分钟过来敦促他的朋友也跳起来的时候，她听到了他们之间的那场对话。 “嗨，达西，”彬格莱说，“你来跳吧，我真不愿意看到你这样很傻地独自站在一旁。” “我不会跳的。你也知道我讨厌跳舞，除非是和我特别熟悉的人。在像现在这样的晚会上跳，我简直受不了。你的姐妹们都没闲着，这屋子里再也找不到任何一个别的女人，如果我去和她跳舞不是让我活受罪吗。” “我可不会像你那么挑剔。”彬格莱说，“无论如何也不会！说句真心话，我从来未曾碰到过像今天晚上这么多的可爱的姑娘。你瞧有几个可说是美丽非凡。” “跟你跳舞的那一个，是这屋子里惟一长得好看的姑娘。”达西先生说，一边用眼睛望着那边的班纳特家的大小姐。 “噢！她是我所见过的最漂亮的姑娘！不过，在你身后坐着她的妹妹，我敢说，也很漂亮，很招人喜爱。来，让我请我的舞伴给你介绍一下。” “你指的是哪一位？”他回过头去找寻了一会儿，待他遇到了伊丽莎白的目光后他便不再看着她了，只冷冷地说，“她长得还凑和，可是还没有漂亮得能使我动心；而且，我眼下也没有那样的兴致，去青睐那些受到别的男人冷落的年轻小姐们。你最好还是回到你的舞伴那儿去吧，她笑得很甜，你不要再跟我浪费你的时间了。” 彬格莱先生听从了他的劝告，达西先生也随后走开了；伊丽莎白对他委实没有什么好感。不过她还是兴致勃勃地给她的朋友们讲了这件事情；伊丽莎白性情活泼调皮，能从任何可笑的事物中得到乐趣。 整个晚上，对于班纳特一家来说都过得快活。班纳特夫人留意到她的长女倍受来自尼塞费尔德的那群宾客们的赞赏。彬格莱先生前后跟她跳了两次舞；她的妹妹们在场反倒更衬托出了她的美貌。吉英跟她的母亲一样为此感到很庆幸，虽然她没有像母亲那样喜形于色。伊丽莎白也为吉英自豪。玛丽听到有人向彬格莱小姐提起自己，夸她是邻近一带最有才气的女子；凯瑟琳和丽迪雅也很幸运，一直都没少了舞伴，她俩早已把此看做是一个舞会上最大的幸事了。这一家人因此高高兴兴地返回了他们住着的那个村子浪博恩(他们一家是这个村子的主要居民)。到了家中她们发现班纳特先生还没有睡觉。只要一看上书他就忘记了时间；在今天晚上这样的场合，他对事先曾激起妻子和女儿的辉煌憧憬和期望的这一舞会，当然颇有些好奇之心。他倒宁愿他的妻子觉得这个新邻居处处不尽如人意才好；可是他很快便发现，他现在听到的和他所希望的完全不同。 “噢！亲爱的，”他的妻子一进门就喊，“我和女儿们度过了一个最愉快的晚上，参加过了一个最好的舞会。我希望你也在那儿就好了。吉英受到了那么多的赞扬，谁也无法跟她相比。人人都说她长得漂亮；彬格莱认为她非常的美丽，和她跳了两回舞；在这个晚会上她是惟一得到他两次邀请的姑娘。舞会一开始时，他邀的是鲁卡斯小姐。看到他跟她站在一块儿，我心里真觉得不好受；不过，他却对她并不赞赏，你也知道没有人会的；当吉英走下舞池的时候，他的心却似乎深深地被打动了。于是，他向人寻问她的姓名，请人进行介绍并邀她跳下一轮舞。他第三轮舞跟金小姐跳的，第四轮是跟玛丽雅·鲁卡斯跳的，第五轮又是跟吉英跳的，第六轮跟丽萃跳，还有布朗谢家的——” “要是他稍微同情同情我的话，”她的丈夫不耐烦地喊道，“他就会连这么多的一半也不会跳到了！天哪，甭再提他的这些舞伴了。啊！真想他在跳第一场舞时就把脚腕扭了！” “噢！亲爱的，”班纳特太太继续说下去，“我很喜欢他。他长得是那么的帅气！而且他的姐妹们长得也很迷人。我平生还从来没有见过她们那么高雅的服饰。我敢说赫斯特夫人衣服上的条带是——” 说到这里她又被打断了。班纳特先生不愿听到任何有关衣饰方面的细节描述。于是她不得不另找一个话题，她忿忿地不无夸大地讲述了达西先生的令人吃惊的无礼行为。 “不过，我相信，”在这一番讲述之后她补充道，“他不喜欢丽萃，这有损不了丽萃的声誉；因为他是最令人憎恶的那种人，根本不值得人们去愉悦他。他高傲自大，目中无人，叫人无法忍受！他一会走到这儿，一会走到那儿，自以为自己有多么了不起！没有人能配得上和他跳舞！亲爱的，当时你要在场能给他一顿教训就好了。我非常讨厌那个人。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第6章 当只留下吉英和伊丽莎白两人在一起的时候，在此之前一直对彬格莱先生不多赞美的吉英便开始向她的妹妹表达她对他的无限爱慕之情了。 “一个年轻男子就该是他那个样子，”她说，“通情达理，活泼风趣；我以前还从没有见过这么惹人喜爱的举止仪态！——那么平易随和，而且又是十全十美的教养！” “他长得也很漂亮，”伊丽莎白说，“只要可能，这也是一个青年男子应该具备的。所以他的性格是完美无疵的。” “他第二次又请我跳舞时，我心里真是美滋滋的。我并没有料到他会这样看得起我。” “是这样吗？我可替你想到了。这就是我们两人之间的一个很大的不同。青睐和赞美临到你头上时，你总是感到意外和惊喜，而我从来也不。他再次邀你那是最自然不过的事了。他当然看到了你比屋子里的别的女人漂亮十倍。所以，一点儿也不必为他的献殷勤而感谢他。哦，毫无疑问，他很随和，你喜欢他我没意见。你已经喜欢过不少不怎么地的男人了。” “哎呀，亲爱的丽萃！” “唉，这你也清楚，就一般而言，你太容易对人们产生好感了。你从来看不到任何人身上的任何缺点。在你的眼睛里，整个世界都是美好可亲的。我还从没有听你说过哪一个人的不好。” “我总是希望自己不要过于草率地去批评一个人；不过我说的总是我的心里话。” “我知道你是这样；正是这一点使我感到惊奇。你有这样的聪明和良知，可是你的全然看不到别人身上的愚蠢和无聊，又是那么的真诚无瑕！装出一种坦诚，这太普遍了；——人们到处可以见得到。但是坦诚毫无矫饰和心机——说出每个人性格上的优点，使它变得更美好，对不好的只字不提——这只有你能做得到。那么，你也喜欢那位先生的两个姊妹了，不是吗？她们的举止言谈可是比不上他。” “乍一看，的确如此。不过当你和她们交谈起来时，你就觉得她们是那种非常叫人喜欢的女人了。彬格莱小姐将要来和她哥哥一起住，为他操理家务；我相信她一定会成为我们的一个好邻居的。” 伊丽莎白虽然静静地听着没有再说什么，可是她心里并不信服；彬格莱姐妹俩在舞会上的行为表现，总的来说，并没有取悦于人的意思；因为伊丽莎白的观察力比姐姐敏锐、性情缺少姐姐的柔顺，她做出的判断任凭别人怎样对她奉迎也不会轻易地改变，所以打心眼里讲她对那姐妹俩并没有什么好感。平心而论，她们也是非常高雅的女士；在她们高兴的时候，她们也不乏有生动和风趣，在她们有意去做时也不乏有随和迷人的力量；但是她们的禀性却是高傲自负。她们长得年轻貌美，曾就读于伦敦一所上流的私立专科学校，拥有两万英磅的财产，平时已经养成了阔绰的花钱和交结上层人物的习惯，因此她们从每一个方面来讲，都理所当然地认为她们自己高贵而别人卑微。她们出身于英格兰北部的一个有声望的家族；这样的出身深深地烙印在她们的记忆里，至于她们兄弟姐妹的财产都是靠做生产赚来的，她们可似乎不大愿意记得。 彬格莱先生从他父亲那里继承到了将近十万英磅的财产，他父亲原本打算购置一个庄园，他却未能活到办成这件事。——彬格莱先生也有这样的打算，并曾几次计划在他的故乡置办庄园；不过，现在既然他已经租下了一所上好的房子，而且还有一个庄园任他使用，在那些对他的安逸随和秉性稍有了解的人看来，他会不会后半生就在尼塞费尔德住下去，把购置庄园的事留给下一代去做，可就不得而知了。 他的姐妹们都非常希望他有一个自己的庄园；不过，即使他现在只是作为一个租户的身份居住下来，彬格莱小姐也还是十二分的愿意在这里做家庭主妇，他的姐姐赫斯特夫人(她嫁了一个追求时尚却财产无多的男人)也愿意把他的家当作是自己的家一样，只要是住着舒服。在彬格莱快要二十三岁的时候，他听到人们偶尔的推荐，便禁不住跑到尼塞费尔德来看了这所房子。他里里外外地查看了半个小时，所处的地段和里面的一些主要的房间都很合他的心意，房东对这房子的一番赞扬也叫他满意，于是当场便把它租了下来。 虽然他和达西先生在性格上有很大的不同，可他们俩之间却存在着一种非常牢固的友谊。——彬格莱的平易、率真、温顺的性情在达西的眼里都显得可贵，尽管再难找到一种性格能与达西的形成现在他俩之间的这样大的反差，尽管对他自己的性格，他也从来没有表现出过任何的不满。彬格莱非常看重达西的友情，对达西的见解也十分的佩服，在理解力方面达西优胜于他。当然啦，彬格莱也一点儿不笨，只是达西有点聪明过人罢了。然而，达西却又有高傲、不苟言笑、挑剔苛求的一面，而且他的举止言谈虽然很有教养，却给人以拒门外的感觉。在这一方面，他的朋友远胜于他。彬格莱无论去到哪里，都有人们喜欢，而达西却总是处处不断地得罪于人。 从他们俩提及麦里屯舞会时的态度上，便足以看出上述这一点。彬格莱说，他平生还从未遇到过这么快活的人们和这么漂亮的姑娘；每个人对他那么友善那么关照。这里没有繁缛的礼节，气氛显得生动活泼，不多一会儿他就觉得在这儿待得很自如了；至于班纳特小姐呢，他想象不出还会有比她更美丽的天使。与此相反，达西在这儿看到的只是一群没有什么美感没有时尚可言的乌合之众，他对这群人没有丝毫的兴趣，反过来也没有谁去注意他和亲近他。他承认班纳特小姐长得漂亮，不过她笑的时候却太多了点儿。 赫斯特夫人和她的妹妹彬格莱小姐也承认班纳特小姐的笑得多了点——不过她们还是赞赏她和喜欢她，说她是个可爱的姑娘，她们愿意和她有更多的交往。班纳特小姐就这样有了她的声名，她们的兄弟听到了这番话，便觉得他以后可以爱怎么想就怎么想她了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第7章 距离浪博恩不远的地方住着一户班纳特一家非常熟悉的人家，即爵士威廉·鲁卡斯的府上。爵士从前是在麦里屯做生意来着，他在那儿赚得了一定的财产，并在当市长期间上书皇上，获得了一个爵士的头衔。这一显耀地地位使他倍感荣幸，使他开始讨厌起做生意来，也讨厌起再住在那个小市镇上，于是停了生意，告别了小镇，他们一家人搬到了一个离麦里屯大约一英里路的宅邸，从那以后那块地方就叫鲁家庄了，他在这里可以尽兴地享受自己的显要，不再有生意缠身，他可以全身心地去处好与世人的关系。因为尽管他为自己的地位陶然欣然，可并没有变得倨傲起来；相反，他对每一个人都倍加关照。他生性善良，待人友好体贴入微，自从觐见皇上以后更是变得彬彬有礼。 鲁卡斯夫人是那种心地善良的女人，为人不耍什么心眼，因此成了班纳特夫人的好邻里。鲁府上有几个孩子，最长的是一位知书达理的姑娘，大约已有二十七岁了，是伊丽莎白的最知己的朋友。 鲁府和班府上的小姐们遇到一起把舞会上的事谈论谈论，这在她们看来是绝对有必要的；于是舞会开过的第二天早晨就把鲁府的小姐召到浪博恩来交换意见了。 “你打响了晚会上的第一炮，卡洛蒂，”班纳特夫人神色从容客气地对鲁卡斯小姐说，“你是彬格莱先生选中的第一个舞伴。” “不错——不过他似乎倒是对他的第二个舞伴更为喜欢。” “噢——我想你是说吉英——因为他跟她跳了两回舞。看上去他像是真的对她很赞赏——我的确认为他是如此——我听到了这方面的一些情况——可是我也弄不清究竟——我听到了一些有关鲁宾逊先生(指达西先生——译者注)的话。” “或许你是指我从旁边听到的他和鲁宾逊先生之间的那场谈话吧；我没有对你提起过吗？鲁宾逊先生问他喜欢不喜欢我们麦里屯的舞会，他是不是觉得这舞会上有许多漂亮的女人，还问他谁最漂亮。他的回答即刻指向了最后一个问题——噢！当然是班纳特家的大小姐了，在这一点谁也不会有异议。” “千真万确！——哦，那的确早已成了定论了——看上去的确像是——不过，你也知道，这一切也许会什么结果也没有的。” “我听到的话比你听来的更有意思，伊丽莎指伊丽莎白，也即丽萃。”卡洛蒂说，“当然啦，达西先生说的话不像他的朋友那么值得一听，不是吗？——可怜的伊丽莎——他只说她长得凑和。” “我求你别再拿他昨天对丽萃的非礼来刺恼她了；既然他是个那么讨厌的人儿，叫他喜欢上才是算倒楣呢。朗格太太昨天晚上对我说，他挨在她旁边坐了半个小时竟连一句话也没跟她说。” “你那么肯定，妈妈？——这话是不是有点出入呢？”吉英说，“我明明看见达西先生和她说话来着。” “哼——那是她最后问他喜欢不喜欢尼塞费尔德这个地方，他才无奈地回答了她一句——而且朗格太太说，为此他似乎还很生气呢。” “彬格莱小姐告诉过我，”吉英说，“他从来不多说话，除非是在他非常熟悉的人们中间。对熟人知己他是随和的。” “我可一点儿也不相信这话，我的女儿。如果他有那么随和，他就会跟朗格太太聊上几句了。我能猜出其中的原因；人们都说他骄傲透顶了，我敢说他一定是不知怎么的已经听说了朗格太太连马车也没有一部，是雇了个车子来参加舞会的吧。” “他没跟朗格太太搭话，这我倒觉得没什么，”鲁卡斯小姐说，“我只是希望他当时跟伊丽莎白跳个舞。” “如果我要是你，丽萃，”她的母亲说，“下一回我就不跟他跳舞了。” “我以为，妈妈，我可以万无一失地向你保证，我永远不会和他跳舞的。” “他的傲慢，”鲁卡斯小姐接着说，“并不像一般人的傲慢那样使我厌恶，因为他有他的理由。这么英俊潇洒的一个年轻人，有那么好的家庭，那么多的财产，事事顺遂如意，把他自己看得高一点儿，也不足为怪。不妨这样说吧，我觉得，他有权利和资格骄傲。” “这话一点儿也没错，”伊丽莎白回答说，“要不是他伤了我的自尊心，对他的这种骄傲，我是可以原谅的。” “骄傲，”玛丽说，她觉得她找到了一个夸示自己的深思熟虑的机会，“我以为，是一般人的通病。我读过的所有的书藉都告诉我，它是非常普遍的，人性特别地容易俯就于它，我们中间很少有人不为自己具有这样的和那样的品性——不管它们是真实存在的还是我们想象出来的——而怀有一种沾沾自喜的感觉的。虚荣和骄傲是两种不同的品质，虽然这两个词语常常被当作同义词来使用。一个人骄傲而可以没有虚荣。骄傲是和我们对我们自己的看法有关，虚荣是与我们想让别人来怎么看我们有关。” “假如我有达西先生那么富，”随同他的姐姐一起来的小鲁卡斯大声说，“我可就不会在乎我有多么骄傲了。我会养上一群猎狗，每天喝上它一瓶酒。” “那样你就会喝酒过度的，”班纳特夫人说，“如果要我看见了，我就当下夺过你的酒瓶儿来。” 小鲁卡斯反驳说她不应该这样做，她一再坚持说她会那样做的，直到访问结束这场争论才算罢休。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第8章 浪博恩的小姐们不久便拜访了尼塞费尔德的女士们。后者也照礼做了回访。班纳特小姐（指吉英，班家的大小姐。）惹人喜爱的举止赢得了赫斯特夫人和彬格莱小姐的好感；虽然她们的母亲让人觉得不可忍受，她们的几个小妹妹不值得人攀谈，两位彬格莱小姐还是表示了要和两位年纪大的班纳特小姐进一步交往的愿望。吉英极其高兴地接受了人家的这番美意；可伊丽莎白却仍然觉出了她们待人的高傲态度，就连对她的姐姐几乎不例外，所以她不能喜欢她们；她们对吉英的友好，尽管其中也有俯就的意味，却由于受到她们兄弟爱慕之情的影响，非常的增长的可能。每当他们俩在一起的时候，他对吉英的倾慕赞赏是人人可以看得出来的；伊丽莎白知道在她姐姐这方面也是如此，吉英从一开始对他就有好感，而且正在不断的加深，也可以说是爱上他了；不过伊丽莎白也不无庆幸地想到，姐姐这片爱意是不大可能被世人们发现的，因为在吉英身上，巨大的感情力量、性情的恬静和行为举止的欢悦是完美地揉合在一起的，这便使得她能避免掉人们对她这么快就爱上了一个人的怀疑。有一次，伊丽莎白跟她的女友鲁卡斯小姐提起了这一点。 “这或许是件好事，”卡洛蒂回答说，“能在这类场合下给众人一个假相；但是将爱掩藏得很深，有时却难免带来不利。如果一个女人对她的爱的对象一点儿也不透露出她的情感，她也许会失去得到他的机会的；如果那时仍然以世人都还闷在鼓里的想法来自慰，那就不免太可怜了。在男恋女爱中，感恩图报和虚荣的心理几乎每个情人都有，如果不借助这些而听其自然，是很难成功的。情爱的事，开始的时候都好说——对某人有些偏爱好感，那是很自然的事；可是要能真正地去爱，如果得不到对方的鼓励，却很少人有这样的勇气的。在类似这样的场合下，女人们最好还是感觉得了七分的爱就显出他十分。毫无疑问，彬格莱喜欢你姐姐，但是，如果她不主动地去推他一把的话，他也许永远只能是喜欢喜欢她罢了。” “可是，她的确是在尽她的努力朝那方面帮他的。如果我能察觉出她对他的情，而他却发现不了，那他一定是个十足的傻瓜了。” “请记住，伊丽莎，他可并不像你那样了解吉英的性情。” “不过，如果一个女人钟情于他，又不是有意加以隐藏，他一定会发现出这一点来的。” “或许，他会的，如果他对她有了足够的了解了的话。但是，你也清楚，尽管彬格莱和吉英在一起的次数不算少，可是每次待的时间都并不长；而且因为他们总是在人多的场合下会面的，所以他们俩也不可能把每一分钟都用在他们私下的交谈上。因此，吉英应该充分地利用她能将他弄在自己身旁的每一次机会。只要她能把他总吸引到自己身边来，就不愁没有他不坠入情网的时候。” “你的这个办法不错，”伊丽莎白说，“如果不去考虑要有一个美满幸福的婚姻的话；如果我已决定要找一个阔绰的男人，或者是随便一个什么男人的话，我敢说我是应该照你说的办法去做的。可是这些并不适合于吉英的性情；她为人处事不耍心眼儿。而且，她对自己的感情涉入的程度甚至还不能确定，对其是不是合理也说不准。她认识他只有两个星期。她跟他在麦里屯跳了四次舞；有一天早晨在他家里见过他一回，此后同他在一起吃过四次饭。这些还不能足以使她了解了他的性格。” “事实并不像你所说的那样，如果她仅仅是跟他吃了几次饭，她或许只能发现出他是否有个好的胃口；可是你必须记着，饭后的那四个晚上他们俩都待在一起——四个晚上的作用可不能小瞧。” “是的；这四个晚上至少能使他们肯定一点，这就是他们两人都喜欢玩二十一点，不喜欢玩‘康梅司’（康梅司：一种法国牌戏。）；但是就性格方面来说，我想他们彼此之间还是甚少了解的。” “呃，”卡洛蒂说，“不管怎样，我是衷心希望吉英成功；如果她明天就嫁给了他，我会认为，她这样做所获得的幸福的机会，不会比她认认真真地对他的性格研究上十二个月的机会少。如果双方对彼此的脾性都摸得很透，或者生来就非常相似，那两人就一点儿也不会有幸福可言了。以后，两人总是想方设法地去使他们之间有所不同，并为此而苦恼；较好的办法是，尽可能少地了解你要结为伴侣的那个人的性格缺陷。” “你这番话叫我听得很开心，卡洛蒂；可是却没什么道理。你也知道这一点，你自己是绝对不会这样去做的。” 就这样地将全付心思用在了有关彬格莱先生对她姐姐的关注上，伊丽莎白一点儿也没有怀疑到，她自己正在他的朋友眼里变成为一个有趣的注意对象。起先达西先生都几乎不认为她长得漂亮；在舞会上看到她的时候，对她豪无赞赏之情；在他们第二次遇见的时候，他注视过她，也只是为了找出她的缺点。可是就在他刚刚对他自己和他的朋友们表示出，她脸上几乎没有一处长得动人的时候，他却开始发现出，她的那双美丽的富于灵气的黑色眸子把她的整个面庞衬托得聪慧无比。紧跟着他又发现出其他几处同样撩他心意的地方。尽管他早已用批评的眼光，找出了她的身材在优美匀称方面的诸多不足，可是他却不得不承认，她体态轻盈而且楚楚动人；尽管他声称说她的举止缺少上流社会的种种优雅，可他却被她的活泼风趣毫无扭捏作态给打动了。对所有这一切，伊丽莎白一点儿也不知晓；在她看来，他只是一个处处不受欢迎的人，而且他还认为她不够漂亮，不愿让她做他的舞伴。 达西先生开始希望更多地了解她，为了达到他自己能和她进行交谈的这一步，他注意地听着她和别人的谈话。他的这一做法引起了她的注意。那是在爵士威廉·鲁卡斯的官邸，当时正举办着一个盛大的晚会。 “达西先生在听我和弗斯特上校的谈话，不知这是什么意思？”伊丽莎白对卡洛蒂说。 “这个问题只有达西先生能够回答。” “如果他下一次还这么做，我一定要让他知道知道我的厉害。他很会挖苦人，如果我自己要是不先给他点颜色看，我很快就会变得怕他了。” 没多一会儿功夫，达西先生又走到她们这边来了，尽管他看上去好像并没有任何想要攀谈的企图，鲁卡斯小姐见此情状，便怂恿她的朋友向他提及这个问题，这一激果然奏效，只见伊丽莎白朝他转过身子说： “达西先生，你不觉得，我刚才缠着弗斯特上校要他在麦里屯给我们举办一年舞会时，我话说得相当巧妙和有说服力吗？” “表达得很有力——不过这样的话题总是使小姐们变得非常起劲的。” “你又在讽刺我们了。” “马上便该轮到她(指伊丽莎白——译者注)来被人缠了，”鲁卡斯小姐说，“我这就去打开琴盖，伊丽莎，你也知道后面跟着的该是什么。” “你真是一个非常奇怪的朋友！总是想叫我在人前弹琴唱歌，也不管是在什么人面前！如果我真是有音乐的天赋，我当然会对你感激不尽的，可是，既然这并不是事实，我实在不愿意在这些听惯了一流演奏家的人们面前献丑。”无奈，经不住鲁卡斯小姐的一味坚持，她只好说道，“好吧，既然如此，我就恭敬不如从命啦。”同时她一本正经地瞥了达西先生一眼说，“有句在场的人都熟悉的谚语说——‘留着你的气儿，吹凉你的粥’（这里意指对她的演奏不要横加挑剔。）——我呢，将用我的气儿来唱我的歌儿。” 她的表演虽说不上精彩，可也怡人动听。在她唱了一两首歌之后，有几个人要求她再唱几首，她还没有来得及作答，她的妹妹玛丽便迫不及待地接替了她，坐到琴旁去了。玛丽是她们家中惟一的一个相貌平平的女子，为此她只得刻苦求知和锻炼才情，遇到露脸儿的场合，她总是想夸示她的本事。 玛丽既没有天分也没有鉴赏力；虽说虚荣心促使她刻苦用功，可这却也给予她一种学究气和自负的作派，就是达到较高造诣的也会受到它们的损害，便何况于她呢。虽说伊丽莎白的琴弹得还不及玛丽的一半，可是由于她平易大方，毫无造作，听起来倒叫人觉得更加惬意一些；玛丽在弹完一首长长的协奏曲之后，又应她的几个妹妹的请求弹起了苏格兰和爱尔兰的小曲，她高兴博得人们的赞扬和艳羡，而她的那几个妹妹们呢，正和鲁卡斯家的几个小姐以及两三个军官在舞厅的另一边急切地舞了起来。 达西先生此时就站在她们的附近，正为没有任何攀谈的机会就这样地度过一个晚会，生着闷气，他自己心事重重，竟没有察觉到威廉·鲁卡斯爵士就站在他的近前，直到威廉爵士跟他说话的时候，他才抬起头来。 “跳舞对于年轻人来说真是一种迷人的娱乐，达西先生！说来说去，什么也比不上跳舞。我认为这是上流社会中，最为优雅的活动之一了。” “的确如此，爵士——不过，跳舞的优点还不止于此，它现在在并不高雅的社会中也很流行——每个野蛮人都会跳舞。” 威廉爵士只是笑了一笑。“你的朋友跳得不错，”看到彬格莱先生跳了起来，他说，“我毫不怀疑，达西先生，你自己就是这方面的一个优秀的选手。” “我想，你曾在麦里屯看到过我跳舞，爵士。” “是的，是这样，而且我颇感自己那一回眼福不浅。你常在宫里跳舞吗？” “从来没有过，爵士。” “你不认为，在那里跳舞对你自己对宫庭都是一种荣誉吗？” “只要我能避开，这是一种我对任何一个地方都不会给的荣誉。” “你在伦敦城里有房子吧？” 达西先生点头表示承认。 “我曾经有过把家安在城里的想法——因为我很喜欢上流社会；只是我担心伦敦的天气不适合于鲁卡斯太太。” 他停了一下，想得到一个回答；谁知对方根本无心回话；这时正值伊丽莎白朝他俩这边走来，他倏然想到一个绝妙的主意，便向她大声地招呼。 “亲爱的伊丽莎白小姐，你干吗不跳舞呢？达西先生，请允许我把这位年轻的小姐介绍给你，她是一位非常理想的舞伴。我敢肯定，有这样的一个美人在你面前，你是不会拒绝跳舞的。”说着，便拿起她的手儿，想将它递给达西先生，达西先生固然吃惊不小，可也并非不愿意拉住伊丽莎白的手，谁知就在这时她突然抽回了自己的手，神色略显不自然地对威廉爵士说： “噢，爵士，我根本不想跳舞——我希望你不要以为，我走到这边来，就是为了乞讨个舞伴的。” 达西先生非常正经有礼地请求她赏光，却也是枉然。伊丽莎白主意已定：就是威廉爵士想要劝说，也一点儿动摇不了她的决心。 “你的舞跳得那么好，伊丽莎白小姐，如果不让我一睹你的舞姿，那真是太遗憾了；虽然这位绅士通常不喜欢这项娱乐，我肯定，他也不会反对为我们跳上半个钟头的。” “达西先生真是太客气了。”伊丽莎白笑着说。 “的确是这样——不过考虑一下你的美貌给人的诱惑，对达西先生现在的这一殷勤，我们也就足以为怪了；因为谁会舍下这样的一个舞伴呢？” 伊丽莎白调皮地瞧了他一眼，转身走开了，她的拒绝并没有使达西感到难过，在他正有点美滋滋地念着她的时候，彬格莱小姐走过来了。 “我能猜出你正在想什么想得出神。” “我谅你猜不出。” “你在想，在这样的社交圈里，用这种方式来消磨掉许多个晚上，是多么的不可忍受；的确，我也是同样地认为。我从来不曾这样烦闷过！这乏味无聊，这吵人的喧闹；这些人们什么也不是，可个个觉得自己了不起！我现在最高兴的是，能听你痛快淋漓地批评上他们一顿！” “我可以向你保证，你完全猜错了。我脑子里想着的事，可要比这愉快得多。我刚才一直在回味着，一个漂亮女人的脸和她那双神气的眼睛，所能给人的那份快乐。” 彬格莱小姐的眼睛马上盯住在他的脸上，显然是希望他告诉她，是什么样的美人儿能有本领激起他这样的感慨，达西先生毫不迟疑地回答道： “是伊丽莎白·班纳特小姐。” “伊丽莎白·班纳特小姐！”彬格莱小姐禁不住重复道，“这太令我感到惊奇了。她是你的意中人已经有多长时间了？请问，我几时可以向你们道喜呢？” “我已料到你会这样问我的，女人的想象真是太急速了；它一下子便能从倾慕跳跃到爱情，从爱情跳到结婚。我早就知道你会向我道喜的。” “呃，如若你对此事是这么的一本正经，我倒要想这件事已经是完全决定了的了。你会得到一位有趣的岳母大人，当然啦，这位岳母大人也会一直同你住在彭伯里的。” 在她这样由着性子讲下去的当儿，他无动于衷地听着，后来，他那镇静的神情使她放下了提着的心，于是她的话儿越发滔滔不绝了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第9章 班纳特先生的全部财产都是在一宗产业上，他以此每年获得两千英磅的收入。说起这宗产业，真是他女儿们的不幸，因为家中没有男性继承人，产业将由一个远亲来继承；至于她们母亲的财产；虽然足够她自己这一生用的，可却弥补不起他方面的不足。她的父亲曾经在麦里屯当过律师，给她留下了四千磅的遗产。 她有个妹妹，嫁给了一个姓菲利甫的先生，这位先生曾是她父亲手下的一名职员，后来继承了她父亲的行当，她还有个兄弟，住在伦敦，做着受人青睐的生意买卖。 浪博恩这个村子离麦里屯只有一英里之遥；这段距离对于班纳特家的小姐们来说是最便利不过了，她们一个星期总得往那里去上三四趟，看看她们的姨妈，捎带逛逛那边的一家卖女帽的商店，她们中间年龄最小的两位小姐凯瑟琳和丽迪雅跑那里跑得更勤；她们俩头脑空空，也不像姐姐们有事可做，每当感到无聊时，就得到麦里屯走一走，在那边消遣掉她们白天的时光，到了晚上，她们便有了可说的话儿；不管是平日的乡间轶事多么少得可怜，她们总能设法从姨妈那儿打听回一些来。在眼下，因为一个部队的团队新近开到了这附近，她们的新闻和喜悦也实实在在地多了起来；这一团队要在这里驻扎一个冬天，麦里屯就是他们的司令部。 现在，每次从菲利甫夫人那边串游回来，她们俩都能带回好多的趣闻。每天都有新的军官的名字及其有关的情况进到她们耳朵里来。不久，军官们住的地方对她们来说已不再是个秘密，到后来她们自己便开始与他们相识了。菲利甫先生已拜访了所有的军官，这真是为她们姐妹俩打开了一个她们以前从不知晓的幸福源头，凯瑟琳和丽迪雅现在一天价就是谈的军官；至于彬格莱先生和他的大宗财产，尽管一被提起她们的母亲仍是眉飞色舞，可在她们的眼睛里却算不得什么了，简直无法和那些军官们的制服相提并论。 有一天早晨，听着两个小女儿滔滔不绝地议着这个话题，班纳特先生冷冷地说： “从你们俩谈话的神气上，我能看出你们是乡间最蠢的两个女孩子。以前我只是这样地怀疑，现在，我完全相信了。” 凯瑟琳被说得局促不安起来，没再吭声；而丽迪雅可毫不在乎，继续诉说着她对卡特上尉的仰慕之情，她希望她今天白天能见到他，因为明天早晨他就要去伦敦了。 “亲爱的，你太令我吃惊了，”班纳特夫人说，“你竟会这么乐意地认为你自己的孩子愚蠢。不管我想要贬的是谁家的孩子，我也不会贬到我自己孩子的头上来。” “如果我的孩子愚不可及，我必定希望我对此总是有所明察。” “说得不错——不过，事实上是，她们每一个都很聪明。” “我自认为，这是我们两人看法上的惟一的不同点。我曾希望我们的见解在任何一个方面都融洽一致，不过，到目前为止，在我认为我们的两个小女儿非常的愚蠢这一点上，我不得不和你有两样的观点。” “亲爱的，你不能指望女儿们都具有她们父母亲那样的见识。待她们到了我们这样的年纪时，我敢说，她们就会像我们一样，不再总念着这些军官了。我还记得，年轻时我自己就曾对一个军官非常的喜欢——确切地说，在我的心底我仍然喜欢他；假如有一个年轻英俊的上校，一年有五六千英磅的收入，向我们的一个女儿求婚，我绝对不会对他说个不字；我觉得弗斯特上校在那一次爵士威廉家举办的晚会上，穿着他的军官服，就显得十分的潇洒风流。” “妈妈，”丽迪雅嚷着，“我姨妈说，弗斯特上校和卡特上尉已不像他们初来时那么常去沃特森小姐家了；姨妈常见他们站在克拉克图书馆里。” 班纳特夫人还没来得及回小女儿的话，就见一个男仆走进来，手里拿着彬格莱小姐写的一封信；这封信是从尼塞弗尔德那边送来的，仆人还等着取上回信。班纳特夫人的眼睛露出喜悦的光彩，见她的大女儿在读信，就心急地大声问： “哦，吉英，这是谁来的信？信上写的些什么？你怎么说呢？喂，吉英、快快地告诉我们，快一点儿，我的心肝。” “信是彬格莱小姐写来的，”吉英回答说，随后便大声地读了出来，？ “我亲爱的朋友： 如果你今天不肯发发善心，来跟露易莎和我一道儿吃晚饭，我们姐妹两个今后可能会永远相互怨恨对方啦，因为两个女人成天在一块儿谈心，到头来没有不吵架的。请接到这封信后就尽快地赶来。我哥哥和他的朋友们都要上军官那儿吃晚饭。 永远忠实于你的珈罗琳·彬格莱” “和军官们一起吃饭！”丽迪雅大声喊，“奇怪，姨妈怎么没告诉我们这件事。” “出去吃饭，”班纳特夫人说，“这太不巧了。” “我能用车去吗？”吉英问。 “不，亲爱的，你最好还是骑马去吧，看样子快要下雨了，这样，你便可以晚上也待在那里了。” “这个主意不错，”伊丽莎白说，“如果你能断定他们不会主动提出用车送她回来的话。” “噢！彬格莱先生的马车，男人们乘着去麦里屯吃饭了；而赫斯特夫妻俩又是有车无马。” “我还是乘车去得好，妈妈。” “可是，亲爱的，我想你爸爸肯定是要用马的，农田里的活儿需要它们，班纳特，不是吗？” “农田里常常需要用马，不过轮到我用的时候却并不多。” “可是如果你今天要用，”伊丽莎白说，“我妈妈的目的就达到了。” 最后，伊丽莎白总算是从她父亲那里掏出了一句马已经有了用项的话儿。这样，吉英便只好骑马去了，她的母亲将她送到门口，高高兴兴地说了许多预祝天气变坏的话儿。老天爷果然应了母亲的心愿；吉英刚走了时间不长就下起了大雨，她的几个妹妹们开始为她担心，而她的母亲可高兴得了不得了。雨一直下到晚上没有间断；吉英肯定是回不来了。 “幸亏我想出了这个妙主意！”班纳特夫人来来回回地把这句话说了好几遍，好像这天降大雨的功劳全都是属于她自己的似的。不过，她的这一妙算到底造成了多大地幸福，这是她到第二天早晨才知晓的。早饭刚刚吃过，一个仆人从尼塞费尔德给伊丽莎白送来了下面的这封信：？ “我最亲爱的丽萃： 今天早晨我醒来时，感到身体很不舒服，我想，这可能是因为我昨天淋了雨的缘故。我的这些好心的朋友在我好起来以前，决意不肯让我回去。他们还执意要请琼斯先生来给我看病——因此如果你听说了他上我这儿来过，不必感到惊讶——除了喉咙和头有些疼痛，我没有什么大的毛病。 你的姐姐” “哦，亲爱的，”在伊丽莎白大声读着信的当儿，班纳特先生对他的妻子说，“如果你的女儿得了危险的重病，如果她要死了，倒也值得安慰呀，因为她全是遵循你的命令去追求彬格莱先生的。” “噢！我可一点儿也不认为这就能送了她的命。人不会因为得了点儿小感冒就死去的，她将会得到很好的照顾，只要她待在那儿，就不会有事的。要是马车在我能去看看她就好了。” 伊丽莎白可真的为姐姐心里焦急了，虽然车子不在，她还是决定要去看她；她不会骑马，只能走着去。她把她的打算说了出来。 “你这孩子怎么这样傻，”她的母亲喊起来，“在这满野的泥泞中你想要走着去！等你到了那里，你满身是泥的怎么见人嘛。” “我去看望吉英，这没有什么不合适的——这是我现在惟一的念头。” “你是不是在暗示我，丽萃，”她的父亲说，“叫我派人去把马带回来。” “不，当然不是这个意思，我并不怕走路。当一个人心中有了某种意念的时候，这段距离算不了什么；只是三英里的路程，在晚饭前我就赶回来啦。” “我很赞赏你的这一出于姐妹之情的举动，”玛丽说，“不过，感情上的冲动应该受到理智的支配才是；我的看法是，出力应该总是与其所被需要的相符才好。” “我们将陪你一块走到麦里屯那儿。”凯瑟琳和丽迪雅说，伊丽莎白表示赞同，于是三位小姐便一齐上了路。 “如果我们走得快一点，”在走着的路上丽迪雅说，“也许我们还能赶在卡特上尉动身之前，见上他一面。” 到了麦里屯时，她们分了手，两个妹妹朝着一个军官夫人的家里走去，伊丽莎白一个人继续前行，她快步走过了一片又一片的田野，跨过沿途的围栏，连蹦带跳地过了无数个水洼，后来终于望见了那所房子，可这时候的她已经是双脚乏累，鞋袜上溅满了泥浆，脸蛋儿由于出力变得绯红。 她被带进了早餐厅，除了吉英正巧所有的人都在那里，她的这副模样儿使得满座皆惊。她竟然会在大清早这么泥泞的路上，独自一个人走了三英里的路程，这在赫斯特夫人和彬格莱小姐看来简直是难以置信的；伊丽莎白也感觉到了，她们在看着她时，为她的这种举动所表露出的轻蔑神态。不过，她还是受到了这姐妹两人的客客气气的接待；在她们兄弟的举止里带出一种比客气有礼更好的东西，善意的幽默和友好关心。达西先生没有说什么，赫斯特先生更是连口也没有开。前者是一种矛盾的心情；他为她的一路跋涉后面庞上现出的红晕和光泽而动情，又为她这么远独自跑来的做法是否妥当表示怀疑。而后者呢，只是一心在想着他的早饭。 她向他们询问了姐姐的病情，得到的回答并不十分令人满意。班纳特小姐觉睡得不好，现在虽然起来了，可还在发高烧，不能走出屋子，伊丽莎白很快就被领到了姐姐住的房间；吉英见到妹妹进来，心里很是高兴，她多么盼望有个亲人能来这里看她，只是因为怕引起家里人的担心或是不便，才没敢在她的信里提及。她身体还很弱，不能多说话，在彬格莱小姐走了留下她们两个人的时候，她只是为她所受到无微不至的照顾说了些感激的话儿。伊丽莎白默默地服侍着她。 早饭结束以后，彬格莱小姐和她的姐姐也来到吉英这里；当伊丽莎白看到她们姐妹俩对吉英所表现出的那番亲热和对其病情所感到的那份焦虑时，她不由得自己也开始喜欢她们了。医生来了，在检查了病人的病情后，他像人们早已所料的那样说，她得的是重感冒，要她们好好照顾病人；建议她上床休息，并为她开下了一些药，医生的建议很快就被执行了，因为，发烧的症状又加剧了，她的头痛得厉害。伊丽莎白没有一刻离开过房间，彬格莱家的姐妹俩也很少走开过；男人们都出去了，事实上她们到别处也无事可做。 当钟表敲过三下的时候，伊丽莎白觉得她该回家去了；虽然非常的不情愿，她还是这样说了。彬格莱小姐要用马车送她，在她几近于稍加推辞就接受人家这份情的时候，吉英却为妹妹的离开显出了那么缠绵的不舍之情，彬格莱小姐只得改变了用马车送她的主意，邀请她暂时留在尼塞弗尔德。伊丽莎白非常感激地同意了，于是一个仆人被打发到了浪博恩那边，去告知家人她在这里留住的消息，顺便捎回一些换的衣服来。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第10章 在下午5点钟的时候，主家的两位小姐离开去换衣了，6点半钟的时候有人唤伊丽莎白去吃晚饭。大家都关切地问起她姐姐的病情，在这其中她高兴地发现，表示出最深切的关心的还是彬格莱先生，只是她还不能给出大家一个令人宽慰的答复。吉英还没有好起来。主家的两姐妹听了后，连连地将下面的话重复了好几遍：啊，她们真为此感到难过啦，得了重感冒多吓人啦，她们自己是多么讨厌生病啦，话说完后她们也就不再想着这回事了；看到吉英不在她们眼前时她们对吉英的这种淡淡的态度，重新勾起了伊丽莎白起先对她们姐妹俩的那种不喜欢来。 她们的兄弟才真正是这家人里她觉得最为不错的一个。他对吉英的担心和焦急是显而易见的，他对她自己的照顾是亲切怡人的，这叫她不再觉得自己是个闯入人家家里来的外来者，而这里的其他人，她以为显然是这样看她的。除了他之外，她很少再得到别人的注意。彬格莱小姐正缠着达西先生，她的姐姐也没有什么两样；至于坐在伊丽莎白旁边的赫斯特先生，则是个好吃懒惰的人，一天价就是吃喝，玩牌，当他看到伊丽莎白宁愿吃桌上的素菜而不吃烩肉，便和她没啥可说的了。 晚饭一用完，伊丽莎白就马上又回到吉英那儿去了，她刚刚步出餐厅，彬格莱小姐在后面便对她奚落起来。说她的举止太不得体，行为既傲慢又无礼；她不会和人攀谈，没有气质，没有鉴赏力，长得也不美。赫斯特夫人也如此认为，并且补充道： “用一句话说，她除了擅长走路，再也一无所长。我永远也不会忘记她今天早晨的那副模样。她当时的样子真像是个乡村里的野丫头。” “的确是这样，露易莎。我当时诧异得都有点儿不知所措了。她这趟来得太不知趣了！就因为她姐姐得了个感冒，她就非得一路跋涉地赶来吗？瞧她当时那蓬头蓬脑的样子！” “噢！还有她的裙子；我真希望你那时看到她的裙子了，下摆上沾满了泥浆，我敢肯定足足有六英寸；她想用外面的衣服遮住那泥浆，可也无济于事。” “你的描述也许十分的准确，露易莎。”彬格莱说，“不过，你说的这些，我当时可都没有注意到。我只觉得，当伊丽莎白今天早上走进来时，她的样子很美。至于她的裙子很脏，我可没有留意。” “我想你一定见到了，达西先生，”彬格莱小姐说，“而且我还倾向于认为，你一定不希望看到你妹妹弄成那副样子。” “当然不。” “走上三四里，或是五里，或是更长的路程，整个脚脖子都踩在泥里，而且就是她孤孤单单的一个人！她这样做能意味着什么呢？在我看来，这似乎只是表现了令人憎厌的自负和倔强，一种乡下人对礼仪的完全不予理睬。” “这体现了她对姐姐的一片令人感动的情义。”彬格莱说。 “我担心，达西先生，”彬格莱小姐压低了声音说，“通过她这次冒险行动，你对她的那双美丽眼睛的赞美，已经受到影响了吧。” “一点儿也没有，”他回答说，“经过一番跋涉后，它们显得更明亮了。”——跟着的是一阵少许的沉默，后来赫斯特夫人又开了口。 “我对吉英·班纳特的印象非常好，她真是一个可人意儿的姑娘，我衷心希望能嫁个好人家。不过，遇上这样的父亲和母亲，这么一些不争气的姊妹们，我看她怕是没有这样的机会了。” “我好像听你说过，她们有个姨夫在麦里屯当律师。” “是呀，她们还有个舅舅，住在伦敦齐普赛街（这是一条商业街，以珠宝商和绸缎商著称。）一带。” “这太妙了。”她的妹妹附和了一句，跟着姐妹两个都开心地大笑起来。 “即便她们的舅舅多得能把齐普赛街塞满了，”彬格莱激动地说，“也不会把她们的可爱之处减少一丝一毫。” “可是，这必定会实实在在地减少她们能嫁到一个有身份的男人的机会。”达西说。 对这句话彬格莱没有多说什么，他的姐妹们却表示了由衷的赞同，随后，又不惜拿她们亲密朋友的鄙俗亲戚逗了半天的乐子。 不过，当她们俩离开餐厅朝吉英房里走去的时候，她们对朋友的那份柔情便又在脸上了，她们在那儿陪吉英一直陪到喝咖啡的时分。吉英的身体还非常的虚弱，伊丽莎白一直片刻不离地守护到傍晚，直待放心地看着姐姐睡着了，同时也觉得怕不下楼去有点不太好了，这才恋恋不舍地离开了房间。当她走进客厅的时候，她看见大家都在玩牌，大家随即邀她也来玩，可是她怕他们玩得输赢很大，所以谢绝了，她托词说她还要照看姐姐，她只有一小会儿的时间，她愿意到下面去找本书看看。赫斯特吃惊地望着她。 “你宁愿看书，也不喜欢玩牌吗？”他说，“这真是稀罕。” “伊丽莎白·班纳特小姐讨厌打牌，”彬格莱小姐说，“她对书特别的感兴趣，其他的东西她都一概不喜欢。” “我自己不配得到这样的夸赞，也不该受到这样的指责，”伊丽莎白大声地说，“我并非是那么特别的喜好读书，我对许多的东西都很喜欢，并且能从中得到乐趣。” “我肯定，你在照顾你的姐姐中就得到乐趣了，”彬格莱说，“我希望，这种乐趣能随着她的好起来而与日俱增。” 伊丽莎白表达了她对他的衷心感谢，然后走到了一张上面放着几本书的桌子旁边。他立刻要另外再拿一些书给她；甚至把他的书都拿过来。 “我真希望我收藏的书再多一点儿就好了，这样既可以满足了你的需要，也可以为我争回点儿面子；可是我这个人一向疏懒，尽管我的书没有多少，可比我看过的还是要多。” 伊丽莎白对他说，这间屋子里的这些书足够她看的了。 “我感到很奇怪，”彬格莱小姐说，“我父亲只留下这么一点儿书。达西先生，你彭伯利那儿的藏书真是丰富极了！” “它理应当是这样，”他回答说，“因为这是好多代人努力的结果。” “你自己便为这藏书增添进去不少，你随时都在买书。” “我对现在疏忽家里藏书的行为是不敢苟同的。” “疏忽！我相信，你没有疏忽过任何一点儿能给你的那个美好宅邸再锦上添花的地方。查利斯，（彬格莱先生的名字。）以后你自己建筑住宅的时候，但愿它有人家彭伯利的一半的美就好了。” “我希望能如此。” “我可是当真建议你在那儿邻近的地方置一块地，就按彭伯利的样子盖一所住宅。在英国，再没有哪一个郡能比上德比郡的了。” “我十二分地赞成你的想法；如果达西肯的话，我愿意把彭伯利全都买下来。” “查利斯，我现在跟你谈的可是可能能做到的事情。” “我也不是开玩笑，卡罗琳，我认为，要想得到一个彭伯利，仿造是很难做到的，唯有把它买下来，才有可能。” 伊丽莎白听兄妹俩的这场对话，听得出了神，几乎就没有把注意力放到她手中的书本上去；不久，她索性将它完全搁在了一旁，走到牌桌这儿，站在彬格莱和他姐姐之间，看他们玩牌。 “达西小姐比今年春天时又长高了许多吧？”彬格莱小姐问，“她将来会长成我这么高吗？” “我想会的。她现在已经差不多和伊丽莎白一样高了，也许更高一点儿。” “我真想再见到她！我从来没有遇到过这么叫我喜爱的人儿。模样儿那么俊，举止那么的优雅，小小的年纪有那么了不起的才艺！她的钢琴真是弹得妙极了。” “这一点每每叫我诧异不解，”彬格莱说，“年轻的小姐们怎么有那么大的耐心，把她们自己锻炼得多才多艺，所有的小姐们都是这样。” “所有的小姐们都是这样！亲爱的查利斯，你这话是什么意思？” “是的，我认为她们个个都是如此。她们都会装饰台桌，点缀屏风，编织钱袋。我敢保证，我每一次最初听说一位小姐的时候，总有人在告我说她非常的多才多艺。” “你列举的这些才艺，有着很方的范围，”达西说，“这一点真是千真万确。许多女人都只是会做一些编织钱袋或是点缀屏风之类的事，便赢得了有才艺的美名。不过，就总体而言，我不能同意你对小姐们的这种评价标准。我不敢说大话，在我认识的所有女人里，真正有才艺的没有半打儿。” “我也有同感。”彬格莱小姐说。 “那么，”伊丽莎白说，“在你们的这一所谓才女的概念里，一定包含进去了许多的内容喽。” “是的，我的确认为里面应该包含了许多的条件。” “噢！这是当然的喽，”达西先生的忠实的支持者(指彬格莱小姐——译者注)放大了声音说，“没有一个人可以被真正认为是富于才情的，如果她要是不能够远远地超出常人的水平。一个女人必须对音乐、唱歌、绘画、跳舞和各种现代语言十分的精通，才配得起这一称号；而且，除此之外，她还必须在仪表和步态、说话的声调、谈吐和表达方面，具备高雅和独到之处，否则，她也只够达到一半的标准。” “所有这些都是她必须具备的，”达西补充说，“另外，她还必须具有很高的素养，而这惟有通过广泛的阅读，不断地丰富自己的头脑，才能做得到。” “这样一说，我对你仅仅只认识6个有才艺的女子，便不再感到惊奇了。我现在纳闷的倒是，像这样的才女，你是否认识过一个。” “难道你对你的同类如此严厉，甚至于怀疑有这种可能性吗？” “我从来也没有遇到过这样的一个女人。从来没有见到过，你所说的这样的才能，这样的情趣，这样的优雅，这样的造诣，难集于一个女人身上的。” 赫斯特夫人和彬格莱小姐都大声嚷着，反对她表示出的这一不公正的怀疑态度，两人异口同声地宣称，她们认识许多符合上述条件的女子，弄得这时的赫斯特先生不得不喊着让她们保持秩序，连连的抱怨使她们把牌局给搅乱了。待争论平息下来后，伊丽莎白不久也离开了那儿。 “伊丽莎白·班纳特，”当门关上之后，彬格莱小姐说，“像有些年轻的女人们那样，是借贬低自己的同类，来达到在男性面前抬高自己的目的；这套做法，我敢说，对许多男人都是奏效的。不过，在我看来，这纯属雕虫小技之类，非常的鄙俗。” “毫无疑问，”因为这话主要是冲着达西说的，所以他回答道，“在女人们有时为了赢得异性而屈尊使用的一切手腕中，的确有卑微的成分，只要和狡巧沾上边儿的东西，都应该受到鄙视。” 彬格莱小姐似乎不是那么十分满意这样的一个回答，因此也就撂开了这个话题。 伊丽莎白一会儿又回来了，说她姐姐的病情加重，她不能再下楼来了。彬格莱极力主张马上去请钟斯大夫；他的姐妹们觉得乡下的医师根本不顶什么用，建议急速到城里，去请一位最有名的大夫。这她没有同意，可对她们兄弟的建议，她倒不是不愿意考虑；最后商定，第二天一清早去把钟斯大夫请来，如果班纳特小姐到那时还不见好转的话。彬格莱心里非常的不安，他的姐妹俩也说她们很忧烦。不过，在吃过晚饭之后，她们还是合唱了几支曲子以减轻这忧烦，而彬格莱则只有通过不断地给佣人们发出指令，叫她们尽心尽力地照呼好病人和她的妹妹，来稍微平静自己的情绪。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第11章 伊丽莎白差不多是在她姐姐的房间里度过了整个晚上，第二天早晨当彬格莱打派一个女佣，稍后又是分别服侍他的姐妹们的两个体态优雅的女人来探问病情时，伊丽莎白总算能够高兴地给予她们一个较为满意的回答。不过，虽然病人略见好转，她还是要求他们差人到浪博恩捎个信儿，最好是叫她的母亲来看看吉英，亲自判断一下她的病情。信即刻就送去了，信上的事儿也很快被照办了。班纳特夫人吃过早饭后便带着那两个最小的女儿朝尼塞费尔德赶来了。 如若班纳特夫人发现吉英的病情非常的严重，她一定会很伤心的；不过，当她欣慰地看到吉英也就可能该离开尼塞费尔德了。所以，当她的女儿提起要她带她回去的话儿时，她听也不听；而且，跟她差不多是同时间赶到这里来的大夫，也认为是留下养病较为妥当。在她和吉英小坐了一会儿后，彬格莱小姐进来请她们下去吃早饭，于是这母女们一行四人便随着彬格莱小姐一同来到早餐厅。彬格莱先生在那儿等候她们，他说他希望班纳特夫人觉得班纳特小姐的病情并不像她料想得那么严重。 “可是，的确比我想象得还要严重呢，先生，”她回答说，“她病得太厉害了，可不能移动地方。钟斯大夫也说不能叫她搬动。因此我们还得多劳你们照顾几天了。” “移动地方！”彬格莱着急地大声说，“这绝对不可以。我相信，我妹妹也不会叫她现在就回去的。” “这是真的，夫人，”彬格莱小姐礼貌可又有点儿冷淡地说，“班纳特小姐和我们在一起，是会得到最好的照顾的。” 为此，班纳特夫人连连道谢。 “我相信，”她接着补充说，“要不是有你们这样好的朋友照料，她还不知道会怎样了呢，因为她确实病得很重，也受了不少的痛苦，尽管她有着极大的忍耐性，她一惯都是这样的。因为她的性格是那种从来没有见过的温存性格。我常常跟我的其他的几个女儿说，和你们的姐姐相比，你们简直什么也不是了。你的这所房子很可爱呢，彬格莱先生，而且你的鹅卵石铺道那边的景致也很迷人。在我们乡下，我还不知道再有一个地方能像尼塞费尔德这样的。我想，你不会很快就离开这个地方吧，虽然你的租期并不算长。” “我做什么事，都是匆匆忙忙的，”他回答说，“所以如果我要是决定了离开尼塞费尔德的话，我也许会在五分钟以后就搬走的。不过，在眼下，我觉得我是牢牢地扎在这儿的。” “我也正是这样对你认为的。”伊丽莎白说。 “你已经开始了解我了，是吗？”他转向她吃惊地问。 “唔！是的——我完全了解你了。” “我希望，我能将此看作是对我的恭维，不过，这么快就让人家看透了，恐怕是很可怜的了。” “这要看情况而定。一个内心深沉，性格复杂的人，未必就比你这样的一种性格更值得或者更少值得尊敬。” “丽萃，”她的母亲大声喊，“别忘了你是在什么地方，你不能在这儿也像在家里那样，撒着性子来。” “我以前可没有发觉，”彬格莱紧接着说，“你还是个研究性格的行家。这种研究一定很有趣吧。” “不错；尤其是对复杂的性格的研究更为有趣。可以说，它们至少在这一方面是占有优势的。” “乡野之地，”达西说，“一般来说很少能够提供出这样一种研究的对象。在乡下的邻里之间，你活动的社会圈子非常的有限，而且单一。” “但是，人总是在很大的程度上改变着他们自己的，因此在他们身上总是永远有新鲜的事物可供观察的。” “噢，这话千真万确，”被达西先生提到乡村邻里时的那种态度所恼怒，班纳特夫人大声说道，“我可以向你担保，乡下可值得看的一丁点儿也不比城里少。” 大家都吃了一惊；达西在盯着她看了一会儿后，便一声没吭地走开了。班纳特夫人以为自己完全已经占了他的上风，便乘胜追击。 “我个人觉得，伦敦比乡下并没有什么优越的地方，除了商店和活动的场所多一点以外。乡下比城里头更舒服，更怡人，不是吗？彬格莱先生？” “当我呆在乡下的时候，”他回答说，“我从不想离开乡下；当我呆在城里的时候，也同样地不想离开城里。它们各有各的所长，无论是呆在乡下还是城里，我都一样的快活。” “啊——那是因为你的性情纯正。可是那位先生，”她的眼睛瞧着达西先生说，“却似乎认为我们乡下连一钱也不值啦。” “妈妈，你弄错了，”伊丽莎白为她母亲感到脸红了，“你完全误会达西先生了。他只不过是说，乡下不像城里那样，可以遇到各种各样的人，这一点你必须承认它是事实。” “当然啦，亲爱的，谁也没有那么说过；可是要说我们这个邻里还碰不到许多的人，我相信比我们这个邻里大的可很难找到了。就我所知，跟我们来往吃饭的就有二十四家呢。” 只是为伊丽莎白着想，才没使得彬格莱笑出声来。他的妹妹可不像他那么考虑，拿她的眼睛瞟着达西先生，脸上呈现出富于意味的微笑。伊丽莎白为了转移开她母亲的思想，便向她母亲说，在她离开的这几天，卡洛蒂·鲁卡斯是否是到过浪博恩。 “哦，昨天她和她母亲一块儿来过。威廉爵士真是个和蔼可亲的人，他难道不是吗，彬格莱先生？那么的风流倜傥，那么的高雅又那么的平易随和！——他跟每个人都谈得来——我觉得这才是所谓的好的教养；那些自以为他们自己了不起而金口难开的人，却完全不明白这一点。” “卡洛蒂在咱家吃饭了吗？” “没有，她急着回家去。我想，可能是她家里等着她回去做肉饼。在我家里，彬格莱先生，我总是叫佣人们把各种家务活儿都干得好好的；我家女儿们的教养可和他们家的不一样。不过这应该是让众人去评断，我告诉你，鲁卡斯家的姑娘都是些好孩子。只可惜她们都长得不漂亮。当然并不是我认为卡洛蒂长得很普通——她毕竟是我们家的最要好的朋友。” “她看上去是个好样的姑娘。”彬格莱说。 “噢！亲爱的，你说的不错——不过，你不得不承认她的相貌很平常。鲁卡斯小姐自己也常常这么说，而且很艳羡我们吉英的美貌。我并不喜欢夸奖我自己的孩子，不过，提到吉英——比她再好看的，可很难见到啦。每个人都是这么说的。我可不敢依恃我自己的偏私。在她十五岁那年，在城里我那位兄弟嘉丁纳的家里，有一位先生爱上了她，我的弟媳妇甚至说，在我们临走之前他就会向她求婚啦。不过，他后来却没有提起。也许他觉得她太年轻了。可是他写了一些诗来歌颂她，那都是一些很好的诗。” “他的这场恋情就这样子结束了，”伊丽莎白有些不耐烦地说，“我想象，有许多人的恋爱都是用这种方式被克服掉的。我真不知道，是谁第一个发现了，诗歌有这种赶跑爱情的功效的！” “我一直习惯于认为诗歌是爱情的食粮。”达西说。 “对于健康、坚贞而又美好的爱情来说，是这样的。任何事物都滋养那种已经是很强壮的东西。但是，如果那爱情只是一种微不足道、弱不禁风的意向的话，我相信，一首好的十四行诗就能把它的营养完全榨干啦。” 达西听了只是微微地笑着，随后屋子里出现了一阵子的沉默，这叫伊丽莎白的心又跳得快了起来，她怕她的母亲再会弄出什么有失体面的事情。她想再说点儿什么，可一时又想不出什么该说的话来；在片刻的沉默之后，班纳特夫人又开始唠叨起她对彬格莱先生的感谢之意，感谢他对吉英的照顾，同时也为丽萃的讨扰向他表示歉意。彬格莱先生坦诚有礼地回着她的话，并敦促他的妹妹也客气有礼地说些在些种场合下所必须的话儿。实在地说，他的妹妹应酬得很是敷衍，不过班纳特夫人看见倒是满意了，随后不久就叫人预备车子。就在这节骨眼儿上，她的那个最小的女儿走向前来。在整个来访的时间里，她的这两个年纪最轻的女儿一直很在相互地窃窃私语，这一番交头接耳的结果便是，由顶小的女儿要求彬格莱先生履行他在最初来到乡下时所许的诺言，即在尼塞费尔德举办一个舞会。 丽迪雅虽然只是十五岁，可已经出落成了一个体壮、丰满的姑娘，肤色白里透红，面庞上一付快乐的无忧无虑的神情；她最受母亲的宠爱，这使得她在很早的年纪就进入了社交界。她有像动物那般充沛的精力，而且天生的有点儿不知天高地厚，加之由她姨夫的好饭好菜和她的轻浮举止招来的年轻军官们，对她不断地献殷勤，她的这种自以为是更是变成了妄自尊大。所以，她现在是站在完全平等的位置上，跟彬格莱先生谈起举办舞会的事情的，她唐突地提醒他实践自己的诺言；而且还说，如果他要是不能遵守诺言，那就是天下最丢人的事了。彬格莱先生对这一突然袭击的回答，叫她的母亲听了很是高兴。 “我可以向你保证，我随时乐意去实践我的诺言；等你的姐姐身体痊愈以后，你尽管可以挑选舞会举办的日子。不过，你也一定不愿意在她还病着的时候，就跳舞吧。” 丽迪雅感到她自己满意了。“噢！可以——等到吉英病好再举办，好处会更多一些，到那时候，卡特上尉很可能就又回到麦里屯了。待你办完你的舞会以后，”她补充说，“我将让他们也举办一个。我将跟弗斯特上校说，要是他不肯那就太丢脸了。” 班纳特夫人和她的两个小女儿就这样子动身了，伊丽莎白随后也很快地回到吉英那儿去了，任凭那主家的姐妹俩和达西先生对她自己和她家里人的行为去做品评吧；不过，尽管彬格莱小姐一再地拿她的美丽的眼睛开玩笑，达西先生却没有受她们的怂恿，参加到她们对她的批评当中去。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第12章 这一天差不多是跟前一天一样度过的。赫斯特夫人和彬格莱小姐的上午陪了病人几个小时，病人尽管恢复得很慢，却在继续好转；傍晚的时候，伊丽莎白来到了大家都在的客厅里。不过，这一回却并没有人玩禄牌（禄牌(loo)系法国的一种赌钱的牌戏。）。达西正在写一封信，彬格莱小姐紧挨他坐着，正看他写字，一边不断地要他代写一些话儿给他的妹妹，这样每每就分散了他的注意力。赫斯特先生和彬格莱先生在打皮克牌，赫斯特夫人看着他们玩。 伊丽莎白在做针线活儿，听到发生在达西和彬格莱小姐之间的对话，不免觉得有趣和好笑。彬格莱小姐对他的字体，或是字行的整齐，或是信的短长都不断地发出赞叹，而对方则对这赞扬全然的无动于衷，在此基础上形成的这场奇妙的对白，正应合伊丽莎白对他们两个人的看法。 “达西小姐接到这封信时，该会有多么高兴啊！” 达西没有吭声。 “你写信的速度真快。” “你错了。我写得相当的慢。” “你一年中得写多少封信啊！还有那些生意上的信函！写那种信，我想该会是多么的枯燥乏味啊！” “那么，既然它们得由我而不是你来写你就没有这种乏味之忧喽。” “请告诉你的小妹，我非常想念她。” “遵照你的意愿，我已经在这信上告诉过她一回了。” “你的笔恐怕有点儿不太好用了吧。让我给你修一修吧，我修笔是很内行的。” “谢谢你——只是，我的笔我总是自己来修的。” “你是怎么设法做到把字写得这么工整的呢？” 他没有言语。 “请告诉令妹，听到她的竖琴弹得又进步了，我很高兴，另外，告诉她看到她设计的美丽的台布图案，我真是惊喜极了，我认为它比格兰莱小姐的那一个不知要强上多少倍。” “你能允许我待写了一封信的时候，再告知你的惊喜吗？在这封信里，我实在是把它们安排不进去了。” “噢！那没有关系。我在一月份便能见到她了。达西先生，你总是给给妹妹写去这样长长的、动人的信吗？” “它们一般来说都很长；可是否写得总是动人，这就不是我所能判定的了。” “在我看来，这是一条规则，只要能顺畅容易地写出长信的人，他写得一定赖不了。” “这一恭维对达西不适用，卡罗琳，”她的哥哥大声说，“因为他写起来可并不轻松。他刻意于使用有四个音节的长词汇。难道不是吗？达西？” “我的写作风格和你的完全不同。” “唔！”彬格莱小姐嚷起来，“查利斯写信太草率了。在一封信里，他能漏掉一半的词语，划掉剩余的部分。” “我的思想活动得太快了，我简直来不及把他们表达出来——就是因为这个原因，我的信有时候叫对方看了后感到莫名其妙。” “你的谦恭态度，彬格莱先生，”伊丽莎白说，“一定可以抵消了对你的责备了。” “再也没有比这种表面上的谦恭态度更叫人容易上当的了，”达西说，“这常常只是一种不愿辨明是非的轻率行为，有时候则是一种间接的自夸。” “那么，对我这一次的小小的谦虚，你将称其为什么呢？” “间接的自夸；因为你实际上是对你写作上的缺点颇感自豪的，你认为这些缺点是来自头脑的急速思考和表达时的不当心，而这后两条，如果不是很价值的话，你至少以为它们是非常有趣的。这一做事迅速的能力总是受到它的拥有者的夸赞，而对其执行过程中的敷衍马虎则常常不予理睬。当你今天早晨对班纳特太太说，如果你决定了离开你会在五分钟以后就从尼塞费尔德搬走的话时，你心里是把这看作是对你自己的一种称颂，或者恭维的——可是，这样的一种急速行事有什么可值得称道的地方呢？它会使每一件该做的事情半途而废，无论是对人还是对自己都没有一点儿的好处。” “啊，”彬格莱嚷起来，“把早上所说过的一切不沾边儿的话，在晚上时又重新记了起来，这是不是有点太过了。不过，再说回来，我相信我今天早晨说我自己的那番话的真诚的，到现在的这一刻，我仍然如此认为。这样，我早晨对自己急躁性格的表述，至少不是只为了在女士们面前夸耀夸耀的。” “我敢说你是这样认为的；可是我却怎么也不会相信，你会用那么快的速度离开尼塞费尔德的。你的行为，像我所认识的任何人的一样，都是受偶然因素影响的；假如正在你跨上马背要离开的时候，一个朋友说：‘彬格莱，你最好还是到下个星期再走吧。’你很可能就会照他的话去办——如果你的朋友再说上一句，你也许又会待上一个月的。” “你所说的话正好证明了，”伊丽莎白大声说，“彬格莱先生考虑别人的见解，并不是任由着自己的性子来的。你对他的夸赞远远地超过了他对自己的夸赞。” “我真是不胜地感激，”彬格莱说，“经你这么一打圆场，我朋友所说的话倒变成了对我性情温顺的一种褒扬了。不过，我恐怕你的这种圆场并不投合这位先生的本意；因为如果我要是在这种场合下给予一个断然的拒绝，并骑着马急奔而去的话，那他一定会更看得起我的。” “那么，达西先生是不是认为，你在最初打算上的草率，可以因为你固执地坚持这种打算而得到赎补呢？” “老实说，对这个问题我也不能解释得很准确，这必须由达西先生自己来说明才是。” “你想叫我来解释那些你一意将其称为是我个人的见解，但是，我可从来没有承认过它们是我的。不过，假使情形就像你所说的那样，你也一定须记住，班纳特小姐，这位希望彬格莱先生留下来并延迟他的搬走计划的朋友仅仅是这样的希望，他说出这一请求时，并没有提供一个之所以要这样做的恰当理由。” “在你看来，很乐意——很容易——听从朋友的劝告，根本就不是什么优点啦。” “无主见地听从，对于两个人的理解力来说，全不能算是一种恭维吧。” “我觉得，达西先生，你看上去似乎根本不承认有友谊和情感之影响的存在。对请求者本人的尊敬，往往使一个人很乐意地就听从了请求，而不会去等待能以充分说服他的根据。我这里所说的，并不是你给彬格莱先生所假想的那个具体的场合。抑或我们不妨等待，等到真有这样的事情发生，到那个时候，我们再来讨论他的有关行为的妥当性。但是，就一般的和普通的场合而言，朋友之间一个人想叫另一个改变一项无足轻重的决定，你竟会因为他服从了朋友的意愿，没有等对方提出充分的理由，就认为这个人不好吗？” “在我们着手讨论这个问题之前，我们是不是应该先更为精确地规范一下这种请求的重要程度，以及两人相互之间亲密的程度？” “还有呢，”彬格莱插进来大声地说，“我们要听到一切有关的细节，甚至连他们相互的身高和身体的强弱也不能忘记了；因为这一点在该问题的讨论中也有着你想象不到的重要性，班纳特小姐。我向你保证，要不是达西比我高出老多，我对他的尊重就不会有现在的一半了。我敢说，在一些特定的场合下，在一些特定的处所，我还没有见过别人的有他那种难缠的劲儿的；尤其是在他自己的家里，在星期天的晚上当他无事可做的时候。” 达西先生笑了；可是伊丽莎白觉得她能看出他是有点儿生气了，于是抑制住了她的笑。彬格莱小姐对达西所受到羞辱表示出了很大的不满，怪怨她的哥哥干嘛要讲这么无聊的话儿。 “我明白你的用心，彬格莱，”他的朋友（指达西。）说，“你不喜欢辩论，想平息这场辩论。” “你也许说对了。辩论往往像是争论。如果你和班纳特小姐可以等到我离开这个房间后再做辩论，那我就非常感谢了；到那个时候，你们可以想怎么我就怎么说我好了。” “你所提的要求，”伊丽莎白说，“于我没有丝毫的损失；而且达西先生也最好是把他的信写完才是。” 达西先生果真听从了她的劝告，去完成他的那封信。 信写好后，他请彬格莱小姐和伊丽白演奏一点儿音乐听听。彬格莱小姐很快走到了钢琴那儿，先是客气地邀请伊丽莎白带个头儿，在对方客气地宁毋说是诚心诚意地谢绝之后，她自己便坐在了钢琴旁边。 赫斯特夫人替妹妹伴唱，在姐妹两人这样演唱着的当儿，伊丽莎白翻看着几本搁在钢琴上的乐谱，她不禁发现，达西先生的目光是那么频繁地落到她的身上来。她几乎没有存这种奢望；以为她会成为这位大人物的爱慕的对象；可是，如果认为他是因为不喜欢她才这样地看她的，那就更叫人不可理解了。于是，她最后只能是这般地想象：她之所以吸引了他的注意力，是因为按照他的是非标准衡量，她也许比所有其他在场的人更令人发指，更叫人看不顺眼。这种行为并没有使她感到痛苦。她几乎一点儿也不喜欢他，因此也不会稀罕他的垂青。 在弹奏了几支意大利的歌曲之后，彬格莱小姐换了一种情调，弹起了活泼愉快的苏格兰曲子；一会儿功夫之后，达西先生走近伊丽莎白这边来，对她说： “班纳特小姐，你不想趁现在这个机会，跳支轻快的舞吗？” 她笑了一笑，没有回答。他又把这话重复了一遍，对她的默默不语略感吃惊。 “唔！”她说，“我早就听见；只是一下子决定不了该怎么回答你才好。我知道，你想叫我说声‘我愿意’，然后你就可以饶有兴味地来蔑视一番我的情趣；不过，我总是很高兴戳穿这样的小计谋，来捉弄一下存心想轻视别人的人。所以，我已决定告诉你，我根本不想跳舞——如果你敢，你现在就来奚落我好了。” “我实在不敢。” 伊丽莎白本想着能把他触怒，所以对他表现出的大度倒感到有点奇怪了。其实，伊丽莎白的行为举止既含温存又很调皮得惹人爱，是很难得罪任何人的；达西从来没有像现在这样对一个女人着迷过。他的的确确地相信，要不是她的家人的亲戚出身卑微，他就会有爱上她的危险了。 彬格莱小姐对这些看出或者猜出不少，足够叫她妒嫉的了；她急切地盼望她的好朋友吉英康复的心理，因她想要摆脱伊丽莎白的欲望而越发加剧了。 为了激起达西对这位客人的反感，她于是常常在达西面前闲言碎语，说他跟伊丽莎白终将结成良缘，设想他在这一良缘中所能得到的幸福。 “我希望，”当第二天和达西在矮树林中散步的时候她说，“在这一喜庆的日子到来时，你最好能给你的岳母大人一些暗示，叫她少说话为妙，另外，要是你能办到，也得把她那几个妹妹跟军官们调情的毛病，好好治一治，还有，倘若我可以谈及这个微妙话题的话，你要对你家夫人所禀有的那种界乎自负和非礼之间的小毛病，克制克制。” “在我的家庭幸福方面，你还有什么别的建议要提吗？” “噢！当然有啦。——千万把你姨丈人姨丈母的像挂到彭伯利的画廊中去。把它们挂在你那位当法官的祖伯父画像的旁边。你知道，他们干的都是同一行当；只是部门不同罢了。至于你的伊丽莎白，你可千万不要企图给她画像，因为什么样的画家能够画得出她那双美丽的眼睛呢？” “要想捕捉到那双眼睛的神情，的确不是件易事，不过它们的颜色和形状，以及那么迷人妩媚的眼睫毛，却是可以画出来的。” 就在这个当儿，从另一条便道上走来了赫斯特夫人和伊丽莎白自己，碰巧跟他们相遇了。 “我不知道你们原来也是打算出来散散步的。”彬格莱小姐说，她变得有些不安起来，担心她们听到了她刚才说的话。 “你俩对我们可真不怎么地，”赫斯特夫人说，“没告诉我们一声；你们二人就溜出来了。” 说完，她便挽起达西的另一只胳膊，丢下伊丽莎白一个人跟在后面。那条小径只能并排走下三个人。达西先生觉得这样很不礼貌，随即说： “这条道不够宽，容不下我们所有的人。我们还是走到大路上去吧。” 可是，伊丽莎白根本就没有想着再跟他们继续待在一起，于是大声笑着回答说： “不用，不用；你们就在这条道上走好啦。——你们一行三人，就组合得很好，看上去就是一付迷人的景致。再添进去第四个，这一画面就会给破坏了（威廉·吉尔平在其1786年出版的《对版画的阐释》一书中当谈到图案的组合原理时说：“四个在组合中带来新的困难。将它们完全分开，效果不好。把它们两个两个的组合，效果也不好。惟一能将它们组合好的方法就是把三个组合起来，去掉第四个。”）。再见了。” 她说完便欢快地跑开了，她一面往回走，一面高兴地想着，再有一两天也许就能回家去了。吉英的病已经大大地好转，就这个傍晚她还想着离开她的房间出来待上几个小时呢。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第13章 在女士们吃过晚饭以后，伊丽莎白跑上楼去看她的姐姐，她招呼姐姐把衣服穿得严严实实的以免受凉，然后陪着姐姐一起来到了客厅；在那儿，吉英受到了她的两个朋友的热烈欢迎；伊丽莎白看到，在男士们到来之前的这一个钟头里，她们俩对吉英的态度是甭提有多么亲切了。她们谈话的本领可真不能说赖。她们能把一次盛大的宴会描绘得惟妙惟肖，把一段轶事讲得趣味横生，说起一个朋友的笑话来也能叫人格外的开心。 可是当男人们进来后，吉英便不再是首要的注意对象了。彬格莱小姐的眼睛马上落到了达西身上，还没等达西走近到她这边来，她就急着要向他说什么了。达西径直走到班纳特小姐面前，客气地祝贺她身体复原；赫斯特先生也微微地向她躬了躬身子，说他“十分的高兴”；不过，要说到感情的真切和热烈，还是要数彬格莱的问候。他高兴得什么似的，又招呼这又招呼那。在头半个小时里，他忙呼着火里添柴，担心她一下子适应不了这儿的温度；吉英还听从了他的劝告移到火炉这边来，这样离门就远了一些。在这之后他才在她旁边坐下，尽顾和她聊了起来。伊丽莎白在对面的角落里做活计，把这一切都高兴地看到了眼里。 在茶点用完之后，赫斯特先生提醒他的小姨子不要忘了牌局——却也枉然，因为彬格莱小姐已私下了解到达西先生不想打牌。不一会儿，赫斯特先生甚至发现，他的公开提议也遭到了拒绝。彬格莱小姐向他确切地表明，没有一个人想要玩牌，在场的人的沉默不答似乎也在证实着这话的正确。因此，赫斯特先生只得躺在一只沙发上，睡他的觉了。达西拿起了一本书，彬格莱小姐见此也拿起一本书来；赫斯特夫人在玩弄着自己的手镯和戒指，也不时地在她兄弟和班纳特小姐的谈话中插上几句。 彬格莱小姐的注意力可说是只有一半用在了书上，另一半却是在关心着达西读书的情形；她老不闲着，不是问他句什么，就是看看他读到什么地方了。不过，她还是没有能够引起他谈话的兴致；他只是简短地回答了她的问话，便又埋头看他的书。本来她选了她现在手中的这本书，也只因为它是达西那一本的下卷，现在她想从那本书中得到些许乐趣的耐心早已经耗尽，她不由得大大地打了个哈欠，可嘴里却在说：“能这样子度过一个晚上是多么怡人啊！我敢说，在这个世界上毕竟再也没有什么比读书能给人以更大的乐趣了！——当我自己有了家以后，我要是没有一个好的图书室，那可就是我的一个大不幸了。” 没有人接她的话茬儿。跟着她又打了个哈欠，把书扔在一边，眼睛在屋子里四下看着，想找寻点什么乐子；在听得她的哥哥跟班纳特小姐提到举办舞会的事时，她突然转过了身子向着他说： “嗨，查利斯，你要打算在尼塞费尔德举办舞会吗？——我奉劝你，在你决定之前，还是先征求一下在场各位的意见吧；如果我们中间在座的一些人，要不是认为参加这样的舞会宁毋是一种受罪而不是一种悦愉的话，那我就是大错特错了。” “如果你指的是达西，”她的哥哥大声说，“在舞会开始以前，他便尽可以去睡觉——至于这个舞会，却已是个定下来的事啦；只等尼科尔斯把一切准备妥当了，我就下请柬。” “如果能用一种不同的方式来召开舞会，”她回答说，“我也许会对它们更喜欢一些；在现在舞会程序安排的老套里，有些东西叫人非常的腻烦和讨厌。如果把它的主要程序改一改，用谈话来代替跳舞，那一定就会显得合理得多了。” “我敢说，这样是合理得多了，我的卡罗琳，可是那它就不会很像是个舞会了。” 彬格莱小姐没有吭声；以后不久她便站了起来，在屋子里踱着步。她的身材亭亭玉立，举步的姿式也很好看；——她这全是做给达西看的，可谁知达西仍然是毫无所动地读着他的书。在她感到失望之时，她决心再做一次努力，于是，她转过身来对伊丽莎白说： “伊丽莎·班纳特小姐，听我说，学我的样子，在屋子里走上几遭吧。——我敢说，在一种姿式久坐之后，这很能提提神的。” 伊丽莎白感到有点意外，不过马上就同意了。彬格莱小姐对伊丽莎白这般客气的目的果真达到了，达西先生抬起头来。他对伊丽莎白也愿意这样做，感到很新鲜，就像伊丽莎白对彬格莱小姐会邀她踱步，也觉得新鲜一样，他不由自主地合上了手中的书本。两位女士也邀他参加进她们的行列，他谢绝了，并且说他想她们之所以要这样做，无非出于两个动机，而他若要加入进去的话，对这其中的任何一个动机都会是一种干扰的。彬格莱小姐急切地想弄明白他说这话的意思，便问伊丽莎白她是否知道他这番话的意思。 “我一点儿也不知道，”她回答说，“不过，可以肯定，他是存心想奚落我们的，我们能叫他失望的一个最有效的办法，就是不去理睬他。” 彬格莱小姐可没有这种叫达西先生在什么事情上失望的能力，所以一味地请求他说一说这两个动机。 “我丝毫也不反对把它们解释解释，”她的话音刚落，他就紧跟着说，“你们所以选用这个方式来消磨时间，是因为你们彼此亲密，有秘密的事情要商量，再不就是因为你们意识到了，你们的娇好身材在走动中才能显出其最佳效果；——如果是第一个原因，那我就要妨碍你们两人了；——如果是第二个原因，那我倒是坐在火边可以更好地欣赏你们两个。” “噢！真损人！”彬格莱小姐喊，“我从来没听过这么损人的话。我们该怎样惩罚他一下才是呢？” “只要你是诚心罚他，没有比这更容易的了，”伊丽莎白说，“人很容易做到彼此讨扰和惩罚对方的。逗他生气——开他的玩笑。——你们之间这么惯熟，你一定知道怎么来做的。” “可是，说句实话，我还真是不知道。我与他的惯熟可没曾教会我这一点。去逗弄这样一个性情沉稳、头脑冷静的人！不成，不成——我觉得我们斗不过他。说到开他的玩笑，我们可不能凭空笑人家，反倒弄得我们自己成了笑料，你说呢？那样的话，达西先生会自鸣得意的。” “原来达西先生是笑话不得的！”伊丽莎白不由得提高了嗓门，“这可是一个不多见的优点，我希望这样的优点永远少见，不然的话，这样的朋友多了会对我是个很大的损失。因为我非常喜欢开玩笑。” “彬格莱小姐对我褒奖得名不符实啦，”他说，“最聪明、最出众的人，最明智最出色的行为，也能被一个一生之主要目的便是开玩笑的人，变得可笑起来的。” “毫无疑问，”伊丽莎白回答说，“世上有这样的人，不过，我希望我自己不是他们中间的一个。我希望我永远不会去嘲笑那明智善良的行为。我承认，愚蠢和无聊，荒怪和前后不一等弊端的确让我觉得好笑，只要可能我是不会放过取笑它们的机会的。——不过，这些毛病，我想，恰恰正是你所没有的。” “或许，没有任何一个人能做到你所说的这一点。不过，因为这些弱点常常把一个聪明人置于可笑的地步，所以尽量地避免犯这些错误正是我这一生所追求的。” “譬如像虚荣和骄傲这样的弱点。” “是的，虚荣的确是一种弱点。不过，骄傲——如果是人真正聪明的话，骄傲将总会受到很好的规范的。” 伊丽莎白转过身去，偷偷地笑了一笑。 “你对达西先生的考察该结束了吧，我想，”彬格莱小姐说，“请问结果如何呢？” “我完全相信达西先生是没有缺点的。他自己也毫不隐讳地承认这一点。” “不”——达西说，“我可没有这么大言不惭。我的缺点很多，不过，我希望它们不是关于理解力或智力方面的。对于我的脾性，我也不敢说它完美无缺。——我相信它是过于倔强了点，太不能迁就于世俗了。对别人的愚蠢一恶习，我不能想像应该做的那样很快忘记，对别人得罪于我的地方也是如此。我并不曾调动起自己的情感，千方百计地去把它们从我的脑子里祛除。我的性情也许可以称之为是怨恨型的。——我对一个人的好感一旦失去，便永远失去了。” “这的确是一种缺陷！”——伊丽莎白大声说，“不能消除的怨恨情绪的确是性格上的一种阴影。不过，你选择你的缺点，选择得很好。——对这样的缺点，我可真是不愿去取笑。你放心好了。” “我想，在每一个人性格里都伏有某种消极的东西，一种天生的缺陷，就是接受了最好的教育也未必能将其克服。” “你的缺陷，就是倾向于恨每一个人。” “你的缺陷，”他微笑着回答，“就是随心所欲地去误解每一个人。” “喂，还是让我们来一点音乐吧，”——彬格莱小姐喊，她已经厌倦了这场没有她参加的份儿的谈话。——“露易莎，你不介意我会弄醒赫斯特先生吧。” 她的姐姐没有一点儿反对的意思，于是琴盖便被打开了，达西经过一会儿的思想，便不为谈话的中断而感到遗憾了。因为他已开始觉得，他对伊丽莎白给予了太多的关注。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第14章 班纳特家的姐妹俩经过一番商量之后，决定由伊丽莎白第二天早晨给她母亲写信，请求给她们俩在当天就派一辆马车来。可是班纳特夫人已有如意打算，她想叫她的女儿们在尼塞费尔德一直待到下个星期二，届时吉英便正好在那儿待足了一个礼拜，在这之前，她是不会高兴她们回来的。所以，她的回答使她们不大满意，至少是不合伊丽莎白的心愿，因为她早就想要回家了。班纳特夫人信上说在下个星期二之前她们是不可能有车的，末了她又补充了一句说，如果彬格莱先生和他的妹妹要一味地留她们再住的话，她非常愿意她们再多待些日子。——可是，伊丽莎白已下定了决心，无论如何不再多待了——她也不怎么指望主人再挽留她们；相反，她担心人家会认为她们死气赖脸地待着不走，敦促姐姐马上去跟彬格莱先生借车，最后两人订下把她们当天上午要离开尼塞费尔德的计划告诉主家，并把借车的事情也提出来。 听到她们要走的消息，主家的人表示了诸多的关切，对她们再三的挽留，希望她们至少也要再待上一天，末了，吉英被说服了，同意留到明天再走。彬格莱小姐这一下可就开始后悔她说了挽留的话儿了，因为她对伊丽莎白的妒嫉和不喜欢远远超出了她对其姐姐的友情。 彬格莱听说她们很快就要回去了，心里很不是滋味，多次试着劝班纳特小姐，说她的身体还没有完全好，马上走于她的身体不宜；可是，吉英既然觉得这样做对，便不再动摇了。 对达西来说，这是一条好的消息——伊丽莎白在尼塞费尔德已经待得够长的了。她对他的吸引力已经超过了他喜欢的程度——而且彬格莱小姐对她越来越不礼貌，她对他自己的态度也比平时叫他觉得刺恼。他明智地提醒自己要倍加留意，不要让一丁点儿的爱慕之情表露出来，免得伊丽莎白会存非份之想，以为能左右他的幸福而得意洋洋；他心里也明白，要是她真有求爱的意思向他表示出来，在她待在这儿的最后一天里，他的行为在肯定还是否定这一表示的选择中间，一定会变得非常沉重的。他既然是这样拿定了主意，于是在星期六这一整天里几乎没有跟她说过一句话，尽管有半个小时的时间留下了他们俩待在一起，他也是一心一意地埋着头看书，甚至连看她也没看她一眼。 星期日做过晨祷以后，这一几乎人人都高兴的分别场面终于到来了。彬格莱小姐对伊丽莎白的友好态度于这最后的时刻里急速地增加，她对吉英的情谊也是如此；在她们道别的时候，她先是跟吉英说她非常高兴再见到她，无论是在浪博恩还是尼塞费尔德，接着亲热地拥抱了她，末了，她甚至还跟伊丽莎白握了握手。——伊丽莎白更是欢欢喜喜地告别了大家。 在家里，她们没有受到母亲的什么欢迎。班纳特夫人没有想到她们俩这么快就会回来了，觉得她们现在归来简直是增添麻烦，吉英非再感冒了不可。——但是她们的父亲，尽管没说什么热烈的话儿，看到了她们却是打心眼里高兴；他早已感觉到，她们姐妹俩在这个家庭里的重要位置。没有吉英和伊丽莎白在场，家里人晚上坐在一起聊天时，便少了许多的生气，谈话也几乎失去了其全部的意义。 姐妹两个发现，玛丽还跟从前一样，在埋头钻研她的和声学和人性的本质；她又摘录下了一些叫人羡慕的新警句，又有一些对于旧道德的新见解讲给她们听。凯瑟林和丽迪雅说给她们俩的则是一些完全不同的消息。从上个星期三以来，驻扎在当地的军团里又发生了许许多多的事情，有了许多新传闻；几个军官最近和她们的姨父吃过饭；一个士兵挨了鞭打，还有人暗中说弗斯特上校真的快要结婚了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第15章 “亲爱的，我希望今天的晚饭你能叫厨师准备得丰盛一些，”在第二天早晨吃早饭的时候，班纳特先生跟他的妻子说，“因为我有理由认为我们家要有人来啦。” “你说是谁要来，亲爱的？我压根儿不知道有谁会来，除了卡洛蒂·鲁卡斯有时碰巧来串串，我觉得我平时的饭菜便足能叫她满意了。我相信她在她家是不会常吃到这样的饭菜的。” “我说的这个人是位先生又是个生客。”班纳特夫人的眼睛里有了光耀。——“一位先生，一位生客！那一定是彬格莱先生。喂，吉英——你怎么一点儿也没有提起过，你真能对妈妈沉得住气！哦，我真高兴再见到彬格莱先生。——不过——天呀！有多糟糕！今天连一点儿鱼也买不着。丽迪雅，我的宝贝，给妈妈按按铃。我必须现在就叫希尔去准备。” “这人可不是彬格菜先生，”她的丈夫说，“此人我到现在还从来没有见过。” 这叫全家人都吃了一惊，他的妻子和五个女儿都急着向他询问起来，使他颇感到得意。 在逗弄了一番她们的好奇心之后，他这样解释道：“大约是一个月以前，我收到了此人来的一封信，两个星期以前我写了回信，因为我觉得这事比较棘手。应早一点给予关注才是。这信是我的表侄科林斯先生写来的，在我死了以后，他可以想多会儿赶就把你们赶出这所房子去。” “啊！亲爱的，”他的妻子喊，“一听你说这话我就受不了。请不要再提这个倒楣的家伙。你自己的家产不能由你自己的孩子来继承，这真是个世界上最最难以忍受的事啦；我觉得我要是你，我老早以前就会想尽办法解决这件事啦。” 吉英和伊丽莎白试图向她解释这一关于继承权的问题。她们俩以前也曾试着这样做过，可是一提起此事，班纳特夫人便失去了理智；她嘴里不停地诅咒这件事的不近情理；把家产从五个女儿的手里活活地夺走，而去给了一个与她们毫不相干的人。 “这的确是一件极不公道的事儿，”班纳特先生说，“什么东西也不能洗清科林斯先生在继承浪博恩产业上的这桩罪过。不过，你要是愿意听一听他的这封信，听一听他表达自己的那种方式，你也许会平平你的气儿的。” “不，那绝对不可能；我觉得他根本就不应该写信给你，这简直是假慈悲。我平生恨的就是这些假朋友。人为什么就不能像他父亲生前那样，跟你公开的吵个不休呢？” “哦，真的，他似乎在该如何敬孝道上，就这件事而言，还做过一番考虑哩，下面你们就来听听这信。”？ 亲爱的先生： 对你自己和我过世的父亲之间存在的纠葛，我一想起时总是感到非常的不安，自从不幸失去了父亲之后，我常常希望着能弥合起这裂痕；但我也曾有一段时间，为我自己的疑虑所困扰，担心与任何先父生前一直作为对头的人重修和好，会显得对先父不尊。——请注意听这里，我的好夫人。——不过在这件事情上我现在已经拿定了主意，因为我已在复活节那天受了圣职，我有幸受到了刘易斯·德·包尔公爵之孀妻凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人的提携和恩宠，使我成了该教区的教士，为此我将竭尽我的绵薄之力，感恩戴德地恭候夫人左右，奉行英国教会所规定的一切仪节。 作为一个教士，我更加地感觉到，就我的力之所及建立和促成所有家庭的友好和睦，是我之责无旁贷的职责；基于这些理由，我自以为我现在的这番好意是值得称道的，我将来会继承浪博恩家产的这一事实，你也不会太去计较的，因而你也不会拒绝我奉上的这一橄榄枝的。（喻这封修和求好的信。）对将给你的女儿们带来的损失，我是深表关切的，并请允许我为此道歉，不过我向你保证，我将非常愿意给予她们以尽可能赎补，——这事让我以后再禀。如果你不反对我登门拜侯，我非常愿意于11月8号星期一下午4时去看望你们，我可能会在府上一直讨扰你们到下个星期六的晚上，这在我来说并没有什么不便，因为凯瑟琳夫人决不会反对我偶尔于星期天时离开一下的，只要有别的教士主持着这一天的事就行了。谨向尊夫人和你的女儿们致以真诚的问候。 你的祝福者和忠实的朋友？ 威廉·科林斯？ 10月15写于威斯特汉附近肯特郡汉斯福德村 “这样，今天下午4点钟，我们便可以迎来这位和平的使者了，”班纳特先生一边把信折好一边说，“我敢说，他似乎是一个非常有礼貌和非常有责任感的年轻人；我相信他将来会是我们的一位珍贵的朋友的，尤其是凯瑟琳夫人要是开眼，容许他以后再来我们这儿的话。” “有关我们女儿的那段话，他说的倒是不错；如果他愿意为她们做些补偿，我这个人是不会打击他的积极性的。” “虽然这很困难，”吉英说，“去猜测出他想给予的他认为我们所应得到的补偿是什么，但是他的动机无疑是好的。” 伊丽莎白则主要是对他给予凯瑟琳夫人的那种五体投地的尊敬，感到惊异，对他竟那么好心好意随时替教民们行洗礼、主持婚丧礼仪，觉得好奇。 “他一定是个古怪的人，我想，”她说，“我对他还弄不明白。——他的文体显得藻饰浮夸。——即便他有能力在这件事上帮助我们，我们也不要以为能指靠上他。——他会是个明智达理的人吗，父亲？” “不是，亲爱的；我想他不是。我觉得我将会发现出，他是既不通情又不达理的那种人。他在信里表现出的既谦卑又自大的混合品质，便预示出了这一点。我倒是非常想见见他了。” “从作文的角度看，”玛丽说，“他的信倒是看不出有什么缺陷。橄榄枝的这种说法虽然并不新鲜了，可是在这里我觉得却是很好地表达了他的意思的。” 在凯瑟琳和丽迪雅来说，这封信和它的作者都毫无兴趣可言。反正她们的表兄是不会穿着“红制服”来的，而这几个星期以来，穿任何其他颜色的衣服的人她们都是不乐意交结的。对于她们的母亲来说，科林斯先生的这封信已经消除了她的不少的坏情绪，她现在已经准备平心静气地来迎接他了，这叫她的丈夫和女儿们都吃惊不小。 科林斯先生很守时地到来了，并受到了全家人的很有礼貌的接待。班纳特先生几乎很少说话；他的姑娘们和妻子看上去倒是很能谈的，科林斯先生本人好像并不需要人家的鼓励，也不想恪守沉默。他今年25岁，是位个子很高、身体略显肥胖的年轻人。他作派持重堂皇，行为举止处处要合于礼仪。他刚刚坐定便赞夸起班纳特夫人有家福，养了这么多的好女儿，还说他早已耳闻过她们美貌的名声，不过照现在看来，名可不如实啦；随后又补充说他相信他能看到她们一个个届时都能嫁个好人家的。这一番恭维并不是在场的每一个人都爱听了，不过班纳特夫人，从来没对赞扬的话挑过刺儿，这时很高兴地回答道： “我相信你是个善人儿，先生；我衷心希望一切都像你所说的那么如愿；否则的话，我的女儿们将来便会遭受穷困了。事情这般决定可真是有些太令人不解了。” “你也许是指继承家产这件事吧。” “噢！先生，真是如此。这对我的可怜的女儿们来说真是太不幸了，这一点你也必须承认。我的意思也不是要和你过不去，因为我也知道世上的这类事情全靠命运的安排。一个人的财产一旦要限定继承人，那你就不知道它们会落到谁的手中去了。” “我对我漂亮表妹们的这一苦衷是十分理解和体谅的，夫人——而且就这个话题，我也能说出许多见解，只是我觉得还是慎重勿躁些为好。不过我现在能向年轻小姐们肯定的一点是，我这次来是要向她们表达我的仰慕之情的。眼下我不愿再多说什么，等我们之间进一步的了解之后，也许我会——。” 他的话被吃晚饭的召唤声打断了，姑娘们不免相视一笑。其实，她们并不是科林斯先生的惟一称颂的对象。大厅、晚餐厅以及这里的一切家具什物都被他审视、夸赞过了；他对这一切的交口称赞本来可以打动班纳特夫人的心的，要不是她不无感伤地怀疑到，他也许是将其作为他自己未来的财产来看待这一切的。桌上的美羹佳肴也得到了他的一番大大的称道，他恳请要知道这样可口的饭菜是出自哪一位表妹的手艺。可是，在这儿他却受到了班纳特夫人的纠正，她毫是不客气地清楚地告诉他，他们家还用得起一个好厨子，他们家的姑娘从来没做过厨房的什么活儿。他为此请求她的原谅。随后她用缓和了的口气说，她方才一点儿也没有生气；可是他还是一个劲儿地道了有一刻钟左右的歉。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第16章 在用晚饭的时候，班纳特先生几乎什么也没说；可是当佣人们退下去以后，他觉得这是他该跟他的客人谈话的时候了，因此开始找到一个他预料科林斯先生听了一定会神彩飞扬的题目作为开场白，说他碰上了这样一个女施主真是幸运，凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人那样尊重他的意愿，照顾他的生活真是难能可贵。班纳特先生这个话题真是选择得再合他的心意不过了。话一谈开，他那本来就严肃的表情变得更是郑重其事了，他非常庄重地声明，他一生还从来没有见过一个有身价地位的人，会有凯瑟琳夫人这样好的德行——这样的和蔼可亲和屈尊降贵。他已经很荣幸地在她跟前讲过两次道，两次她都非常喜欢地倾听并给予了褒奖。她还请他在罗新斯吃过两次饭，就在上个星期六的晚上还邀他去打一种四人牌。（十八世纪流行的一种牌戏，四人用四十张牌）许多他认识的人都认为凯瑟琳夫人非常高傲，可是他在她身上看到的只有和蔼可亲。她平常跟他谈起话来，总是把他当一个有身分的人看待；她丝毫不反对他和他的邻居们交往，也不反对他有时离开教区一两个星期去访问他的亲友。她甚至还关心地建议他楼上的壁橱里添置几个架子。 “她这一切都做得非常的得体有礼，”班纳特夫人说，“我敢说，她一定是个平易随和的女人。只可惜就一般而言，贵夫人们象她这样的太少见了。她住得离你很近吗，先生？” “我寒舍的花园只和夫人住的地方罗新斯花园有一巷之隔。” “你好像刚才说过，她是个寡妇，先生？她家里还有其他人吗？” “她只有一个女儿，是这罗新斯住宅和一个非常庞大的产业的继承人。” “啊！”班纳特夫人摇着头感叹道，“那么，她比许多姑娘们都要强得多了。她是一个什么样的姑娘呢？她长得漂亮吗？” “她的确是个十分迷人的姑娘。凯瑟琳夫人自己说，从纯美的角度看，德·包尔小姐远胜过那些最漂亮的姑娘们；因为从她那年轻的相貌里，一眼便可以看出那种高贵的血统来。不幸的是，她体质较弱，这妨碍了她在许多方面达到她本来可以达得的造诣；这话是那位给她施教的女士讲的，她现在仍然和她们母女住在一起。德·包尔小姐待人和蔼、十分的可亲，还常常驾着她的小马车莅临寒舍。” “她觐见过皇上吗？我不记得在进过宫的女人们中间有她的名字了。” “她的不尽如人意的健康状况，妨害了她进到城里去；正是这个原因，就像我曾有一天跟凯瑟琳夫人讲过的那样，使英国宫廷里失去了一颗最璀璨的明珠。老夫人听了这话似乎很高兴，你可以想见，我是很乐意一有机会，就献上一些女人们都爱听的机巧的恭维话的。我不止一次地向凯瑟琳夫人说过，她的女儿是一个天生的公爵夫人，甚至最高的地位也不能再增添她的光彩，而只能因为她增加它的显耀。——这些中听的赞美话儿叫老夫人听了美滋滋的，何况这种殷勤也是我觉得自己理应献上的。” “你的评断很适当，”班纳特先生说，“你很高兴你禀有这种会说巧妙的赞颂话儿的才能。我可以问一下，你的这些奉迎是出于一时的兴致呢，还是由于你一直留心注意的结果呢？” “它们多半是因当时的场合而引发出来的。我有时虽然也蛮有兴致地私下操练一些小小的赞美词儿，以备在实际的场合中使用，不过，我总是希望尽可能地赋与它们一种出于自然的品质。” 班纳特先生预先想到的都被充分地证实了。他的这个表侄子如他所想象的那么荒唐，他非常有味地听着侄儿的讲述，同时在面上却保持着一种超然自若的神情，除了偶尔向伊丽莎白投去一个会意的眼神，他只是独自默默地享受着这份愉悦。 不过，该到喝茶的时分时，这幕戏已经演得足够了，班纳特先生高高兴兴地将客人带到了客厅，待到茶喝完以后，又高兴地请他给女士们朗读点儿什么。科林斯先生立刻就适应了，随即一本书很快就被取来了；可是当把书拿在手中的时候(因为一眼便可以看出，这本书是从流通图书馆里借来的)，他却不由得惊了一跳，并请求原谅，说他从来也没有读过小说之类的书。——吉蒂惊异地瞪大了眼睛望着他，丽迪雅发出一阵惊叹。——其他的书又被取来了，经过一番选择，他拿起一本弗迪斯的《讲道集》（弗迪斯(1720—96)，是英国长老会的牧师和一位诗人。他的这部作品很受欢迎，曾一版再版。）。丽迪雅见他翻开了这样的一本书，不禁目瞪口呆，还没待到他用他那单调刻板的声音读完了三页，她便说话打断了他。 “你知道吗？妈妈，菲利甫姨夫说是要辞退理查德先生，要真是这样的话，弗斯特上校就会雇用他了。这是我姨妈星期六告诉我的。我明天将走着到麦里屯去，再把这件事打探一下，顺便问一问登尼先生多会儿从城里回来。” 两个姐姐嘱咐丽迪雅不要说话，可是科林斯先生已经生气了，撂下了他手里的书本说道： “我经常说，年轻的姑娘们对那些内容严肃的书总是很少感到兴趣的，尽管这些书都完全是为她们的利益而写的。我承认，这很叫我疑惑不解；——因为毫无疑问什么东西也没有教诲更于她们有益啦。不过，我可也不愿意再拿这些来勉强我最年轻的表妹。” 末了，他转向班纳特先生，说他愿意陪他玩十五子游戏。（一种双方各有十五枚棋子，掷骰子来决定行棋格数的游戏。）班纳特先生接受了他的建议，一面说他让姑娘们去自行享受她们各自的小小乐趣，不失为是聪明之举。班纳特夫人和她的女儿们都为丽迪雅的无礼向科林斯先生极有礼貌地道歉，并保证说如果他愿意再继续读下去的话，这样的事儿一定不会发生了；而科林斯先生却一再申说他一点儿也不怪罪小表妹，也没有把她的行为看作是一种冒犯，说完后便坐到了班纳特先生的对面，准备玩他的十五子了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第17章 科林斯先生不是一个通情达理的人，他天生的缺陷并没有由于所受的教育和社会的交往而得到什么改进；他这二十多年的生涯大部分是在一个既吝啬又是个文盲的父亲的教养下度过的；他虽然上过一所大学，可只是例行公事式地在那儿住了几个必要的学期，没有交结下一个有用的学友。他在父亲屋檐下的逆来顺受，给予他一付几乎是与生俱来的卑恭举止，不过现在这一卑恭的态度却让他大大地抵消了，这抵消一方面来自由于智力低下而形成的自负，另一方面却是来自他年纪轻轻得到了意想不到的财富而造成的自高自大的心理。一次幸运的机会使他得以见到凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人，适值那时汉斯福德有个空缺的牧师位子；他对她高高在上的地位的崇拜，对她作为他的庇护人的尊敬，跟他的自以为是、自以为做了教士所享有的权威和做了主管牧师所享的权力的思想融为一体，使他完全变成了一个既骄傲又猥琐，既自视甚高又卑恭屈膝的人。 现在既然有了一所像样的房子和充裕的收入，他便打算着想要成一个家了；他与浪博恩家求和修好是想着在那儿找位太太，只要他发现浪博恩象的女儿们像人们所说的那么漂亮和可爱，他就选上其中的一个好了。这便是他为将来要继承她们父亲的财产所安排好的一个补偿——或赎罪——的计划；他自以为这是一个十全十美的方案，既可行又适宜，而且显示了他这方面非凡的大度和无私。 他的计划在他看到她们的时候并没有改变。——班纳特小姐可爱的脸蛋，坚定了他的主张，而且想着一切应当先从年长的来，所以来后的当天晚上她便成为他选定的意中人。可是第二天早晨时，这个计划便不得不做些改变；原来在早饭前他跟班纳特夫人亲亲密密地谈了一刻钟的话，谈话从他的那所牧师的住宅开始，进而自然谈到了他想在浪博恩为他那住宅找个女主人的愿望，听到这话班纳特太太满脸堆起满意和鼓励的微笑，只是在他提到吉英时她给了一点儿忠告——说到她的这几个小女儿，她虽然不能代她们做主，——不能给予肯定的答复——不过她却知道她们还没有对象呢；至于她的大女儿，她必须谈一下——她认为她有责任提醒他，她很可能不久就要订婚了。 科林斯先生只得把他的意中人从吉英改成了伊丽莎白——这是在一瞬间便决定了的——在班纳特夫人捅火的那一瞬间。伊丽莎白在年龄和美貌上都接近于吉英，当然是替代吉英的最佳人选了。 班纳特夫人得到这个暗示后非常喜悦，深信她很快便可以将两个女儿嫁出去了；这个在前一天她听到名字都不能忍受的科林斯先生，现在一下子成了她的座上客了。 丽迪雅并没有忘记了要去麦里屯的打算；除了玛丽，所有的姐妹们都同意和她一起去；科林斯先生也一道去，这是班纳特先生建议的，他极想摆脱一下这个表侄，好能自个儿在书房里清静清静；因为自从早饭后科林斯先生便跟他到了书房，名义上是在看一本最大的对开本，实际上是在和班纳特先生喋喋不休地谈论他的房子和花园。这叫班纳特先生简直受不了。在他的书房里，他总是能得到消遣和清静；他曾对伊丽莎白讲过，虽然他有在其他的任何一个房间里面对愚蠢和妄自尊大的精神准备，可是书房这儿却是他的一块净土；于是，他立刻便客气地请科林斯先生和他的女儿们一起出去走走；而科林斯先生实际上是更适合于做一个散步者而不是读者的，所以非常高兴地合上了那本大部头的书离去了。 一路上他大话废话连篇，他的表妹们客气地随声附和，他们就这样打发着时间一直走到了麦里屯。几位年纪小的表妹那个时候便不再注意他了。她们拿眼睛在街面上四处瞅着，寻找那些军官们，此时唯有商店橱窗里的极漂亮的女帽或是最新式的花布，才能叫她们稍稍收回她们的视线。 不久，姑娘们的注意力都被一个年轻的男子吸引去了，这位男子她们以前可从来没有见过，长得极有绅士风度，此刻正与一位军官在马路另一边走着。那个军官正是登尼先生，丽迪雅此次来便是打探他从伦敦回来了没有，在她们走过去的时候他向她们鞠了一躬。姐妹们都为那个陌生人的翩翩风度动心了，都想知道他到底是谁，吉蒂和丽迪雅下决心要尽一切可能打听清楚，装着是要到对面的商店里买东西，领头横穿过了街道，她们刚刚来到便道上正巧他们俩也踅了回来走到这里。登尼先生马上先跟她们搭话，并请求允许介绍他的这位朋友，威科汉姆先生，威科汉姆先生昨天和他一起从城里回来，他还可以高兴地补充一句，这位先生已经被任命为他们团里的军官。这真是再好也没有了；因为这位年轻人只需再配上一身军服，就会是非常迷人和十全十美了。 他的长相十分的讨人喜欢，他面庞英俊，身材魁伟匀称，谈吐也格外动人，他整个人儿简直没有一处不美。相互的介绍结束后，他那方面便主动愉快地先谈起来——这种主动显得完全得体而且毫无造作；在他们就这样站在那儿非常友好地说着话的当儿，一阵马蹄声引起了他们的注意，原来是达西和彬格莱骑着马沿街走来。在认出了这些姑娘们后，他们两人便径直朝她们骑过来，开始了有礼貌的寒暄问候。彬格莱是主要的讲话人，班纳特小姐是他说话的主要对象。他说，他正要去浪博恩看望她，达西先生也点头附和称是，一边拿定主意不去看伊丽莎白，就在这个时候他的眼睛却停在了那个陌生人的身上，伊丽莎白在他们相互对视的当儿碰巧看到了这两个男人脸上，不觉为这两个人的那么不自然的神色大为诧异。两人的脸都变了颜色，一个变白，一个变红。一会儿功夫之后，威科汉姆先生动了一下他的帽子以示致意，达西先生只是勉强回了一个礼。这到底是怎么回事儿？——要想象出其中的原委不大可能；要不渴望去了解也不大可能。 稍后，彬格莱先生便同他的朋友向她们告别，骑着马向前走了，他似乎没有看到刚才发生的那一幕。 登尼先生和威科汉姆先生跟年轻的姑娘们一块走到菲利甫先生的房门口，然后鞠躬告辞，尽管丽迪雅一再恳求他们俩进去坐坐，甚至菲利甫夫人也打开了客厅的窗户，从窗内大声地邀请他们，他们还是走了。 菲利甫夫人每次见到她的姨侄女儿们总是很高兴，尤其是这两个大的因为这段时间没来，更是倍受欢迎，她说她对她们俩从尼塞费尔德突然回来也没等家里的马车去接，感到很意外，如果不是她偶尔在街上碰到了钟斯医生药铺的小店员，告她说班纳特家的小姐们已经回家了，再用不着往尼塞费尔德送药了，她还不知道她们回来了呢，由于这个时候吉英向她介绍了科林斯先生，菲利甫夫人的寒暄又转到了他身上。她极其客气地表示欢迎，他更是极其客气地回礼，说是事先一点儿也不曾相认就来讨扰，甚为抱歉，她在他可以告慰自己的是他与这些年轻的小姐们是表兄妹，又由她们为他做了介绍。 菲利甫夫人被这样一套隆重的礼节唬了一跳，正当她仔细打量着这一位生客的时候，这些姑娘们却又把另一位生客的事提出来大呼小怪地问询，她只得又忙着来回她的姨侄女儿们的话，不过她能告诉她们的和她们自己已经知道的也差不了多少，登尼先生刚把他从伦敦带了回来，他将在某某郡担任一个中尉的职位。又说她刚刚在这儿望了他一个钟头，当他在街道上来回散步的时候；如果这个时候威科汉姆先生再在马路上出现，吉蒂和丽迪雅肯定也会在这儿张望一番的，只可惜窗外现在只有很少的几个军官走过，他们与那个陌生人相比，便一下子显得“又蠢又讨厌”了。几个军官明天要来菲利甫家共进晚餐，她们的姨母答应叫她丈夫去访问威科汉姆先生并向他发出邀请。这个大家都一致同意了，菲利普太太又补充说要给他们来一次热闹而有趣的抓彩票的玩艺儿，完了后再吃一顿热腾腾的晚饭。想到会有这样的一场欢乐真叫人高兴，大家欢欢喜喜地道了别。科林斯先生出门时又再三道谢，房主人也不厌其烦地回礼说他不必太客气。 在他们回家的路上，伊丽莎白向吉英讲述了发生在达西和威科汉姆之间的那一幕；虽然假如他们两人之间真有纠葛，吉英会为他们中间的一个，或是为两个同时辩护的，只是她也像妹妹一样对这件事一点儿也不清楚。 科林斯先生回来后，向班纳特夫人夸赞了一番菲利普夫人的举止仪态，叫她听了很是满意。他说除了凯瑟琳夫人和她的女儿，他还再没见过比菲利甫太太更有风范的女人啦；因为她不仅非常殷勤有礼地接待了他，甚至还特别提到了明天晚上请他也去吃晚饭，尽管他与她素昧平生。他想这一切可能是由于他和令妹们连亲的缘故，纵便是这样，他还是生平第一次受到这样的照待。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第18章 (1) 因为姑娘们的与她们姨妈的约会没有遭到反对，科林斯先生的初次来住就留下与班纳特夫妇孤两口儿度过一个晚上的多虑也遭到了老两口儿的最坚决的否认，马车便将他和他的五个表妹准时地送到了麦里屯；姑娘们一走进客厅，听说威科汉姆接受了邀请而且已经在房里了。心里甭提有多高兴啦。 当大家听到这个消息，并各自都坐下来以后，科林斯先生开始四下悠闲地打量和发出赞叹，屋子的宽敞和家具的精美叫他十分惊羡，他说他都好像觉得他现在是在罗新斯的那间消夏的小饭厅里了；这个比喻起初并没有受到主家的注意；只有待到菲利普夫人从他那儿了解到罗新斯是什么样的一个宅邸，谁又是它的主人，又听他说起凯瑟琳夫人一个会客间的情形，仅屋里的一个壁炉架就值八百英镑时，她才觉出了这一夸赞话儿的分量，现在就是把它比做是人家那儿的女管家的房间，她也不会有怨言了。 他津津有味地向她描绘凯瑟琳夫人的光彩照人和其府邸的富丽堂皇，还不时地插进去一些对他自己的那一小小住宅的夸赞及其正在改进和装璜中等等，他就这样愉快地打发着时光直到那些男客们进来为止；他发现菲利普夫人听得很专心，而且她越是听下去就越是觉得他了不得，越是想尽快地到她的左邻右舍中间去兜售一番。姑娘们听不进去她们表哥讲的这一套，只能是指靠有什么乐器消遣消遣，或是照猫画虎地将壁炉架上的那些瓷器画上一画，因此这段等待的时间对她们来说可真是长而又长。不过，这等待最后总算结束了。男人们进来了；在威科汉姆走进屋子里来的时候，伊丽莎白觉得她心中无端地涌出一股爱慕之情，这种心情无论是在以前见到他还是在以后再见到他时都再也没有过。某郡的军官们都是一批名声不错，颇具绅士风度的人，其中最优秀的今天都到场了；但是威克汉姆先生在人品、相貌、风度、举止步态方面又远远地超过了他们，正像他们与跟在他们后面进来的大脸宽身、满口喷着葡萄味儿的菲利甫姨夫相比，远在其上一样。 威科汉姆是这屋子里最幸福的男人，几乎所有的姑娘们的眼睛都在朝着他看，伊丽莎白是最幸福的女人，因为威科汉姆最终是在她的身旁坐了下来；他很快就和她攀谈起来，虽然谈的只是一些今晚天气很潮以及雨季就要来临的话儿，可是他的随和亲切的仪态使她觉得，即便是最平凡最乏味的老套话题，从他的嘴里说出来也能变得有趣。 有像威科汉姆先生和这样一些军官们作为对手，科林斯先生在漂亮姑娘们的眼里便逐渐变得无足轻重，甚至是毫无意义了；不过他有的时候仍然能把菲利普太太作为他的一名好心的听众，也多亏她的照料，咖啡和松饼总是不时地给他端了上来。 在牌桌摆好以后，科林斯先生有了回报她的机会，陪她坐下来一起玩惠斯特（惠斯特(whist)：类似桥牌的一种牌戏。）。 “眼下，我对这玩法还了解甚少，”他说，“不过我将很乐意在这方面提高一下，因为我所处的地位——”菲利甫太太很感谢他的赏光，可是却等不及他申述他的原因。 威科汉姆没有玩惠斯特，他到了另一张桌子旁边，在那儿他受到了伊丽莎白和丽迪雅的衷心的欢迎。起初丽迪雅看上去似乎要把他的注意力完全吸引过去了，因为她可是个十分健谈的姑娘；不过，她对摸奖也非常的喜欢，不久她便完全沉浸到了其中，一股劲儿地下注，中奖后又兴高采烈地叫嚷，再也顾不上对哪一个人儿去分她的心了。这种游戏要玩的人很多，所以威科汉姆先生能有闲跟伊丽莎白说话，她也很乐意听他聊天，尽管她最希望听到的是那件她不好启齿来问的事儿，即他与达西先生相识的经历。她甚至都不好意思提到达西的名字。谁知她的好奇心却出乎意料之外地得到了满足。威科汉姆先生自己主动地谈起了这个话题。他先是问了一下尼塞费尔德离麦里屯有多远，在得到了她的回答后，他踌躇了一会儿便问起达西先生在那儿待了有多长时间了。 “有一个月的样子了，”伊丽莎白说；她很想再继续这个话题，因而补充道，“我听说，他是德比郡的一个富豪。” “是的，”威科汉姆说；——“他在那儿的财产很可观。每年有一万镑的收入。要说他的情况，你再也不会碰到一个比我自己更了解他的人了——因为从孩提时候起我就和他家的人有着一种特殊的关系。” 伊丽莎白不禁露出惊讶的表情。 “在你已或许看到昨天我们俩相遇时彼此之间的冷淡以后，你对我的话当然会感到惊奇了。——你跟达西先生很熟吗？” “比我所希望的还要惯熟，”伊丽莎白热烈地大声说，“我和他在同一个宅邸里一块儿待了四天，我觉得他这个很讨厌。” “谈到他是不是叫人讨厌，”威科汉姆说，“我可就没有发表我的意见的权利了。我无法形成一种正确的意见。我认识他时间太长，相处也太熟了，已难以做一个公正的评断人。要我做到没有偏颇是不可能的。不过，我相信你对他的看法一准会叫人吃惊的——你要是在别的什么地方，或许就不会说得这么硬气了。——这儿不一样，你是在你自己的家里。” “我在任何一个邻居的家里都敢这样说，除了在尼塞费尔德。他在我们哈福德郡一点也不受欢迎。每个人都讨厌他的骄傲。你在这儿是找不到一个说他好话的人的。” “我认为，我可以这样说。”威科汉姆在稍事停顿以后说，“无论是达西先生还是任何一个别的人，都不应该得到超过他们实际情况的评价；但是于他来说，我以为情形就往往不是这样了。世人们不是被他的财富和地位蒙蔽了眼睛，就是被他那盛气凌人的举止吓住了，大家对他的看法都是投其所好罢了。” “尽管我和他相识很浅，我还是认为他是一个脾气很坏的人。”听了这话，威科汉姆只是摇头。 “我不知道。”在停了一会儿以后他又说，“他在乡下这里会不会待得很久？” “我也一点儿不知道；不过，我在尼塞费尔德时，可没听说过他要走。我希望，你因喜欢这个郡而为自己制定的计划，将不会因为他也在这里而受到影响。” “噢！不会的——达西先生怎么能把我给吓跑了呢。如果他不想看到我，那他走好啦。我们俩的关系弄僵了，一遇到他总使我感到痛苦，但是除了可以广告于世人的，我没有任何见不得人的理由要躲开他；在我心中充满的是一种受到极不公正对待的忿恚，和对他现在这个人的痛苦万分的遗憾。他的父亲，已故的达西先生，是一个天下最好的人，也是我的最真诚的朋友；每当我同现在的这位达西先生在一起时，总会勾起我无数温馨的怀念，使我从心底里感到痛苦。他对待我的行为是令人发指的；不过我千真万确地相信我能够在任何一件事情上原谅他，只要他不辜负他父亲的期望，不辱没他父亲的声名。” 伊丽莎白对这一题目的兴趣明显增加，她悉心地倾听着；只是因其有微妙处才没有进一步追问。 威科汉姆先生开始谈起更为一般性的话题，如麦里屯啦，这儿的邻居们啦，社交活动啦，他好像对他迄今来到这儿所见到的一切都感到的高兴，尤其是在谈到后者的时候，他更是显出其温柔的殷勤。 “正是这儿社交圈里的友好和淳朴风气，”他补充说，“才是吸引我来到该郡的主要原因。我知道这支部队名声不错，与当地人的关系也很好，我的朋友登尼又说到了他们目前的营地和他们在麦里屯的那么多好客和真诚的朋友，更是打动了我的心。我承认，社交活动对我来说的是必需的。我是个失意潦倒的人，精神上忍受不了孤寂。我必须有事可做和有社交活动才行。当兵并不是我一向的夙愿，只是因为环境使然。牧师才应该是我的职业——我从小到大都是受的这种熏陶，若是我们刚才所说的那个人高兴这样做的话，我现在早就有一份收入可观的牧师工作啦。” “噢！” “已故的达西先生在遗嘱上说，把下一个最好的牧师职位留给我。他是我的教父，他对我非常的喜爱。他对我的恩情我怎么也报答不完。他想叫我衣食充裕，他蛮以为已经为我做到了；谁知待到牧师的位置空缺下来时，却被给了别人。” “天啊！”伊丽莎白喊，“可是这怎么可能呢？——他的遗嘱怎么能不执行呢？——你为什么不依法诉讼呢？”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第19章 (2) “遗嘱上讲到馈赠条款时不是那么正式，使我无望从法律那儿得到帮助。一个诚实有信的人是不会怀疑先人的这一意图的，可达西先生却硬是要怀疑它——或是宁毋认为那只是他父亲的一个有条件的推举，并且声明说因为我的挥霍和行为不检，我已经丧失了这一权利，总之欲要加罪何患无词。可以肯定的一点是，两年以前在牧师的位置空下的时候，恰是我到了我能接受这份位置的年龄的时候，而它却给了另外一个人；还可以肯定的是，我实在无从指责我自己曾做过任何该叫我失去这份工作的事。我生性耿直，不顾及面子，也许是我有时说出对他的看法或是跟他说话时太随便了一些。仅此而已。事实证明我们俩是完全不同的两种人，而且他非常恨我。” “这太令人震惊了！——他应该在大庭广众下受到谴责才对。” “将来的某个时候，他会的——不过，谴责他的人不会是我。在我不能忘记他的父亲以前，我决不会去跟他作对或是去揭露他的。” 伊丽莎白对他有这样的感情表示尊重，在他表达着这感情的当儿，伊丽莎白觉得他更英俊了。 “可是，”她停了一会儿后说，“他这样做的动机会是什么呢？——是什么诱使他做事如此的不近情理呢？” “是他对我的那种完完全全的、坚定不移的恨——这恨我不得不在某种程度上把它归结于妒嫉。如果已故的达西先生不是那么的喜欢我，他的儿子也许会对待我好一些的；我想，他父亲对我的格外疼爱在他孩提时就叫他刺恼了。他不能够忍受在我们俩之间出现的这种竞争——这种常常是占据了优势的竞争。” “我真没想到达西先生会这么坏——尽管我从来没有喜欢过他，可却不曾料到他这样的差劲儿——我认为他不太看得起他周围的人，可不曾怀疑到他竟会做出这样恶意报复，这样不讲道理、这样没有人道的事情来！” 在沉思了几分钟以后，她接着又说：“我的确记得，他在尼塞费尔德有一次曾吹嘘说，他和别人一旦结下了怨就解不开，他生来对人不能宽恕。他的性情一定很可怕。” “我不愿意在这一问题上发表意见，”威科汉姆回答说，“我几乎很难做到对他公正。” 伊丽莎白又思忖起来，过了一会儿后大声说道，“他父亲的教子，朋友和宠爱的人，他竟会如此地虐待！”——她本来想接着说，“何况是像你这样的一个英俊小伙，你的那张脸便表明了你是个和蔼可亲的人”——可她说出的却是“何况你从小就是他的朋友，而且我想正如你说的那样，是那种最亲密无间的朋友。” “我们出生在同一个教区，同一个庄园里，我们青少年的大部分岁月是在一块儿度过的；生活在同一幢房子里，一块儿玩耍，受着同样的父爱。我父亲一开始时所干的，就是你的姨夫菲利甫先生现在做得很好的这个行当——可是他却最终放弃了这一切去为老达西先生效劳，把他的时间和精力都倾注到了对彭伯得财产的料理上。老达西先生非常看重我父亲，视他为最亲密最知己的朋友。老达西先生常说，我父亲管家理财很精心，功不可没，在我父亲临终之前，老达西先生主动承诺他要抚养我，我确信，他对我父亲的感激之情正如他对我的爱恋之情一样的深。” “多么不可思议！”伊丽莎白激动地喊，“多么龌龊！——我真想不到这位达西先生的那种骄傲品质也未能使他对你公正！——如果没有更好的理由，他的骄傲也应该不至于使他这么背信弃义，——我一定要说这是背信弃义。” “这一点很奇妙，”威科汉姆说，“他的所有行为几乎都可以追溯到他的骄傲；——骄傲常常是他的最要好的朋友。它比其他的任何情感更能使他与善行离得更近一些。可是我们每个人都会有前后矛盾的时候；在他对待我的行为里，便有着一些比骄傲更强烈的冲动在起作用。” “像他这样的一种可憎可厌的骄傲，也能够对他有任何的好处吗？” “是的，它常常使他变得大度慷慨，——大方地布施他的钱财、好客、赞助佃户，救济穷人。对他家庭和对他父亲的自豪感——因为他非常为他的父亲感到骄傲——促使他这样去做。至少在表面上不要有辱家风，不要与其相忤，不要失掉了彭伯利家族的影响和声望，这样的一个动机有着它不小的力量。他还有一种作为兄长的骄傲感，其中又包含着一些兄妹的情感，使他成了他妹妹的非常体贴友好的保护人；你以后会听到众人对他的称赞的，都说他是最会关心教导的好兄长。” “达西小姐又是什么样的一种女孩呢？” 他摇了摇头说：“我希望，我可以称她是个和蔼的女孩。说达西家的人不好，总使我感到痛苦。可是她的确是太像她的哥哥啦，非常非常的骄傲。在她小的时候，她很逗人喜爱，对我非常的喜欢；我也花费了不少的时间陪着她玩。但是现在她在我眼里已经什么也不是了。她是个漂亮的女孩，年龄在十五六岁，据我的认为她是很有才华的。自从她的父亲死了以后，她便住到了伦敦，一个女士陪她住在那里，负责对她的教育。” 这以后他们又谈了许多别的东西，中间也有停停歇歇的时候，不过到了后来，伊丽莎白还是情不自禁地又一次回到了开始的话题。 她说：“我很惊讶他和彬格莱先生竟能相处得那么好！彬格莱先生看上去心地善良，而且我真正地相信他待人也好，他怎么会跟这样的一个人交上朋友呢？他们俩彼此之间如何相处呢？——你认识彬格莱先生吗？” “不认识。” “他是个性情温和，善良可爱的人。他不可能知道达西先生的底细。” “也许是这样；——不过，只要乐意达西先生是能叫人喜欢上他的。他并不缺少才能。只要他认为这样做值得，他会是一个很谈得来的伙伴的。他在那些与他地位差不多的人们中间，和在那些地位卑微的人们中间，表现得判若两人。他的骄傲固然从来没有遗弃过他，可是对于富人，他还是能够豁达公正，真诚守信，友善理智的，——他对财富和地位还是顾及的。” 打惠斯特牌的人散场了，打牌的人都分散到了其他的桌子那里去，科林斯先生去坐在了伊丽莎白和菲利甫太太的中间。——菲利甫太太随口问他赢了没有。他说没有；他输光了。菲利甫太太于是开始向他表示惋惜，他非常郑重地对她说，这根本算不上什么，他把钱看得很轻，恳请她心里不要不安。 “我非常了解，夫人，”他说，“一旦坐到了牌场上，那输赢就全靠运气了，——幸运的是我生活并不拮据，不至于把两个先令看成个事儿。毫无疑问，有许多的人他们不能这样说，只是多亏了凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人，我现在才远远地摆脱了那种需要斤斤算计来过活的日子。” 这话引起了威科汉姆的注意；在看了科林斯先生一会儿后，他压低声音问伊丽莎白，她的这个表兄是不是和德·包尔这家人挺惯熟。 “凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人，”她回答说，“最近给了他一个牧师的职位。我不十分清楚科林斯先生最初是如何得以受到她的赏识的，不过他认识她的时间肯定不长。” “你当然知道凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人和安妮·达西夫人是姐妹俩；所以她正是我们谈论的这位达西先生的姨妈。” “不，我的确不知道。——对凯瑟琳夫人有什么亲戚，我根本不了解。直到前天，我才第一次听到有凯瑟琳夫人这么一个人。” “她的女儿，德·包尔小姐将来会得到一大笔财产，大家都相信她和她的表哥（指达西先生。）将要联姻，因而把这两家的财产合二为一。” 这条消息叫伊丽莎白想到了彬格莱小姐，使得她不禁一笑，彬格莱小姐所有的殷勤都必定会付置东流，她对他妹妹的喜欢，对他的赞扬都会是枉然和徒劳的，如果他已经将自己许给了另一个人。 “科林斯先生，”她说，“对凯瑟琳夫人和她的女儿都是备加赞扬的；不过从他讲到的有关这位夫人的一些细节里，我有理由怀疑他的感激的情绪是误导了他啦；尽管她是他的庇护人，她仍然是一个又高傲又自负的女人。” “我在很大的程度上相信，她是这两者兼而有之的，”威科林姆说，“我有好多年没有见过她了，可是我仍然清楚地记得，我从来没有喜欢过她，她的行为举止专横而又傲慢。她有个聪明达理的好声名，不过我倒宁愿认为，她这能干有一部分是来自她的地位和财产，一部分是来自她那权威式的派头，还有来自她侄儿的那一骄傲，他愿意每一个跟他联亲的人都有一流的智力和理解力。” 伊丽莎白承认他的这番解释很有道理，他们继续一块儿愉快地畅谈，直到牌局散场晚饭端了上来，别的姑娘们也得到了一份威科汉姆先生的青睐的时候。在菲利甫太太的吵吵嚷嚷的饭桌上，是没人能够交谈的，可是他只凭着他的翩翩风度便赢得了每一个人的好感。凡是从他嘴里说出来的话儿，都说得生动风趣，凡是他所做的，都做的倜傥风流。伊丽莎白离开的时候，脑子里装满了对他的印象。在一路回家的道上，她只想着威科汉姆，想着他告诉她的一切；不过，这一路上她甚至得不到空儿来提及他的名字，因为丽迪雅和科林斯先生没有一刻儿安静下来的时候，丽迪雅不住口地说着抓彩票的事儿，唠叨着她输了哪几个，又赢了哪几个，科林斯先生夸夸其谈菲利甫夫妇的有礼好客，又说他根本不在乎玩惠斯特牌时输掉的钱，还列举晚饭席上的菜肴，一边不住口地抱歉怕自己挤着了表妹们，直到马车停在了浪博恩的房门口时，他的话儿还是没能说完。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第20章 第二天伊丽莎白告诉了吉英发生在她自己和威科汉姆先生之间的那场谈话。吉英关注而又吃惊地倾听着；——她怎么也不能相信达西先生会有负于彬格莱先生对他的尊重；可是要去质疑像威科汉姆这样一个外貌和蔼可亲的年轻人，也不合她的本性。——威科汉姆会受到这么不公正的对待的这种可能性，已足够引发出她全部的温柔情感；因此留待她现在做的，只能是把他们俩人都往好处想，为他们每一个人的行为辩解，把无论什么不能解释清楚的事情都归结为是发生了意外的误会。 “他们两个，我敢说，都是受到了这样或那样的蒙骗，对此我们还无从知晓，”她说，“有关的各方有时候也许会相互造成对方的误解。总之，我们不可能在臆测那些可能使他们疏离的原因和情况时，而不对某一方进行实际的指责。” “说的很对，的确是这样的；——那么，我亲爱的吉英，你现在就可能与这件事有关的这两方的利益，能说些什么呢？——你得给他们俩洗清冤屈，否则的话，我们就不得不认为其中的一方是有过失的啦。”“你尽管取笑好啦，可你不能取笑我使我改变我的看法。我最亲爱的丽萃，你设身处地地想一下，如果以为他会如此对待他父亲所喜爱的人——一个他父亲许诺要赡养的人，那么我们就会把达西先生置于一种多么不光彩的境地呀。——事情不可能是这样的。任何一个有起码的道德的人，任何一个多少还对自己的人格有所尊重的人，都不会这样做的。他的最知己的朋友们难道竟会叫他蒙蔽到这种程度？啊！不可能的。” “我倒是倾向于相信彬格莱先生是受骗了，而不愿相信威科汉姆先生昨天晚上竟会为他自己编造出这样的一个故事来，每个人名，每件事实都叙述得毫无矫饰和做作。——如果情形不是这样，那就让达西先生来提出他的理由。何况，在威科汉姆的面容上都带出了真情的。” “这事的确很难——叫人费解。——真不知道该如何想才好啦。” “不对；——我们都确切地知道如何去想。” 可是，此刻的吉英只能肯定地想到这一点，——假如真是彬格莱先生受了朋友的蒙骗，待到这件事被众人知道了的时候，他会遭受多大的痛苦啊。 正在姐妹两个在矮树林里这样谈着话儿的时候，家仆来告说是有人到了，来客中正有她们刚才在谈论的人；是彬格莱先生和他的姐妹俩来亲自邀请她们去尼塞费尔德参加那场期待已久的舞会，舞会订于下个星期二开。彬格莱家的姐妹俩又见到了她们的好朋友很是高兴，叫嚷着说自从上次分别好像隔了已有一世，还不断地问她自从上次相见以后她这阵子在干什么来着。对家里的其他人，这姐妹俩几乎很少去理会；她们尽可能地躲开班纳特夫人，跟伊丽莎白也不多言，对别的人更是理也不理。她们坐了不久就从椅子上一骨碌站了起来，甚至叫她们的兄弟惊了一跳，好像是巴望着要避开班纳特夫人那番多礼的客套似的，急匆匆地告辞走了。 尼塞费尔德要举办的这场舞会对班纳特家的每一个女性来说都是件极其愉快的事。班纳特夫人宁愿认为这舞会是因她家的大小姐而举办的，而且因为是彬格莱先生自己来邀请没用请柬，也特别地感到得意。吉英为自己想象着一个美好的夜晚，在那里有她的两个女友的陪伴又有她们兄弟的殷勤和青睐；伊丽莎白高兴地想着她将能和威科汉姆先生尽情地跳舞，她将从达西先生的神情和举动上，使那一切都得到证实。凯瑟琳和丽迪雅所憧憬的快乐可不局限在哪一件事或是哪一个具体的人的身上，虽然她们像伊丽莎白那样也想着是要和威科汉姆先生跳上他半个晚上，可是能叫她们满足的舞伴决不止他一个，舞会毕竟是个舞会嘛。甚至连玛丽都告她的家人说，她并不反对去参加舞会。 “我能把每天上午的时间留给自己使用，”她说，“也就够了。——我觉得有时候偶尔出去参加一些晚上的活动并不是浪费时间。我们每一个人都是社会的一名成员；我承认我自己也是这样的人们中间的一个，像他们一样认为间或的娱乐和消遣对每一个人都是需要的。” 伊丽莎白这会儿真是太高兴了，尽管她平常很少跟科林斯先生搭话儿，现在她也禁不住问他是不是他也打算接受彬格莱先生的邀请，如果接受，他这样做合适吗？她诧异地发现在他的脑子里根本没有什么顾忌，他贸然去跳舞根本就不怕从主教或是凯瑟琴·德·包尔夫人那儿受到指责。“老实说，我一点儿也不认为，”他说，“由这样一位品德高尚的青年人举办并且都是一些有身分的人参加的舞会，会有什么不好的意向；我非但自己不反对跳舞；还希望在这一晚会上我的漂亮表妹们能邀我跳舞，而且我借此机会还请你届时赏光，伊丽莎白小姐，尤其是希望你能跟我跳头两场舞，——我想我这样先邀你跳吉英是不会见怪的，她不会把这看作是对她的不礼貌吧。” 伊丽莎白全然感到她自己是上当了。她本来想着这两场舞是要跟威科汉姆跳的，结果反而让科林斯先生偷了机！她从来没有拿自己的愉快心境像现在这样自找过没趣。事情已经无法挽回。威科汉姆先生和她的快乐只得往后推迟了，对科林斯先生的请求她尽可能礼貌地接受了。她对他的这一次献殷勤，心里很不以为然，因为她觉出了这里面有更多意味——她蓦然想到她可能已经从她们的姐妹们中间被他选了出来，去做汉斯福德牧师家里的主妇，在罗新斯庄园缺宾客时去凑足人家的三缺一的牌局。她的这一想法很快就得到了证实，她观察到了他对她自己的那股越来越亲热的劲儿，听到了他不断地夸她聪明伶俐活泼可爱；她的迷人的魅力带来的这种效果只是叫她吃惊而不欣喜，可是她的母亲却很快便告诉她，他们之间可能结成的婚姻对她将会是非常愉快的。伊丽莎白当时可不愿意接她母亲的这个茬，因为她知道她的任何回答都会造成严重的争执。科林斯先生也许压根儿就不会向她求婚，在他未提之前因他而大吵一架是没有必要的。 如果不是因为有尼塞费尔德的这场舞会要班纳特家的那几个小女儿去准备和谈论，她们在这个时候便会是一付可怜的模样了，因为从发出邀请到舞会召开的那一日，一连几天地下雨让她们根本无法到麦里屯那儿去逛上一趟。见不到姨妈，见不到那些军官们，也没有新闻可以打听；——连跳舞鞋子上用的玫瑰花都是叫别人代买的。在这种天气里，甚至叫伊利莎白都有点沉不住气了，因为她和威科汉姆先生之前的友谊也因此而无从发展；惟有下个星期二要举办的这场舞会，才使吉蒂和丽迪雅觉得这星期五、星期六、星期天和星期一的日子勉强能熬得过去。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第21章 (1) 直至伊丽莎白走进到尼塞费尔德的大厅、在穿红制服的军官里徒劳地四下寻找威克汉姆先生之前，她从来不曾怀疑过他竟会没有到场。她一定会在那儿碰到他的这种预感，并不曾受到那些有理由认为是不愉快的回忆的搅扰。她比平常更着意地打扮了一番，事先做好了充分的精神准备，要把他的全部爱心都征服过来，她满怀信心地想着不到晚会结束她就能赢得他的心了。可是此时此刻一种担心蓦然涌上她的心头，她怀疑到可能是彬格莱先生为了讨达西先生的高兴在邀请军官们时有意漏掉了威科汉姆先生；这虽然只是她的猜想，可是他没有来的这一事实却由他的朋友登尼先生道出来了。登尼先生告诉她和正要邀他跳舞的丽迪雅说威科汉姆于昨天有事不得不进城去了，到现在还没有回来；他还带着颇有意味的微笑补充说： “我想如果他不是要有意躲开这儿的一位先生，就不会那么凑巧偏偏是昨天有事而离开了。” 他后面说的这句话，丽迪雅没有听着，可伊丽莎白却听见了，因为这话证实了她先前的猜测并不是没有道理的：威克汉姆的缺席与达西有关，所以她对达西的那种一向不喜欢的情感叫这突如其来的失望感，弄得越发加剧起来了，乃至当他稍后一会儿走上前来向她很有礼貌地问好的时候，她简直不能对人家保持起码的礼貌。——对达西的关注、宽容和忍耐便是对威克汉姆的伤害。她决意不肯跟他攀谈，有点郁郁不乐地走开了，在那天晚上她甚至在和彬格莱先生说话时都没有什么好气，因为他的偏袒和盲目刺恼了她。 不过，伊丽莎白可不是那种生性闷闷不乐的人；虽然她自己这一晚上的美好光景是不复存在了，可不多一会儿她的心情还是好了起来；在将她的这一番怨气讲给了一个星期没见面的卡洛蒂·鲁卡斯以后，她不久便能主动地去招呼她怪里怪气的表哥，给予他特别的关照了。只是，他们俩在一起跳得这头两场舞却又坏了伊丽莎白的心境。那是两场活受罪的舞。科林斯先生又呆笨又古板，只会一个劲儿地道歉而不知道配合，常常走错了步子还丝毫没有察觉，这个蹩脚的舞伴这几场舞叫她受尽了难堪，丢净了面子。因此和他跳舞结束的那一刻真使她感到了一种莫大的解脱。 她下一场舞是和一位军官跳的，这又使她得以谈起威科汉姆，重新听到他受人喜欢的话儿，心情又恢复了许多。这一场舞跳完后，她又回到了卡洛蒂那儿，正和她聊着天的时候，她突然发现达西先生在她身边向她说话，请她赏光跳下一场舞，她对此毫无防备，慌乱之中懵懵懂懂地接受了人家的邀请。随后他立刻便走开了，留下她一个人在那儿为她忙乱之中没有了主意的事儿生气；卡洛蒂在旁边尽力地劝慰她。 “我敢说，你会发觉他非常讨人喜欢的。” “啊，上天不容！——那将会是我不幸之中的最大不幸了！——去发现一个我决意要憎恨的人讨人喜欢！——不要让我沾上这邪恶的边儿。” 当舞乐重新奏起，达西先生走上前来请她跳舞的时候，卡洛蒂禁不住小声地提醒她不要发傻，不要因为她对威科汉姆的好感而在一个地位和身分比他高出十倍的人的面前表现出不高兴的样子来。伊丽莎白一声没吭地走下了舞池；被达西先生邀来与他面对面站在一起跳舞，她不禁为自己所达到的这种尊贵而感到诧异了，她注意看邻居们的表情，他们跟她一样见到此景也是惊异不已。他们俩跳了一会儿，谁也没说一句话；她于是想他们之间的沉默也许一直要延续到这两场舞的结束了，她决心不先打破这沉默；只是到后来，她倏然异想天开地觉得，要她的舞伴张口说话也许是对他的更大惩罚时，她开始就跳舞谈了几句。他回答了她的话，便又默默不语了。在这样沉默了一阵子以后，她再一次跟他搭了话： “现在轮到你说点什么啦，达西先生。——我刚才谈了跳舞，你该来谈谈这客厅的规模，或是有多少对舞伴之类的事了。” 他笑了，告诉她说凡是她希望要他讲的东西他都会讲的。 “呃，很好。——就眼下看，这个回答还算说得过去。——或许我还可以捎带说上一句，小型的舞会比那种大型的要使人觉得愉快得多。——现在，我们可以沉默了。” “那么，在你跳舞的时候，你讲话还是有规则可循啦？” “有的时候是这样。你知道，一个人必须稍稍说点什么。否则的话，两个人半个钟头在一起一声不吭，会让人家觉得很怪的，可是考虑到还得照顾 某些人的利益，所以谈话应该这样来安排，以尽可能地减少他们的说话之劳。” “在现在这一场合下，你考虑的是你自己的情绪呢，还是以为你这是为使我满意呢？” “两者都有，”伊丽莎白调皮地说，“因为我总是发现我们两人在思维上的巨大相似性。——我们俩都是那种不合群儿又不愿多言的性格，除非我们是要说什么叫满堂皆惊的话儿，让人当作格言而流传后代。” “我敢肯定，你的性格与此并没有任何惊人的相似之处，”他说，“至于我的性格与此有多少相近，我也不能断言。——毫无疑问，你自然认为你这是一付忠实的性格画像喽。” “我当然不能给我自己所描述的准确性做评啦。” 达西先生没有回答，他们彼此之间又陷入了沉默，直待他俩又下到舞池里时，达西先生才问她和她的妹妹们是不是常常到麦里屯那儿去。她给予了肯定的回答，随后她受不了那种追根究底的诱惑，又补充说：“你那一天在麦里屯碰到我们的时候，我们刚刚交结了一个新朋友。” 这话的效果是立竿见影的。一种傲慢鄙视的神色散布在他的脸上，不过他却什么话也没有说，伊丽莎白虽然责怪自己心软，可也未能再提及这个话题。最后是达西先生开口了，他抑制着感情说： “威科汉姆先生禀有讨人喜欢的优雅举止，使他能交上许多的朋友——可是他是否同样地能够保持住与他们的友谊，那就不敢肯定了。” “他真是不幸竟失去了你的友谊，”伊丽莎白加重了语气回答说，“而且这种友谊的失去也许要使他终身受到损失。” 达西没有吭声，好像是想变个题目来谈。就在这个时候，威廉·鲁卡斯爵士走近到了他们身边，打算是穿过舞池到客厅的另一边去；可是一看到达西先生，他便停了下来，十分有礼地鞠了一躬，称赞他舞跳得好，舞伴也找得好。 “我今天是真正地饱了眼福啦，亲爱的先生。这样优美的舞姿可不是常常能见得到的。显而易见，你是属于那第一流的。不过，我还得说，你的舞伴也没有给你丢脸，而且我希望这种快乐能够常常有，我的亲爱的伊丽莎白小姐，尤其是在一桩美事(他拿眼睛扫着她的姐姐和彬格莱先生)如愿的时候。那时将会有一付多么热闹的庆祝场面啊！我请求达西先生，——不过还是别让我再打搅你了吧，先生。——我中断了你和这位年轻小姐的甜蜜谈话，你是不会感谢我的，而这位小姐的那双明亮的眼睛也在责怪我了。” 这后面的话的内容达西几乎没有听见，威廉爵士对他的朋友的那个暗示似乎很强烈地震动了他，他的眼睛朝着正在跳舞的彬格莱和吉英那边望去，脸上的表情也变得格外地严肃起来。不过，他很快便镇定下来，转过身来对他的舞伴说： “威廉爵士的这一打断，叫我想不起来我们刚才谈到哪儿啦。” “我一点儿也不认为我们刚才进行过什么谈话。对于这屋子里的两个都无话可说的人，威廉爵士能打断他们什么呢。——我们已经试着谈了两三个题目，而毫无成效可言，我们下一个题目将会谈什么我简直想象不出。” “谈谈书本怎么样？”他笑着问。 “书本——啊！不成。——我相信我们从来没有读过同样的书，也不会抱着同样的感情去读。” “你这样认为我很遗憾；不过，即便是如此，我们至少也不会缺少谈的内容。——我们可以对我们不同的观点进行比较。” “不行——在舞厅里我没有谈书的兴致；我的脑子总是装满了别的什么事情。” “ 当前和眼下总是这样吸引了你的全部注意力——不是这样吗？”他问，表情里带着疑惑。 “是的，总是这样，”她答道，其实她也不知道自己在说什么，她的思想早已溜到别的地方去了，这一点为她随后不久突然激动地说出的下面一番话所证实了：“我记得，达西先生，你曾经说过你一向对人很难原谅的，你的怨恨一旦结下就去不掉了。我想，你在结这怨恨的时候，一定是非常小心谨慎的了。” “是的。”他说，声音非常坚决。 “并且也从来没有受到过任何偏见的蒙蔽啦？” “我希望没有。” “对于那些从不改变他们的主张的人来说，他们一开始就要做出正确判断的责任，是极其重大的。” “我可以问一下，你这些问题的指向何在呢？” “仅在于阐释 你的性格，”她一边说，一边努力想拂去她自己的那一严肃的神情，“我在试着把它弄个明白。” “你有没有成功呢？” 她摇了摇头：“我根本进行不下去。我听到了许多对你截然不同的看法，叫我非常的迷惑。” “我十分相信，”他严肃地回答，“有关于我的传闻是会极不一致的；我希望，班纳特小姐，你在眼下还是不要对我的性格进行描绘，因为我有理由担心这样做恐怕对我们双方都会显得不太体面。” “可是，如果我现在不描绘出你的性格，那我也许就会再也没有机会了。” “我绝对不愿意破坏了你的任何兴致。”他冷淡地回答。伊丽莎白没再说什么，他们又跳了一场舞，就默默地分开了；双方都感到不太满意，虽然在程度上有所不同，因为在达西的胸中充溢着能迁就于她的强烈的感情，因此很快就原谅了她，把他的全部愤懑都转向了另一个人。 他们分开没有多长时间，彬格莱小姐便朝她走过来，带着一付客气的轻蔑神情这样对她说： “喂，伊丽莎白小姐，我听说你和乔治·威科汉姆先生很是合得来！——你姐姐一直在跟我谈论他，并且问了我许许多多的问题；我发现那个年轻人忘了告诉你一点，即他是已故的达西先生的管家老威科汉姆的儿子。不过，作为一个朋友，我且劝告你最好不要太听信了他的话；因为关于达西先生虐待他的话，就完全是谎言；因为恰恰相反，达西先生总是一直待他非常的好，尽管乔治·威科汉姆是以最不名誉的方式来对待达西先生的。我虽然不清楚具体的细节，但是我十分了解达西先生一点儿也不应该受到责备，他听到乔治·威科汉姆被人提起就忍受不了；我还知道我哥哥在给军官们发出邀请时本来是很难不把他包括在内的，结果是他自己很知趣地躲开了，为此我哥哥当然是分外高兴了。他跑到乡下来，真是太荒谬了，我不知道他怎么竟敢这样做。伊丽莎白小姐，因为在这里揭露了你所喜欢的人儿的不端行为，我很是对你同情；其实只消考虑一下他的出身，也就不能指望他会比现在强出多少啦。” “他的不端的行为和他的出身，在你看来，似乎是可以划等号的了，”伊丽莎白生气地说，“因为我除了听你说他是达西先生的管家的儿子外，再也没有听到你谴责他别的什么了，而且关于这一点，我也可以肯定地告诉你，他自己早已告诉过我了。” “请原谅，”彬格莱小姐回答说，带着一丝嘲笑转过了身去。“原谅我的打搅。——我可是出于好意。” “一个傲慢的女人！”伊丽莎白对自己说，“——你如果认为凭这无聊的攻击就可以影响了我，那你是打错算盘了。我从你这话里听出的，只是你自己的狂妄无知，还有达西先生的不良居心。”末了，她便找她姐姐去了，因为她姐姐也就这件事问过彬格莱。伊丽莎白来到吉英这里的时候，只见她脸上浮着甜美而又满足的笑，浑身闪耀着快乐的光辉，足以说明她度过了一个美好晚上的那种高兴劲儿了。——伊丽莎白一眼就觉察出了姐姐的这些感情。一霎那间，对威科汉姆的关心，对他的仇人的愤懑和一切别的苦恼事儿都变得渺小了，只希望着姐姐在迈向幸福的道路上一切顺利。 “我想知道，”她说，脸上现出的笑容并不比她姐姐的少，“关于威科汉姆先生你打听到些什么。不过你一直处于一种极度的幸福之中，也许顾不上再想到第三个人了；如果真是这样，我肯定是不会介意的。” “不是，”吉英回答，“我没有忘记威科汉姆的事；只是我也告诉不了你什么消息。彬格莱先生对他并不太了解，而且对他之所以得罪了达西先生的事委原由也毫无所知；可是他可以担保他的朋友品行良好，诚实正派，他还完全相信威科汉姆先生从达西先生那儿得到的关照，远比他应该得到的要多；我不得不遗憾地说，从他和他妹妹的话来看，威科汉姆先生决不是一个值得尊重的年轻人。我担心他对自己的行为太放纵太不知检点了，及至失去了达西先生的信任。” “彬格莱先生自己并不认识威科汉姆先生吗？” “不认识；那天早晨在麦里屯他是第一次见到他。” “那么他这话都是从达西先生那儿听来的了。我完全满意了。关于那个牧师位置，他是怎么说的？” “具体的情况他并不太准确地记得了，尽管他听达西先生说起这事不止一次，不过他相信那位置留给威科汉姆先生是有条件的。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第22章 (2) “我一点儿也不怀疑彬格莱先生的真诚，”伊丽莎白激动地说，“但是，想必你也能谅解，只凭保证一类的话儿并不能叫我信服。彬格莱先生对他的朋友的辩护，我敢说，当然是很有力的，可是既然他不了解这件事的始末，知道的一点儿也都是从他的朋友那儿听来的，所以我将仍然斗胆地像我从前那样认为这两位先生。” 伊丽莎白后来便把话题转到了一个双方都高兴谈的事情上去了，这样一来就不会激起不同的情绪了。伊丽莎白满心欢喜地听着吉英为赢得彬格莱先生的青睐所怀有的诸多小小的幸福心愿，她于是说了许多话儿来极力增加她在这方面的信心。当彬格莱先生自己也来到了她们俩这儿时，伊丽莎白告辞走到鲁卡斯小姐那儿去了；鲁卡斯小姐向她问起她和她最后的那个舞伴是否玩得愉快，在她正要回答时，科林斯先生走上前来，非常兴奋地告诉她，他真是幸运，有了一个重大的发现。 “通过一个极偶然的机会，”他说，“我发现，这间屋子里现在就有我那个庇护人的一位至亲。我碰巧听到那位先生和这主家的年轻小姐提到他的表妹德·包尔小姐和她的母亲凯瑟琳夫人。这类事情真是发生得太奇妙了！谁会想到我竟然在这一舞会上会遇到——或许是——凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人的姨侄！——谢天谢地，我发现得正是时候，还来得及向他问候，我这就到他那边去，相信他不会怪我问候得晚了一点儿吧。我对这门亲戚的在场毫无所知，我的道歉一定是可以接受的了。” “你这不是要向达西先生去作自我介绍吧？” “当然是啦。我将恳请他原谅我这晚到的问候。我相信他就是凯瑟琳夫人的姨侄。我能告诉他，上个星期时他姨妈的身体还十分健康。” 伊丽莎白极力劝阻他不要这样做；肯定地告诉他他这样不经人介绍就自己上前去跟人家说话，达西先生一定会认为他冒昧放肆的，而不会将此看作是对他姨妈的一种恭维；在他们双方之间根本没有必要去打这个招呼，即便是有的话，也必须是由有地位的达西先生主动来做。——科林斯先生虽然在听着她说，脸上却是一付要我行我素的坚定神情，在她话说完后，他这样回答道： “我的亲爱的伊丽莎白小姐，你在那些属于你的理解力范围之内的一切事情上的无与伦比的判断力，我是崇拜之至的，可是请容许我说上一句，在俗人那些既定的礼仪形式和那些规范着教士们的礼节之间，是有着很大差别的；我认为从尊严方面来讲，一个教士的身分和一个君侯的身份是同等的——只要他同时又能保持一种适宜的谦恭。所以在这件事情上你应该叫我去听凭我的良心的吩咐，我的良心总是导我去做好我应当做的事情。请原谅我没有接受你的教益，你的教益在其他任何事情上都将会是我一贯的指南，尽管在我们面前的这件事情上，我觉得我自己比你这样的一个年轻小姐更适于做出正确的判断，由于我所受的教育和平时的留意钻研。 ”他说着深深地鞠了一躬，离开她去讨扰达西先生了，伊丽莎白急切地注视着达西先生对他这一贸然举动的反应，她看到达西先生的诧异是显而易见的。她的表兄先是庄重地鞠了一躬，然后说起话来，虽然在她这里一个字儿也听不到，可是她好像觉得她听见了所有话儿，从他说话的口型她知道他在？NB031？嗦着“道歉”，“哈斯福德”“凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人”之类的词儿。——看到他在这样的一个人面前出丑，叫她心中好不烦恼。达西先生用毫不掩饰的惊奇目光打量他。当科林斯先生终于说完轮到他讲话的时候，他用一付敬而远之的神气回答了几句。可是科林斯先生再一次开口的勇气却丝毫也没有受到对方的影响，达西先生由于他这两次开口的滔滔不绝，蔑视的神情与时俱增，他的话音刚落，达西先生便微微地鞠了一躬，朝另一个方向走去了。科林斯先生随后又回到了伊丽莎白这儿。 “我可以肯定地告诉你，”他说，“我没有理由不满意他刚才对我的接待。达西先生听到我对他的问候似乎非常高兴。他极其礼貌地回答我的话，甚至还恭维我说，他对凯瑟琳夫人的识别人的能力很是信服，她的恩宠是向来不会给错人的。他的这一想法的确很妙。总的来说，我很满意他。” 因为伊丽莎白不再有她自己的兴趣要去追求，所以她把她的注意力几乎全部用到她姐姐和彬格莱先生身上去了，她的观察给她带来一连串的愉快想法，几乎使她变得跟吉英一样的高兴了。她想象着吉英就要嫁到了这所房子里，生活在一个真正相爱的婚姻所能赐予的一切幸福和温馨之中；想到这儿，她甚至觉得她能够努力去喜欢彬格莱的两个姐妹了。她也清楚地看出她母亲也正是像她这样想的，她打定主意不贸然走近母亲那儿去，免得母亲又话多出丑。当大家坐下来吃晚饭的时候，却偏偏天不作美，她们母女俩不知怎么竟然坐到了一起，她为此真感到晦气；她非常不安地发现，母亲正跟那个人(鲁卡斯夫人)毫无顾忌地谈着话，扯的话题不是别的，正是她期望吉英不久将会嫁给彬格莱之类的事儿。 ——他是如此漂亮可爱的一个年轻人啦，如此富有，住着离她们家只有三里路之遥啦，这些是她母亲自我道贺的开场白；想到他的两个姐妹是多么地喜欢吉英，她们俩一定也像她这样希望促成这一对姻缘，她心里就甭提有多舒服啦。再次，既然吉英能攀上一门富亲，那她的几个小女儿也就有指望再碰上别的阔人啦；最后又说她很高兴她以后便可以把她这几个女儿们的终身大事托付给她们的姐姐了，不必要她自己再为她们过多地去应酬交际啦。她有必要把这称作是一件高兴的事，因为那种应酬都是一些乏味的礼节往来；可是无奈班纳特夫人比任何人都更不可能觉得，待在家里会是一种享受。末了她对鲁卡斯夫人说了许多祝愿的话，希望鲁卡斯夫人不久也将有同样的好运到来，尽管她自己沾沾自喜，很明显地表示出她根本不相信鲁卡斯夫人也会有这样的福份。 伊丽莎白极力想阻止她母亲的这番滔滔倾泻，或是劝她把声音放得小一点儿；因为她发觉她母亲的这番话儿大都叫坐在她们对面的达西先生听去了，她心里真有说不出的烦恼。可她的母亲却只是骂她多管闲事，不听她的这一套。 “哼，这位达西先生与我有什么关系，叫我非得怕他不可呢？我告诉你，我们可没有欠下他这份情，在他面前就不能说他不爱听的话。” “看在上帝的份上，母亲。小声点吧。——你得罪了达西先生对你有什么好处呢？——你这样做永远也不会叫他的朋友看得起你的。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第23章 (3) 可是任凭她怎么说也没有用。而且她的母亲还把她的看法用同样高的声调兜售了出来。伊丽莎白又是害臊又是气恼，脸上是红了一阵又一阵。她不由自主地老往达西先生那儿看，尽管这每一次瞧都更是证实了她所担心的事情；因为虽然他并不总是在注视着她的母亲，她却清楚地看得出来他的注意力整个儿被她母亲吸引了。他面上的表情从一开始时的气愤和鄙视，渐渐地变成了一种冷淡和庄重。 最后，班纳特夫人总算是倒尽了她的话儿；鲁卡斯夫人听她再三地诉说那些没有自己份儿的快乐事，已早在不住地打哈欠了，现在倒乐得能清静地去吃桌上的冷火腿和鸡肉了。伊丽莎白现在也开始自在一点儿了。只是好景不长；吃过晚饭以后，有人提出了想听听歌，她很是不安地看到玛丽还没待大家的恳请，便准备要给大家唱歌了。她使了不少的眼色和默默的暗示，力争想避免这场难堪的自我表现，——可却是枉然；玛丽不愿意理会她的用意；她很高兴能有这样一个施展的机会，她开始唱了起来。 伊丽莎白极其痛苦地把眼睛盯在她的身上；她好不容易耐着性子听她唱完了几节，末了她这耐心也没得到报答；因为玛丽一听到底下传来的感谢声，和希望她能同意再给他们献上一首的暗示，片刻之后她便又唱了一首。玛丽的才情根本谈不上在这样的场合下表演；她嗓音低弱，表情做作。——伊丽莎白真的痛苦万分。她瞧了瞧吉英，看看她是怎么忍受这一切的；但见吉英只是在平心静气地跟彬格莱拉着话儿。她跟着看了看他的两个姐妹，看见她们俩面面相觑，脸上露出嘲讽的神情，再看看达西，只见他仍然是那付冷而又冷的严肃面孔。她去注视她的父亲要他来阻拦一下，免得叫玛丽唱个没完没了。他领会了她的意思，在玛丽唱完第二首歌的时候，他大声地说： “你唱得足够了，孩子。你叫我们大家开心的时间够长的了。给其他的小姐们也留点表演的时间吧。” 玛丽虽然装着没有听见，却也变得有点不自在了；伊丽莎白为她难过。也为她父亲的那番话难过，觉得她刚才的那份担心怕是也没有起到好的效果。——这会儿大家正请别人唱歌。 “如果”，科林斯先生说，“我要是有幸禀有唱歌的才能，我也一定很乐意为大家唱上一曲的，因为我认为音乐是一种高尚的娱乐，完全可以和牧师的职业相媲美。——当然我的意思并不是说我们应该为音乐花费掉过多的时间，因为还有许多别的事情无疑是在等着我们去做的。作为一个教区的主管牧师就有许多事情要做。——首先，他必须制订出什一税的协议，使它既对他自己有益也不会侵犯他的庇护人的利益。 他必须自己写出他的祷文，这样一来他做教区里的其他工作的时间就所剩无多了，而且他还得照管和改善他的住宅，把它弄得尽可能的舒适，这也是他不可推卸的责任。另外，他还应该用关心谦和的态度去对待每一个人，尤其是那些他崇拜的人们，而这项工作我认为也不是可以小看的。我不能将这一责职从他身上卸下；如果他遇到庇护人家的亲友时，没有对人家表示出他的尊敬，我也不认为这是对的。他说着向达西先生鞠了一躬，结束了他的这番演讲，他说得是那么慷慨激昂几乎大半个舞厅的人都能听到了。——许多人诧异地瞪大了眼睛。——又有许多人微微地笑着；可是哪一个也没有班纳特先生更觉得有趣了，而他的太太却一本正经地在夸赞科林斯先生讲得精彩，一边用半大的声音跟鲁卡斯太太说他是一个非常聪明非常善良的年轻人。 在伊丽莎白看来，纵便是她的家人事先已约定好了，要在这一晚会上大大地表露一番他们自己，也再不会比他们现在表演得更生动更成功了；她为彬格莱和她的姐姐感到庆幸，因为有些亮相的场面他不曾留意，而且即便是他看到了她家人的愚蠢，他的性情也不会使他觉得太难堪。但是他的两个姐妹和达西先生竟然得到了这样一个可以嘲笑她家人的机会，真是够糟糕的了，她不能够断定出是那位先生的缄默的轻蔑态度还是那两位小姐的傲慢的笑容，更叫她不能容忍。 在晚会所剩下的时间里，她也没能得到些许的快活。她被科林斯先生缠得无所适从，他死皮赖脸地待在她身边不走，虽然他不能再劝说她跟他再跳上一场，可是也弄得她休想再和别的人跳。她恳求他去跟其他人跳，并提出愿意把他介绍给这屋子里的任何一位姑娘，却是徒劳。他一板一眼地告诉她，他对跳舞是根本无所谓的；他的主要用心是周到地服侍她，以逐渐与她亲近，所以他是打算整个晚上都留在她身旁的。对于这样的一个一厢情愿的计划，争论也没有用。多亏是她的朋友鲁卡斯小姐给她解了不少围，鲁卡斯小姐常常走了过来，好心地把科林斯先生的谈锋转到了她自己身上。 伊丽莎白现在至少可以不再受到来自达西先生那方面的讨厌的注意了；尽管他常常就没有什么事儿地站在离她不远的地方，可他却再没有走上前来跟她说话。她觉得这很可能是因为她提到了威科汉姆的缘故，心里不免感到一阵得意。 浪博恩家的成员是最后离开晚会的；班纳特夫人使了个小小的手腕，在别的人都走了以后借口等马车又多待了一刻钟的时间，就是在这一段时间里却使他们有机会看到了彬格莱家的一些人是如何急切地盼望着他们一家赶快离开的。赫斯特夫人和她的妹妹除了抱怨她们是多么的疲惫之外，便几乎再也没有开过口，显然是巴望着赶紧只剩下她们自己好清静清静。她们不耐烦地打消了班纳特夫人每一次想要攀谈点儿什么的企图，随之而来的沉默使在场的每一个人都感到了倦怠，尽管有科林斯先生不时地发表点儿长篇大论，可也没能减轻这沉闷，科林斯先生夸赞彬格莱和他的姐妹俩热情好客、招待周到、彬彬有礼，给宾客们留下了深刻的印象。达西什么也没有说。彬格莱先生和吉英两人独自在一块儿站着，只是在彼此说着话。伊丽莎白跟赫斯特夫人和彬格莱小姐一样，一直保持着缄然的沉默；甚至连丽迪雅都疲倦得不愿说话了，只是偶尔地叹一声“天呀，我真是累死了！”跟着便大大地打一个哈欠。 当他们站起来终于要动身的时候，班纳特夫人客气地一再寒暄，希望他们全家很快能来浪博恩做客；她还特别跟彬格莱先生本人说，如果他能随便在什么时候也无须等什么正式邀请来和他们吃顿家常便饭，那一定会使他们全家非常高兴的。彬格莱很是感激和欣喜，答应他从伦敦回来后，便尽快地来拜访，他去伦敦是明天动身，在那里只待几天。 班纳特夫人完全满意了，告别了人家以后一路上打着如意算盘：就是把成亲前的准备工作计算在内，譬如购置新车、购买结婚的衣服之类的事，只消三四个月的功夫她就可以毫无疑问地看到她的大女儿嫁到尼塞费尔德去了。至于她的二女儿和科林斯先生之间的婚姻，她也觉得有同样的把握，也为之高兴，虽然在程度上差了一些。在所有的女儿里，伊丽莎白是她最不喜欢的一个；虽然姑爷的人品和这件婚事本身对伊丽莎白来说是足够好的了，可是这两者与彬格莱先生和尼塞费尔德一比，就显得黯然失色了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第24章 第二天在浪博恩又演出了新的一幕。科林斯先生正式提出他的求婚了。因为他的假期到下星期六就要结束，他决心要马上来办这件事，他有条不紊地遵照着一切他认为这种事通常情况下应有的礼仪，来着手进行，他胸有成竹，根本就没去想这件事可能会给他自己带来的难堪。吃过早饭不久，当他发现只有班纳特夫人、伊丽莎白和他的另一个小表妹在一块儿时，他便开始跟他们的母亲说道： “我可以希望，夫人，为了你和你的漂亮女儿伊丽莎白的利益，在今天早晨恳请她赏光，跟我私下谈一次话吗？” 伊丽莎白惊讶得脸都红了，还没待她做出任何反应，班纳特夫人就赶紧回答说： “噢，亲爱的！可以——当然可以——我相信丽萃会很高兴的——她一定不会反对的——来，吉蒂，跟我上楼去。”在她收拾起她的针线活儿正要急急离去的当儿，伊丽莎白喊住了她。 “亲爱的妈妈，你不要走开——我求求你不要走开——科林斯先生一定会原谅我的——他没有什么别人不能听见的话儿要跟我说。我这就离开这里。” “不，不，丽萃，这简直是胡闹。我希望你将留在你现在的地方。”看到伊丽莎白又气恼又难堪似乎真的要准备溜走了，她又说，“丽萃，我非叫你留下听听科林斯先生说的话儿不可。” 伊丽莎白不愿意和母亲弄得太僵，在稍事考虑之后她也觉得能尽可能快尽可能悄然不为人知地了结了这件事才是最妥的办法，她于是又坐了下来，努力克制着不让自己那啼笑皆非的情绪表露出来。班纳特夫人和吉蒂走了，待她们刚一出去科林斯先生便开了口： “请相信我，我亲爱的伊丽莎白小姐，你的谦虚怕羞非但对你没有一丝一毫的损害，反而增加了你的美德。如果你刚才没有表现出这小小的不愿意来，你在我的眼里倒不会有现在这么可爱了；请容许我告诉你，我在事先已经征求到了你的尊敬的母亲的同意。我想，你早已可能猜到了我跟你这次谈话的目的，尽管你天性羞怯假装不知；我对你的殷勤和关注是那么的明显，你是不会看不出来的。在我刚刚走进这个家的时候，我就挑选出了你来作为我将来生活的伴侣。不过，在我还没有沉醉于自己的这种感情之前，让我先来道一道我所以要结婚的理由以及我来到哈福德郡要择一良妻的打算——我当时肯定是怀有这种打算的——也许不会是没有好处的。” 想到科林斯先生现在的这副冷静庄重的样儿，居然会说出怕控制不了自己的情感的话来，几乎不禁要让伊丽莎白大笑起来，乃至使得她没能利用他停顿的间隙来对他阻止，于是他继续说道，“我之所以要结婚的第一个理由是，我认为每一个生活充裕的牧师(像我自己一样的)都应该在他管辖的教区里于婚姻生活方面树立个榜样。第二个理由是，我确信美满的婚姻生活将会极大地增加我现在已有的幸福；第三个理由是——这一点或许我应该早一点儿提出来——我这样做是受了我无愧于可以称之为是我的庇护人的那位贵夫人的特别的劝告和鼓励。她曾两次在婚姻问题上对我说出她的意见(是主动说的)！就是在上个星期六我离开汉斯福德之前的那个晚上——我们正在玩牌，珍金森太太正在给德·包尔小姐安排脚凳，老夫人跟我说，‘科林斯先生，你必须结婚才好。 一个像你这样的牧师必须得成个家——选择要慎重，为了我，你要选择一个知书达理的女人，为了你自己，她该是那种勤快会做家务的女人，出身并不见得要高贵，但是要善于理财持家。这便是我给你的忠告。尽可能快地找到这么一个女人，把她带回汉斯福德来，我将会前去看望她的。’请允许我顺便说上一句，我的亲爱的表妹，我认为凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人对我的关心和照顾，可是我的一个不小的有利条件。你会发现她的举止和为人是我所无法描述的；我想凭你的聪明和活泼她是能够接受你的，尤其是当她的那种高高在上的地位不可避免地将给你的举止平添上一种肃穆和尊重感的时候，她会对你更喜欢的。这些便是我打算要结婚成家的一般理由；再下面需要说的是，我为什么要到浪埔恩而不在我的邻里——我可以肯定地告诉你我们那儿的可爱女子是很多的——来做选择呢。 事情是这样的，尽管在你的父亲逝世之后(他当然还可以活上许多年的)我将是这一家产的合法继承人，可我还是会有些不安，假如我不是打算从他的女儿中间来选择一个妻子的话，在她们中间选择，当这一不幸事件(我刚才已经说过了，它在近几年以内也许是不会发生的)发生的时候，对她们的损失便可以尽可能地减少一些。这就是这之所以要这样做的动机，我的漂亮的表妹，我自以为我这样做是不会降低了我在你心目中的地位。现在，我的表妹，我剩下要做的就是用最富于激情的语言来向你表达我的最热烈的情感了。对嫁妆和钱财，我根本无所谓，是不会向你的父亲提出这方面的任何要求的，因为我十分了解这要求是不能被满足的；我知道你名下应得的财产，不过是一笔年息四厘的一千镑存款，还得等到你母亲死后才归你所得。所以，在这方面，我是会保持缄默的；你还可以放心的是，在我们结婚以后，我一句计较小气的话也不会说的。” 现在是绝对有必要打断他的话的时候了。 “你有点儿过于性急啦，先生，”她激动地说，“你忘记了我还没有给予你任何的答复。让我现在就来回答，免得再浪费我们彼此的时间。对于你给我的褒奖，请接受我的谢意。我也十分清楚你的求婚所给予我的莫大荣誉，但是我除了对它拒绝，毫无别的选择。” “我不是现在才知道，”科林斯先生庄重地挥了挥手回答说，“在男人们第一次向她们求婚的时候，年轻的小姐通常总是要给予拒绝的，其实她们心里想的可是要接受的；有的时候，这样的拒绝会产生两次或者甚至三次。所以你刚才说的话一点儿也不会使我灰心，我期望着不久就能把你领到教堂里去呢。” “说实话，先生，”伊丽莎白喊起来，“在我正式拒绝之后，你仍然这样希望可真是太令人奇怪了。我郑重其事地告诉你，我可不是你所说的那种女人(如果世上真有这样的姑娘的话)，竟敢拿着她们的幸福去冒险，侥幸去等人家第二次来提出请求。我的拒绝是非常严肃的。——你不能够使我幸福，我确信我也是世界上最不能给予你幸福的女人。——呃，如果你的朋友凯瑟琳夫人也认识我的话，我相信她一准会发现我在任何一个方面都不适宜这个角色。” “即便凯瑟琳夫人是这样认为，”科林斯先生严肃地说“我想她老人家也不会赞同你的。你可以放心，等我有幸再见到她的时候，我会在她面前极力赞扬你的谦虚、节俭和其他种种可爱的美德的。” “不必啦，科林斯先生，对我的一切赞扬都将是没有必要的。你必须给予我自己做主张的权利，而且对我所说的话给以应有的尊重。我希望你将来会非常幸福非常富有，我拒绝了你的请求，正是在极尽全力免得你走上相反的方向。通过这一次对我的求婚，你在我家的那件事情上也就不必再感到有什么不好意思了，等将来一旦轮到你做浪博恩的主人时，也不必感到任何的内疚了。因此，咱们这件事就这样最后了结了吧。”她一边说着，一边站了起来，正要离开房间的时候，科林斯先生对她说了下面的这番话： “在我下一次再向你郑重地谈起这件事的时候，我希望你的回答能比现在的叫人满意；不过我对你眼下的淡漠无情，并不怪罪，因为我知道，拒绝男人们的第一次求婚，是你们女人的一惯做法，或许，你刚才的那番话，便是在不违背你们女性的那种微妙心理的前提下，给予我的一种鼓励吧。” “啊，科林斯先生，”伊丽莎白激动地喊，“你真叫我摸不着头脑了。如果我刚才说的话，在你看来是另一种形式的鼓励，那我真不知道究竟该怎么样拒绝，才能使你相信它啦。” “我亲爱的表妹，我之所以认为你拒绝我的求婚只是嘴上说一说而已，当然是有我自己的理由的。这些主要的理由是：——在我看来，我的求婚并非是不值得你接受，我充裕的家资也并非不能叫你艳羡。我的社会地位，我和德·包尔府上的关系以及和你家的亲戚关系，都是我极有利的条件；你应该考虑权衡一下：尽管你处处长得迷人，可这并不能保证，你还能再得到另外一个人的求婚。你自己的那份财产有些太少得可怜了，乃至把你的可爱迷人和许多别的美好条件都可能抵消掉啦。既然我应该由此得出结论说，你对我的拒绝并不是存心的，所以我将宁愿认为，你这样做只是像许多高雅女士所惯常做的那样，是希望通过制造悬念，来增加我对你的倾慕。” “我可以肯定地告诉你，先生，我可没有半点冒充风雅，来故意折磨一个体面男子的意思。我倒宁愿你给我面子，相信我说的都是真情。承蒙你看得起我向我求婚，我将感激不尽，不过叫我答应却是不可能的。我身上全部的感情都在抵制它。我还能说得比这更明白吗？不要把我看作是那种成心想折磨你的风雅女人，而要把我看作是一个说着心坎儿里的真话的理智女人。” “你真是表现得太迷人啦！”他大声地说，殷勤大度的神情中又夹杂着尴尬，“我相信只要你的令尊令堂作主表示了同意，我的求婚是不会不被接受的。” 对他这样一而再再而三地存心要欺骗自己，伊丽莎白不再作声了，她随即悄悄地退了出来；她心里下了决心：如果他坚持认为，她的再三的拒绝，是对他的一种卖弄风情式的鼓励，那么她只好去求助于她的父亲了，让她的父亲斩钉截铁地给予他拒绝，父亲的行为，至少不会被他认为是那种风雅女人的娇嗔和多情了吧。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第25章 科林斯先生并未能对他的这一求爱行为的成功与否，来自个儿仔细地思量上一番；因为班纳特夫人想要知道他们谈话的结果，曾一直在走廊里？？来着，现在见伊丽莎白开开门，快步地走过她朝楼梯那儿去了。她便急急地走进早餐间里，用热烈的言辞为他们不久就要到来的亲上加亲的喜事儿，向他和她自己道贺。科林斯先生也是同样高兴地接受了她的祝贺，又拿这些话儿向她道贺了一番，接着把他们这一次会晤的细节叙述了一遍，末了他说他有一切理由认为，这次会晤的结果是令人满意的，因为他表妹的一再的拒绝，于她那自愧不如的谦卑和天生的羞涩性格是再自然不过的了。 不过，这一席话却把班纳特夫人惊了一跳；——她当然也愿意同样高兴而又满意地认为，她的女儿拒绝他的求婚，是想要鼓励他，可是她不敢有那种奢望，她情不自禁地这样说： “你可以相信我，科林斯先生，我会叫丽萃听话的。我这就马上去跟她谈这件事。她这孩子又蠢又执拗，她不知道她姓什么啦；我会让她明白过来的。” “请原谅我打断你的话，夫人，”科林斯先生喊了起来，“如若她真是性情偏执，脑子也不开窍，我更担心，她会不会做我这样一个有些地位的人的理想妻子了，因为我结婚自然是为了寻求幸福的。如果她真是坚持要拒绝我，那么不去勉强她接受或许更为妥当一些，因为假若她有这样的性格缺陷，她对我以后的幸福是不会有多大帮助的。” “先生，你是完全误解了我的意思啦，”班纳特夫人略带着吃惊说，“丽萃只是在像这样的事情上执拗一些。在其他的任何事情上，她都是一个性情极好的姑娘。我这就去找班纳特先生，我确信，我们俩很快就能跟她把这件事定下来。” 她不等他的回答，便马上去急匆匆地找她的丈夫了，在走进她丈夫的书房时她大声喊： “噢，我的班纳特先生，有件事马上需要你来解决；我们已经是闹得不可开交了。你必须去让丽萃嫁给科林斯先生，因为她发誓说她不嫁他，如果你不快一点儿，他也将会改变主意不要她了。” 班纳特先生在她进来的时候，从书本上抬起了他的眼睛，安然而又毫无所动地注视着她的面庞，他的神情丝毫也没有因为她的话而有所改变。 “我并没理解你的意思，”在她喊完的时候，他说，“你究竟是想要说什么呢？” “科林斯先生和丽萃的事儿。丽萃说她不愿意嫁给科林斯先生，科林斯先生也开始说，他不愿意娶丽萃了。” “在这件事情上，我能做些什么呢？——这看起来似乎是件没有什么希望的事儿啦。” “你自己亲自去跟丽萃谈。告诉她，你非让她嫁他不可。” “叫她下楼来。我将告诉她我的意见。” 班纳特夫人去按了下铃，伊丽莎白很快被唤到了书房里。 “过这儿来，孩子，”在她进来的时候她的父亲大声说，“我叫你来，是因为一件重要的事情。我知道科林斯先生已向你求过婚了，是吗？”伊丽莎白回答是的。“很好，——而且他的求婚你已经拒绝了？” “是的，爸爸。” “很好。现在我们就来谈正题。你母亲坚持要你接受这件婚事。是这样吗，太太？” “是这样，否则的话，我就再也不愿意见到她了。” “一种不愉快的抉择现在摆到了你面前，伊丽莎白。从今天起，你必定会与你父母中的一个成为陌路人。——你母亲将再也不愿意看到你啦，如果你不嫁科林斯先生的话；可是如果你要嫁他，那我就再也不愿意见到你啦。” 伊丽莎白对这件事竟会这样开始又会如此结束，不由得笑了出来；可是对于满以为已经说服丈夫同意了她自己的观点的班纳特夫人来说，这可真是太令人失望了。 “你讲这种话是什么意思，孩子他爸？你答应我要劝她嫁给他的呀。” “我的亲爱的，”她的丈夫回答说，“我有两件小事求你提供方便。第一请允许我在这一件事情上有权利使用我自己的理解力；第二能让我自由地使用我的书房。我很乐意使我的书房能尽快地清静下来。” 可是，虽然班纳特夫人对她丈夫感到失望了，她却并没有放弃她的主张。她一遍又一遍地跟伊丽莎白谈；软硬兼施，一会儿哄，一会儿骂。她拼力想拉吉英为自己帮忙，可吉英总是好言回绝，不愿干预；——伊丽莎白却是有时一本正经，有时嬉皮笑脸地来对付她母亲的进攻。她使用的方式尽管有变，可她的决心不会变。 科林斯先生与此同时在自个儿琢磨着这刚刚过去的一切。他把自己想得过好过高了，根本理解不到，他的表妹拒绝他的动机会是什么；虽然他的自尊心受到了些许的挫伤，可在其他的一切方面他仍然感觉良好。他对她的好感或许都是他自己想象出来的；她受到她母亲的谴责，很可能是罪有应得，这样一想，他就不觉得有什么遗憾了。 适值班纳特一家就这样闹得不可开交的时候，卡洛蒂·鲁卡斯小姐来他们家串门了。她在门廊里遇见了丽迪雅，丽迪雅一见她便跑了过去，略带些神秘地对她说：“你来得正好，我们家这阵儿可热闹啦！——你能想象到，今天早晨我们家发生了一件什么样的事吗？——科林斯先生向丽萃求婚，丽萃拒绝了他。” 卡洛蒂还没来得及说什么，吉蒂就跑来了，又把这消息说了一遍，她们三人刚走进只有班纳特夫人自己待着的早餐厅，班纳特夫人也马上谈起了这个话题，并央求鲁卡斯小姐同情同情她的难处，去帮助劝说她的朋友丽萃，不要和全家人的心愿做对。“噢！我亲爱的鲁卡斯小姐，”她声音委婉地说，“请你帮帮忙吧，因为我们全家人没有一个站在我这一边的，没有一个来帮我说话的，他们都粗暴地对待我，没有一个人体谅我那可怜的神经。” 正在这时候吉英和伊丽莎白走了进来，解了卡洛蒂的围。 “啊，你瞧她来了，”班纳特夫人继续道，“看她那毫不在乎的样子，根本不把我们放在心上，就是我们远在他乡她也一点儿不会惦记我们的，只要她自己能任着性子来就行了。——可是，我要告诉你，丽萃小姐，如果你拿定主意要这样子来拒绝每一个求婚的人，你就永远也不会找到一个丈夫——我真不知道等你父亲死了以后，还有谁来养活你。——我可没有能力养你——我郑重地警告你。——从今天起我就跟你脱离干系啦。——我在书房时就告诉过你了，我再也不会跟你说话了，我讲话可是算数的。我可不乐意去理那些一点儿也不懂得孝顺的孩子。——其实，我现在跟任何人都没有兴致去聊什么啦。像我这样的在神经上受着痛苦的人，哪儿会有谈话的乐趣呢。谁也不知道我受着多大的痛苦！事情往往是这样的。那些有苦不诉的人，从来也不会被人可怜同情。” 她的几个女儿默默地听着这番倾诉，深知任何想要与她论理和平抚她的情绪的尝试，只会增加这种烦恼。所以她就一个劲儿地这样无遮无拦地讲下去，一直讲到科林斯先生进来；科林斯先生的神情比平常显得更为庄重，班纳特夫人见他进来，便对姑娘们说： “现在，我让你们都闭住你们的嘴巴，我要和科林斯先生说几句话。” 伊丽莎白悄悄地走出了屋子，吉英和吉蒂紧跟其后，只有丽迪雅站着没动，决心要听一听他们的谈话，卡洛蒂先是被科林斯先生的殷勤问候阻留住了，他问询她自己和她的全家，问得相当仔细，后来则是为满足她那小小的好奇心，便步到了窗口，装着是看外面的景物而偷偷地在听。班纳特夫人怨声载道地这样开始了她准备好了的话。——“噢！科林斯先生！” “我亲爱的夫人，”他回答说，“让我们永远也不要再提起这个话题啦。去对你女儿的行为抱怨，”他用一种流露出不愉快的声音继续道，“那远远不是我的做为。我们大家都应该听天由命才是；尤其是对我这样一个在早年就有幸得宠的年轻人来说，更应如此；我深信我自己就是听天由命的那一种人。即便是我漂亮的表妹同意了我的求婚，在我怀疑到我真正的幸福会有可能受到影响时，我或许也会放弃的；因为我常常注意到，当被别人拒绝了的幸福开始在我们心目中失去它的某些价值的时候，及时地放弃才是我们最好的出路。我希望，我尊敬的夫人，我这样收回了我对你女儿的求婚，而没有劳你和班纳特先生的大驾，去为我动用你们的权力，我这样做你不会认为是对你们家庭的不尊吧。我担心，我的行为也许会遭到非议，因为我是从你的女儿的嘴里，而不是从你们父母的嘴里，接受了我的这一被拒绝了的命运的。可是我们所有的人都可能会犯错误的。在这件事情上，我的用意自始至终都是好的。我所想的就是为我自己找到一个可爱的伴侣，同时，尽可能地考虑照顾到你们全家人的利益，如果在这其间我的 行为应该受到指责的话，我在这里特此向你表示道歉。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第26章 科林斯先生求婚一事引起的争执已经接近于尾声了，伊丽莎白现在要忍受的只是伴随这场风波而必然会给她带来的那些令人不快的情感，以及偶尔从她母亲那儿给她的几句风凉话。至于那位先生本人，他的情绪的发泄可主要不是凭借着尴尬和沮丧，或是极力地去躲避她，而是通过板着一付面孔和忿忿的缄默不语。他几乎再也没有跟她说一句话，他以前对她自许的那股百般体贴的殷勤劲儿，在后半天里都转到鲁卡斯小姐的身上去了，鲁卡斯小姐很礼貌很友好地陪着他，听他说话，这对她们全家尤其是对伊丽莎白都是一个及时的开脱。 第二天，班纳特夫人的坏情绪或是神经上的痛苦一点儿也没有减轻。科林斯先生也还是他那付生气的傲慢态度。伊丽莎白曾希望，他这一气便会缩短他的假期，可是他的计划看起来却一点儿也没有为此而受到影响。他说好要到星期六走，他仍然想着要住到星期六。 吃过早饭之后，姑娘们步行到麦里屯去打探威科汉姆先生回来了没有，捎带地发一发他没有能参加尼塞费尔德那场舞会的牢骚。她们一到镇上就碰到了他，于是他陪着她们上她们姨妈家里去，在那里他把他没能参加舞会的遗憾和不安，以及他对每一个人的关心都说了一通。——不过，对伊丽莎白他却主动地承认说，他的不在场，是他自己出于不得已而做出的决定。 “随着时间的临近，”他说，“我越来越觉得，我还是不和达西先生见面的好；——跟他在同一个房间，同一个晚会上一起待到好几个钟头，那会叫我受不了的，我担心晚会上也许还会生出一些别的事儿，让更多的人不愉快。” 她十分赞赏他能这样宽容和忍让。在威科汉姆和另一个军官跟她们一块儿回浪博恩的路上，他给予她更多的注意，因此他们俩有机会来充分讨论这个问题，而且彼此客客气气地恭维了一阵子。他陪送她们回家有两个好处；伊丽莎白觉得他此举会是对她一个人的抬举，另外，在这样的一种场合把他介绍给她的父母是再合适不过的了。 在她们到家后不久，班纳特小姐就接到一份从尼塞费尔德寄来的信，信立刻就被拆开了，里面装着一张精致、烫熨得很平整的信笺，上面是一位女士的漂亮流畅的笔迹；伊丽莎白看到她姐姐在读信的当儿脸色变了，看见她眼睛死死地盯在某些段落上。不过，吉英很快便恢复了平静，把信装了起来，努力带着她平日的那种欢悦，参加到了大家的谈话中间；可是伊丽莎白却为这件事感到焦急起来，甚至对威科汉姆也不再那么注意了；他和他的朋友刚刚离开，吉英便向伊丽莎白递了个眼色，要她一块儿上楼去，一到了她们自己的屋里，吉英便掏出了信说： “这信是卡罗琳·彬格莱写来的；信的内容很令我吃惊。到这个时候，他们那一班人已经都离开尼塞费尔德、在回城里的路上了；而且也没有任何再要回来的打算。现在，你来听听她是怎么说的。” 然后她大声地读了这封信的第一句，大意是说，他们已经决定马上动身，回城里去找她的哥哥，而且要在当天赶到格罗斯文纳街吃饭，因为赫斯特先生在那儿有所住宅。跟在下面的是这样的话：“我可以说，我对离开哈福德郡没有丝毫的遗憾，除了想念你的友谊，我的最最亲爱的朋友，不过，我们期待着在不久的将来，我们又能够像从前那样愉快地交往，同时我们还可以凭借经常的毫无保留的通信来减轻我们的分别之苦。我相信你是会这样做的。”对这些夸夸其谈的话儿，伊丽莎白虽然在听着，可是却全然的不信；尽管他们的突然离去也使她感到吃惊，但是她却看不出，这里面有什么可真正值得悲伤的；他们离开了尼塞费尔德，并不能阻止彬格莱先生再到这儿来；至于说到失掉了和她们的往来，她相信只要能常常有彬格莱先生的陪伴，吉英很快便会对此不再在乎的。 “不幸的是，”伊丽莎白在过了一会儿说，“在你的朋友们离开乡下之前，你竟未能去给他们送行。不过，我们不是可以希望，彬格莱小姐所期盼的那个愉快的将来，会比她所预料得更早一点到来吗？我们不是可以希望，你们这种作为朋友的交往，在加上一层姐妹的关系后而变得更令人满意吗？——彬格莱先生在伦敦是不会叫他们给阻留住的。” “卡罗琳肯定地说，今年冬天他们那班人谁也不会再回到哈福德郡来啦。我这就念给你听，——‘在我哥哥昨天离开我们时，他想着他到伦敦要办的事情只消用上三四天的时间就够了，然而正像我们所断定的那样，他不可能那么快，与此同时，我们还确信，当查利斯到了城里后，他便不再准备着着急急地离开了，所以我们决定追他到那儿去，免得他在那寒伧的旅馆里独个儿挨那难熬的时光。我的许多朋友都上伦敦去过冬了；我希望，我最最亲爱的朋友，能听到你也打算进城来的消息，可是我失望了。我真诚地希望，你在哈福德郡的圣诞节能过得充满那一时节所可能带来的一切欢乐，希望你能交上许许多多的男朋友，免得我们走后老叫你想念我们三人。” “很显然，”吉英又加了一句说，“他今年冬天在是不会再回来啦。” “很显然的只是彬格莱小姐以为他 不该回来罢啦。” “你为什么会这样想呢？那一定是他自己要这样做。——他是他自己的主人呀。不过，你还不知道全部的情形呢。我愿意把最使我伤心的那一段念给你听。我不愿意对你有任何的保留。‘达西先生渴望见到他的妹妹，说实话，我们差不多也是同样急切地想和她重逢。我认为乔治安娜·达西无论是在美貌、风雅和才情造诣方面，都是没有人能和她相比的；她在我和露易莎心中激起的情感，现在又得到了升华，很有趣的升华，因为我们大胆地期待着她在不久的将来就会做我们的嫂嫂了。我不知道我以前曾向你提起过我在这件事上的感情没有，不过，我可不愿意在我离开乡下时，还不把它们告知于你，我相信你不会认为它们是不近情理的吧。我哥哥对她早有爱慕之意了，他以后更是有机会经常去看她，与她更亲密地相处了，双方的家庭都盼望这门亲事能成，我想当我说查利斯能够迷住任何一个女人的心儿时，我可没有存任何一点儿的做妹妹的偏心。因为有这么多有利的条件来促成这门亲事，而没有任何的因素来对它阻隔，所以，我最最亲爱的吉英，我衷心希望这件人人都乐意的事能够实现，我这样说你能说我错吗？’ “你对这最后的一句话怎么看呢，我亲爱的丽萃？”——在读完了这一段的时候吉英说，“这说的难道还不够清楚吗？——这不是已经亮明了，卡罗琳既然不期待也不希望我做她的嫂嫂吗？亮明了她十足地确信，她哥哥根本就无意于我吗？如果她怀疑到了我对他抱有爱的感情，她这不是在劝我(最善良地！)要我自己当心吗？在这件事情上，还能有任何一种别的解释吗？” “对，能有的；我的观点就完全不同。——你愿意听听吗？” “当然愿意。” “这只需几句话便能说个清楚。彬格莱小姐发现了她哥哥爱上了你，可是她想让他娶的是达西小姐。她跟在他后面回到城里，是希望能在那儿拦住他，然后她对你却是极力劝说他如何如何的不爱你。” 吉英摇了摇头。 “吉英，你应该的的确确地相信我才是。——任何一个见到过你们俩在一块儿的人，都不会怀疑他对你的感情的。我相信彬格莱小姐当然也不会怀疑啦。她才没有那么傻呢。如果她能看到达西对她自己的爱有那么一半的话。她便会给自己操办嫁妆了。问题是在他们家看来，我们家还不够富有，不够荣耀；她巴望着能让达西小姐嫁给她的哥哥，她之所以要这样想是因为在两家之间有了这么一桩婚姻以后，再成第二桩时也就比较容易了；在她的这一想法里无疑有着聪明的成分，我敢说如果不是有德·包尔小姐夹在中间的话。她也许会成功的。不过，我亲爱的吉英，你可千万不要因为彬格莱小姐告你说她哥哥爱的是达西小姐，你就当真，彬格莱自星期二离开你以后，不会对你的爱心有丝毫的改变，不要以为她会有那么大的能耐，能说服他去爱她的朋友达西小姐，而不再爱你。” “如果咱们俩对彬格莱小姐的看法一致，”吉英回答说，“你关于这一切的表述，就可能叫我大大地安下心来啦。可是我知道，你立论的基础就是不牢靠的。卡罗琳不会有意地去欺骗任何一个人；在这件事情上我所能寄于希望的，只能是她也许是自己受了蒙骗。” “这样也罢。——既然你不愿意从我的看法里得到安慰，你能想出一个更叫你高兴的念头来也未尝不可。不管怎么样，就相信她是受了蒙骗的好啦。你现在已经对她尽到你的心了，所以不必再烦恼了。” “可是，我亲爱的妹妹，纵便是从最好的方面想，我和他的事能成，想到自己要嫁给一个其姐妹和朋友都希望他另娶的人，我还能快活吧？” “你必须自己做出决定，”伊丽莎白说，“如果你经过再三考虑认为得罪他的两个姐妹给你带来的痛苦，远远大于做他的妻子所给你的幸福，那么，我奉劝你还是放弃了他的好。” “你怎么会这样说呢？”吉英微微地笑着说，“你当然知道，即使她们的反对叫我非常痛苦，我也会毫不犹豫地嫁给他的。” “我也没有认为你会犹豫的；——既然是这样，我就可以不必过分地去担心你现在的处境了。” “但是，如果他今年冬天不再回来，我的抉择便永远不会再用得着啦。在这六个月的时间里，什么样的事情都可能发生！” 对于他不再返回的想法，伊丽莎白根本不屑于去相信。在她看来，这仅仅是卡罗琳自己一厢情愿的心思的表露，她从来不曾以为，这些心思不管是公开说出来也好，还是婉转地道出来也好，会对这样一个完全独立自主的男青年产生任何的影响。 她向她的姐姐尽可能有力地阐述了她在这个问题上的看法，她不久便高兴地发现，姐姐对她的话儿信服了。吉英不是那种沉郁的性情，伊丽莎白的劝说渐渐地让她看到了希望，彬格莱先生将会回到尼塞费尔德来使她的一切心愿得以实现的，尽管有的时候这种希望也会因她感情上的缺乏自信而变得动摇。 姐妹两人商量好，只告诉她们的母亲这一家人已经离开了的消息，免得母亲为彬格莱先生的行为感到担心；然而，就这点滴的透露也叫她大惊小怪起来，她不住地哀叹，在她们之间越来越相处得融洽的时候，这几位女士却不幸离她们远去了。不过，在伤心了一阵子后，她想到还有彬格莱先生不久便会回来到浪博恩来吃饭，就觉得有了安慰，到最后她已经能够高兴地宣布，尽管邀他来吃的只是一顿便饭，她也要精心准备，上足满满的两道莱肴。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第27章 班纳特一家赴约去鲁卡斯家吃饭，在人家府上呆着的这一天里，又是鲁卡斯小姐那么好心地在听科林斯先生的夸夸其谈。伊丽莎白找到了个空儿向她表示感谢。“他跟你说说话儿，情绪就好多啦。”伊丽莎白说，“我真不知道该怎样表达对你的感激才好。”卡洛蒂回答说，她能觉得自己对朋友有用，就很是满足了，这远远地补偿了她为此消磨掉的那点儿时间。这话儿说得够甜够情意的了，只是卡洛蒂这番好心的用意，伊丽莎白却是怎么也不会想象得到的；——她所以这样做，是要伊丽莎白避开科林斯先生再次向她求婚的可能，而把这种可能性转到自己身上来。 这就是鲁卡斯小姐的计划；一切看来都进行得很顺利，在他们晚上分别的时候她几乎觉得她就要成功在握了，如果他要不是这么快就会离开哈福德郡的话。但是在这里，她是低估了他性格中炽烈火热和独断专行的一面了，因为第二天早晨他便很巧妙地从浪博恩家溜了出来，急匆匆地跑到鲁卡斯府上，拜到了她的脚下。他极力想避开表妹们的注意，他怕她们看见他跑出来，从而猜到了他的意图，而在他还不知能否成功之前，他是不愿意声张出去的；因为他虽然觉得似乎有成功的把握，鲁卡斯小姐对他也不是没有情意，可是自从星期三的那场冒险之后，他的勇气和信心是减少了。不过，他这一次倒是受到了人家最殷勤的接待。鲁卡斯小姐从楼上的窗户里，看见他朝着她家走来，便马上跑了出去，碰巧是在一条小巷里面，有那么多的爱意和情话等待着她。 在科林斯这番滔滔的话儿说完后，他们俩之间的事儿便很快而又满意地定了下来；当他们走进到家里来的时候，他已在非常恳切地敦请她选定使他成为最幸福的人的那个日子了；尽管这样的请求在眼下还必须搁置在一边，可是鲁卡斯小姐却也丝毫不愿意扫了他这快乐的兴致。他天生的那付蠢相，使他的求爱变得枯燥无味，叫哪一个女人也不愿意跟他继续谈下去；鲁卡斯小姐之所以接受了他，完全是出于一种不动感情的、想有一个像样的家的愿望，至于这样的一个家多么快就能有，她倒没有太去在乎。 他们俩随即便去征求威廉爵士和鲁卡斯夫人的同意；鲁卡斯夫妇马上就高兴地答应了这门亲事。科林斯先生现在的经济状况，使他成为他们女儿的一位最合适的配偶了；而且他将来会得到的财产更是可观。鲁卡斯夫人马上用从来也没有过的浓厚兴趣，盘算起班纳特先生还可能再活多少年头；威廉爵士肯定地说，只要科林斯先生占有浪博恩的财产后，他和他的妻子要得到皇上的召见便指日可待了。简言之，鲁卡斯一家为这件事都喜上了眉梢。几位小女儿们已开始有了她们能早一两年被嫁出去的希望，男孩们也不要再为姐姐会在家里做老处女担心了。卡洛蒂自己倒是显得十分的镇静。她已经达得了自己的目的，她现在有时间能对它考虑上一番了。她对她的思考大体上是满意的。科林斯先生当然是既不聪明又不叫人喜欢；他的社交圈令人乏味，他对她的感情也一定是他自己想象出来的。但是，尽管如此，她还是要让他做她的丈夫。 ——她把男人的品行或是婚姻的美满都没有看得过分认真，结婚才是她惟一的目的；对于一个家资微薄受过良好教育的年轻女子来说，结婚是她们惟一体面的归宿，不管婚姻能不能给她们带来幸福，她们至少于生计方面是无忧无虑了。她现在就找到了这样的一个避风港；作为一个二十七岁的大闺女，又没有出众的姿色，她对她的命运已经很满意了。在这件事情上，最使她感到难堪的地方，是伊丽莎白·班纳特将会为此事而感到的惊讶，而她把与后者的友谊却是看得比和其他任何人的友谊都珍贵的。伊丽莎白会诧异不止，也许会指责她，虽然她的决心不会动摇，可是她的感情却会因为这样的责备而受到伤害。她决定自己去亲自告诉她这件事，于是在科林斯先生要回浪博恩吃饭的时候，她嘱咐他不要把这几天发生的事情透露出一点儿风声。保密的承诺当然是很顺从地便做出了，不过执行起来，却不是没有困难；因为当他一回到家里，他这么长时间不在而引起的好奇心，顿时都变做了问题扑头盖脸地向他袭来，没有一点儿技巧，是很难不露馅的，与此同时他又得极力地控制自己的情感，因为他巴不得把他成功的爱情快快地公布于众。 因为他第二天很早就要动身回去、来不及再见到家里的人，所以送别的仪式在女士们当夜就寝之前来履行，班纳特夫人极其有礼坦诚地希望，在他一有余闲的时候就来浪博恩看望他们，他们全家都非常高兴再见到他。 “亲爱的夫人，”他回答说，“你的邀请真是令我太感激了，因为这正是我一直盼望的事情；你可以相信，我会尽快地回来看望你们的。” 这叫他们全家人都吃了一惊；班纳特先生当然不希望他这么快就又要回来，于是立刻说道： “可是，这恐怕不会让凯瑟琳夫人太高兴的吧，我的贤侄？——你最好是哪怕冷落一点儿你的亲戚，也不要贸然得罪了你的庇护人。” “我亲爱的叔叔，”科林斯先生答道，“对你这样好心的提醒，我不胜感激，你尽可以放心，没有尊老夫人的同意，我是不会贸然前来的。” “你还是千万当心一点儿才好。千万不要惹她老人家生气；如果你觉得，你来这儿可能会叫她不高兴(我认为这是非常可能的)，那你就安心地待在家里好啦，你尽可以放心，我们这里是决不会怪你的。” “请相信我，亲爱的叔叔，你的这番疼爱和关心叫我心里暖烘烘的充满了感激；你很快便会收到一封我为此以及为我住在哈福德郡期间你给予的种种照顾而表示感谢的信的。至于我的漂亮的表妹们，尽管我离别的日子不会长久，这样做也许没有必要，可我现在还是要衷心地祝愿她们健康幸福，这其中也包括我的表妹伊丽莎白。” 在一阵子彬彬有礼的寒暄之后，太太小姐们便各自回房去了；得知他很快就想再次造访，她们没有一个不感到惊奇的。班纳特夫人希望，他之所以这样做是想要向她的一个女儿求婚，玛丽也许能被劝说去接受他。她认为，科林斯先生的能力，要比别的任何一个男子的能力强得多；他思考问题时那种很顾及实际的倾向，每每给她以深刻的印象，虽然比不上她自己那么聪明，可是她想，只要鼓励他去像她自己那样，去阅读书籍，提高修养，那他将会成为一个很可爱的人的。但是在第二天早晨时，这方面的一切希望都化为无有了。鲁卡斯小姐早饭后不久便来了，私下跟伊丽莎白把前一天的事儿都兜了出来。 科林斯先生以为他自己已经爱上了她的朋友的这种可能性，于后来的这一两天中，曾经在伊丽莎白的脑子里闪现过；但是卡洛蒂会鼓励他这样做，似乎是绝对不可能的，正如她自己决不会对他怂恿一样，所以她现在惊讶的程度之巨，竟使她忘掉了应有的礼貌，不禁大声地喊了起来： “跟科林斯先生订婚了！我亲爱的卡洛蒂，——这怎么可能呢？” 鲁卡斯小姐在讲述这件事情时所努力保持着的镇静神情，在她听到这样毫不隐讳的责备时，一时间变得慌乱起来；不过这毕竟是在她预料之中的事情，所以她很快便恢复了镇定，平静地回答： “你为什么竟会感到这样惊讶呢，我亲爱的伊丽莎白？——你是不是以为，因为他不幸没有得到你的爱情，他便不再可能获得任何别的一个女人的好感了呢？” 伊丽莎白现在已经冷静下来，极力克制住自己的感情，她已经能够颇为肯定地告诉她，他们将来的结合叫她非常的高兴，希望她一切幸福如愿。 “我看得出来你现在的感受，”卡洛蒂回答说，“你一定很惊奇，非常的惊奇，——就在几天以前科林斯先生还是一直想着要娶你来着。不过，当你有时间把这事儿好好想上一遍时，我希望你对我的做法将不会是不满意的了。你知道，我并不罗曼谛克。从前也不。我想要的只是一个舒适的家；全面衡量科林斯先生的性格、社会关系和地位，我觉得我和他结婚以后的幸福机会，不会比大多数人结婚时所夸耀的那些幸福的机会少。” 伊丽莎白平静地回答：“这一点毫无疑问。”——在一阵难堪的沉默之后，她们俩回到了家人那里。卡洛蒂没再多待，伊丽莎白这个时候独自个儿把她刚才听到的这一切又想了一遍。只是在过了好长时间以后，她才能够对这一极不相配的亲事的看法，少许地接受下来。科林斯先生在三天之内就求了两次婚的奇怪行为，跟现在他被卡洛蒂接受了的这一事实一比较，便算不上什么了。伊丽莎白一直觉得卡洛蒂的婚姻观和她自己的是不完全一样，可是她却没有想到，当见诸于行动时，她竟会牺牲掉了一切美好的情感，去俯就于世俗的利益。卡洛蒂竟是科林斯先生的妻子，这真是最使人感到羞辱的一幅图画了！——她为一个朋友侮辱了自己、降低了在她心目中的地位，而感到痛苦，她更为那位朋友在她所选定的命运中不可能有起码的幸福而感到苦恼。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第28章 伊丽莎白跟她的母亲和姐妹们坐着，思考着她刚才听到的那件事，拿不定主意她是否应该告诉她们，正在这时候威廉·鲁卡斯爵士自己走进来了，他是受他的大女儿之托，前来将她订婚的事告诉班家的。他在叙述这件事时，少不了许多对班家的恭维话和自我道贺的话，因为班卢两家就要快连亲了，——可听的人不仅仅是感到惊奇，而且感到不可置信；班纳特夫人一味不客气地坚持说，他一定是完全弄错了，一向任性和少教养的丽迪雅更是大声地嚷嚷了起来： “天呀！威廉爵士，你怎么会讲出这番话来？——难道你不知道科林斯先生想要娶的是丽萃吗？” 只有一个宫廷大臣的善于讨好和奉迎的秉性，叫威廉爵士能够毫不生气而又安然无恙地经过了这一切；虽然他恳请她们相信，他这一消息的权威性和真实性，可他还是极有礼貌极有耐心地听着她们不逊的言语。 伊丽莎白觉得她有责任让他摆脱这尴尬的处境，于是走上前去，把她自己先前从卡洛蒂那里听到的消息说了一遍，来证明威廉爵士说的都是实情；为了能止住她的母亲和几个妹妹的大呼小怪，她便热情真诚地向他道贺(吉英也很快参加了进来)，诉说这门亲事可能带来的种种幸福，科林斯先生的优秀品格以及哈德福郡和伦敦之间的方便往返等。 班纳特夫人在威廉爵士在坐的时候，还实在是不敢太造次地说出许多不敬的话来；可是待他一出了家门，她的一肚子牢骚就一下子发泄出来了。首先，她还是固执地不相信真有此事；其二，她断定科林斯先生是受了骗；其三，她坚信他们俩在一起决不会有幸福；其四，这一婚事迟早会完蛋。不过，从整个事件中她又显而易见地得出两个推论；第一，伊丽莎白是这一切恶作剧的真正源头；其次，她自己受到了全家人的最不公的对待；在这一天剩下的时间里，她一直就这两点喋喋不休。无论什么也不能使她得到安慰，无论什么也不能平息她的怒气。——整整一天的功夫也未能发完她的牢骚。有一个星期的时间，她见到伊丽莎白就没好气地骂，有一个月的时间，她跟鲁卡斯夫妇说话都是粗声粗气，直到许多个月以后，她才原谅了他们的女儿。 班纳特先生的情绪，在这件事上要安静平和得多，他声称，他最近经历的事情是非常令人赏心悦目的那一种；他说，发现他从前不认为比较聪明的卡洛蒂·鲁卡斯，竟像他的妻子一样愚蠢，比他的女儿就更蠢啦，这真叫他得意！ 吉英自己也承认她为这门亲事感到有些吃惊；不过，她倒没有多叙她的惊讶之情，而是真心地希望他们两人将来幸福；伊丽莎白向她说明，他们两人之间不可能有幸福，可这话劝说不了她。吉蒂和丽迪雅可一点儿也不嫉妒鲁卡斯小姐，因为科林斯先生只不过是个牧师而已；要说这件事也影响到她们，那也只是她们把它当作一条新闻在麦里屯传布传布罢了。 鲁卡斯夫人既然有一个女儿获得了美满姻缘，她当然不可能意识不到，她能以对班纳特夫人进行回报的这个优势了；她现在到浪博恩拜访得更勤了，说她是如何如何的高兴，尽管班纳特夫人那一脸的酸相和挖苦的话儿，也足能够把她那高兴的劲儿赶得一点儿也不剩。 在伊丽莎白和卡洛蒂之间，现在有了一层隔阂，使她们两人在这件事上都相互保持着沉默；伊丽莎白清楚，在她俩之间再也不可能有那种无话不谈的真正友情了。她对卡洛蒂的失望感，使她开始更加充满爱心地去关心她的姐姐，她深信，她对姐姐为人正直和淑好端庄的品性是永远不会有所怀疑的，她一天比一天地更为姐姐的幸福担起心来，因为彬格莱到现在已经走了一个礼拜了，一点儿也听不到他要返回的消息。 吉英早已及时给卡罗琳写了回信，正在计算着她可能会收到回信的日子。星期二那天，科林斯先生事先允诺要写的那封感谢信寄到了府上，信是写给她们的父亲的，信中写了许多堂而皇之的感激言辞，不知道的还以为他在这里住了有一年之久呢。在这般地卸下了他良心上的不安以后，他便开始用许多热烈激动的词语，来告知他们，他在获得了他们的邻居可爱的鲁卡斯小姐的爱情之后所感到的幸福，接着他又解释说，仅仅是考虑到能与她团聚，他才愿意来满足他们想在浪博恩再次见到他的个愿望，他可能到达那儿的日期是下下个星期一；因为凯瑟琳夫人，他补充道，完全同意他的婚事，希望它能尽快地举行，他相信，对于这一点他的可爱的卡洛蒂是不会有什么争议的，会尽早地择一吉日，使他成为世上最幸福的男人。 科林斯先生要重返哈福德郡，对班纳特夫人来说，这已不再是一件值得高兴的事了。相反，她和丈夫一样对这件事不住地抱怨起来。——他竟会再到浪博恩来而不是去到鲁卡斯先生的府上，这可真叫人感到奇怪了；这样做既不方便又十分的麻烦。——在她健康状况不佳的时候，她讨厌家里有人来访，而且恋人们在所有的人里，是最最叫人不喜欢的人了。这些就是班纳特夫人这些天来絮絮叨叨的事情，只是彬格莱先生一直不归的这一件更大的心烦事儿，叫她有时才住了口。 吉英和伊丽莎白对这件事也是一直安不下心来。一天又一天过去了，没有他的任何消息，除了这阵子刚在麦里屯传开的话儿，说是他整个冬天也不再会回到尼塞费尔德来了；这一传闻大大地激怒了班纳特夫人，每当听人提起，她总要反驳说，这是最最恶毒的谣言，根本不可信。 直至伊丽莎白也开始担心——不是担心彬格莱薄情——而是担心他的姐妹们会把他给成功地支开了。尽管她也不愿意对这样一个能毁坏了吉英的幸福、能给她的恋人的忠贞蒙上了阴影的想法予以承认，可是她总是禁不住要常常往那个方面去想。她担心，有他的两个不愿意这门亲事的姐妹和他的那个令人生畏的朋友从中作梗，再加上达西小姐的姣好迷人和伦敦的享乐生活，这一切也许会把他对吉英的那份情意完全吞没了的。 至于吉英，她在这一悬而未决的情境下的焦虑，当然是更胜伊丽莎白的一筹了；但是，只要她觉得她需要隐瞒起来的感情，她是不会说的，所以在她自己和伊丽莎白之间，从来没有提到过这件事。可是她的母亲却没有这种细腻的情感来约束自己，没有一分钟里她不谈到彬格莱，不在表达她盼望他归来的那种着急心情，她甚至要吉英承认她是被人家给耍了，如果他不再回来的话，要能比较平静地来忍受一切，需要吉英使出她全部的温柔与和顺。 科林斯先生在过了两个星期之后，于星期一准时地返回了浪博恩，可是他这一次在班家受到的接待却不像上一次那么周到。不过，他现在太高兴了，也无需人家太多的关照；对班家来说，这男恋女爱倒是使他们有幸摆脱了他在家里的许多纠缠。每一天的大部分时间他都是在鲁府上度过的，他有时回到浪博恩的时候，已是全家人就寝的时间了，他只简单地为他的终日未归行个道歉之礼，也就该去睡觉了。 班纳特夫人现在的状况实在是够可怜的了。只要一提及这门亲事，总要使她痛苦万分，而不论她走到哪里，准能听到人们在谈论它。一见到鲁卡斯小姐，她就心里生厌。作为将要对她取而代之的这所房子的未来主妇，她越发对鲁卡斯小姐充满妒忌和厌恶。只要卡洛蒂一来他们家，她就认定，她是来算计她多会儿就能成为这所房子的女主人的；一看到她低声地和科林斯先生说话，她就以为他们是在谈论浪博恩的财产，只待班纳特先生一死，就要毫不留情地把她自己和她的女儿们赶出这所房子。她把这些伤心事都道给了她的丈夫听。 “唉，亲爱的班纳特，”她说，“一想到卡洛蒂·鲁卡斯将来竟会是这所房子的女主人，一想到我竟要不得不给她腾出位子，亲眼看到她掌管这房子，我的气就不打一处来！” “亲爱的，不要胡思乱想这些不愉快的事儿啦。让我们往好处去想。让我们来自个儿庆幸，我会长命百岁的。” 这一席话并没有给班纳特夫人多大的安慰，因此她没有接她丈夫的碴儿，继续诉着她的苦。 “我一想到他们两人会得到这所有的家财，就受不了。要不是这继承权的问题，我才不在乎呢。” “你不在乎什么呢？” “我对什么都不在乎呢。” “让我们来表示感谢，你还没有落到那种不通情理的地步。” “亲爱的班纳特，对这一继承权的事儿，我永远也不会感激的。哪一个竟会有这么狠心，从自己女儿的手里把财产拿走而遗留给别的人呢，我真不明白；尤其这一切都是为了这个科林斯先生！——为什么他要得到别人的财产呢？” “我还是把这个问题留给你自己去想吧。”班纳特先生说。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第29章 彬格莱小姐又来了一封信，把疑虑消除了。信中劈头第一句就说，他们所有的人今年冬天要在伦敦过冬是确定无疑的了，信在结束的时候，是替他哥哥道歉，说他在离开乡下以前未能有时间去问候他哈福德郡的朋友，很是遗憾。 希望消失了，完全地消失了；在吉英勉强继续读下去时候，除了写信人的那种装出来的亲切，她从信中再也得不到什么安慰了。对达西小姐的赞美占据了信中的主要篇幅。达西小姐的诸多的迷人之处又被夸夸其谈了一顿。卡罗琳得意地吹嘘她俩之间的亲密友谊正与日俱增，还大言不惭地预言，她在上封信中所谈到的那些希望都会实现。她也非常高兴地提到，她哥哥现在是达西先生家里的常客，提到达西要购置新家具的计划。 吉英把这封信里的大部分内容很快便去讲给伊丽莎白听，伊丽莎白默默地听着，心里气极了。她一面为姐姐担心，一面又对其他所有的人充满了忿恚之情。对卡罗琳说她哥哥倾慕于达西小姐的话，伊丽莎白根本不信。彬格莱先生真正喜欢的是吉英，关于这一点她还是像从前一样的坚信不移；不过，尽管她从前也总是很喜欢他，可是她却不能不气愤地、甚至带些鄙夷地想到，正是他的随和脾性和缺少主见，使他成了他的那些有所图谋的朋友的奴隶，使他牺牲掉自己的幸福、屈就于他们的那些反复无常的念头。如果牺牲的只是他自己的幸福，他尽可以去任着性子，拿这幸福去做儿戏；可是这儿有她的姐姐也牵连在其中，而且对于这一点，她想他自己也一定清楚。简之，这是一个百思而不得其解的谜。虽然她脑子里想着的只是这件事，可是她还是不能断定，彬格莱对姐姐的爱到底是真的已经消失了，还是被他朋友们的阻挠给压服了；他对吉英的一片情意是有所体察，还是根本没有察觉；尽管她对他的看法会由于这答案的不同而有很大的不同，可是对于她的姐姐来说，情形却反正是一样：她姐姐的平静心情，总归是受到了伤害。 有一两天的时间，吉英竟没有勇气向伊丽莎白诉说她的感情；只是在后来，当班纳特夫人像平常一样，又对尼塞费尔德和它的主人大大地发了一顿牢骚、然后离开只留下她们姐妹两人的时候，吉英才实在忍不住地说道： “啊！真希望母亲能控制一点儿她自己就好啦，她根本想象不到，她这样老是提起他，是多么的伤我的心。不过，我是不会去埋怨的。这痛苦不可能长久。他就会被忘记的，我们还将会像从前一样的。” 伊丽莎白半信半疑，用焦虑的眼光看着她的姐姐，却没有说出什么话来。 “你不相信我，”吉英喊，脸色微微有些发红了，“哦，你没有理由不相信。他可能会作为我的一个最和蔼可亲的朋友留在我的记忆里，但是仅此而已。我没有什么可希望或是可担心的，也没有什么要指责他的。感谢上帝！我还没有 那种痛苦。所以只需一点儿的时间，——我一定就能好起来了。” 片刻之后，她用一种更为肯定的声音说：“我现在就可以告慰自己说，这一切只不过是我一厢情愿的瞎想，它不会给任何人造成伤害，除了我自己。” “亲爱的吉英！”伊丽莎白激动地说，“你真是太好了。你那么的善良和无私，真像天使一般；我不知道我应该怎么对你说才好。我觉得，我从前对你的赞美、对你的爱，跟你应该得到的，相差得太远啦。” 班纳特小姐对这动情的夸赞矢口否认，随即便反过来赞扬起她妹妹的一片深情。 “不，”伊丽莎白激动地说，“这样很不公平。 你希望认为，天下所有的人都值得尊重，只要我一说谁的不好，你就觉得心里难受。而我只是想把 你看作一个完美的人，你便要起来反对啦。不要担心我会对你过分地赞美，不要担心我会侵犯你那普天下皆善的认为。你没有这个必要。在这个世界上，我真正热爱的人没有几个，我心目中的好人那就更少了。对这个世界我越是经见得多，就越是对它不满意；过去的每一天都更加坚定了我那人性都是表里不一的信念，坚定了我不能轻易地相信美德或是通情达理的表象信念。最近，我遇到了两件事情，一件我不愿意提起；另一件就是卡洛蒂的婚事。这婚事真是不可思议！无论从哪一方面看，也是叫人不可思议！” “我亲爱的丽萃，可不要让这样的情感缠上了你的身心。它们会毁了你的幸福的。你对各个人不同的处境和不同性格，没有能给予足够的考虑。你且想一想科林斯先生的受人尊敬的地位和职业，以及卡洛蒂的遇事善于考虑的持重性格。你要记得，她还是一位大家闺秀；说到财产方面，也是极为匹配的一门亲事；为每一个人着想起见，我们不妨相信，她对我们的表兄，很可能真是有几分爱慕和尊敬。” “为了让你高兴，我几乎愿意去相信任何事情，但是这样的一种相信，对任何别的人不能有任何的好处；因为如果我信你的话，认为卡洛蒂真的是爱上了他，那我只会认为是她的智力出了毛病，那比我现在的认为她是对爱情不真诚的看法更为糟糕。我亲爱的吉英，科林斯先生是一个自负、爱虚荣，思想狭窄而又愚蠢的人；你和我一样的清楚，他的确是这样的一个人；你一定也像我一样地觉得，嫁他的那个女人在考虑问题上有所不妥。你不必为她辩解，虽说这个女人就是卡洛蒂·鲁卡斯。你不会为了一个人的缘故，去改变原则和真诚的含义，去极力说服你自己和我，认为自私就是慎重，糊涂妄为就是幸福的保障吧。” “我不得不认为，你说他们两个人时，语言有些太过火了，”吉英回答说，“我希望当你看到他们将来的幸福时，你就会相信你是有点过头啦。不过这件事我们已经谈得够多的了。你刚才还隐约提到一件别的事。你说过你碰到了两件事。我不会去误解你的，亲爱的丽萃，不过我也请求你，不要认为 那个人就该受到谴责，不要说你对他的看法已经变坏了，免得叫我感到痛苦。我们千万不能这么快就认为，我们是受到了别人有意的伤害。我们不能期待，一个可爱的年轻小伙子总会是那么的事事小心，事事考虑得周全。欺骗了我们的不是别的什么，常常是我们自己的虚荣心。女人们总以为，别人对她们的赞美里有着更多的含义。” “这样一来，男人们更该觉得他们欺骗人是得理的啦。” “如果他们是存心这样做，他们当然是不对了；不过我却不认为，世界上真像有些人所想象的那样，是充满了计谋。” “我并不认为，彬格莱先生的行为里有任何预谋的成分，”伊丽莎白说，“可是，即便不是存心要做坏事或是存心叫别人不快，世界上还可能会有过失，可能会有不幸。冲动鲁莽，缺少对别人的感情的关注，缺乏主见，都会造成这样的成果。” “那么，你把这件事情也归到这类原因中去了？” “是的；我把它归入最后的一个原因。如果我再继续讲下去，我就该说出我对你所尊重的那些人的看法，来叫你不高兴啦。所以趁现在还不晚，让我住嘴吧。” “那么，你是坚持认为，他的姐妹们影响了他的行为了。” “没错，这其中还有他的朋友达西先生。” “我不相信。她们为什么要企图去影响他呢？她们只是希望他能幸福，如果他要是钟情于我的话，别的任何一个女人都不可能给他幸福的。” “你的第一个立论就错了。她们除了希望他幸福，还会希望许多别的东西；她们也许会希望他更加有钱有势；她们也许会希望，他能娶上一个家势显贵、荣耀和富有的姑娘。” “毫无疑问，她们都希望他能选择达西小姐，”吉英回答说，“可是，这也许是出于一些更好的动机，而不是像你刚才所想象的那些理由。她们认识达西小姐的时间比认识我的时间长得多；如果她们更是对她喜欢一点儿，这并不奇怪。不过，不管她们自己的希望是如何如何的好，她们是不大可能去反对她们兄弟的愿望的。要不是出现了特别令人发指的事情。哪一个做妹妹的会认为她自己可以去肆无忌惮地反对哥哥的意愿呢？如果她们相信他爱的是我，她们就不会试图去分开我们俩，如果他真的爱我，她们这样做也是不会成功的。通过设想出这样的一段恋情，你使每一个人的行为都显得极不自然而且是错误的了，你叫我感到无端的痛苦了。不要用这个想法来烦恼我吧。我对误以为我们之间是有了恋情，并不感到有什么羞耻——或者，至少这种羞耻感是极轻微的，它跟我认为是他或是他的姐妹们的不好所感受到的相比，要好受得多了。让我还是从这件事的最好的方面来看它吧，从合乎情理的角度去看它吧。” 伊丽莎白不可能反对这样的一种愿望；从这以后，彬格莱先生的名字在她们两人之间，便很少再被提起了。 班纳特夫人仍然是对彬格莱先生的一去不归，不断地表示出诧异和发着牢骚，虽然伊丽莎白几乎没有一天不跟她清楚地解释其中的原因，她却看起来似乎无法不对这件事烦恼了，伊丽莎白尽力用她自己也不相信的理由去劝服她，告她说彬格莱先生对吉英的青睐，只是那种一过即失的普通的喜欢情感而已，当他不再看见她的时候，这种感情便不再有了；可是尽管班纳特夫人在她被劝说的时候也承认情形也许就是如此，她还是要把这牢骚每天发上一顿。她现在最大的安慰，就是彬格莱先生到了夏天时一定会回来的。 班纳特先生对这件事可另有一番看法。“呃，丽萃，”他有一天说，“我发现你姐姐是失恋了。我向她表示祝贺。一个女孩快要到了结婚的年龄时，总喜欢不时地能尝到一点儿失恋的滋味。这可以叫她有事可想，使她和她的女伙伴们有所不同。你多会儿才能遇上这样的一个机会呢？你当然不愿意自己老是落在吉英的后面啦。现在你的时机来了。麦里屯这儿有足够的军官，让所有乡下的姑娘们都能有失恋的机会啦。就让威科汉姆做你的情人吧。他是个外貌讨人喜欢的小伙子，是会很体面地叫你失恋的。” “谢谢你了，爸爸，不过，一个不怎么能讨人喜欢的男人就会使我感到满意了。我们不能都指望有吉英那样的好运气。” “说得不错，”班纳特先生说，“不过可以聊以自慰的是，不管你碰上的是什么样的运气，你有一个热爱你们的母亲，她总会给你们弄得火红热闹的。” 威科汉姆先生的不时来访，对于驱散因为最近发生的不愉快事情而罩在浪博恩府上的那种忧闷气氛，实在是太有实际的效用了。她们常常见到他，现在于他的其他优点之外，她们又开始夸赞起他的豁达和率直。伊丽莎白以前听他说过的那一套，什么达西先生对他的种种愧疚啦，什么他从他那儿所受到的种种痛苦啦，现在都得到了大家公开的认可和公开的谈论；每一个人都为他们在得知威科汉姆先生的这件事之前就那么不喜欢达西先生而不免得意起来。 唯有班纳特小姐以为，这件事里面可能有蹊跷，还不曾为哈福德郡这儿的人们所知晓；她的温柔、持重和坦诚的性格，总是给事情留下余地，认为有产生误会的可能——可是其他所有的人都把达西先生看作是最坏的人了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第30章 经过一个星期的卿卿我我的对未来幸福的筹划，随着星期六的来临，科林斯先生到了该离开他可爱的卡洛蒂的时候了。不过，在他这方面来说，这分别的痛苦却可以由于他回去要准备迎娶的事宜，而得到些许的减轻，因为 他有理由希望，当他下一次再很快回到哈福德郡的时候，结婚的吉日就会择定，他就会成为世上最幸福的男人了。他也像以往一样，郑重其事地和他浪博恩的亲戚道别，希望他的漂亮的表妹们健康幸福，并允诺要再给她们的父亲写一封感谢的信函。 到了下个星期一的时候，班纳特夫人高兴地迎来了她的弟弟和弟媳，他们像往常一样，是前来浪博恩度过圣诞节的。嘉丁纳先生是个懂理达情、颇具绅士风度的男子，无论是在天分和所受的教育方面，都远远地超过了他的姐姐。尼塞费尔德的小姐们会很难相信，这样一个靠做买卖为生、见闻不出他的商店货栈的人，竟可能会具有这么好的教养和仪态。嘉丁纳夫人比班纳特夫人和菲利普夫人年轻几岁，是一个和蔼可亲、聪明淑雅的女人，浪博恩的外甥女儿们都很喜欢她。尤其是在那两个年龄最长的外甥女和她自己之间，更是有一种特别亲切的关系。她们常常进城去陪她住上几日。 嘉西纳夫人到来后的第一件事，就是给她的外甥女儿们散发礼品，谈论最时新的式样。在这件事做完之后，她就比较安静下来。因为该轮到她来听了。班纳特夫人有许多的委屈要诉，有许多的牢骚要发。自从她上次见到她的弟媳以来，她家的人都没有碰上好运气。她的两个女儿本来快要嫁出去了。结果落了个一场空。 “我并不责怪吉英，”她继续道，“因为吉英已经是尽了自己的力了。可是，丽萃呢！噢，弟媳！要不是她自个儿成心捣蛋，她到这个时候，也许已经做了科林斯先生的妻子了，你想想这有多气人。就是在这间屋子里，他向她提出了求婚，而她却拒绝了他。结果倒是让鲁卡斯夫人在我前面要把一个女儿嫁出去了，而且浪博恩的财产还是照样让人家继承不误。的确，鲁卡斯家的人都是一些很会钻营的人，弟媳。他们不顾一切地为自己牟利。这样说他们，我也很难过，但是事实却的确如此。在我自己的家里，我是这般地受女儿们的气，在外面，我有这么一些只为自己着想的邻居们，这样可就把我给折腾苦了。不过，你能在这个时候来，真是太好了，是我的一个极大的安慰，我很高兴听你讲那些长袖衣等这类的事儿。” 嘉相纳夫人在跟吉英和伊丽莎白的通信中已经得知了这件事的大概，这个时候只是敷衍了班纳特夫人几句，便为她的外甥女儿们着想，把话给岔开了。 待后来和伊丽莎白单独在一起的时候，嘉丁纳夫人更多地谈到了这个话题：“这看起来似乎很可能成为吉英的一桩美满婚姻，”她说，“只可惜给吹了。不过这样的事情是经常发生的，像你所说的彬格莱先生这样的年轻人，只消几个星期就和一个漂亮姑娘相爱如漆了，在他们由于偶然的原因分离后，又很快把她忘记了，这类爱情变故的事儿太常见啦。” “这番安慰的话儿倒是合情合理，”伊丽莎白说，“可是它却安慰不了 我们。我们可不是因为偶然的原因才吃了苦头。这样的事情并不是常常发生：几个朋友们的从中干涉便说服了一个财产完全独立的年轻人，叫他忘掉了仅仅在几天之前他还热恋着的女孩子。” “可是‘热恋’这样的词儿未免太陈腐，太模糊，太笼统了，它不能给我任何的实际印象。正如它常常用来指那种真诚牢固的爱情一样，它也常常用来指那些从半个小时的相认中就生发出的感情。请问，彬格莱先生的爱究竟 热到了什么样的程度呢？” “我还从来不曾见过像他那样的倾慕之情。他变得对别人越来越不加理会，而把注意力全都集中到她身上去了。每当他们相见的时候，这种倾向便变得更加确定无疑。在他自己举办的舞会上，他因为没有请大家跳舞，得罪两三个年轻的姑娘，有两次我曾跟他说话，却没有得到一个回答。还能有比这更好的兆头吗？这种对别人的完全不顾，不正是爱情的本质所在吗？” “噢，不错！——这正是我所想象他会感受到的那种爱情。可怜的吉英！我很为她难过，因为像她那样性格的人，一下子是很难把这件事忘掉的。这事要发生在你的身上就好多了，丽萃；你会笑上自己几次，便没有事啦。你想，我们能劝说她到我那儿去住上一阵子吗？换一换环境可能会有好处的——或许稍稍离开家里几天，出外轻松轻松，会很有裨益。” 伊丽莎白听到这个建议，非常的高兴，而且相信她姐姐也会乐意接受的。 “我希望，”嘉丁纳夫人接着说，“她不会因为考虑到那个年轻人也住在城里而改变主意。我们住在城里的另外一个地区，我们所有的社交往来也和他的完全不同，而且你也知道得清楚，我们很少外出。因此除非是他来我们家看她，不然的话，他们是不可能碰面的。” “这是绝对不可能的；因为他现在已经被他的朋友给监护起来了，达西先生决不会容许他到伦敦的这样一个地区看望吉英的！我亲爱的舅母，你怎么会想到这上面上呢？达西先生也许听说过像天恩寺街这样的地方，不过只要一去到那儿，他就会认为，用一个月的时间也洗不掉他从那条街上所沾上的污垢了；相信我，没有他作陪，彬格莱先生是决不会出动的。” “那样更好。我希望的就是他们不要见面。可是吉英不是还跟他的妹妹在通信吗？ 她可能难免要来走访。” “吉英会完全跟她断绝往来的。” 但是，虽然伊丽莎白把这一点还有他们不会叫彬格莱见到吉英的话儿，说得那么肯定，她还是为这件事多担着一份心，这使她在几经考虑之后觉得，事情还没有完全到了绝望的地步。或许，有时候她甚至认为是完全可能的，他的爱情之火又可能重新点燃起来，吉英种种的迷人之处给予他的更为自然的影响，会最终战胜了他的朋友们对他所施加的影响。 班纳特小姐愉快地接受了她舅母的邀请；对于彬格莱一家，她脑子里当时想到的也只是，希望卡罗琳不是和她的哥住在一起，那样的话她便可以偶尔用上午的功夫去看看她，而不必担心能遇到他了。 嘉丁纳夫妇在浪博恩住了一个星期；由于有菲利普家、鲁卡斯家和许多的军官们不断邀请，他们没有一天不去赴宴请的。班纳特夫人对她的弟弟和弟媳的日程活动做了十分精心的安排，乃至他们没有一天在家里坐下来吃上一顿便饭的。当宴请是在家里举行时，一些军官们总是这里的客人，在这些军官里，每次肯定都有威科汉姆先生；在这类场合下，因为伊丽莎白常常热烈地赞夸他而变得有些疑心起来的嘉丁纳夫人，便仔细地观察起这两个人的行为来。从她所看到的情形分析，她认为他们俩还没有真正地相爱，不过他们彼此之间相互倾慕的明显迹象，也足以叫她感到了些许的不安；她决定在她离开哈福德郡之前，跟伊丽莎白谈一下这件事，告诫她对这样一种关系的发展可不能鲁莽从事。 对嘉丁纳夫人，威科汉姆有另一种让她高兴的方法，这一点跟他平日的那些本领可没有什么关联。大约是在十年或是十二年以前，在她还没有结婚的时候，她曾在德比郡他所在的那个地区待过较长的一段时间。因此他们两人有着许多他们共同熟悉的朋友，虽然威科汉姆在五年以前(达西的父亲逝世的那一年)离开那儿后就很少再回去过，可是他仍然能够告诉她有关她的许多过去的朋友的最新消息，这是她自己很难打听得到的。 嘉丁纳夫人曾去过彭伯利，对已故的达西先生的性格十分了解。于是，他们两人之间便有了一个谈也谈不尽的话题。她把威科汉姆所详尽描绘的情形，与她记忆中的彭伯利做比较，又把彭伯利已故主人的品德大大称赞了一番，谈的人和听的人都各得其乐，当听到现在的这位达西先生是如此地对待威科汉姆时，她极力去回想那位先生小时候的个性，是否与他现在的行为相符，末了，她终于自信地说，她记得她曾听人说起过，费茨威廉·达西先生是个非常高傲、脾气又很坏的孩子。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第31章 嘉丁纳夫人对伊丽莎白的提醒和忠告，在她一碰到了可以与她单独谈话的适当机会时，便及时而又善意地给予她了；在坦率地讲了她心里的想法后，她这样继续说道： “你是个非常明理的姑娘，丽萃，你是不会仅仅因为你受到了警告而偏要坠入到爱情里去的；所以，我也不怕把话儿说透。我很郑重地告诫你，一定要小心。不要让你自己，或是拼力使他卷入到那种没有财产做基础的鲁莽爱情中去。对于 他本人，我没有什么反对的话儿要说；他是一个十分有趣的年轻人；假如他要是得了他应得的那份财产，我会觉得他是你最合适不过的人选了。但是，情形既然是如此，你就千万不能叫感情牵着你的鼻子走了。你很有头脑，我们期盼着你能很好地使用它。你的父亲，我相信，对 你的见解决断和好的品行都寄有厚望。你一定不要让你的父亲失望才好。” “我亲爱的舅母，你这可真是够郑重其事的了。” “不错，而且我希望你也能同样地郑重其事。” “哦，你就放宽心好啦。我自己会当心，也会当心威科汉姆先生的。只要我能避免得了，我一定不会叫他爱上我的。” “伊丽莎白，你现在可又不严肃了。” “请原谅。让我来重新说说看。目前，我还并没有爱上威科汉姆先生；不，我肯定没有。不过，他的确是我所见过的最可爱的男人，没有谁能与他相比——要是他真的爱上了我——我相信他还是不要爱上我的好。我也看出了这爱情的鲁莽。——噢！那个顶讨厌的达西先生！——我父亲对我的器重叫我感到莫大的荣幸；丧失掉了父亲的看重，我会很痛苦的。不过，我父亲倒是很偏爱威科汉姆先生。总之，我亲爱的舅母，让你们中间的任何一个人不快活，我都会很难过的。但是，正如我们大家天天所看到的那样，只要中间有恋情牵系着，年轻人们是很少因为眼下没有财产，便不去彼此相爱和订婚的，所以一旦我也动了爱心，我怎么能够保证我比我的那么多的同伴们都会明智呢？或者，我怎么知道去抵制这种爱情就是聪明之举呢？因此我能答应你的只是不草率从事就是了。我并不急着去认为我自己就是他的第一个追求的对象。当我和他在一起的时候，我将不做这样的希望。总而言之，我愿意尽我的最大努力去避免。” “或许，如果你不要让他来得这么勤，会好一些的。至少，你不该提醒你的母亲邀请他来。” “就像我那一天所做的一样，”伊丽莎白说着不好意思地笑了笑，“是的，我应该明智一点儿，不要那样去做。不过，你不要以为他总是这么经常到这儿来的。是因为你们来了的缘故，他这个星期才被常常请来。你也知道我妈妈的脾气，只要有朋友在，她就认为得经常有人陪着他们不可，舅妈，我以我的名誉担保，我将会照我认为是最明智的做法去行事；现在，我希望你能满意啦。” 舅母告诉伊丽莎白说她这一下满意了；在伊丽莎白谢过她的好心的提醒之后，她们就分别了；这可说是一个在这类事情上给出忠告而没有生出怨言的极好例子。 在嘉丁纳夫妇和吉英刚刚离去不久，科林斯先生就又来到了哈福德郡；因为他这一次是与鲁卡斯家一起住，所以他的到来对班纳特夫人倒是没有多大的不便。他结婚的日子眼看就快要到了，她最后也不得不死了这份心，认为这是无可挽回的了，她甚至常常用一种幸灾乐祸的口吻“希望他们将来幸福”。星期四是他们结亲的日子，在星期三的时候，鲁卡斯小姐到班府上来道别；当她起身要告辞的时候，伊丽莎白因为她母亲说的那些不中听的祝愿话儿觉得羞愧，又因为她自己真的不是无动于衷，陪着鲁卡斯小姐走出屋子。在她们步下楼梯的时候，卡洛蒂说： “我希望也相信，你会常常给我写信的，伊丽莎。” “你的希望是不会落空的。” “我还有一件事要求你。你愿意来看我吗？” “我希望，我们将能经常在哈福德郡这儿见面。” “我不大可能在短时间内离开肯特郡的。所以，我求你答应我，来汉斯福德吧。” 伊丽莎白不忍心拒绝，尽管她也预先料到，这访问不会有什么乐趣。 “我父亲和玛丽亚在三月份要来看我，”卡洛蒂接着说，“我希望你也同意和他们一起来。真的，伊丽莎，对我来说，你将跟他们一样的受欢迎。” 婚礼举行了；新娘和新郎从教堂门口动身往肯特郡去，临行前，每个人都少不了照例寒暄祝贺一番。伊丽莎白不久便接到了她朋友的来信；她们之间的通信往来还像从前那样的守时和频繁；不过再像从前一样的无话不谈，却是不可能的了。伊丽莎白每逢写信给她，都难免觉得她们之间的那种舒畅的亲密无间已不复存在了；虽然她下了决心不疏懒了这通信，她这样做却宁毋说是为了过去的情谊，而不是为了现在。对卡洛蒂的最初的几封信，伊丽莎白是怀着一种急切的心情来期盼的；她不由得有一种好奇心，想知道卡洛蒂究竟会如何来描述她的新家，对凯瑟琳夫人会是如何的喜欢，对她自己婚后的幸福，她敢炫耀到如何的程度；尽管当她后来读着这些信的时候，伊丽莎白感到卡洛蒂在每一点上对她自己的表达，都完全如她所预料的那样，卡洛蒂在信中显得很快活，似乎处处都被安适包围着，凡是提到的东西，没有一样不值得她去赞美。房屋，家具什物，邻居，道路交通，都是那么合她的心意，凯瑟琳夫人的言谈举止又是那么的友好和亲切。这宛若是科林斯先生对汉斯福德和罗新斯的描绘，只是说得入理婉转些罢了；伊丽莎白已觉察到，要想知道情形究竟如何，只有等她到了那里后去亲身体会了。 吉英已经给她的妹妹写回一封短笺，说他们已经安全抵达了伦敦；当吉英再来信的时候，伊丽莎白希望她能就彬格莱兄妹们的事谈上一谈。 她对第二封信的盼望很快就有结果，真是心诚必有所报。吉英在城里已经住了一个星期，她既没有见到卡罗琳也没有听到她的消息。不过，好心的吉英对此解释说，她想也许是她上次从浪博恩发给她朋友的那封信，偶尔在途中失落了吧。 “咱们的舅母，”她继续写道，“明天打算到那一地区去，我也将利用这个机会去格罗斯文纳街拜访一下。” 在做过这次访问之后，吉英又写来了一封信，说她见着彬格莱小姐了。“我认为卡罗琳的精神不是那么太好，”她这样写道，“可是见到了我她很高兴，埋怨我来到伦敦也不告诉她一声。这样看来，我是猜对了，我上回的那封信就曾寄到她的手里。我当然也问了她哥哥的情况。她说，他很好，只是老跟达西先生待在一块儿，她们也很少能见到他。听说达西小姐要来吃午饭，我很希望能见她一面。我停留的时间并不长，因为卡罗琳和赫斯特夫人都正要出去。我敢说我很快便会在这里见到她们的。” 伊丽莎白读着这封信不住地摇头。这信使她确信，上封信的失落，只能说明彬格莱先生知道她的姐姐已在城里了。 四个星期过去了，吉英连彬格莱先生的影儿也没有见着。她极力在劝慰自己说，她对此并不难过；可是对彬格莱小姐那方面的不理不睬，她却不能够再置若罔闻了。她每天上午在家中等候，每天晚上给自己编造出一个新的借口为她的朋友开脱，一直这样度过了两个星期之后，她等的客人才总算出现了；可是客人停留的时间之短，更甚者她的态度的突然变冷，都不容吉英再对自己继续欺骗下去了。在这种情形下她给伊丽莎白写的这封信，便开始道出她的真正感受了。？ “我相信，当我坦白地说出，我在彬格莱小姐对我的友情方面是完全受了欺骗了时，我最亲爱的丽萃是不可能因为她判断的正确，便不顾我的痛苦而感到得意的。我最亲爱的妹妹，虽然事情的发展证明你是正确的，你可不要以为我就是冥顽不化，如果我仍然坚持就彬格莱小姐以往的行为来看，我对她产生的信任与你对她的怀疑是一样的自然。我一点儿也不明白她之所以希望跟我相好的原因，不过如若有同样的情形再度发生的话，我相信我还会再一次受骗的。卡罗琳直到昨天才来看我；在这之前她未给过我只言片语说她要来。在她来了以后，看得很清楚她根本就不高兴走这一趟；对她没有能早一点来，她略微表示了点客套的歉意，连希望再见到我的话儿也只字未提，她里里外外都像是重新换了一个人，在她走了之后，我便下定了决心，和她断绝一切的往来。我很可怜她，尽管不由得我也要责备她。在选择我做她的朋友上就是她的错误；我可以问心无愧地说，我们往昔相处的每一步都是她先走出的。可是，我却不可怜她，因为她一定意识到了她自己是做错了，因为我确信，对她哥的关心是她之所以要这样做的原因。 我无需再为自己做进一步的解释了；虽然 我们都知道她的这种担心是完全没有必要的，可是倘若她真的是为哥哥感到担心，她之所以要这样待我就很容易理解了；他在他妹妹的心目中是那么的珍贵，她无论为他担怎样的心，都是极其自然而又可亲可爱的。只是她现在居然还有这样的担心，这却不能不使我感到奇怪了，因为只要他多少还对我有情的话，我们一定早就互相见面了。从她自己说的一些话里，我断定他知道我就在城里；可是，从她谈话的态度上看，她却似乎也拿不太准，他真的就倾心于达西小姐，这可叫我弄不明白了。如果我不揣冒昧稍微严厉地下一判断的话，我便禁住要说，在这一切中间明显地有不相一致的地方。不过我将尽力摒除掉一切不愉快的想法，只去想那些能叫我高兴起来的事情，想我们的姐妹之情，想亲爱的舅舅舅母对我们的一往情深。真希望很快就能接到你的来信。彬格莱小姐说，她的哥哥再也不会回到尼塞费尔德来了，还说要退了那幢房子，可是说的口气却又不那么肯定。我们最好还是不要再提这件事了。我很高兴，你从我们在汉斯福德的朋友那里听到了那么多令人愉快的事情。跟威廉爵士和玛丽亚一块去看看他们吧。我相信你在那儿将会过得很舒适的。 ——你的姐姐” 这封信给了伊丽莎白一些痛苦；不过当她想到吉英将至少不会再受彬格莱小姐的欺骗时，她又感到高兴了。她现在甚至不希望彬格莱先生的爱情再度复燃了。他的人格从哪一个方面看，都不是那么好了；为了给他一定的惩罚，也为了吉英以后的利益，她倒真的希望他快快地娶了达西先生的妹妹才好，因为根据威科汉姆先生的描述，达西小姐将会叫他为他所抛弃掉的爱情遗恨终身的。 嘉丁纳夫人在这个时候也来信提醒伊丽莎白，要她恪守在对威科汉姆的态度上曾许下的诺言，并且问起她最近的情况；伊丽莎白写了一封回信，写的内容正是她的舅母可能会感到满意的。威科汉姆对她的那种明显的好感已经减少了，对她的青睐也已经结束，他现在追起别的姑娘来了。伊丽莎白关注地把这一切都看在了眼里，可是她在看出一切和写出这一切的时候，却能没有感受到什么痛苦。她只是心里觉得受到了稍稍的触动，她的虚荣心也因为她相信如果她有财产他一定会选择她，而感到满足了。一下子就能获得一万英磅，是他现在所钟情于那位女子的最最动人之处了；在他这件情事上，伊丽莎白可少了她对待卡洛蒂那一爱情上的透辟眼光，所以并没有由于他希冀钱财而与他争辩。相反，她认为这是再自然不过的事了，美滋滋地认为他在放弃她时一定做了不少的思想斗争，她倒乐于承认，这样做对他们两人都不失为一聪明和理想的办法，而且她也能非常诚心诚意地祝愿他幸福。 她把这一切都讲给嘉西纳夫人听了，在叙述完这些情形后，她继续写道：——“我现在信了，亲爱的舅妈，我根本就不曾步入到爱情之中；因为要是我真的经历了那一纯洁高尚的情感，我现在就会讨厌提到他的名字，会盼望他倒霉了。可是我在感情上不仅能够坦荡对他，甚至也能够没有偏颇地看待金小姐。我发觉我一点儿也不恨她，并且也愿意认为她是一个非常不错的女孩。在这一切中间是不可能存在着爱情的。我的小心提防是卓有成效的；虽然如果我痴迷地爱上他，我现在早就成了熟人们有趣的关注对象了，可是我却也不为我现在的不引人注目而感到遗憾。有的时候，人的声名的鹊起是会付出他极大的代价的。吉蒂和丽迪雅对他这次的行为要比我在乎得多。她们在人情世故方面仍然显得稚嫩，还不愿意相信这样的一个不尽如人意的道理：漂亮英俊的小伙子，和相貌平平的年轻人一样，也得靠钱物来维持生活。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第32章 浪博恩家就是发生着这样的一些不大不小的事情，其间也有步行到麦里屯(有时是泥泞，有时又是很冷)转一转作为调剂的时候，今年的一月和二月便这样子过去了。三月份伊丽莎白要上汉斯福德去。她起初对去那儿并没有怎么在意；可是她不久便发现。卡洛蒂把这个计划可是完全放在了心上的，渐渐地她自己也能较高兴较肯定地来考虑这件事了。与朋友的离别强烈了她要再次见到卡洛蒂的愿望，减弱了她厌恶科林斯先生的心情。这个计划也有它新奇的地方；再说，由于有这样的一个母亲和这样一些乏味无聊的妹妹，这个家自然不是那么完美无疵的了，所以换一换环境也不能说不是一件惬意的事儿。而且这趟旅行还可以叫她顺便去瞧一瞧吉英；总之，当动身的时间临近的时候，她对任何的耽搁都会感到遗憾了。好在一切进行得顺利，事情最后都按卡洛蒂最初的想法定下来了。她将随同威廉爵士和他的二女儿一起去。随后，计划中又加进了在伦敦住一夜内容，于是它便变得十全十美了。 唯有的痛苦是与她的父亲离别，他一定会想念她的，在她告别父亲的时候，他显出恋恋不舍的神情，嘱咐她要给他来信，甚至答应了要给她写回信。 她自己和威科汉姆之间的道别是那么的友好和亲切；尤其是他这一方面的表现更是如此。他现在的另有对象并不能使他忘记了伊丽长莎白是第一个激起了并值得他青睐的女子，是第一个倾听他的冤屈并同情于他，也是第一个为他所崇拜的女子；他与她道别，祝愿她一切快乐如意，告知她她将会在凯瑟琳·德·包尔身上看到些什么，相信他们俩对她的看法——乃至对一切人的看法——总会是完全一致的，全在说着这些话儿的时候，表现出一种关切和对她的留恋，她觉得这一切会使她永远对他都有一种最真挚的敬意的；在他们分手以后，她更是相信，不管他结婚也罢单身也罢，他都一定永远是她心目中的和蔼可亲、令人愉快的偶像。 第二天和她一起上路的那两个同伴，也不能使她觉得威科汉姆的光彩有丝毫的减退。威廉·鲁卡斯爵士说不出什么中听的话儿，他的女儿玛丽亚，虽说是个性情温和的姑娘，可脑子里空空如也，同样地拙于谈吐，他们的话儿，听在耳朵里和马车轮子的吱扭声相差无几。伊丽莎白喜欢听一些怪诞的事儿，可是她对威廉爵士的那些玩意儿了解得太清楚了。他谈来谈去总不外乎觐见皇上以及荣膺爵士称号之类的东西，翻不出什么新花样来；而且他所行的礼仪举止，也像是他的故事一样，成了陈旧的老套了。 这段旅程只有二十四里路，他们动身很早，到中午时已经抵达天恩寺街了。当他们的马车来到嘉丁纳先生家的门口的时候，吉英正在客厅的窗户那儿望着他们；待他们走到走廊里时，吉英已经在那儿迎接他们了，伊丽莎白在仔细地端详了她的脸庞后，看到它仍然是那么的健康和充满生气，甭提有多高兴了。一群小表弟小表妹们围在了楼梯那儿，他们想赶快看到他们的表姐，便从客厅里跑了出来，可是有一年没见表姐，他们又显得有些腼腆，不好意思走到楼下来。全家一片友好和喜气洋洋的气氛。这一天过得极其的快活；上午是忙东忙西地逛商店，晚上是到剧院看了一场戏。 伊丽莎白那个时候设法坐到了舅母的身旁。她们俩首先谈到的就是她的姐姐；舅母在回答她的详细的问话时，告诉她虽然吉英总是在努力强打精神，还是免不了有颓唐和沮丧的时候，听到这话，伊丽莎白虽觉得有些意外，可更多地感到的还是悲伤。好在她有理由希望姐姐这低落的情绪不会再持续多久了。嘉丁纳夫人还给她讲了彬格莱小姐来访天恩寺街的详细情形，把吉英和她自己之间的几次谈话也向她重述了一遍，这些话足以说明，吉英是打心眼里要断绝与彬格莱小姐的往来了。 嘉丁纳夫人接着又跟她外甥女诙谐地谈起威科汉姆在他们俩的关系上中途打了退堂鼓的事儿，称赞外甥女对这件事处理得很有涵养。 “但是，我亲爱的伊丽莎白，”她补充说，“金小姐又是一个什么样的女孩呢？想到我们的朋友是为了钱财这样做，那我会很难过的。” “我亲爱的舅妈，请问在婚姻这个问题上，为了钱的动机和考虑周全的动机有什么区别呢？哪儿是考虑周全止，哪儿又是贪图钱财始呢？去年圣诞节的时候，你担心他会娶我，认为那是不慎重；现在，因为他想得到一个财产只有一万英镑的姑娘，你又想发现出人家是否是为了钱财了。” “你只要告诉我金小姐是什么样的一种姑娘，我就知道该如何作想啦。” “我觉得，她是个很好的女孩子。我不知道她有什么不好的地方。” “可是，在她的祖父还没有死、她还不是这笔财产的主人之前，他却丝毫也没有去注意过那个姑娘。” “他没有——他为什么就应该那样呢？如果因为是我没有钱而不容许他去和我相爱，那么他又为什么非应该向一个他既不喜欢又是跟我一样穷的女孩子求爱呢？” “可是，在她刚继承到财产之后，他便把她作为了追求的对象，这样做总是好像有所不妥。” “一个在困顿处境中的人，哪有时间去理会别人可能会遵守的那些体面礼节呢。如果金小姐都不反对，我们为什么要去反对呢？” “ 她不反对，并不能证明 他就是对的。这只能说明她自己在某些方面有所缺陷——在理智或是情感上。” “噢，”伊丽莎白喊，“就依你好啦。他是为了钱财，她是愚蠢无知。” “不，丽萃，这正是我 不愿意看到的。你知道，去认为一个在德比郡生活过那么长时间的年轻人会行为不端，我会很难过的。” “啊！如果你是为了这一点，我倒要说，我对住在德比郡的年轻人的印象可是糟透了；而且他们的那些住在哈福德郡的好朋友们，也不见得比他们强多少。我讨厌他们所有的人。谢天谢地！明天我就要到一个地方去，我将要在那里见到一个人，他浑身没有一点儿叫人喜欢的地方，他既没有风度也没有见解值得人称道。说到底，只有那些愚蠢的男人才值得让人去结识。” “你这是怎么了，丽萃；竟说出这么消沉的话来。” 在戏还没有结束她们俩还在一起的时候，伊丽莎白出乎预料之外地受到了她的舅舅和舅母的邀请，让她在今年夏天的时候陪他们做一次愉快的旅行。 “我们还没有最后定下来这一次旅行到底走多远，”嘉丁纳夫人说，“也许要到湖区湖区是指英国北部的名湖区，是风景优美的旅游之地。）去。” 再没有什么旅游的计划会比这更合伊丽莎白的心意了，她对这一邀请的接受充满了欢喜和感激的心情。“我的最最亲爱的舅妈，”她无比高兴地喊着，“这是多大的快乐！多大的幸福！你给了我新的生命和活力。再见吧，那些失望和烦恼的情绪。跟崖石大山比起来，男人们又算得了什么呢？噢！我们将会度过多么快乐销魂的时光！当我们旅行回来的时候，我们可不会像有的游人那样，对什么新鲜的事也说不出个短长来。我们一定会记住我们去过的地方，记住我们所看到的一切。湖泊，山峰，河流，将清晰地留在我们的脑海之中；在我们要描述一处具体的风景时，我们也不会一开始便为它所在的相关位置争论不休。希望我们回来后的感情抒发，也不会像一些游客们的泛泛而论那样令人生厌。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第33章 于伊丽莎白来说。次日旅程中的一切景物都是新鲜有趣的；她的精神又快活起来，能欣赏眼见到的一切事物了；因为她看到姐姐的气色已经那么好，不必再为姐姐的健康担心，而且她跟舅妈已说好的今年夏天的北部之行，更是叫她一想起来就打心眼里高兴。 当他们离开大道走上通往汉斯福德村的小路时，他们每个人的眼睛都在寻找那幢牧师住宅，每过一个拐弯处，他们都觉得这幢房子就要出现了。他们沿着罗新斯花园的栅栏向前走着。伊丽莎白此时想起了外界对这家住宅里的人的种种传闻，不由得笑了。 最后，那幢牧师住宅总算映入了眼帘。高出街面的花园，花园里的房子，绿色的栅栏和桂树篱笆，这一切都在宣布他们就要到了。科林斯先生和卡洛蒂出现在了门口，马车停在了一道小门跟前，从这里穿过一条不长的鹅卵石铺道能抵达正屋，客人们在主家这方的招手和微笑中下了车子。宾主相见，格外喜悦，科林斯夫人是那么兴高采烈地欢迎她的朋友的到来，而伊丽莎白见自己受到这么热情的欢迎，便越发满意这次的作客了。伊丽莎白很快就发现，她表哥的举止并没有因为结婚而有所改变；他的过分客气的礼节还像从前那样，这使得她在大门口耽搁了好几分钟，倾听和回答他对她全家人的问候和挂念。在这以后，客人们只是在他夸赞门口的整洁时稍事耽搁了一下，便被带进了屋子；待客人们到了客厅里时，他又二次非常客气地欢迎他们，说他们光临寒舍，使他荣幸之至，并且一次又一次地把他太太端上来的点心及时地敬给大家。 伊丽莎白对会看到他这副春风得意的样子早有思想准备；她不由地想象道，在他夸示其房屋的宽敞和式样以及一切家具陈设的时候，他尤其是在说给她听的，好像是存心要叫她体味道，她当初拒绝了他是一个多么大的损失。但是，尽管这里的样样东西都似乎显得整洁舒适，她却感受不到半点的后悔懊恼来叫他得意；她倒是用不解的眼光常常打量着她的朋友，奇怪她找了这么一个男人做伴侣还能有这么欢悦的神气。在科林斯先生说了一些让他的妻子会感到难为情的话儿时——这种场合还无疑不少——伊丽莎白便情不自禁用眼睛去看卡洛蒂。有一两次她察觉出对方微微红了脸；不过在大多数情况下，卡洛蒂总是很聪明地装着她什么也没有听到。 客人们坐了下来开始夸赞起屋里的每一件家具，从食器橱到壁炉架，样样什物都点到了，跟着他们又谈起他们这次的旅行和在伦敦逗留期间发生的事儿，在这样聊了不小的工夫以后，科林斯先生请他们去花园里散步。花园很大，布置得也很好，这里的植物树木都是他自己亲手栽种的。料理他的花园是他的一大乐趣；伊丽莎白很佩服卡洛蒂的镇定自若，她谈起这些劳作有益于健康、是她尽可能地鼓励他如此去做的话儿时脸上毫无难色。他领着客人们走遍了花园里的曲径小道，一面滔滔不绝地解说，几乎容不得客人们插进去一句他想要听的赞美话儿，每一处景观都为他那繁琐的解释给减色不少。他能说得出花园的每一面各有多少块地，连最远的树丛里有多少棵树他也讲得出来。不过，他花园的这些景观，或者说这整个乡村乃至全国的可以值得称道的景观，都不能和罗新斯花园的景色相比。罗新斯花园差不多就在他住宅的正对面，它门前面有一片很开阔的地势，种满了树。树前面便是花园，在花园里的一片高地上耸立着一幢漂亮的近代建筑。 从花园这里，科林斯先生本来还要带他们到他的两个草坪那里走走，可是女士们却由于脚上的鞋子不堪踩那清晨残留下的霜露而踅了回去；在威廉爵士陪他前往的当儿，卡洛蒂陪着她的妹妹和朋友回到了屋里，也许是因为没有丈夫的掺和能让她自己有机会来夸示一下她的屋子，卡洛蒂这时特别的高兴。房间很小，但结构精巧，使用也很方便；一切都收拾得井井有条，样样都布置得很得当，伊丽莎白夸赞这都是卡洛蒂的功劳。当科林斯先生能被她们忘掉了的时候，这儿便真正有了一种非常舒适的气氛，看到卡洛蒂此时的欢悦神情，伊丽莎白心里想他在妻子的心目中一定并不占据什么位置。 伊丽莎白已经得知凯瑟琳夫人还在乡下。当这件事在晚饭桌上又被提起的时候，科林斯先生插进来说： “哦，伊丽莎白小姐，到星期日时你就有幸在教堂里见到凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人啦，毫无疑问，你一定会喜欢上她的。她对人极其和蔼，不摆架子，我相信那天做完礼拜之后，你会荣幸地受到她的一些注意的。我可以毫不犹豫地说，在你们于这儿逗留期间，只要她请我们去做客，她总会同时也请上你和我的小姨子玛丽亚的。她对待我亲爱的卡洛蒂真是太好了。我们每个礼拜去罗新斯吃两次饭，她没有一次让我们走着回来过。她自己的马车总是预先准备好在那里要送我们的。我应该说，是她的某一辆马车，因为她有好几辆车子呢。” “凯瑟琳夫人的确是一位非常值得人尊重而又非常通情达理的夫人，”卡洛蒂补充说，“而且，是一位对人极为关照的邻居。” “的确是这样，我亲爱的，这正是我要说的话。她是那种人们对她怎么尊敬也不可能做得过分的女人。” 这一晚上宾主们主要是谈论哈福德郡那面的情况，也把以前信上写过的话儿重提了一提；大家散了以后，伊丽莎白回到她的房里不禁为卡洛蒂到底对其婚姻满意到何种程度的问题独自思忖起来，她能理解卡洛蒂的有所掩饰的谈吐，理解她在容忍丈夫的那些可笑行为时表现出的镇静，同时她也不得不承认卡洛蒂的这一切都做得很高明。她也不由得预想到她的这次访问将会如何度过，她们像往常那样的平静谈话和闲聊，科林斯先生惹人讨厌的插进来搅和，以及跟罗新斯的那种热闹的应酬往来。她的生动的想象力一下子便把这次作客的情景概括无遗了。 第二天中午的时候，她正要走出自己的房间到外面散步，楼下突然传来的一阵嘈杂声似乎把整幢房子都搅扰了；在她细细听了一会儿后，她听到有人急急地跑上楼来并且大声地喊着她的名字。她打开了房门，在楼梯口遇见了玛丽亚，只见她激动得气喘嘘嘘的，嘴里还嚷着： “噢，我亲爱的伊丽莎白！请赶紧到餐厅那儿去，那儿有个了不起的场面值得看呢！我不告诉你是怎么回事。快一点儿，现在就下楼来。” 伊丽莎白想问个清楚也是白搭；玛丽亚多一句也不愿意吐露，她们俩跑到了那间临着街巷的餐厅里，去看个究竟；原来是两位女士乘着一辆低低的四轮马车，停在了花园门口。 “就是这么回事吗？”伊丽莎白大声地问，“我还以为是有猪儿跑进花园里来了呢，可这儿却只有凯瑟琳夫人和她的女儿！” “瞧你，亲爱的，”玛丽亚听她说错了，吃惊地说，“那不是凯瑟琳夫人。那位老的是姜金生夫人，她跟她们住在一起；另外的那一位是德·包尔小姐。你瞧瞧她那付模样。她长得那么娇小。谁能想到她的身体竟会这么单薄、这么娇小呢！” “在这样的大风天气里，她叫卡洛蒂一直待在门外，可未免有点太失礼貌了。她为什么不能进来呢？” “哦，卡洛蒂说，她很少进来过。如果德·包尔小姐要是进家来，那可就是极大的恩宠了。” “我喜欢她有这样一付模样儿，”此时的伊丽莎白突然想到了别的什么上面，不禁这样说道，“她看上去病恹恹的，脾性也火爆。——呃，她要嫁给他（指达西先生。），那真是再好不过了。她做他的妻子太合适了。” 科林斯先生和卡洛蒂站在门口跟那两位女士说着话儿；叫伊丽莎白更感到有趣的是，威廉爵士立在门廊里、聚精会神地端详着他面前的这些大人物的那付模样，只要德·包尔小姐一朝这边看，他便不住地鞠躬示意。 等话说完了以后，两位女士乘车而去，别的人也都回到了房里。科林斯先生一见到两位小姐，便向她们祝贺她俩的好运，卡洛蒂上来向她俩解释说，罗新斯的主人明天要请他们全体去吃饭了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第34章 科林斯先生从这一饭局邀请中所感受到的得意心情真是溢于言表。将他的庇护人的雍容华贵显示给他的好奇的客人们看，叫客人们亲眼目睹老夫人对待他们夫妻俩的那种亲切和关怀，这正是他早已企盼的事；这样一个露脸儿的机会竟会这么快就给予了他，这不能不说是凯瑟琳夫人体恤下情的又一范例，对此他真不知如何表达他的景仰才是。 “我承认，”他说，“如果是老夫人请我星期天过去吃点茶点并在那儿消磨一个傍晚，那我是一点儿也不会感到意外的。从我所了解的她那待人和蔼的性情看，我倒觉得事情会是这样的。可是谁能料想到，在你们刚刚到来之际，我们就会接到去那儿吃饭的邀请(何况是包括了我们全体)呢？” “对这件事情，我倒不觉得怎么惊奇，”威廉爵士接上茬儿说，“因为我的地位和身分使我有机会了解到，大人物们的为人处世往往是如此。在宫廷官宦中间，这样好客倜傥的事儿屡见不鲜。” 这一天和第二天的上午，他们谈的几乎都是去罗新斯访问的事儿。科林斯先生仔细地向他们讲述他们去到那儿后将会看到的东西，免得到时见到那样华贵的屋子，那么多的仆人侍女，那么丰盛的美味佳肴而感到不知所措起来。 在小姐们正要各自梳妆打扮的时候，科林斯先生跟伊丽莎白说： “我亲爱的表妹，你不必为你的衣着而感到不安。凯瑟琳夫人并不要求我们穿衣服要像她自己和她的女儿那样高雅。我想告诉你的只是你只要拣你现在最好的衣服穿上就是了，别的就用不着什么啦。凯瑟琳夫人不会因为你装束朴素而认为你不好的，她喜欢让人的地位等级得以保留。” 在女士们穿衣整装的时候，他又到各个人的房门口去了两三次，敦促他们行动快一点儿，因为凯瑟琳夫人请人吃饭时最反对的就是客人们迟到。——这些关于老夫人本人和她的生活方式的非同一般的讲述，可吓坏了玛丽亚·鲁卡斯，她平时就不惯于应酬交际，这一下她对被引见到罗新斯的主人那儿去，便更是感到忐忑不安起来了，正如她父亲当年进宫觐见一样。 因为天气很好，他们径直穿过花园，愉快地走了半里多的路程。——每一个花园都自有它的美妙和独特的景观；伊丽莎白在这儿自然也看到了许多赏心悦目的景色，虽然她并没有像科林斯先生所预料的那样，能为眼前的事物而变得如醉如痴；到后来，科林斯先生开始数起了宅邸正面的窗户、并且讲起这些窗户上的玻璃当初一共花了刘易斯·德·包尔爵士多大的一笔钱，可她对这些却很少感到什么兴趣。 当他们踏上台阶向大厅里走去的时候，玛丽亚的慌恐每一分钟都在增加，甚至连威廉爵士都显得不是那么镇定自如了。——伊丽莎白并没有失去她的勇气。她没有听人们说起过凯瑟琳夫人禀有什么非凡的才能或是什么惊人的美德，足以叫她敬畏的，单单是钱财和高贵的地位，她认为她还是能够毫无畏惧地去面对的。 他们跟着仆人们进了穿堂，科林斯先生眉飞色舞地夸示着它的合理的结构和美丽的装潢，接着走过了前厅，来到了凯瑟琳夫人、她的女儿以及姜金生太太正歇坐着的房里。——贵夫人放下架子亲自起来迎接他们；由于科林斯夫人事先和她的丈夫商量好了，这一相互介绍的事宜由她来料理，所以这一引见的礼仪做得很得体，免去了一切他本来认为是必不可少的道歉和感激之类的俗套话。 尽管是觐见过皇上的人，此刻的威廉爵士还是被这满眼的辉煌给完全怔住了，他所剩下的一点儿勇气刚刚够他鞠上一个深深的躬，然后一声没敢吭地坐了下来；他的女儿，慌乱得几乎魂不守舍了，踮着脚儿坐在椅子边上，眼睛也不知道该往哪一边看才好。可伊丽莎白觉得自己倒能从容应付，能镇静地瞧着她面前的这三个女人。——凯瑟琳夫人是一个高大的妇人，脸上五官长得很有特征，年轻时也许还颇有风韵。她的神情作派不是随和平易的那一种，她接待他们的态度也是如此，叫她的客人们不能忘记了他们自己身份的低微。她令人畏惧的地方并不是她的沉默不语，而是她的出言吐语用的总是一种高高在上的权威声调，表现出她那自视甚高的特征，这使得伊丽莎白突然想起了威科汉姆先生的话来；经过了这一天的观察之后，她完全相信凯瑟琳夫人正和他所描述的完全一样。 她仔细地打量凯瑟琳夫人，发现在她的容貌举止上有与达西先生相似的地方，在这之后，她便把眼光转向了夫人的女儿，只见这位女儿长得那么单薄，那么瘦小，这使她几乎跟玛丽亚一样地感到吃惊了。在这母女俩的身材和容貌上，可以说没有任何的相似之处。德·包尔小姐面色苍白，病恹恹的样子；她的五官虽然不俗，可也没有什么特征可言；她很少讲话，除了跟姜金生夫人有时低低地说上几句，姜金生夫人相貌平平，只是一味地全神贯注地听着她讲话儿，而且用手常常遮在眼前，脸也只朝着小姐那边。 在这样坐了几分钟后，客人们便都被打发到一个窗户跟前去观赏外面的景色了，科林斯先生陪着他们，把美丽的景观一一地指给他们看，凯瑟琳夫人好心地告诉他们说，这儿夏天的风景才更值得一看呢。 宴席上的饭菜果然非常丰盛，仆人众多，盛佳肴的器具也正像科林斯先生所描述过的那样排场；而且正如他事先所料到的那样，他照着夫人的意思与她对席坐下了，看他那付神气得意的样子，好像人生再也没有比这更可乐的事了。——他一边动着刀叉一边吃着，同时兴致勃勃地赞不绝口；每一道菜上来都是他先夸奖一番，然后是威廉爵士献上赞词，此刻的爵士已经恢复了他的些许的镇静，能够应和他女婿的话了，伊丽莎白心里纳闷，凯瑟琳夫人怎么能够忍受得了他这应声虫似的滑稽举止。凯瑟琳夫人看上去倒是对他们不住口的赞扬非常满意，脸上常常露出高贵的笑容，尤其是在一道客人们说他们没有见过的菜端上来的时候。饭桌上并没有能引发较多的谈话。伊丽莎白很愿意接起别人的话茬谈点什么，可无奈她坐在了卡洛蒂和德·包尔小姐的中间——前者是在专心致志地听凯瑟琳夫人讲话，后者则是自始至终没发一言。姜金生太太这阵子主要是在关照德·包尔小姐，说她吃得太少，敦促她试着吃点什么别的菜。玛丽亚则认为，让现在的她来谈点什么简直是不可能的，而男客们只是一边吃一边发着赞美之词。 当女客们回到客厅里以后，她们要做的就是听凯瑟琳夫人发表高论了，除了在咖啡端上来的那一会儿之外，老夫人的话可就再没有断过，她讲到每一个题目时口气都是那么的肯定，好像在表明她从来也不能让自己的见解遭到反对。她仔细而又娴熟地向卡洛蒂询问着家常，对于如何料理这些家务事儿，她给予了她一大堆的劝告；告诉她像她这样的一个小户人家每一件事应该如何安排才好，指示她怎么照看母牛和家禽。伊丽莎白发现，只要是能给她提供训诫别人的这样一种场合的事儿，这位贵夫人都是决不肯放过的。在她与科林斯夫人的谈话中间，她也向玛丽亚和伊丽莎白问了各种各样的问题，尤其是对伊丽莎白问得更多，因为她对她的家庭知之甚少，而且她跟科林斯夫人也说，伊丽莎白是一个很文静很标致的姑娘。在与别人说话的间歇，她问她有几个姊妹，都比她大还是比她小，她们中间有谁快要结婚了，她们是否长得漂亮，在什么地方受的教育，她的父亲所乘的是什么样的马车，她母亲的女仆叫什么名字？——伊丽莎白觉得她这些问题都提得不妥，可是她还是镇静地一一做了回答。——接着凯瑟琳夫人又说： “你父亲的财产将由科林斯先生来继承，是吧？为你着想，”她把头转向卡洛蒂说，“我很为此高兴；可是从其他方面来看，我就看不出有从女儿们手中把财产继承走的必要啦。——在刘易斯·德·包尔爵士的家庭里，就觉得没有这样做的必要。——你会弹琴和唱歌吗？班纳特小姐？” “稍微会一点儿。” “噢，好！哪一天我们将非常高兴能听听你的弹唱。我们的琴非常好，说不定比——你再一天来试一试它吧。——你的姐妹们也会弹琴唱歌吗？” “有一个会。” “为什么你们姐妹们不都来学呢？——你们应该个个都学。韦伯家的小姐们就很会弹琴，她们父亲的收入还不及你们家呢。——你们会画画吗？” “不，一点儿也不会。” “哦，你们姐妹们谁也不会吗？” “谁也不会。” “这可就奇怪了。不过，我想也许是你们没有机会吧。你们的母亲本该每年春天带你们去城里跟名师学学才对嘛。” “我母亲对此倒不反对，可是我父亲讨厌伦敦。” “你们的家庭教师还在吗？” “我们从来就没有过家庭教师。” “没有家庭教师！这怎么可能呢？五个女儿在一个家庭里长大，却没有请过一个家庭教师！——我还从来没有听说过这等事呢。那么，你们的母亲一定为你们的教育自己出了大力啦。” 伊丽莎白禁不住笑了，她向夫人肯定地说情形并不像她所说的那样。 “那么，是谁来教你们呢？谁来照顾你们呢？没有家庭教师，你们的学业不就荒疏了吗？” “跟某些家庭相比，我想我们是这样的；可是对于我们中间想要求学的姐妹们来说，学习的路子是很多的。家里总是对我们的读书给予鼓励，必要的老师我们也都有。如果谁要是愿意闲着，那她肯定就会被耽误了。” “呃，这是毫无疑问的；不过这也正是一个家庭教师可以防止的，如果我要是认识你母亲，我就会极力劝说她雇上一个家庭教师了。我一再地说，没有按部就班的教导，教育就不会有任何成绩，而这种教育只有家庭教师能够给予。说来也奇怪，有好多的家庭都是我给他们介绍的家庭教师。我总是很乐意让一个年轻人学有所用。姜金生太太家的四个侄女都是经我的手得到最理想的安排；就在前几天，我还向一个家庭推举了一个年轻人，她只是别人在一个偶然的场合下跟我提起的，那家人对她很满意。哦，科林斯夫人，我告诉过你这回事吗，麦特卡尔夫人昨天还为此感谢过我呢。她发现蒲波小姐是件珍宝。‘凯瑟琳夫人，’她说，‘你可给了我一个宝贝。’班纳特小姐，你的妹妹们也有出来参加社交活动的了吗？” “是的，夫人，全都参加了。” “全都出来交际了！——哦，五个姐妹同时都被允许出来进入社交圈子了吗？这太奇怪啦！你只是你家的二姑娘。——姐姐还没有结婚，妹妹们就都出来交际了！——你的妹妹们还一定很年轻吧？” “是的，我最小的妹妹还不到十六岁。也许她还太年轻，不适于多交朋友。不过，夫人，如果因为年长的没有办法，或者是不愿意早一点儿嫁出去，便不叫她的妹妹们出来参加她们应有的交际和娱乐活动，我觉得那对她们也有点过于苛刻了吧。——最后一个出生的，像第一个出生的孩子一样，也有享受快活的青春的权利。为这样的一个原因，被排除在社交活动之外——我想这是不会有助于加深姐妹们之间的感情，和促进她们的思想成熟的。” “啊，”这位贵夫人说，“你这么年轻，就这么有主见。——请问，你今年多大年纪了？” “已经有三个长大成人的妹妹，”伊丽莎白笑着回答说，“夫人您恐怕很难相信我的真实年龄呢。” 凯瑟琳夫人没能得到一个直接的回答，似乎显得很惊异；伊丽莎白想，她自己也许是敢于跟这位夫人的那种命令似的无礼行为开开玩笑的第一人！ “我肯定，你顶多不过二十岁，所以你用不着隐瞒你的年龄。” “我不到二十一岁。” 待男客人们也来到了这里，大家喝过茶以后，牌桌便支了起来。凯瑟琳夫人、威廉爵士和科林斯夫妇坐下来打四十张。因为德·包尔小姐想玩卡西诺（一种类似于二十一点的牌戏。），两位小姐便有幸与姜金生太太一起为她另开了一场牌局。她们的这一桌真是索然无味，除了有的时候姜金生太太说些担心德·包尔小姐会觉得过热或是过冷、觉得灯光过强或过弱的话儿外，便没有一句不是与眼下的打牌有关的话儿了。另外一桌可就热闹得多了。差不多一直都是凯瑟琳夫人在说话——指出其他三个人的错牌，或是讲一些她自己的趣闻轶事。科林斯先生对贵夫人说的每一件事不住口地表示着赞同，对他的每一次赢都向她表示感谢，如果赢得太多还要向她表示道歉。威廉爵士不多吭声，他只顾在把一桩桩轶事和一个个高贵的名字装进脑子里去。 当凯瑟琳夫人和她的女儿觉得玩够了的时候，牌局便散了，随后便是建议科林斯夫人坐她们的车子回去，对此科林斯太太感激地接受了，于是马上令人去套车。那时宾主们就围着火炉，听凯瑟琳夫人就明天的天气发表高见。一直待到马车来了叫他们上车时，他们才结束了这场受教，然后又由科林斯先生说了许多感谢的话，由威廉爵士鞠了不少的躬，客人们方才告辞离去。他们一走出大门，伊丽莎白的表兄就问起她对这次的罗新斯之行有何感想，为了顾全卡洛蒂的面子，她说了一些好听的话。然而，她说这番话虽然已经是勉为其难了，可却还是满不了科林斯的意，不久他便不得不把对老夫人的赞扬一古脑儿揽到他自己身上来。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第35章 威廉爵士只在汉斯福德待了一个星期；不过他这一个星期的造访已经足以使他信服，他女儿的婚后生活是非常安逸，他的女儿的确是嫁了一个不可多得的丈夫，而且她的那个邻居也是不可多见的。当威廉爵士在这儿的时候，科林斯先生每天上午总是驾着他的两轮马车带他出去兜风，让他观赏乡下的风光；在他走了以后，家里的人又恢复了他们平常的生活，伊丽莎白很庆幸地发现，这一改变并没有招致她的表兄来缠着她们消遣时光，因为在早饭到午饭的这段时间里，科林斯先生不是在花园里耕作，就是在他自己的书房里阅读写作，时而也从那临街的窗户里向外眺望。女士们待着的那个起居间则是在紧里面的。伊丽莎白起初很奇怪，卡洛蒂为什么不把餐厅兼作为起居间；餐厅宽敞舒适，光线和外面的景观也比前者好得多；然而，她不久便明白了，她的朋友这样做有她很好的理由，如果她们也待在一间同样舒雅的房间里，那么科林斯先生势必在他自己的房间里待着的时间就会少得多了；她很赞赏卡洛蒂的安排。 从起居间那里，她们看不着街巷那边，多亏了科林斯先生，她们才知道有什么样的马车驶过去了，尤其是德·包尔小姐乘着的小马车有几次通过巷子了，对这样的事情科林斯先生没有一次忘了来通报的，尽管几乎天天都发生着这样的事。德·包尔小姐常常在牧师住宅前停下来，跟卡洛蒂说上几分钟的话儿，可是很少能有把她请下车来的时候。 隔不了一两天科林斯先生就要走着到罗新斯去探望，隔不了许多天，他的妻子便同样地觉得该到那里去走一走了；直到伊丽莎白想到他们这样做也许能得到另外的俸禄时，她才理解了他们为什么舍得花费那么多的时间。不时地他们也能荣幸地受到凯瑟琳夫人的造访，在这样的一些访问期间，屋子里发生的一切都逃不过她的眼睛。她查看他们所做的活计，看着他们做家务活儿，并且劝诫他们用不同的方法来做；对家具的摆设也要挑上一通毛病，要不就是说房里的女仆在偷懒；如果她肯在这里吃点儿什么，那也似乎只是为了发现出科林斯夫人在持家吃用上大手大脚，入不敷出。 伊丽莎白很快就发现，这位了不起的夫人还是她这个教区最活跃的行政法官，教区里发生的芝麻大的事情也会由科林斯先生汇报给她，尽管这位夫人并不在乡里的保安会担任任何的职务：每当有村民们要吵架闹事，或是有什么不满，或是穷得活不下去时，她便亲驾出征，到村子里去解决他们的纠纷，压下我们的不平，呵责得他们肝火消尽，不再哭穷。 罗新斯的请饭大约一个星期要重复两次；尽管少了威廉爵士，晚上的牌局也只剩下了一桌，可每次的宴会还是像上一次的一样如法炮制。科林斯夫妇很少有别的什么约会；因为邻居们的生活方式一般是他们所涉入不到的。不过这对伊丽莎白来说却并没有什么，总得来说，她的时光过得很恬适；经常和卡洛蒂作上半个钟头的愉快交谈，而且适值一年中最好的季节，她常常在户外的散步中得到很大的乐趣。当别人都去拜访凯瑟琳夫人时，她就每每出去，沿着一片紧挨着花园的小树林，惬意地散着步，在小树林旁边有一条绿荫掩翳得很好的小路，这条路别人似乎都没怎么注意过，可她却很喜欢，在那儿她觉得她就到了一处凯瑟琳夫人的好奇心窥探不到自己的地方。 她在这儿留住的头两个星期就这样平静地过去了。复活节临近了，节前一星期罗新斯府上将要到来一个人，在乡下这么一个小天地里，这当然是一件大事啦。伊丽莎白在她刚来后不久便听说达西先生在几个星期后要来这儿，虽然达西先生是她所认识的人里屈指可数的几个她不愿接近的人中间的一个，他的到来还是能给罗新斯的筵席上添上一点儿新意，她说不定还会觉得快意呢，当她看到他与他表妹的这种关系(凯瑟琳夫人肯定是要叫他娶她的)使得彬格莱小姐对他的一番苦心完全落空了；凯瑟琳夫人一提起他要来的事儿便洋洋得意得了不得，对他赞扬备至，而在听说鲁卡斯和伊丽莎白自己曾已多次见到过达西先生的时候，她似乎都要生起气来了。 达西先生到来的消息是牧师住宅这里最先知道的，因为科林斯先生那天整个上午都在自己花园中的临街的仆人住房处来回走动，为的是尽早获得确切的消息；当他向来人的马车鞠了一躬看着人家拐进了罗新斯的花园里后，他便急忙跑回来报告了这一重大新闻。第二天早晨，他匆匆地赶到罗新斯去向贵宾表示他的敬意。在那儿需要他献上敬意的是凯瑟琳夫人的两个姨侄呢，因为达西先生还带来了费茨威廉上校，他叔叔的一个小儿子。天啊——最使她们吃惊的是，科林斯先生回来时把两位贵客也带回来了。卡洛蒂从她丈夫的房间里看到他们一行三人穿过了马路走来，便立刻跑进另一间房里，告诉姑娘们有莫大的荣幸要降临到她们头上啦，并且还说： “这次有贵人登门，伊丽莎白，我应该是感谢你才对。达西先生决不会刚来到此地便这么急着来看我的。” 伊丽莎白还没来得及去否认对她的这一番恭维话，他们已经按响了门铃，不一会儿三位先生便走进了屋子里。在最前面的是费茨威廉上校，他约莫有三十岁左右，长得并不漂亮，可是从人的仪表到谈吐都可称得上是一个地地道道的绅士。达西先生还像是他在哈福德郡时的那付样子，用他那往常一贯的矜持态度向科林斯夫妇问好；不管他对伊丽莎白的感情实际上如何，他此时见到她却是非常的镇定自若。伊丽莎白只是向他行了个屈膝礼，没有说一句话。 费茨威廉上校立刻便和大家攀谈起来，他平和随意，很有教养，谈得也十分有兴致；可是他的这位表兄，在跟科林斯夫人轻描淡写地谈了几句房子和花园之后，便坐在那儿有好大一会儿工夫没有和任何一个人搭话。到后来，不知是什么使他想起了应有的礼节，才向伊丽莎白问起她全家人是否安好，伊丽莎白像往常那样淡淡地回答了他一两句；沉默了片刻后才又补充说道： “我姐姐这三个月一直住在城里来着。你从来没有碰见过她吗？” 她心里十分清楚他在城里没有见到过姐姐；她之所以这样问，是想看看他是否会暴露出他在有关彬格莱家和吉英之间的关系纠葛上是一个知情人；她觉得他在说他从来不曾有幸遇到过班纳特小姐的话儿时，神情显得有些慌乱。伊丽莎白没再追问下去，两位客人不久便告辞了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第36章 费茨威廉上校的谈吐、举止受到牧师家里人的大大称赞，女士们都认为当她们去到罗新斯宅邸赴约时，他一定会给她们平添不少的乐趣。可是她几天过去了，她们还是没有接到那一边的任何邀请，显然在罗新斯府上有贵客的时候，她们也就是多余的了；一直待到复活节那天，那时贵宾们来了已经差不多一个礼拜了，她们才有幸受到一次关照，那也不过是大家一起从教堂里出来时主人要她们过去度过一个傍晚。在这一个星期里她们几乎没有见到凯瑟琳夫人和她的女儿。费茨威廉上校在这段时间里到这边来过几次，但是达西先生，她们仅仅是在教堂里时照过一面。 那边的邀请当然是接受下来了，在一个比较适当的时间她们来到了宾主都在的凯瑟琳夫人的会客室里。夫人客客气气地接待了她们，不过看得也很明显，她们并不像她平常没有别的客人时那么受欢迎；而且实际上，她的注意力几乎都放在她的两个姨侄身上，不停地跟他们俩说着话，尤其是跟达西先生的话，比跟屋子里的其他任何人的话都多。 费茨威廉上校看到她们似乎很高兴；在罗新斯这个地方，任何一点儿新鲜的事儿对他来说都是一种快乐和调剂；科林斯夫人的这个漂亮的女友更是引起了他的兴趣。此刻他坐了她的旁边，愉快地跟她谈起了肯特和哈福德郡，谈起旅行和蛰居，新书和音乐，谈话十分的融洽，伊丽莎白觉得她以前在这间屋子里从不曾受到过及这一半儿好的款待；他们两个说得那么起劲和尽兴，以致于引起了凯瑟琳夫人自己和达西先生的注意。他的眼光不断地落到他们俩这边来，脸上流露出好奇的神情；夫人过了一会儿也受到了感染，不过她却是公开地将它表达出来了，因为她毫不顾忌地大声说道： “你在说什么呢，费茨威廉？你究竟在给班纳特小姐讲些什么呢？让我也来听听。” “我们在谈音乐，夫人。”看见不做回答躲不过了，他应了一句。 “音乐！那么请大声一点儿说好了，这是我最喜欢的题目。如果你们谈的是音乐，那这谈话必须有我参加的份儿才对。我想在全英国也没有几个人能比我更会真正地欣赏音乐，或是比我的天分和情趣更高了。如果我要是学了音乐，我早该是一位音乐界的名家了。安妮也会是名家的，假如她的身体允许她从事这一专业的话。我相信她的演奏本来是能够很动人的。达西，乔治安娜的琴练得怎么样了？” 达西先生很动感情地把他妹妹的成绩夸赞了一番。 “听到她这样有长进，我很高兴，”凯瑟琳夫人说，“请你替我告诉她，如果她不刻苦地练，她就无望能出人投地。” “我可以肯定地告诉你，夫人，”他回答说，“她无需这样的忠告，她练得非常勤奋。” “那样就好，琴再怎么练也不会有够的时候；待我下次给她写信时，我还要叮嘱她无论如何也不要荒疏了练习。我经常跟年轻姑娘们说，没有持之以恒的练习，就休想达到音乐上的较高境界。我也告诉过班纳特小姐好几次了，如果她不更多地练，她永远不可能把琴真正地弹好；尽管科林斯夫人没有钢琴，我还是常常告她说，欢迎她每天到罗新斯这儿来，在姜金生太太房间里的那架琴上弹奏。你们知道。在那样的地方弹琴，她是不会妨害任何人的。” 达西先生对他姨妈的这番不甚礼貌的话，感到有点儿不太自在，没有再吭声。 喝过了咖啡，费茨威廉上校提醒伊丽莎白不要忘了她将为他弹琴的允诺；于是她马上坐到钢琴那儿去了。他拿过一把椅子也坐在了她的旁边。凯瑟琳夫人听一支歌听到了一半，便又像刚才那样，和她的另一位姨侄说起话来，直说到这位姨侄也躲开了她，随后有所用心地走到了离钢琴不远的地方，选了一个能看清演奏者的整个漂亮面庞的位置站定了。伊丽莎白看出了他的用意，在弹到一个段落能停一停的时候，她向他转过头来调皮地笑着说： “你这样一付神态庄严的样子走向前来听我弹琴，是想要把我吓住吧，达西先生？不过我是不会惊慌的，尽管你妹妹的琴弹的非常好。我有一股子倔犟脾气，从来不肯在别人的意志下低头。我每遇到威胁时，我的勇气就越增。” “我不会说你这是误解我了，”他回答道，“因为你自己也不真的相信我有任何想要威吓你的企图；我已经有幸认识了你足够长的时间，知道你有时喜欢说一些言不由衷的话。” 伊丽莎白听到人家这样说她，不禁开心笑了，她对费茨威廉上校说：“你的表哥将会把我好好地向你描绘一番的，叫你不要相信我说的任何一句话。我本来是想在世界的这一角光光彩彩地度过一段时间，谁知我这么运气不好，偏偏在这里碰上一个能揭露出我的真实性格的人。达西先生，你把我在哈福德郡的一些你所知道的不好的事儿兜露出来，可真是太不大度啦——而且，我冒昧说一句，是太不策略啦——因为这会激起我的报复心理，我会说出一些连你的亲戚听了也会感到震惊的事来。” “我不怕你说些什么。”他笑着回答。 “请让我也听一听你要对他的指责，”费茨威廉上校大声地说，“我很想知道他在陌生人中间时是怎样行事的。” “那么，你就听好了——不过对要听到的骇人的事儿你可要做好精神准备。你知道，我第一次见到他是在哈福德郡的一次舞会上——在这个舞会上，你能想到他是如何行事的吗？他只跳了四场舞！很对不起叫你难过——可这是事实。他只跳了四场舞，尽管舞会上的男人们很少；就我所知道的，当时不只一两个年轻姑娘因为没有舞伴，在那里坐着。达西先生，你能否认这是事实吗？” “那个时候，除了我们这一伙人，我还不曾有幸认识舞会上的任何一位女子。” “是的。而且舞会上也不兴让人做介绍。哦，费茨威廉上校，我下一个弹奏什么呢？我的手指在恭候你的指令。” “或许，”达西说，“我当时较为明智的做法是叫人介绍一下，我自己实在不善于向陌生人做自我介绍。” “我们可以问一问你的表兄，这是什么缘故吗？”伊丽莎白仍然是在对着费茨威廉上校在讲话，“我们可以问问他，为什么一个受过教育、见多识广的聪明男子会不擅长把他自己介绍给陌生人呢？” “我能替他向你回答这个问题，”费茨威廉说，“这是因为他不愿意给自己招来麻烦。” “毋容置疑，我不具备某些人那样的才能，”达西说，“不能像他们那样跟我以前从来没见过的人自如地交谈。我不能像我常常见到的某些人们所做的那样，一下子就能附和上对方的调子，或是显出对人家说的事儿感兴趣的样子。” “我的手指，”伊丽莎白说，“在这架琴上不能像我见过的许多妇女所弹奏得那样熟练，那样自如。我的手指没有她们那样的力量和敏捷，产生不出同样的感情效果。不过，我总是认为这是我自己的不好——因为不愿意不辞劳苦地练习。我可不信我手指的能力比任何一个女人的差。” 达西笑着说：“你说得完全对。你对时间利用的效率要高得多。凡有幸听到你弹奏的人，都不会认为你会有什么欠缺的地方的。我们两个人都不对陌生人表演。” 这时他们的谈话被凯瑟琳夫人打断了，她大声嚷着想要知道他们两个在谈什么。伊丽莎白立刻重新弹了起来。凯瑟琳夫人走上前来，在听了几分钟后对达西说： “如果班纳特小姐再练得多一些，能够得到伦敦一位名师的指点，她就不会弹奏得有任何毛病啦。她很懂得指法，虽然她音乐上的情趣不及安妮的。假如健康状况允许的话，安妮一定会学成一个优秀的钢琴家的。” 伊丽莎白抬眼去瞧达西，看他听了夫人对他表妹的这番赞扬，是不是会竭诚地表示赞同；可是无论是在当时的那一刻还是在以后的时间里，她都没能从他脸上看出他对他表妹有一丝一毫的爱意来；从他对德·包尔小姐的整个态度上看，她不由得为彬格莱小姐感到些许的安慰；如果彬格莱小姐是他的亲戚，达西也同样可能会娶她作妻子的。 凯瑟琳夫人继续对伊丽莎白的演奏发表见解，不时还穿插上许多有关弹奏和趣味方面的具体的指示。出于礼貌伊丽莎白极有忍耐地听着；并且应两位男士的请求，坐在钢琴旁边，一直弹到夫人送她们的马车备好了的时候。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第37章 第二天早晨科林斯夫人和玛丽亚去村子里有事，伊丽莎白正独自坐在屋里给吉英写信，忽然响起了一阵门铃声把她惊了一跳，显然是有人来访了。因为她没有听到马车的声音，她想这也许是凯瑟琳夫人，这样想着她便把没写完的信收了起来，免得这位夫人看到了再问三问四。正在这个时候门开了，出乎她的竟料，走进房里来的是达西先生，只有达西先生一个人。 看到只有她一个人在，达西先生也显得很吃惊，连忙为他的侵扰表示道歉，并向她说明他原以为太太和她的妹妹也都在的。 随后他们俩都坐了下来，在伊丽莎白问了他几句关于罗新斯的情况后，双方似乎都觉得他们就要陷入到难堪的沉默之中了。因此非得想些什么事儿说说不可，她急中生智，想起了她最后一次在哈福德郡看到他的情形，她很想知道他对他们那次急匆匆的离去会怎么说，于是她开口道： “去年十一月份，你们离开尼塞费尔德离开得好快好匆忙呀，达西先生！彬格莱先生在伦敦看到你们所有的人这么快就跟在他后面回去了，一定是又惊又喜吧；如果我记得不错的话，他只比你们早走了一天。你这次离开伦敦的时候，彬格莱先生和他的妹妹都好吧？” “很好——谢谢你的关心。” 她发觉对方不想就这个话题再回答她什么时，便在稍作停顿后补充道： “我想彬格莱先生并没有打算着再要回到尼塞费尔德来吧？” “我没有听他说起过；不过他以后要在那儿度过的日子恐怕是很少的了，在他这个年龄，朋友和约会应酬一天比一天多。” “如果他不怎么打算在尼塞费尔德待的话，他索性完全放弃那个地方，对他的邻居倒要好一些，因为那样我们就也许会有一户固定的人家做邻居了。不过，彬格莱先生原来租了那幢房子说不定主要想的是他自己，至于邻居们方便不方便他才不放在心上呢，我们以为，他或是离弃它或是保留它，都是遵循着他那草率从事的原则吧。” “只要买方提出的价钱合适，”达西说，“那他放弃这幢房子也是情理之中的事。” 伊丽莎白没有吭声。她不愿再多谈到他的朋友，也想不起什么别的话来说，所以决定等他扯起个话题来。 他领会了她的意思，不久便说：“这所房子看上去显得很舒适。我相信，当科林斯先生刚刚来到汉斯福德的时候，凯瑟琳夫人一定在这方面帮了他的大忙。” “我想是这样的——而且我还确信，她的一番好心没有投错了地方，给予了一个最知道感恩戴德的人。” “在选择太太上，科林斯先生似乎也很走运。” “的确是如此；他能找到一个能接受他的头脑清楚明智的女人，或者说能叫他幸福的女人，的确不容易，他的朋友们值得为他高兴。我的这位朋友是个很聪明的女人——虽然我不敢说她在嫁给科林斯先生这件事上也做得很聪明。不过，看上去她倒是很幸福的，从一种实际和顾及生活的观点来看，这桩婚姻她当然结得很好。” “嫁得离娘家和自己的朋友们都这么近，她一定很如意吧。” “你把这也能称作近吗？都几乎有五十里远了。” “路好走，五十里算什么呢？只消半天多一点儿的工夫就到了。不错，我把这就叫作近了。” “我可不认为，这一婚姻的优越性中还包括着离娘家近这一点，”伊丽莎白大声说，“我才不会说科林斯夫人住得是离她家近呢。” “这只能说明你对哈福德郡的依恋。我想，只要是离开浪博恩附近的任何一处地方，你都会觉得是远的。” 在他说话的时候，他的脸上露出一抹微笑，伊丽莎白想她是懂得他这一笑的深意的；他一定以为她是想起了吉英和尼塞费尔德，她于是红着脸回答说： “我并不是说，一个女人怎么嫁也不可能嫁得离娘家太近了。远近只是相对而言的，取决于各种不同的情况。如果生活充裕不在乎这点儿路费，远一点儿也无所谓。而我们现在说的这一家却不是这样。科林斯夫妇虽然不愁吃穿，可是他们的收入也经不起他们经常地回家——我相信即使是只有一半现在的距离，我的朋友也不会说她离着她家近的。” 达西先生把他的椅子朝她这边挪近了一点儿，说道：“你不该有这么重的乡土观念。你不可能一辈子都待在浪博恩。” 伊丽莎白不禁一怔。达西也觉得感情上有点儿那个；他拉回椅子，从桌子上拿起一张报纸，泛泛地看着，用一种冷淡下来的声音问： “你喜欢肯特吧？” 于是两个人便把这个村庄谈论了几句，彼此都显得寡淡而少言——当卡洛蒂和她的妹妹散步回来的时候，谈话也就终止了。姐妹两个看到他们俩在这儿谈心都感到很惊奇。达西先生申述说，他误以为她们几个都在的。没想到却打搅了班纳特小姐，这以后他跟谁也没有多说啥，又坐了几分钟便告辞走了。 “他来意味着什么呢？”达西先生一走出房门，卡洛蒂便说，“我亲爱的伊丽莎，他一定是爱上你了，否则他是决不会这样很随便地就来看我们的。” 可是当伊丽莎白告诉了她他来后的沉默寡言的情形时，卡洛蒂纵便有这番好意也觉得这似乎是不可能的了；在左猜右想了一顿之后，她们最后只能认为，他的这次访问恐怕是出于无事可做，因为这是一年中最闲的季节。所有的户外活动这时都过了时节。待在家里虽然有凯瑟琳夫人和书籍作陪，还可以打打弹子，可是男人们总不能一直待在家里呀；或许是因为离牧师住宅这里近的缘故，也或许是因为往这里的散步更令人赏心悦目，或是那所房子里的人更招人喜爱，这两位表兄弟在他们姨妈家住着的这段时间里，几乎每天都要上这儿走一趟。他们多是在早晨的时间来，有时候单个儿来，有时候一块儿来，有时是他们的姨妈陪着来。大家都看得很清楚，费茨威廉上校之所以来，是因为他喜欢跟她们在一起，这反过来也使她们更加喜欢他；伊丽莎白跟他在一起时每每觉得很开心，再加上他对她的明显的好感，便使她想起了她以前的心上人乔治·威科汉姆；虽然相比之下，她发现费茨威廉上校在言谈举止上没有威科汉姆那么的迷人温柔，可是她相信他却也许更见多识广。 但是达西先生为什么也这么经常地到牧师家里来，却是叫人颇为费解。他不可能只是为了跟人聊聊天而已，因为他常常在那儿坐上十分钟连嘴唇也不张；当他开口说话的时候，也好像是出于不得已而不是出于情愿——是顾全礼貌而做出的牺牲，而不是自己有这种兴致。他很少有谈笑风生的时候。科林斯夫人不知道他这到底是怎么啦。费茨威廉上校有时拿他的这付呆板的模样取笑，可见他平时也不是这个样子，凭她对他的那点儿了解，她当然弄不清这是怎么回事了；她但愿他的这种变化是受了爱情的影响，而他爱的对象就是她的朋友伊丽莎白，于是她一本正经地定下心来想弄它个明白。不管是她们去到罗新斯，还是他来到汉斯福德这儿，她都仔细地观察着他，然而收获甚微。达西先生的确有很多的时候是在望着她的朋友，可是那目光里的表情却很难加以断定。那是一种坦诚贯注的目光，不过她却常常怀疑这目光里是否含有爱慕的成分，有的时候这种目光似乎只是一种心不在焉的情绪的流露。 她有一两次曾向伊丽莎白提起过，说他可能是爱上她了，可伊丽莎白总是一笑了之；科林斯夫人也觉得一味地谈这个题目不太妥当，怕撩起了人家的心思而结果只是以失望告终；因为在她看来，只要伊丽莎白以为她已经把他抓到了手里，那么毫无疑问，她对他的一切厌恶情绪都会消失的。 在她为伊丽莎白的事儿好心打算的时候，她有时想让她嫁给费茨威廉上校。他是那种最令人愉快的男人，他无疑是钟情于她的，他的社会地位也很可观；不过，能把这些优点抵消掉的则是，达西先生在教会里有很大的权力，而他的表弟却一点儿也没有。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第38章 伊丽莎白在花园里散步时，不只一次出乎意料地碰到了达西先生。她觉得这是命运在故意捉弄自己，偏偏要把他而不是别的什么人送到这里来；为了避免这样的事情再度发生，她在第一次遇到他时就留心告诉过他说，这是她自己喜欢来溜达的一个地方。所以，这样的事情如果再次发生，那就叫人非常地奇怪了！可是，偏偏就有了第二回，甚至是第三回。看上去好像是成心要跟她拧着来，否则便是对他以前的行为有忏悔之意了，因为在他们俩相遇的这几次中，并不只是在一两句问候的寒暄话儿说过或是片刻的难堪的沉默之后，便各走各的了，相反他着实认为，很有必要折回身子，陪她一块走走。 他从来也不多说，而她自己呢也懒得去动口或是耐心地去听；不过，他们第三次的邂逅相遇给她留下的印象还是比较深的，他问了她一些奇怪而又不相连贯的问题——她是否在汉斯福德这里感到愉快啦，她为什么喜欢独个儿散步啦，她是否觉得科林斯夫妇生活得幸福啦；在谈到罗新斯和她对这家人家不十分了解的情形时，他似乎希望要是以后她有机会来肯特，不妨也能到那边住上一住。他的话里好像暗含着这个意思。此时的他脑子里是不是在想着费茨威廉上校呢？她想，如果他的话里真有所指的话，也一定是朝那个方向做出的一个暗示了。这使她略微觉得有些尴尬，因此当她发现自己已经走到牧师住宅对面的围墙门口时，心头不免感到一阵高兴。 有一天她正一边散步，一边又一次地读着吉英上回的来信，把吉英表露出低落情绪的那几段话仔细地琢磨着，蓦然间她听见有人朝这边走来，她抬起头看，这一次不是达西先生倒是费茨威廉上校迎上前来。她赶忙把信收好，努力做出了一个笑容说： “我以前可不知道你也到这边来散步的。” “像我每年来到这儿一样，我正在花园里浏览观光，想着这完了便上牧师家去。你还打算再往前走吗？” “不了，我也该回去了。” 于是，她转过身来，他们一起朝着牧师住宅走去。 “你星期六一准要离开肯特吗？”她问。 “是的——如果达西不再往后拖延的话。我是听凭他的指派的。他办事一向自己高兴怎么来就怎么来。” “即便他不能在事情的安排上让自己高兴，他至少也可以从品味自己所拥有的这选择的权力上得到很大的快乐。我还没有见过有谁似乎比达西先生对我行我素更为欣赏的呢。” “他很喜欢照自己的方式来行事，”费茨威廉上校回答说，“不过，我们有谁不是这样呢。不同的只是他比许多人更有条件这样去做，因为他富有而许多人则很穷。我这是有动于衷才说的，你知道，像我这样的一个小儿子，不得不习惯于克制自己和仰仗别人。” “照我看，一个伯爵的小儿子对这两种感情都是知之甚少的。现在，你就不妨正经说一说，你体味到的克制自己和仰仗别人是些什么呢？你多会儿有过因缺少钱花，不能到你想到的地方或是不能得到你所喜欢的东西的时候呢？” “这些都是家境是否拮据的问题——也许在这一方面，我不能说我经过许多的艰难。但是，在更为重大的事情上，我很可能会因为缺少钱财而受其苦的。小儿子们往往不能娶到他们中意的女人。” “除非他们的心上人正好是个有钱的女人，我以为他们爱的常常就是这种女人。” “我们的生活习惯使我们变得太容易依赖别人啦，像我这样家庭的年轻人，结婚时能不考虑对方的钱财的，几乎很少。” “他这是不是指我而言呢？”伊丽莎白想到这一点时不觉红了脸；不过，她很快便平静下来，用一种活泼的声调说：“嗯，请问一个伯爵家的小儿子通常的开价是多少呢？如果你的哥哥没有重病，我想你是不会开口要到五千英镑的吧。” 他也用同样的口吻回答了她，这事便不再提起了。跟着的是一阵沉默，为了免得叫人家怀疑她是听了这话而有所在意的，她便很快打破了这沉默说： “我想你的表兄之所以带你来，主要是为了叫他有个人好支使吧。我奇怪他为什么不赶快结婚呢，那样的话他就有了一个永久性的支配对象了。不过，眼下或许他的妹妹便能满足他的这一支配别人的欲望，既然她是由他一个人照管，那么他可以想怎么待她就怎么待她喽。” “不”，费茨威廉上校说，“他的这一权力是必须与我分享的。我也是达西小姐的保护人。” “果真是这样吗？请问你这保护人做得怎么样呢？你干得没有麻烦吗？像她这样年龄的姑娘，有时候是不太好管教的，如果她也有达西的那种禀性，她可能会喜欢自行其事的。” 在她说话的时候，她看到他在死死地盯着她，她的话刚一完，他便即刻问她为什么她会认为达西小姐可能叫他们感到头痛的那种神态，使她确信她的猜想是八九不离十了。她立刻回答说： “你不必害怕。我没有听到过任何有关于她的坏话；我敢说，她一定是世界上最温顺的那种姑娘。我认识的赫斯特夫人和彬格莱小姐就对她非常的喜欢。我想我听你说过，你是认识她们的。” “和她们我多少认识一点儿。她们的兄弟是个饶有风趣、颇有绅士风度的人——他是达西要好的朋友。” “噢！是的，”伊丽莎白冷嘲地说“达西先生对彬格莱先生是特别的好，对他的关照也是无微不至。” “对他关照——你算是说对啦，我的确相信在他最需要关心的那些方面，达西先生总是给予他关照的。从到这里来的路上你跟我说的话里推判，我有理由认为他是帮了彬格莱的大忙的。不过我得请他原谅，我不应该以为彬格莱就是他所说的那个人。这都是我瞎猜罢了。” “你这话是什么意思？” “达西先生自然不愿意让这件事传出去，如果要是传到了那位小姐家里去，那就会弄得人家不高兴啦。” “我不会说的，你相信我好了。” “不过你要记住，我并没有充分的理由认为那个人就是彬格莱。他只不过告诉我说，他很庆幸他最近把一个朋友从一桩可能结成的鲁莽婚姻所带来的种种不便中解脱出来了，他没有提到其人的名字或是其他的任何细节，我只是怀疑他说的可能是彬格莱，因为我认为彬格莱是那种有时会陷入这类情事中的年轻人，而且我也知道他们俩整整一个夏天都是待在一起的。” “达西先生告诉过你，他为什么要从中干涉的理由吗？” “根据我的理解，是因为有许多对那位小姐不利的情况。” “他是用什么手段将他们分开的呢？” “他没有跟我谈到过他自己使用的手段，”费茨威廉笑着说，“他告诉我的就是这么多了。” 伊丽莎白没有作声，继续向前走着，心里不由得怒火燃烧。在看了她一会儿后，费茨威廉问她为什么这样思虑重重的。 “我正想你告诉我的话，”她说，“你的表兄的行为叫我感到很不舒服。他为什么要做这件事情的判官呢？” “你认为他这是多管闲事吗？” “我不明白，达西先生有什么权力来决定他的朋友的喜爱是否得体，我不明白他为什么只单单凭他一个人的判断，便要决定和左右他的朋友应如何走上幸福的道路。不过，”她平了平气后继续说，“因为我们都一点儿也不知道具体的细节，这样说他也是不公平的。也许在这桩恋爱里，根本就没有多少真情。” “你这样想也很合情理，”费茨威廉说，“不过，这样一来，我表兄的那一胜利者的荣耀可惜要减色不少啦。” 这话只是一句玩笑，可是在伊丽莎白看来，这正是对达西先生的一幅多么真实的写照啊，她没有搭这碴儿以免露出真情；所以她很快地转了个话题，谈起了一些无关紧要的事情，就这样子一直走到了牧师住宅。待他们的这位客人（指费茨威廉上校。）一走，她便把自己关在房里了，好不受侵扰地把她所听到的这一切想想清楚。刚刚提到的事儿显然和她的家人有关。在这个世界上，不可能有第二个人会受到达西先生的那么巨大的影响。达西先生参与了拆散彬格莱先生和吉英的行动，对这一点她从来从没有怀疑过；但是她以前总认为这件事的主谋和步骤安排都是彬格莱小姐。即使他的虚荣心并没有让他利令智昏，可是吉英已经受到的和仍然继续要受到的痛苦，则都是他一手造成的，是他的高傲和任性造成的。世界上的一个最善良最充满爱的心灵对幸福的一切憧憬，在瞬息之间便被他毁灭了；而且谁也说不出来，他给别人造成的这一恶果会持续到什么时候才能完结。 “因为有一些对那位小姐很不利的情况。”这是费茨威廉的原话，这些很不利的情况可能是指她有一个在乡下做律师的姨父，还有一个在伦敦做生意的舅舅。 “至于吉英自己，”她不禁自言自语地喊了出来，“她身上不可能有任何叫人非议的地方。她全然是一个好可爱好善良的人儿！她脑子聪慧，知书达理，举止风度楚楚动人。我父亲也没有什么可指谪的，他人虽然有些古怪，可他的能力连达西先生自己也不敢小视，说到他的人品，达西先生也许永远赶不上他。”当她想到她的母亲的时候，她的自信心的的确确有些不足了，不过她不愿意相信，她母亲那方面毛病会是达西先生拆散这对恋人的主要动机，叫她深信不疑的倒是，他的朋友跟低微门户的人结亲比跟见识低浅的人家结亲，会更加伤害了他那高贵的自尊心；到最后她终于下定了她的判断：这位达西先生一定一方面是受着他的又臭又硬的傲慢心理的驱使，另一方面又受着他想把彬格莱先生留给他的妹妹的动机的支配。 这一思绪的不住翻腾使她焦躁，使她啜泣，到后来竟然弄得她头痛起来，到傍晚时，头痛得更厉害了，再加上不愿意看到达西先生，她决定不陪着她的表兄嫂去罗新斯赴茶会了。科林斯夫人见她的确是身体不适，也就不勉强她了，而且也尽可能地不让她的丈夫去缠她，科林斯先生虽然没有强求她去，可还是掩饰不了他的担心，生怕凯瑟琳夫人因为她留在家里而有所怪罪。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第39章 在她的表兄嫂走了以后，伊丽莎白好像是成心要拿达西先生来给自己尽可能多地增添烦恼似的，这个时候把吉英自她来到肯特之后给她的信都翻了出来，仔细地阅读。信中没有发牢骚的地方，也没有再提及以前的恋情，也没有吐露她现在的痛苦。但是在所有的这些信件里，它们的字里行间都缺少了她以往贯有的那种快乐的风格，这种风格源于她思想上的恬静娴适、源于她对每一个人充满的善良之心，在这以前它还从来不曾蒙受过阴影。伊丽莎白专注地读着这些信，从第一次读它们时忽略了的句子里，她都看出了一种不安的情绪。想想达西先生不知羞耻地吹嘘说他能有本领叫人受罪的话儿，她对姐姐的痛苦心情便体会得更深了。使她感到些许安慰的是，好再他的罗新斯之行在后天就要结束了，她呢，再过两个星期也又能和吉英团聚了，到那时她将倾注自己所有的爱去帮助姐姐重新振作起精神来。 想到达西先生就要离开肯特的事儿，便不免记起了他的表兄弟也要跟他一起去了；不过，既然费茨威廉上校已经表明他决没有什么别的意思，所以尽管上校这个人挺讨人喜爱，她也不会对他有什么芥蒂的。 正在这样思忖着的当儿，突然听到了一阵门铃声，她的心头不免怦怦地一阵跳动，想到来人也许是纳茨威廉上校本人，因为他有一次来访就是在晚上较晚的时间，这一回可能是特地来问候她的。可是这一想法很快就被打消了，当她不胜惊讶地发现是达西先生走进屋子里来的时候，她的心情立刻沉了下来。达西先生一进门便急切地开始问起她的身体好些了没有，说他这次来主要是希望能听到她复原的消息。她冷淡却不失礼貌地回答了他的话。他在坐了一会儿工夫后，突然站了起来在屋子里来回踱着步。虽然感到奇怪，可没有吭声。经过几分钟的沉默之后，他朝着伊丽莎白这边不安地走了过来，这样开口道： “任凭我做了怎样的努力也是枉然，这些努力毫不奏效。我的感情再也抑制不住了。你必须允许我告诉你，我是多么热烈地敬慕你和爱你。” 伊丽莎白此时的惊讶简直无以表达。她目瞪口呆，脸也变得绯红，面上布着怀疑。达西先生以为此情状是对他这方面的鼓励，于是他目前和以往对她的种种好感便马上跟着倾泻出来。他说得很激动，可是除了热烈的爱意，他也把别的一些感情给详细地道出来了，他对他傲慢情感的倾诉简直和他的柔情蜜意的话儿不相上下。他觉得她身份低微，觉得这门亲事是纡尊降贵，还有来自家庭方面的种种障碍，他觉得如果考虑到他的家庭，他的理智也会反对他的这种爱情的，他的这些话儿讲得很是激昂，好像是出于他正在受到的什么委曲，而不可能是出于他所倾吐的爱情。 尽管伊丽莎白对他有很深的厌恶感，她对这样一个男人的真情实感，还是不能无动于衷的，虽说她的思想不曾有过丝毫的动摇，可她在开始时倒也为他将要受到的痛苦感到过些许的不安；只是他后来的那些话激起了她的怨恨，使她在愤怒之下把对他的那点儿怜悯之情都没有了。不过，她还是尽量地使自己保持冷静，想着待他的话儿完了后，来尽可能有礼地回答他。达西在他行将结束他的讲话时向她重申说，这种爱情的力量是如此强大，尽管他尽了所有的努力，他发现他还是征服不了他的这种感情，他希望现在她能用接受他的求爱的这种行动来使这一切得到补偿了。在他说着这些话的时候，她能看得出来他丝毫也不怀疑他会得到一个满意的回答的。他虽然嘴上说他现在的心情是既担心又急切，可是流露出的却是一付稳操胜券的神情。此种情形只能是火上加油，他的话一停，她就气得脸色通红地说： “在现在这样的场合下，我以为约定成俗的做法是，向对方表明的一片情意表示感激，尽管你很难给予同样的回报，在这儿滋生出一种感激之情是很自然的，如果我现在体味到了这样的一种情感，我此刻就会对你表示感激了。可是我没有——我从来不曾想要得到过你的好评，而且你在给出它们时肯定也是很不情愿的。给任何一个人造成痛苦，都是我所不愿意的。现在若是使你感到了痛苦，我也是完全无意的，而且我也希望它是短暂的。我想经过我的这番解释之后，你的那些本来就一直阻止着你对我产生好感的感情，会很轻易地就把这痛苦克服掉的。” 达西先生倚着壁炉架倾听着，此时他的眼睛盯视在她的脸上，显得似乎又是气恼又是惊奇。他的脸气得发白，内心的烦乱从五官的每一个部位上流露出来，他极力在恢复表面上的镇静，直到他觉得他能克制住自己了，方才又开口说话。这一阵子缄默使伊丽莎白很是担心。末了，达西先生用勉强撑出的平静语调说： “这便是我荣幸地期盼着所要听到的全部回答吗？或许，我可以请教你一下，我为什么会受到这么一个干脆无礼的拒绝呢？不过这已经是无关紧要的了。” “我倒也要请教一下，”她回答说，“为什么你显然想的是要触犯我，侮辱我，而却偏偏要告我说，为了喜欢我，你甚至违背了你的意志、理智和性格呢？如果说我不礼貌，难道这一条还不可以作为我没有礼貌的理由吗？而且我还有其它的理由。你知道我有的。即使是我的感情不反对你，对你没有什么芥蒂，甚至说是对你有好感，即使是这样，你想一想，我怎么可能会接受一个毁了也许是永远地毁了我最亲爱的姐姐的幸福的男人呢？” 在她说着这些话的当儿，达西先生的脸色变了；不过这一感情上的变化持续得很短，他听着她继续讲下去，没有插话。 “我拥有世上的一切理由来认为你这个人不好。不管你出于何种动机，也不能抹杀掉你在这件事情上所干的无情无义的行径。你不敢、也不能抵赖你是这件事情上的主谋，纵使造成他们分离的不只是你一个人；你使得男方被大家指责为是朝三暮四、让女方又蒙受到瞎猜妄想、梦想美事的奚落，你把他们俩都推入到了最痛苦的境地。” 她停了下来，看见他用一付毫不在乎、毫无懊悔的神情在听，便不由得气上心头。他甚至还操着一付不相信的微笑在注视着她。 “你能否认这不是你干的吗？”她又问了一遍。 他做出一付镇静的神情回答说：“我并不想否认，我是尽了我的一切力量去拆散我的朋友和你姐姐的这份情缘的，我也不想否认我为我的成功而感到由衷的高兴。对 他我是比对我自己还要好的。” 伊丽莎白表面上装出不屑于对这些话儿注意的样子，可是这话的用意她当然体会到了，不过这也平息不了她的怨气。 “不只是在这一件事情上，”她继续道，“我讨厌你。在这件事之前，我老早对你就有看法。在几个月以前我就从威科汉姆那里知道了你的为人。在威科汉姆这件事上，你又会怎么说呢？在这里你又该用一种什么样的罗曼蒂克的友情来为自己开脱呢？或者，在这里你又该如何颠倒是非，去影响别人的看法呢？” “你对那位先生的事情倒是挺有兴趣。”达西此刻说话的声音不是那么平静了，而且脸也红了。 “只要是知道他的不幸遭遇的人，有谁能对他不抱有一种同情和兴趣呢？” “他的不幸遭遇！”达西轻蔑地重复道，“是的，他的不幸的确不能说小。” “这都是你造成的，”伊丽莎白激动地大声说，“是你使他沦落到他现在的这般贫困境地。你收回了你也知道已决定要给予他的种种权益。你剥夺了他一生中最好的年华，剥夺了他赖以独立生活的基础，而这些权益是你该给予他的，也是他的品德受之无愧的。你把他的一切都毁了！可你还能用那样一种轻蔑和嘲笑的口吻来提到他的不幸。” “这就是你对我的看法！”达西喊了起来，用快步在屋子里踱着，“这就是你对我的评价！我谢谢你把它们这样充分地阐述出来。根据这些情况来看，我的错误的确是非常严重的了！不过，”他停下了脚步，向她转过身来，接着说，“或许，我的这些过错你就都不会去计较了，如果不是我坦诚地告诉了你长期使我不能下决心向你求爱的种种顾虑、从而伤了你的自尊心的话。对我的这些严厉的谴责或许都可能被你抑制下去了，如果我要是巧使手腕闭口不提我的思想斗争，而是甜言蜜语地叫你相信，我是多么纯洁多么热烈地爱着你；无论是从理智、还是从情感思想等任何方面都是如此。但是，不管是任何一种形式的掩饰和伪装都叫我厌恶。而且我对我刚才说到的那些顾虑，也并不以为耻。它们都很自然、合情合理。难道你能期望我为你的那些身份低微的亲戚而感到高兴不成？难道你能期望我为将来有一些身分和地位远远低于我的亲戚而为自己祝贺不成？” 伊丽莎白觉得自己越来越愤怒起来了；不过，当她再次说话的时候，她极力做出一种平静的神态： “达西先生，如果你认为你刚才的那一陈述方式对我产生了那样的影响的话，那你就错了；你的那一陈述恰恰只是免除了在拒绝你以后的我的担心，如果你的行为表现得稍微得体一些的话，我也许会有这份担心的。” 她注意到他听到这话时吃了一惊，可没有吭声，于是她继续道： “其实，不管你用什么样的方式来向我求爱，也不可能让我动心去接受的。” 他的惊奇又是显而易见的；他注视着她，脸上是一付既不屑于相信又受到了羞辱的混合神情。她接着说： “从一开始，从我见到你的最初一刻起，你那让我觉得表现出你十足的高傲自大的行为举止，你的自负，你那不顾及别人感情的自私自利，便形成我对你不满的基础，在以后发生的事件中，我对你产生的那种不可根除的厌恶都是建立在这一基础上的，在我认识你还不到一个月时，我就觉得你是天下所有的男人里我最不愿意嫁的那个人啦。” “你已经说得不少了，小姐。我完全理解你的感情了，而且此刻我不得不为我自己拥有的那些感情感到羞愧了。请原谅我占用了你这么多的时间，请允许我极其真诚地祝你健康和幸福。” 说完他便匆匆地离开了房间。稍后伊丽莎白听到了他打开前门和走出门厅的声音。 此时的她脑子里乱糟糟的，心里非常的痛苦。她不知道怎样才能撑住自己，由于体力不支她坐了下来，恸哭了半个钟头。回想着刚刚过去的这一幕，她的惊奇感越来越大。她竟然会得到达西先生的求婚！他竟然已经暗暗地爱了她这么多个月了！而且爱得是如此之深，以致于不再顾及他用来阻止他的朋友娶她的姐姐的那些理由，那些理由在阻止他自己的婚事上应该说具有同样的力量！这一切多么的不可置信！想到无意之中竟引起了一个人的这么强烈的爱情，心里不免感到得意。可是他的骄傲，他那令人憎厌的骄傲，他在损害吉英这件事情上的供认不悔，他在提到威科汉姆先生时的那种无动于衷(他并不试图否认他对威科汉姆的残酷)，所有这一切很快便把几分钟前想到他对她的钟情时所勾起的怜悯都消除掉了。 她一直处在这样一种烦乱的思绪之中，直到后来听到了凯瑟琳夫人的马车声，她才意识到她这付样子会让卡洛蒂看出什么来的，于是便跑回她自己的房里去了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第40章 (1) 伊丽莎白第二天早晨醒来的时候，满脑子里仍然是昨夜最后合上眼时的那些想法和思虑。她还没有能从昨天她所感受到的惊奇之中恢复过来；因为别的什么事情也不可能想，什么事情也无心去做，她决定一吃过早饭后就到外面去散散步。在她正要径直走上那条她平常喜欢走的小道时，她突然想起达西先生有时也来这里，便改变了主意，没有走进花园，却踅到了那条远离开大路的小道。她仍旧沿着花园的围栅漫步，不久便走过了一道园门。 在沿着这一段小路踱了两三个来回后，她便被早晨的悦人景色吸引了，不由得在那一道道的园门前停了下来朝花园里眺望。她在肯特已经度过了五个星期，乡下的景色也发生了很大的变化，早青的树木一天比一天葱绿起来。待她再要往前走的时候，她突然瞥见在与花园毗邻的那片小树林里有一个男人的身影；他正朝这边走来；担心来人是达西先生，她赶紧踅了回去。可是走上前来的那个人已经离得很近，能看得清楚她了，此人一边急速地往这儿走，一边喊着她的名字。她本来已经在转过身子走开了，此时听到叫她的名字，明明知道是达西先生，她还是朝园门这边又走了回来。达西先生这个时候也到了园门这儿，掏出了一封信给她，她不由自主地收下了。他板着一付高傲镇静的面孔说：“我在小树林散步已经有一会儿了，希望能碰到你。你愿意劳神去读读我的这封信吗？”说完微微地鞠了个躬，又走进树林里消失了。 伊丽莎白并没有想着能从这封信里得到什么快乐，只是出于一种非常强烈的好奇心，她拆开了它，叫她更为惊讶的是，信封里装着两页信纸，每一页上面都写得密密麻麻的。装着这么大的两页信纸，信封也显得鼓鼓囊囊的。她一面顺着小道走，一面开始读。信是今天早上八点钟在罗新斯写的，下面便是它的内容：？ “小姐，当你拿着这封信时，请你不必惊慌，你不必担心它里面还会重新提起昨天晚上叫你厌恶之极的我的那些感情。在信中我没有再提起这件叫我们难以一下子忘记的事情，免得使你痛苦，也使我自己感到难堪，本来我写这封信和你读这封信所要花费的努力，都可以省去了，要不是我的良心和性格非敦促我这样做不可。因此你得原谅我要求夜读这封信的冒昧；我知道，你从感情上是不愿意读的，可是我恳求你能冷静地看完它。 昨天晚上你指责我的那两件事，它们的性质完全不同，其轻重缓急也不相同。你加在我头上的第一桩罪名是，我丝毫也不顾及彬格莱先生和你姐姐这两方的感情，硬是把他们俩给拆散了；第二桩是，我竟然不履行一系列的承诺，竟然不顾体面不讲人情，破坏了威科汉姆先生指日可待的富贵和他的美好前程，肆无忌惮无所顾忌地抛弃了我小时候的朋友——一致公认的先父生前的宠幸，一个除了我们的庇护再也没有什么其他依靠、在我们家长大满心指望得到我们曾允诺的东西的年轻人——这种行径简直是一种道德的沦丧，相比之下，拆散一对刚刚相处了几个星期的男女，也就算不了什么了。 不过，当你读完下面我对我的这些行为以及动机的叙述时，我希望你以后将不会像昨天夜里那样，对我的方方面面那般严厉的横加指责了。在对它们进行必要的解释的过程中，如果，我不得已提及到了有伤你的感情的话，我只能说请你原谅了——既是出于不得已——那么一味地道歉也就显得可笑了。在哈福德郡还没有待了几天，我便也和其他人一样看出来了，彬格莱对你姐姐比对任何别的乡下姑娘都好——不过，只是到了在尼塞费尔德举办舞会的那个晚上，我才察觉出他对令姐的感情是郑重其事的。以前我有几次见到过他涉入恋情。在那次舞会上我有幸跟你跳舞的当儿，只是听威廉·鲁卡斯爵士偶然提及，我才知道彬格莱对令姐的青睐已经开始让众人们觉得，他俩将会喜结良缘了。鲁卡斯爵士把这门亲事说得很肯定，没有定下来的只是多会儿举行婚礼的问题了。 从那个时候起，我便开始注意起我这位朋友的一举一动；我发现他对班纳特小姐的钟情，是我以前在他对待别的女人时所从来没有见过的。我也注意观察了你的姐姐——她的神情和举止显得坦诚、欢悦和专注，可是看不出有任何特别的感情的流露，从那一晚上对她的仔细观察中我开始确信，她虽然高高兴兴地接受了他的殷勤，可是她自己却没有动了真情去怂恿他的青睐——在这里如果不是你错了的话，那一定是我错了。你对你姐姐的深切了解当然会使这一点成为可能了——如果真是这样，如果真是由于我的错觉而给你的姐姐造成了痛苦，你的怨恨自然不是没有道理的了。不过我可以毫不踌躇地说，你姐姐表现和举止上的那种温和恬静，就是叫一个眼睛最锐利的观察家见了也会得出结论说，尽管她的性情是那么的和蔼，可她的心灵是很难被轻易打动的。 我希望她的心没有被打动这一点是肯定的——但是我敢说，我在进行调查和做出决定时通常是不受我的愿望或是顾虑的影响——我不会因为我希望她是没有动心就认为她是如此——我之所以这样认为是建立在公允判断的基础上的，正如我的这一希望也是有着它的理由一样。我对他们这门亲事的反对，不只是出于我昨天晚上对你说出的我用了极大的感情力量才丢置到一旁的那些个理由；关于门户高低地问题，我的朋友并不像我那么看重。这里还有一些别的令人发指的原由——这些理由虽然仍然存在着，而且在两件亲事里有着同等的分量，可是我早就尽力地去把它们忘掉，因为它们现在毕竟不在我们的眼前了。 这些个理由必须在这儿简略地提一提——你母亲那方面的家庭尽管不尽如人意，可是与她自己、你的三个妹妹、有时是你的父亲常常都不约而同地表现出的十足的缺乏礼貌相比，也就显得微乎其微了。请原谅我的直言不讳。得罪你也是我所不情愿的。不过，在你对你的至亲的缺点感到忧虑和就我对他们缺点的提及感到不悦的当儿，你只要想一想你自己和你姐姐的情形便可以得到安慰了，你们姐妹两个行为举止高雅得体，指责你们家人的那些话儿没有你俩的份，你们的见识和个性连同你们的待人处事都备受众人的赞扬。我再要提到的一点是，我从那天晚上看到的种种情形中，确定下来对各个人的看法，我以前已经有的各种想法越发强烈了，我觉得我必须阻止我的朋友，不让他缔结这门我认为是最不幸的婚姻。 他第二天就离开了尼塞费尔德赶往伦敦，我相信你也一定记得，他原想着是很快就要返回来的。现在我就来谈谈我在这里所担当的角色。原来他妹妹在这件事情上也产生了与我同样的担心；我们俩很快就发现了在这一点上我们感情的一致；两人都同样地意识到，让她们的兄弟滞留在伦敦而不再归来的这件工作必须马上就做，我们即刻决定直接到伦敦跟他汇合——于是，我们也动身了。到了伦敦后，我立即开始了劝说我的朋友的工作，我一而再再而三地向他指出了他的这一选择的种种害处。但是，尽管我的这一劝诫也许能延搁他的决择，可我并不认为这最终能阻止这桩婚姻，要不是我毫不犹豫地进一步向他说明你姐姐那方面确实没有动什么恋情的话。他在这以前认为她是以真情来回报他的感情的，即使她的情没有他那么深。彬格莱生性谦和，遇到事情常常更是依赖于我的判断而不是他自己的。所以，使他相信他是自己欺骗了自己的眼睛，并不是一件很难的事。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第41章 (2) 向他说明了这一点后，劝说他不再返回到哈福德郡，那便是轻而易举的事了——这些我觉得我做得并没有什么不对的。在这整个事件中，只有一点我今天回想起来做得令人不太满意；这就是我不惜使用了一些小小的手腕，对他隐瞒了你姐姐也在城里的这一消息。我自己知道，彬格莱小姐也知道，可她的哥哥甚至至今还被蒙在鼓里。或许就是让他们俩见了面，也不会旧情复燃的；不过，他对你姐姐的好感，在我看来还没有完全消失，他见到她来未必就能做到不动情。也许这一隐瞒，这一欺蒙，有失我的身分。不过，我之所以以前而且现在仍然这样做，却完全是为了他们好。在这件事情上我要说的就是这么多了，要做的道歉也就此为止。如果说我伤害了你姐姐的感情，那也完全是出于无意；虽然，促使我这样做的那些个动机在你看来自然是理由不充分的，可是要我去谴责我的这些个动机我至今还没有那个体悟。 关于你给予我更多谴责、说我伤害了威科汉姆的那件事，我只能是把他与我家的全部关系向你讲明，以此来驳回你对我的呵责。我不知道他特别指责我的是那一点；可是对我将要叙述到的事实真相，我可以找到不只一个的绝对可靠的证人来证明。威科汉姆先生的父亲是一个名声很好的人，他许多年来一直管理着彭伯利的产业；他要履行其职责上的忠诚和兢兢业业，自然使得我父亲很愿意给予他一些回报，所以对乔治·威科汉姆，也是我父亲的教子，我父亲便慷慨地给予了关照。我父亲供养他上学，后来送他进了剑桥大学——这是一项最重要的资助，因为他自己的父亲由于其妻子的挥霍无度总是很穷；没有能力让他接受一个体面人应该受的教育。我父亲不仅喜欢常常让他陪着(因为他的言谈举止总是很招人喜爱)，而且对他备加赞扬，想着在教会里给他找个位置，希望他从事这一职业。至于我自己，我对他的看法的改变已经是好多年前的事了。对他的邪恶的性情——做事缺乏原则的恶习——他总是小心翼翼地掩翳着不让他的最好的朋友知道，可是他的这些品行却逃不过一个与他年龄相仿的年轻人的眼睛，我总有机会看到他无所提防的时候，而我的父亲则不可能有这样的机会。 这里我又要叫你感到痛苦了——痛苦到何种程度只有你自己知道了。不管威科汉姆先生在你心中激起的是一种什么样的感情，我却不能以为你有这样的感情就不去揭发出他的真实面目。这一点甚至倒是更增加了我要暴露他的决心。我尊敬的父亲大约逝世于五年前；他对威科汉姆先生的宠爱随着时间的推移更是有增无减，在他的遗嘱里特别向我提到，要在威科汉姆先生所从事的职业范围内，极力地提拔他，要是他受了圣职，俸禄优厚的位置一有空缺，就先考虑给予他。另外还给了他一千英镑的遗产。他的父亲不久也去世了，还没待这两件丧事过了半年的时间，威科汉姆先生便写信告诉我说，他终于决定不接受圣职了，既然他将来不能获得那个职位俸禄了，他希望能得到一些直接的钱财上的利益以做补偿，还说我不会认为他这样做过份吧。他接着又说，他想学法律，想必我也知道靠那一千镑的利息远远不够完成这一学业的。我希望，但不相信，他这话是真诚的；不过，不管怎么说，我还是很乐意地同意了他的这个建议。我知道威科汉姆先生做牧师不合适。 因此这件事很快就定下来了。即使他将来有可能在教堂里接受到一份职位，他也不再要求这一权利，作为条件我们拿出三千英镑给他。我们之间的一切关系到此为止似乎都已经完结了。我对他的看法太坏了，不愿意邀他来彭伯利作客，也不愿意在伦敦和他往来。我相信他大部分的时间是生活在伦敦，他的学习法律只是一个幌子，现在既然然没有了一切的束缚，他过的完全是一种闲荡无羁的生活。有大约三年的时间，我没有听到他的什么消息；可是当原本打算让他接替的那个位置因牧师的逝世空了下来的时候，他便立即给我写信，要求再次推荐他。他说他现在的境况简直糟透了，这一点我当然不难相信。他发现研究法律没有什么钱可攒，所以他现在已经完全下定了决心要接受圣职了，如果我还愿意推举他去接替这个位置的话——他对这一点似乎很有把握似的，因为他确切地知道我没有别的人可推荐，而且我也不可能就已经忘了我尊敬的父亲的遗愿了。 我拒绝接受他的这一请求，或者说我回绝了他的一再请求，对这一点你不能责备我什么吧。他的窘迫的处境使他的埋怨情绪变得很强烈——毫无疑问，就像他当面无所顾忌地责骂我那样，他在别人面前也一定是不遗余力地说我的坏话。在这以后，我们俩的一切交情都似乎了断了。谁知在去年夏天，他却又一次非常令我痛苦地侵入到我的生活中来。现在我必须提及一件我自己也但愿能够忘掉的事情了，要不是现在的情势所迫，我是不愿意跟任何一个人透露这件事的。说到这里，我想你一定能够保守秘密的。我的妹妹比我小十多岁，父亲死后由我母亲的侄儿费茨威廉上校和我做她的保护人。一年前，我们把她从学校接回来，在伦敦给她建了个寓所；去年夏天她和照管那个房子的女人一起到拉姆斯盖特去了一趟；威科汉姆先生也去了那里，这显然是有预谋的了；因为后来证明他和那个名叫杨吉太太的女人早就认识，不幸的是我们没有能看透她的真实性格；凭借着她的纵容和帮助，他开始向乔治安娜求爱了，在我小妹的善良的心灵里仍然保留着小时候他对她的体贴和关心，因此竟被他哄骗得相信她是爱上他了，同意和他一起私奔。 她那年只有十五岁，这当然是可以原谅她的理由了；在说完了她的这一鲁莽的行为后，我可以高兴地加以说明的是，我能得知这件事全是她告诉我的。在他们计划私奔的一两天前，我出乎意料之外地到了他们那里，乔治安娜由于不忍心让这个她几乎是当作父亲看待的哥哥伤心悲愤，于是向我和盘倒出了这件事。你可以想见我当时的心情和我当时要做出的行为。考虑到我妹妹的名誉和感情，这件事不便于公开地揭露，不过我还是给威科汉姆写了一封信，他当时即刻就离开了那个地方，当然杨吉太太也被我打发掉了。毫无疑问威科汉姆先生主要地是看中了我妹妹的三万镑的财产；虽然我也不由地想到，他那想对我报复的愿望也是诱使他这样做的一个原因。的确，他的报复要不就完全成功了。 小姐，这就是我对与我们俩有关的一切事情的忠实讲述；如若你不是完全认为它是虚假的而将其置在一边，我希望你能由此洗涮掉我虐待威科汉姆先生的罪名。我不知道他是以什么样的手段，以何种虚假的方式来欺骗你的；不过他的成功或许也没有什么值得可惊奇的。你既然先前对我们双方的事情一点儿也不了解，你也就无从去探察，况且怀疑别人也不是你的禀性。你抑或会觉得奇怪，为什么我在昨天晚上不告诉你这一切。因为那个时候我不能很好地控制自己，不知道那些话能讲或是应该讲出来。关于我在这儿所说到的一切事情的真实性，我可以特别地提出费茨威廉上校为我作证，他是我的至亲也是我的密友，而且又是我父亲遗嘱的执行者之一，所以他对于其中的详情末节自然都十分地了解了。如果你对我的憎厌使得我的这番表白变得一钱不值，你总不会有同样的原因也不去相信我的表弟吧；为了让你还有找他谈一谈的可能，我将尽力找到一个机会争取在早晨把这封信递到你的手里。我再要说的就只是，愿上帝赐福于你。 费茨威廉·达西”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第42章 当达西先生交给了她这封信的时候，如果伊丽莎白已经料到这封信里不会再提求婚的事儿了，她对信中会写些什么还是丝毫也想象不出。但是尽管是这样，我们或许可以想见，她读这封信的时候心情该是多么的急切，在她心中激起的情感该有多么的矛盾。她在读信时涌起的感情几乎难以辨析。首先是她惊奇地发现，达西先生竟然还相信他自己具有向别人道歉的能力；然后是她固执地认为，他根本不会有什么理由值得加以解释，他在这儿表现出的羞愧感岂能掩饰了他信中的空洞无物。对他可能要说的一切抱着一种强烈的偏见，她开始看关于在尼塞费尔德发生的那件事情的叙述。她急切地读着，急不可待地想知道下一句要说的东西，结果对眼前句子的意思却无暇领会了，她的理解力此刻似乎离开了她。对于他认为是她姐姐这方面缺少情意的话，她一读到就认定它是虚假的，读到他的有关反对这桩婚姻的那些个令人发指的真实原因的讲述，气得她再也不愿意给他以公允的评价。他对他的所做所为没有表示出什么遗憾，这倒是合了她的想法；他毫无忏悔之意，信的风格也是盛气凌人。信里充满的全是他平日的傲慢和无礼。 但是在她读到关于威科汉姆先生的这段文字时，当她用一种较为清醒的注意力来读这儿的一连串的事件时——这些事件如果是真实的，必然会推翻他在她心目中留下的一切美好的看法，而且这些事件与他自己讲述的个人经历有着惊人的相似之处——她的感情更是感到了剧烈的痛苦，更是难以加以界定。惊愕，疑虑，甚至是恐惧压迫在她的心头。她希望能把这一笔勾销掉，她不住口地嚷着，“这一定是假的！事情决不可能会是这样！这一定是那种最蛮横的欺骗！”——她把信整个儿读完以后，尽管连最后一两页上写的是什么也记不起来了，可还是急急地将信收了起来，发誓她不再理会它，永远不再去读它了。 就这样心烦意乱地，她朝前走着，脑子里什么也不能想；不过这样也不行，不到半分钟的工夫，信又被打开了，她振作起了精神，开始仔细读有关威科汉姆先生的那一段令她心碎的文字，逼着自己去玩味每一句话的意思。其中讲到威科汉姆跟彭伯利这一家关系的那一部分，正跟威科汉姆先生自己讲得一样，过世的达西先生对他的疼爱，尽管她以前并不知道这疼爱有多深，和他自己所述的很是相符。到这里为止，双方所说的都可以相互印证，可是当她读到有关遗嘱的部分时，两人所讲的可就大不相同了。 威科汉姆说到牧师俸禄的那些话，伊丽莎白还记忆犹新；她一想起他的那些话，就不免感到这里有一个是说了假话的；有一阵子，她倒颇为得意地觉得自己的想法不会有错。可是当她又极其细心地一读再读读到威科汉姆借口放弃牧师职位从而获得了三千英磅的款项等细节时，她又不由得踌躇起来。她放下了那封信，想不偏不倚地把每一种情形好好地思量一番——把每一方陈述的可信程度仔细地推敲一下——可也无济于事。双方都只是各陈己见。接着她又读了起来，末了，这样的一个寓意从字里行间里显豁起来：她本来以为任凭达西先生怎样狡辩也不可能使他不蒙受耻辱的行为，却能够出现一个转折，使他在整个事件中势必变得无可指谪。 达西先生毫不隐讳地指责威科汉姆先生的挥霍无度和放荡不羁，叫伊丽莎白非常的吃惊；又因为她没有证据给人家以驳斥，她便越发地感到惊骇。在威科汉姆先生进入某郡的民团以前，她从来也没有听说过他，何况他参加民团也是纯属偶然，在城里碰上了一个只有几面之交的年轻人，稍经人家劝说便进了军营。 关于他以前的生活和为人，除了他在哈福德郡告诉给她的那一些，便一概不知了。至于他的真实和品性，即便她可以打听得到，她也从来没有想到要去探询一下。他的面容，他的声音和举止，叫人一眼看上去就觉得他身上具备了每一种美德。她试着想要记起一两件能体现他的美好品德的事实，想起他的一些为人诚实友善的明显特征，以便把他从达西先生的攻击当中解救出来；或者，至少通过他的显著的优点能把这些偶然犯的错误弥补起来，这里她在努力把达西先生称之为是多年的游手好闲的恶习划归到偶尔的错误一类。 可是没有这样的一些回忆来救助她。她能看到他活生生的就在眼前，风度翩翩，谈吐迷人；但是除了邻里们的泛泛赞扬和他的善于交际为他赢得的同伴们的尊敬外，再也记不起他有什么实质性的优点了。在这样思考了一阵子后，她又读起了信。可是天啊！下面讲到的他对达西小姐的企图，不是从昨天早晨她和费茨威廉上校的谈话中，便可得到些许的证实了吗？信上最后要她就这些细节的真实与否，去问问费茨威廉上校本人——以前她就听他说起过他对表兄的一切事情都很了解，同时对费茨威廉上校的人格她也没有理由怀疑。有一阵子工夫，她都几乎下定了决心要去问他了，可是一想到这一问会有多少的尴尬也就打住了，最后再一想达西先生如果事先对他表弟的合作没有把握他是决不会贸然提出这个建议的，于是干脆就全打消了这个念头。 伊丽莎白还清楚地记得在菲利普先生家的那天夜晚，她自己和威科汉姆初次见面和谈话的情形。他的许多话儿现在仍然清晰地留在她的记忆里。于是她突然想到，他跟一个陌生人讲这样的话是多么唐突，她奇怪她以前为什么就没有看出来。她现在觉得他那样津津乐道地谈自己是多么的不雅，而且他的言行又是多么的不符，她记起他曾吹嘘说他根本不怕见到达西先生——达西先生要离开乡下他尽管走好了，他可决不肯离开这儿；可是下个星期在尼塞费尔德举办的舞会他却没有敢去参加。她还记着，在尼塞费尔德一家没有搬走以前，他把他的身世只告诉了她一个人；可是在那家人走了以后，这件事儿就到处传开了；虽然他曾经向她说过，对达西先生的父亲的尊重总是使他不愿意暴露他儿子的过失，可是他在贬低达西先生的人格时却是那么的无所保留和无所顾忌。 凡是有关他的事情，现在看起来都完全变了个样儿！他对金小姐的青睐现在看来，纯粹是出于令人可厌的金钱上的考虑；金小姐的财富不多，不再证明是他的欲望适中，而是证明他想贪婪地抓住一切东西。他以待她自己的那些行为现在看来，也不可能有什么好的动机；他不是错误地估计了她的钱财，便是为了满足他的虚荣心，而故意怂恿她不小心流露出的对他的情意。对他的每一点好感现在都变得越来越弱了；还能进一步说明达西先生清白的是，她不禁又想起了当吉英问到彬格莱时，彬格莱先生所说的达西先生在这件事情上毫无过失的话；想起了自从他们认识以来(特别是最近以来他们经常见面，对他的种种行为有了较深切的了解)，她从来没有在他身上看到过任何邪恶或是行为放荡的地方，尽管他的举止言谈显得高傲和令人生厌。 而且他的亲友们都很尊敬和器重他——甚至连威科汉姆也承认他是一个好兄长，她也不是经常听他那么亲切地谈到他的小妹，证明人家也能有 一些温柔的感情吗？如果达西先生的行为果真像威科汉姆所说的那样，他的种种胡作非为难道还能瞒过天下人的耳目不成；再且他既然是那样的一个人，又如何能跟像彬格莱先生这样的好人交成那么亲密的朋友呢？ 她越想越为自己感到羞愧——不论是想达西还是想起威科汉姆，她都不能不觉得她自己是盲目、荒唐、存有偏见和不公正的了。 “是我自己做得多么不好啊！”她不禁喊了出来，“我，一个自诩为善于识别是非好坏的人！我，一个一向看重自己能力的人！常常看不起姐姐的那种宽大胸怀，每每操着一种对一切都不信任的眼光，来满足自己的虚荣心——这一发现多么叫人感到丢脸！可是这一丢脸又丢得应该！即便是我真的坠入了情网，我也不可能做得比这更糊涂了。然而是虚荣而不是爱情，使我变得如此的愚蠢。在刚刚认识了这两位男子的时候，我便为一个人喜欢我而感到得意，为另一个冷落我而感到气恼，在对待他们两个人的问题上，我与偏见和无知为盟，而驱赶走了理智。直到现在，我才恍然大悟。” 从她自己想到吉英——从吉英想到了彬格莱，顺着这样的一条思路，叫她很快记起了达西先生对这件事的解释还显得理由不太充分；于是她又把信读了一遍。这第二遍的细读，效果有很大的不同。她既然在第二件事情上不得不相信了人家，又怎么能在第一件事上不相信人家的陈述呢？他声称他自己完全没有看出她姐姐对彬格莱的感情，这使她不由得想起卡洛蒂对她姐姐的一贯看法。她不能否认，他对吉英的描述并没有错。她认为吉英的感情虽然炽烈，可却很少流露出来，她举止神态中常有的那种娴适自得，每每让人很难看出她的真情。 当她读到关于她家里人的那一段时，其中措词固然伤人然而批评得却很中肯，于是她越发感到了羞愧。那一切入肌肤的有理有据的指责叫她否认不得，他特意提到的在尼塞费尔德舞会上她家里人的种种表现，(是他起初反对这门亲事的原因)，不仅是他难以忘怀，而且使她也同样难以忘记。 信中对她自己和她姐姐的赞扬，她当然体会到了。这使她感到了些许的慰藉，但是却安慰不了她为家人不争气而招来别人小看所感受到的羞辱；当她考虑到吉英的失望事实上是由她自己的亲人一手造成，想到她们姐妹俩的优点，由于家人行为的不检点而受到多大的损失时，她感到一种从来没有过的沮丧。她沿着小路徘徊了两个钟头，前前后后地左思右想，脑子里重新过着这些事情，判定着它们的可能性和合理性，尽可能地说服自己去适应这么一个巨大、突然的变化；最后，她的身子感到疲惫了，又想到自己出来已久，便往家走去。她进到房里时，努力显出像平常一样高兴的样子，极力抑制下去她的思绪，免得谈起话来露出不自然的神情。 她回来后立刻有人告她说，在她出去的这段时间里，有罗新斯的两位先生分别来看过她了；达西先生只待了几分钟，说是来辞行的，费茨威廉上校则至少跟她们坐了一个钟头，希望等到她回来，有一会儿他甚至决定非要出去找到她不可了。伊丽莎白对没有见到他装出了一付惋惜的样子；可实际上她却为此而感到庆幸。费茨威廉上校不再是她向往的一个目标了，她脑子里装着只是这封信。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第43章 那两位先生第二天早晨就离开了罗新斯；科林斯先生一直在房门附近等着行他的送别之礼；礼毕回到家来高兴地告诉她们说，两位贵宾虽说刚刚从罗新斯那儿出来受了离别之苦，可是看上去身体却很健康，精神状态也不错。说完他又急忙赶到罗新斯却安慰凯瑟琳夫人和她的女儿；归来时他得意洋洋地带回了夫人的口信，说是她觉得很沉闷，非常想让他们全家一起去同她吃饭。 伊丽莎白在见到凯瑟琳夫人时便不由得想到，如果她要是愿意的话，她这个时候已经是作为夫人将来的侄媳妇出现在她面前了；她也不由得想到这位贵夫人该会怎样的气愤。“她会说些什么呢？她将会如何地发作呢？”这些问题倒叫她觉得不无乐趣。 宾主们见面后的第一个话题便是，罗新斯少了几位贵人。“说实话，我真为此感到十分的难过，”凯瑟琳夫人说，“我相信谁也不会像我这样强烈地感受到他们的离去。我特别喜欢这两位年轻人；而且知道他们也十分喜欢我——他们离开时非常难过！他们一向都是如此。那位可爱的上校到最后总算是打起了精神；可达西却似乎一直都是那么的痛苦，我觉得他比去年离开时痛苦得多。他对罗新斯的依恋无疑是一年比一年深了。” 科林斯先生这时插进了一句恭维的话儿，母女俩听了后都中意地笑了。 吃过中饭以后，凯瑟琳夫人发现班纳特小姐的心情似乎不是那么的好，她以为伊丽莎白是不愿意这么快就回家去才显得这样，于是她说： “你如果不想这么快就回去，你就给你母亲写封信，请求她让你再住些日子好啦。我相信科林斯夫人会很高兴你再住些时候的。” “对你的盛情挽留我非常感激，”伊丽莎白说，“可是我无法接受——我必须在下星期六赶回伦敦去。” “哎哟，这么说来，你在这儿只能停留六个星期了。我本来希望你能住上两个月的，在你没来以前我就这样跟科林斯夫人说过。你不必这么快就要离去。班纳特夫人肯定会同意你再住上两个星期的。” “可是我父亲不同意——他上星期就来信催我回去了。” “噢！只要你母亲同意了，你父亲肯定不会有意见的——女儿对父亲从来也不会有那么重要。如果你能再待上一个月，我就可以把你们中的一个顺便捎回伦敦，因为六月初的时候我也要到那儿待上一个星期；道森(驾车人——译者注)既不反对驾四轮马车，那带上你们中的一个是很宽裕的——而且，如果天气要是凉爽，我愿意把你们两个人都带回去，好在你们个儿都不太大。” “你太好了，夫人；不过，我们还是必须按原来的计划赶回去。” 凯瑟琳夫人似乎不愿再强留了。 “科林斯夫人，你要派个仆人去送送她们。你知道我是想到什么就说什么的，我不能容忍让两个年轻姑娘自己赶这么远的路。这样显得太不雅了。你一定是想办法打发个人送送她们，我最看不惯的就是这样的事——年轻小姐们总是应该根据她们的身份给予适当的照顾和护卫的。去年夏天当我的姨侄女儿乔治安娜要到拉姆斯盖时，我非得要她有两个男仆陪着不可——这位达西小姐，她身为彭伯利达西先生和安娜夫人的千金，如果不这样做倒要显得有失体面了——我对于这一类事情是特别留意的。你一定得派约翰送两位小姐，科林斯夫人。我很高兴我想到并告诉了你这一点，因为如果是让她们两个自己走了，那于你来说也是很丢面子的。” “我舅舅会差人来接我们的。” “噢！你的舅舅！他有男仆吗？我很高兴你能有人替你想到这些事情。你们打算在哪儿换马呢？哦！当然是在布罗姆莱啦。你们只要在贝尔驿站提提我的名字，你们便会得到关照。” 凯瑟琳夫人还提出了许多有关她们旅途中的别的事儿，因为并不是所有的问题都是她能自问自答的，这就需要你用心去听，伊丽莎白对这一点倒是觉得庆幸；否则的话，她老是想着她的心事，难免会走神的。这些心事必须留到她单独一个人的时候再想；每逢她独自一个人时，她就翻来复去地把它们想个痛快；每天出来独自散步的时候，她便将自己尽兴地沉浸在这些不愉快的思绪之中。 达西先生的这封信，她很快就熟记于心了。她仔细琢磨着信中的每一句话，她对待这位写信人的感情变化起伏很大。当她记起他的笔调口吻时，她仍然感到义愤填膺；可是当她想到对他的谴责和訾议是多么的不公正时，她的愤怒便转向了她自己；他求婚受挫的失望情绪倒变成了她同情的对象。他的爱情引起了她的感激，他的人格唤起了她的尊重；不过，让她爱慕他却不可能；对拒绝他的求爱，她从不曾有一刻后悔过，她也从没有产生过再想见到他的愿望。对她自己过去的行为，她常常感到苦恼和悔恨；她家人的种种叫人懊丧的缺点 ，更是使她感到深深的愧疚的一个原因。他们的毛病无可救药。她的父亲只是满足于对这些过失嘲笑一通，而从来也懒得去管一管他的这几个小女儿的轻佻作风；她的母亲自己身上的缺点就不老少，对坏的习气全然无所察觉。伊丽莎白常常和吉英在一起，想去努力遏止凯瑟琳和丽迪雅的冒失无礼，可是因为有母亲对她的纵容，要她们改进谈何容易。凯瑟琳性情懦弱，容易焦躁，完全受着丽迪雅的支配，一听到两位姐姐的劝告，就觉得受到了冒犯；丽迪雅则是任性放纵，对她们的话更是听也不听。这两个妹妹既懒惰无知，又爱虚荣。 只要麦里屯来了军官，她们就去跟人家调情；只要麦里屯和浪博恩相隔不远，她们是不会停止往那边跑的。 为吉英担忧，是她的另一大心事，达西先生的解释使她恢复了她以前对彬格莱的印象，却也使她更深刻地感受到了吉英损失的巨大。彬格莱的感情证明是真诚的，他的行为不应该受到任何谴责，除非是有人说他对自己的朋友过分信任了一点儿。一想到是由于她自己家人的愚昧和有失检点，从而断送了吉英的这么一桩从各方面来说都是如此理想、如此优越、如此有望获得幸福的婚约，伊丽莎白就痛心万分！ 当在这些思绪之中又加进去关于威科汉姆这个人的人品问题时，伊丽莎白的那一向很少有过消沉时候的快乐心境，现在会受到多大的影响(以致使她不能保持表面上的一种欢乐)，便是可想而知的了。 在她临走前的这一个星期里，她们到罗新斯的践约还像她们初来到这儿时那么频繁。连最后的一个晚上也是在那儿度过的；这位贵人再一次详细地询问了她们旅程中的种种细节，指示她们应该如何打点行李，尤其是衣服必须怎样放置才对，这些命令似的叮嘱，使得玛丽雅回来后，又把早晨已整好的箱子打开重新整理了一遍。 她们告别的时候，凯瑟琳夫人不惜纡尊降贵，祝愿她们旅途愉快，请她们明年再到汉斯福德来；德·包尔小姐甚至还向她们行了屈膝礼，并且和她们两个握了手。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第44章 星期六早晨伊丽莎白和科林斯先生早几分钟到了早餐厅，那时别的人都还没有来，他赶紧抓住这个机会，向她行他认为是绝对必要的道别之仪。 “伊丽莎白小姐，”他说，“我不知道科林斯夫人是否已经对你来看我们的一片好意表达了她的感激，不过我确信她是不会不向你表示一番谢意就让你离开这所房子的。说实在的，你的到来可以说是使寒舍蓬荜生辉，我们自知舍下寒伧，无人乐意下榻。我们简朴的生活方式，我们的斗室陋屋，寥若晨星的侍仆，再加上我们的孤陋寡闻，一定使像你这样的一位小姐感到汉斯福德这地方非常的乏味了；不过我希望你能相信，我们对你这次赏脸是很感激的，我们是竭尽了我们的微薄之力，来让你过得能稍稍愉快一点儿的。” 伊丽莎白连声地表示着感谢，急切地说她这六个星期过得非常快活，与卡洛蒂一起度过的愉快时光以及她所受的热情款待，的确使她觉得非常美好。科林斯先生大为满意，他的笑容里添了几分庄严，回答道： “听到你说你过得并没有不称心，真使我感到万分的高兴。我们总算尽到了心意；而且最幸运的是我们能够将你介绍进了上流社会，由于我们跟罗新斯家的关系，使你能经常地跟她往来，改换一下这简陋的环境，凭此我想我们可以欣慰地说，你的这趟汉斯福斯之行不是完全令你失望的。我们与凯瑟琳夫人家的关系的确使我们处于非常优越的位置，这种福份是很少人有的。你可以看出我们是处于什么样的地位。你可以看出我们到那边的作客是何等的频繁。老实说，尽管我们这寒酸的牧师住宅有诸多的不便，我可不认为来这屋里住的人是倒楣，只要他们能跟我们分享罗新斯那边的盛情美意。” 语言还不足以表达他那激奋高昂的情绪；他不住地在屋子里来回踱着步，这是对伊丽莎白说了几句既是出于礼貌又是出于真情的话。 “我亲爱的表妹，你确实可以把我们的好运气到哈福德郡那里宣传宣传，我认为你是会这样做的。凯瑟琳夫人对科林斯太太的关怀备至，你是天天亲眼目睹的；我完全相信你朋友的婚姻看起来是幸运的——不过对这一点还是不说为好。我要告诉你的是，我亲爱的伊丽莎白小姐，我从心底里诚挚地祝愿你将来的婚姻也能同样地幸福。我的卡洛蒂和我真是情投意合。在每一件事情上，我们的思想和性情都表现出惊人的一致。我们似乎是天造地设的一对。” 伊丽莎白只能恭维地说，他们夫妇如此相处真是幸福无边，进而诚恳地说道，她完全相信他的家庭生活过得非常舒心，她很为此感到高兴。不过，当被他们说到的这位太太走了进来，从而打断了她的这番话儿时，伊丽莎白并不觉得遗憾。可怜的卡洛蒂！让她跟这样的一个男人相厮相守，好不令人悲哀！可是这毕竟是她睁大眼睛自己挑选的道路；虽然为客人们的走她也不免感到难过，可是她却似乎不要人怜悯。她的安乐窝，她的家务活，她的家禽以及这儿教区的生活，凡此种种都还没有失去对她的吸引力呢。 最后马车终于来了，箱子都捆在了车顶，包裹都放到车厢里，一切都准备好了。在朋友们之间进行了一番亲热的道别之后，伊丽莎白由科林斯陪着走到车子那儿去，在他们走过花园的时候，科林斯先生要她代他向她全家人问好，同时也没有忘了感谢他去年冬天在浪博恩时所受到的款待，没有忘了让她代问嘉丁纳夫妇好，其实他根本就没有和他们见过面。随后他将她扶上了车，玛丽亚跟着也上去了，正待车门关上的当儿，他脸上突然出现一阵惊慌，提醒她们道，她们忘了给罗新斯的太太小姐们留言告别了。 “不过”，他接着说，“你们当然希望让我把你们谦恭的问候转达给她们啦，并对这些日子她们对你们的热心款待表示感谢喽。” 伊丽莎白没有反对——门这才让被关上了，马车出发了。 “天啊！”在一会儿的沉默后玛丽亚喊道，“我们来这儿好像只住了一两天似的！可是有多少的事情发生过了呀！” “的确是不少。”伊丽莎白叹息着说。 “我们到罗新斯赴过九次宴，另外还喝过两次茶！我回去有多少东西要讲啊！” 伊丽莎白心中暗暗地说：“我有多少事情须埋在心底啊。” 她们一路上各想各的心事，没有多说话儿，也没有受到什么惊吓；在离开汉斯福德四个小时后他们到了嘉丁纳先生的住宅，在这里她们将要留住几日。吉英的身体看上去不错，因为好心的舅妈为她们的到来安排了各种各样的活动，伊丽莎白也就无暇去他细观察吉英的情绪了。好在吉英就要和她一同回家了，到了浪博恩有的是时间来做这种观察。同时，要耐住性子，等回到浪博恩后再告诉姐姐达西先生向她求婚的事儿，也不是那么容易做得到的。知道她自己能说出让吉英不胜惊讶的事情，知道说出之后将能多么大地满足她那理智迄今不能克服掉的虚荣心，真是有着莫大的诱她开口的魔力，只是由于她一时还定不下来，她应该把秘密透露到什么样的程度，只是因为她担心一旦谈了起来难免牵扯到彬格莱身上叫姐姐更加伤心，她才守住了口。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第45章 在五月的第二个星期里，三位年轻的小姐从天恩寺街一起出发了，先到哈福德郡的某某镇去；当她们抵达班内特，接她们的马车将等在那儿的一个小客店时，她们就看到吉蒂和丽迪雅从楼上的餐厅里望了出来，这表明车夫已经准时到了。这两位姑娘已经在这儿待了一个多钟头，高高兴兴地逛了一回对面帽子商店，看了看站岗的哨兵，又调制了一些胡瓜色拉。 在欢迎了她们的两位姐姐后，她们便一面得意洋洋地摆出一桌子一个小客栈里通常所能提供的冷盘来，一面嚷着：“这些菜怎么样呢？你们想也没想到吧？” “我们俩本想请你们吃顿饭的，”丽迪雅说，“不过你们必须先借给我们钱，因为我们刚刚在对面的商店里把带着的钱都花光了。”说着便拿出了买下的东西，“瞧，我买了这顶帽子。我并不觉得它好看；只是我想买一顶也好。我回去就把它拆开重新做一下，看看能不能比现在好一些。” 姐姐们都说这顶帽子难看，她却毫不在乎地说：“噢！那家店铺里还有两三顶更难看的帽子呢。待我买上一点儿颜色漂亮的缎子把它重新装饰一下，我想就能看得过去了。何况，今年夏天我们姑娘家们要怎样地穿戴打扮已经没有多大的意义了，因为我们郡的民团在两星期之内就要离开麦里屯啦。” “真是这样吗？”伊丽莎白大声地问，感到了一种极大的解脱。 “他们要开拔到布利屯地区去；我真想叫爸爸带我们一起到那儿度夏！这将会是一个很好的安排，或许也花不了多少钱。妈妈也非常愿意去！不然的话，我们将会度过一个多么苦闷难熬的夏天啊！” “是的，”伊丽莎白想，“这可真是个好安排，马上就会要我们的好看的。天啊！布利屯和它那整营整营的官兵，我们怎能受得了！只是麦里屯的一个小小民团和每个月的几次舞会，便已经把我们搞得晕头转向了。” “嗨，现在我有条消息要告诉你你，”当她们在桌子坐了下来后丽迪雅说，“你们猜猜看什么？这是一条非常好的消息，说的是我们大家都喜欢的一个人。” 吉英和伊丽莎白相互看了看对方，吩咐那个待者退下了。丽迪雅见此笑着说： “哎呀，你们也真是太谨慎太讲规矩了。你们以为一定不能让这个跑堂的听，好像人家在乎这消息似的！我敢说，他平常听到的要比我这儿说的话丑陋得多呢。不过他长得太丑啦！他走开了也好，我生平还没有见过他那样长的下巴。喂，现在我来讲我的新闻了：它是关于亲爱的威科汉姆；这样好的消息不该叫跑堂的听，不是吗？这里再也没有威科汉姆要娶金小姐的危险了。这一回该轮上你了！金小姐已经上利物浦她叔叔那儿去住了。威科汉姆现在安全了。” “金小姐也安全了！” 伊丽莎白补充说，“摆脱了一桩只为钱财的鲁莽婚姻。” “如果她喜欢他，那她走开可真是太傻了。” “我希望他们双方都还没有太深的感情。”吉英说。 “我相信，在他这方面肯定没有，我敢担保他从来也没有把她放在过心上，谁会看得上这么一个令人讨厌的满脸雀斑的小东西呢？” 尽管她自己怎么也不会说出这么粗鲁的话来，可是这种粗鲁的想法以前却是在她心中常常玩味着的，想到这一点，伊丽莎白不禁吃了一惊。 吃过了饭， 姐姐付了帐，马车便准备好了；经过了一番安排，所有的人，连同她们的箱子、针线包、包裹，连吉蒂和丽迪雅的那些刚买的不受欢迎的小东西，才算都进了车子里。 “我们大家挤在一起多好啊！”丽迪雅嚷着，“我现在真高兴我买了那顶帽子，不为别的，就是为多一个盒子再挤一点，也觉得有趣呀！喂，让我们大家舒舒服服地依偎在一起，一路谈笑着回家吧。首先，还是让我们来听听，你们离家以后所遇到的事情吧。你们碰到过中意的男人吗？你们和他们调情了吗，我原满心希望着你们这次回来的时候，有一个已找到丈夫了。吉英很快就会成一个老姑娘啦，我敢说。她已经是二十三岁啦！天啊，我要是到二十三岁的时候还没有结婚，我会羞愧死的！菲利浦姨妈要你们赶快找丈夫，你们没想到吧。她说丽萃还不如找了科林斯先生的好；不过我可不认为那会有多有趣。天啊！我真想赶在你们之前结了婚，那样的话我就可以领着你们去参加各种舞会了。 哎哟！我们那天在弗斯特上校家里才过得有趣呢。吉蒂和我那天都准备在那儿玩一整天，弗斯特太太答应晚上开个小型舞会；哦，我和弗斯特太太是极要好的朋友哪！她请了哈林顿家的两位来参加，可是海丽特病了，所以佩思小姐只得自个儿来了；你们猜我们怎么说来着？我们给钱伯莱恩穿上女人的衣服，把他扮成了个女的，想想这么多有趣！除了上校，弗斯特太太，吉蒂和我以及姨妈外，谁也不知道；说到姨妈，那也是我们不得不开口跟她借衣服时她才知道的；你简直想象不出他穿上女人衣服有多帅！当丹尼、威科汉姆、普拉特和另外两三个男人们走进来时，他们一点儿也没能认出他来。天啊！我笑得都前仰后合了！弗斯特太太也是如此。我简直要笑得透不过气来了。这才叫男人们起了疑心，不久他们便发现出是怎么一回事了。” 谈着这样的一些晚会上的故事和别的笑话，再加上吉蒂的从中插科打诨，丽迪雅一路上都叫大家很开心。伊丽莎白尽量地不去听它，可是常常提到的威科汉姆的名字总是往她耳朵里钻。 她们在家里受到了最热情的欢迎。班纳特夫人看到吉英的美貌丝毫未减，感到格外的高兴；在吃中饭的时候，班纳特先生有好几次不由自主地跟伊丽莎白说： “你回来了我真高兴，丽萃。” 在餐厅吃饭的人可不少，因为几乎所有鲁卡斯家的都来看玛丽亚和打探消息了：她们要问的题目真是各种各样的；鲁卡斯夫人正在问桌子对面的玛丽亚她的大女儿生活得可好，鸡鸭养得多不多；班纳特夫人则是两头忙乎，向坐在她这一边的吉英打听到了伦敦现在的时尚，便又赶忙把它们告诉了坐在她那一边的鲁卡斯家的小女儿们；丽迪雅的嗓门比谁的都大，正在把今天早晨的乐事儿一一讲给任何一个愿意听上一听的人。 “噢！玛丽，”她说，“你要是也跟我们一块儿去就好了，我们玩得可痛快了！在我们去的路上，吉蒂和我放下了车帘，假装车里没有坐人；要不是吉英后来晕车，我们一路上都会是这样的；在我们到了乔治客店以后，我以为我们干得也相当漂亮，因为我们用世界上美味的冷盘招待了她们三个；要是你也去了，我们当然也会招待你的。我们回来的时候就更有趣啦！我原想这么一辆车怎么也装不下我们的。我真要笑死了。然后是回家的一路上我们的快乐！我们大声地说，尽兴地笑，人们在十里之外也能听得到我们！” 对这一席话，玛丽非常严肃地回答道：“我的好妹妹，不是我故意地要扫你们的兴。这些快乐对于一般的女子来说，一定能投合她们的喜好了。可是坦率地说，它们于我却没有丝毫的吸引力。我觉得读书要比这有趣得多。” 不过，丽迪雅却并没有听到这一番回答。她听谁的话也几乎听不了半分钟，对玛丽的话她更是从来也没有听过。 到了下午的时候，丽迪雅跟其他的几个女孩便急着要上麦里屯去看那边的朋友；可是伊丽莎白坚决反对这一计划。她不愿意听别的飞短流长，说班纳特家的姑娘们回了家还不到半天便去追军官们了。她的反对还有另外一个原因，她害怕再见到威科汉姆，决心尽可能地避免和他见面，民团即将要开拔的消息对她是个极大的安慰。他们不出两个星期就要走了，一旦走了后，她希望她便不会因威科汉姆的事再受到折磨了。 她到家时间不久便发现，丽迪雅在小客店里曾提到过的那个布利屯之行的计划，在她的父母中间经常被谈起。伊丽莎白一眼便看出，她的父亲丝毫也没有让步的意思，可是他的回答同时又是含糊不清的，所以她的母亲虽然几次碰了钉子，可却始终没有放弃成功的希望。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第46章 伊丽莎白再也抑制不住她渴望告诉吉英的心情了；最后，在她决定对有关她姐姐的一切细节避而不谈后，于第二天早晨她向吉英讲述了在达西先生和她自己身上发生的事情，想着吉英肯定会吃惊的。 班纳特小组听后所感到的惊奇，很快就被她对妹妹的那颗强烈的爱心给减弱了，这种偏爱使她觉得无论别人对伊丽莎白有怎样的爱慕之情都是非常自然的；接着其他的感情便代替了惊奇。她替达西先生惋惜，觉得他不应该用一种与求爱极不相合的方式来倾诉衷情；但更使她难过的是，妹妹的拒绝会给他造成多大的痛苦。 “他那么自信你会接受他，是不对的，”吉英说，“他无疑是不应该表现出这种态度来的；可是也正因为如此，他的失望该会有多大啊！” “是的，”伊丽莎白回答说，“我心里很替他难过；不过，他的其他各种感情很快便会把他对我的爱给冲淡的。你总不会怪我拒绝了他吧？” “怪你？噢，不会的。” “可是，你一定会责怪我那样卖力地给威科汉姆说话的。” “不会—我觉不出你说的话里有什么错。” “可是你会看出来的，待我把第二天发生的事儿告诉了你以后。” 于是她讲到了那封信，把有关乔治·威科汉姆的部分都一五一十地说了遍。对善良的吉英来说，这是多么残酷的打击啊！她这一生决不愿意相信，在我们人类中间会存在着像集于现在这个人身上的这么多的邪恶。虽然给达西先生的昭雪使她感到了一些慰藉，可是却平抚不了这一邪恶的发现带来的创伤，她竭心尽力地想证明出这里面可能是有了误会，极力想为一个人开脱，而又不牵扯到另一个人。 “这是不可能的，”伊丽莎白说，“你永远也不能够说他们两个人都是清白的。进行选择吧，只选择出一个你较为满意的来。在他们俩中间就仅有这么多的优点；只刚刚够一个人的；这些天来，这些优点一直在他们两个人身上变来换去。在我看来，我现在是倾向于相信达西先生是对的。不过你可以有自己的选择。” 只是过了好一会儿后，吉英的脸上才勉强露出了一丝微笑。 “这是我平生感到最为震惊的一回。”她说。 “威科汉姆原来这么坏！这几乎叫人不敢相信。可怜的达西先生！亲爱的丽萃，你且想一想他会多么痛苦。遭受了这么大的失望！得知你是这么地看不起他！而且不得不把他妹妹的隐私道了出来！这的确有点太熬煎他了。我相信你也一定对此感觉到了吧。” “啊！不，看到你这样待他们两个，我的懊悔和同情都没有了。我知道你会多多地给他说公道话的，所以我倒变得越来越不太关心和无所谓了。你的四溢的同情心省下了我的；要是你再这样子为他叹息下去，我的心就会轻快的像羽毛一样飞起来啦。 “可怜的威科汉姆；他的面容显得那么善良！他的风度那么的开朗温雅。” “在这两位年轻人的教育上，一定是出了什么大的差错。一个是所有的优点都藏在内里，另一个是都表现在了面上。” “你以前惯于认为达西先生在仪表风度上欠缺，我可从来不这么想。” “不过我倒以为，我以前无缘无故地对他就那么地不喜欢，是想表现出一种非同一般的聪明。这样地不喜欢一个人，可以刺激起一个人的才分，开启一个人的心智。一个人不停地谩骂当然说不出什么公正的话来；可是在你对一个人总是抱取笑态度的时候，你有时却可能碰上一句切中利弊的话。” “丽萃，在你第一次读那封信的时候，我相信你一定不能像现在这样来对待它。” “的确，我不能。我当时的心情就够不好受的了。可以说是非常的不快活。我心里有许多感触，可是找不到人倾诉，没有吉英来安慰我，说我并不像我自己所知道的那样懦弱，虚荣和荒唐！啊！我当时是多么需要你呀！” “你跟达西先生说到威科汉姆的时候，使用了那么多激烈的词语，这真是多么的不幸啊！因为这些话现在看来都是完全不该说的。” “的确如此。我当时说话那么恶毒，是我一直对我头脑中的偏见进行纵容的最自然的结果。这儿有一点，我想听听你的意见。你说我该不该把威拉汉姆的品行告诉给我们的朋友们。” 班纳特小姐想了一会儿后说道：“这儿无疑没有那种非要暴露出他来的理由。你的意见如何呢？” “我也觉得这样做不妥。达西先生并没有允许我把他的话公布于众。相反，有关他妹妹的事儿，他都叮嘱我丝毫也不要吐露出去；如果我只讲威科汉姆其他方面的品行来说服众人，谁又会相信我呢？大家对达西先生的偏见是那么的深，你要叫人们对他改变看法，恐怕麦里屯有一半人死也不愿意。我没有办法说服众人。威科汉姆很快就要走了；他到底是一个什么样的人，与这儿的任何人关系不大了。过些时候，一切都会真相大白的，那时我们就可以取笑人们的事先毫无察觉了。眼下我宁愿只字不提。” “你说得很对，将他的错误公开出来，会永远毁了他的一生的。现在，他或许已经对他所做的事后悔了，渴望要去重新做人呢。我们不必搞得他绝望。 伊丽莎白烦乱的思想，经过这次谈话得到了很大的平静。她已经去掉了这两个星期来一直压在她心头的秘密，而且她确信，只要她再想谈到这两个题目的时候，吉英一定会愿意听的。可是这儿还有一件事藏在她心底，为了慎重起见她还不敢说出来。她还不敢提到达西先生的信的另一半内容，也不敢向姐姐解释，他的那位朋友对她是多么地看重，这是不能跟任何人分享的东西；她觉得除非是当事人各方之间达成了完全的谅解，她才能把这最后一个秘密的包袱给甩掉了。“到那个时候，”她想，“如果是那件不大可能发生的事(指吉英和彬格莱的婚姻——译者注)竟然变成了事实，我便可以把这个秘密说出来了，不过到那时让彬格莱先生自己说出来也许会更动听。在这一隐情未失去它的效用之前，我决不能轻易地把它给透露出去。” 现在既然已经到了家，她便有时间来观察她姐姐的真实心情了。吉英并不快活，她对彬格莱仍然怀着脉脉深情。因为在这以前她从来不曾品味过恋爱的滋味，她的感情具有初恋时的所有的热烈，又由于她的年龄和性格关系，她比别人的初恋有着更大的执着性；她常常沉缅于对他的怀念之中，她把他看得比天下的任何一个别的男人都好，正因为此，她需要用她的全部理智，用对她朋友们的感情的最大尊重，才能遏止住她那惆怅心情的泛滥，这一全身心的抑制，一定对她自己的健康和她心境的恬静有所损害。 “哦，丽萃，”班纳特夫人有一天说，“你对吉英的这件伤心事怎么看呢？在我这方面，我是决心跟任何人都不再提起这件事了。我在前几天也这样告诉我妹妹了。我知道吉英在伦敦时连他的影子也没有见着。唉，他是个没有品行的年轻人——我想吉英这一辈子是再也没有指望得到他了。也没有人谈起他夏天会回到尼塞弗尔德来；我已经跟可能知道内情的人打问过了。” “我看他无论如何再也不会回到塞弗尔德来了。” “噢！随他的便吧，没有人想叫他回来。不过，我还是要说，他太对不起我的女儿啦；要是我是吉英，我就跟他没完。唉，现在能给我点儿安慰的只是，吉英如果心碎而死，他到时就会后悔他所干的事啦。” 可是伊丽莎白却不能从母亲的这种期望里得到安慰，所以她没有吭声。 “哦，丽萃，”她的母亲又接着叨叨了，“科林斯夫妇日子过得很不错，是吗？我但愿他们永远不错。他们每天的饭莱怎么样呢？我敢说，卡洛蒂是很会持家的。如果她有她妈妈的一半精明，她就能有点儿储蓄啦。我想，他们家里没有什么高的消费吧。” “不，一点也没有。” “肯定是兢兢业业地持家。没错，准是这样。小心翼翼地不让他们的支出超过收入。他们永远不会因为没钱花而烦恼的。我想，他们一定常常提到待你父亲死后收回浪博恩财产的事儿吧。要是这一天来了，我敢说，他们会把它据为自己有的。” “这个话题，他们在我面前没有谈过。” “是的。如果他们提到那倒显得怪了。不过我一点儿也不怀疑，他们在私下里一定常常谈起这件事。唔，如果他们有了这笔非法的财产能够心里坦荡，那就让他们去占吧。要是有这样的一笔财产给我，我才耻于接受呢。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第47章 她们回来的第一个星期就这样很快地过去了。第二个星期开始了。这是民团在麦里屯停留的最后日子啦，邻近所有的年轻姑娘们立刻一个个都垂头丧气起来。这种沮丧几乎是到处可见的。惟有班纳特家的两位大小姐还仍然能够照常时饮食起居，做他们平常爱做的事情。她们俩这一无动于衷常常受到吉蒂和丽迪雅的责备，因为她们自己已经伤心到了极点，她们不能容忍家里任何成员的这种铁石心肠。 “天啊！我们这一下可完了！我们以后该怎么办呢？”吉蒂和丽迪雅常常在她们的痛苦懊恼中发出这样的感叹，“丽萃，你现在怎么还能笑得出来呢？” 她们多愁善感的母亲同情她们的悲伤，她记得二十五年前她自己就经受过一回类似的痛苦。 “那一回，”她们的母亲说，“当米勒上校的那一个团调离的时候，我整整哭了两天两夜。我想我就要哭得心碎了。” “我相信我会痛苦得心碎的。”丽迪雅说。 “要是能去利屯就好啦！”班纳特夫人说。 “噢，是的！如果能去布利屯就好啦！可是爸爸一直不同意。” “一个海水澡就能叫我的精神永远好了起来。” “我姨妈菲力浦也说，海水浴对我的身体会很有好处的。”吉蒂接着说。 这便是在浪博恩家里整天价长吁短叹的话题儿。伊丽莎白想从心里对她们取笑一番，可是所有的愉悦之情都被羞耻感给淹没了。她重新感觉到达西先生对她家人的反对是有道理的，她现在第一次开始能原谅他对他朋友婚事上的干涉了。 不过丽迪雅的忧虑很快就被驱散了；因为她接到了民团上校的妻子弗斯特太太的邀请，要她陪她到布利屯去。这位丽迪雅的要好的朋友是一位非常年轻的女子，最近才刚刚结了婚。性情和精神上的酷似使她和丽迪雅很投合，经过三个月的相识，她们早已是一对密友了。 丽迪雅此时的狂喜，她对弗斯特太太的赞美，班纳特夫人的高兴以及吉蒂的沮丧，是读者自然可以想见的了。丝毫不顾及姐姐的心情，丽迪雅在屋子里高兴得乱蹦乱跳，让大家都来向她祝贺，谈笑的劲儿比以往任何时候都大；而倒霉的吉蒂则是一直在客厅里怨天尤人，发着脾气。 “我不明白弗斯特太太为什么不邀请我和丽迪雅一起去，”吉蒂说，“虽说我不是她的好朋友，我也一样有权利受到邀请，更何况我还比丽迪雅大两岁呢。” 伊丽莎白给她讲道理，吉英劝她不必生气，可她都不予理会。至于对伊丽莎白自己，这一邀请在她心中激起感情可跟她母亲和丽迪雅的完全不同，她担心这一去会把丽迪雅所还有的最起码的德性都给毁掉了；于是她禁不住暗地里劝说父亲不要让她去，尽管她这样做丽迪雅知道以后一定会恨她的。她跟父亲讲述了丽迪雅平常行为举止中所有有失检点的地方，说明与像弗斯特太太这样的女人交朋友毫无益处，而且让这样的一个朋友陪着在诱惑力比家里大得多的布利屯，丽迪雅说不定会干出什么样的蠢事。她的父亲在认真地听完她的话以后说： “丽迪雅不把自己在这样或那样的公众场合下露露脸亮亮相，她是永远不会安生的，她这次出去露脸，既不用家里的什么开销，也于家里没有什么不便，这正是我们所求之不得的呢。” “如果你要是知道。”伊丽莎白说，“丽迪雅那种招惹众人注目的冒失轻佻的行为会给我们全家带来多大的损害——其实我们已经受到影响了，我相信你在对待这件事上的态度就会不同了。” “已经受到影响了！”班纳特先生重复着，“哦，是不是她已经吓跑了你们的恋人了？我的可怜的小丽萃！你不必丧气。那些一点儿也不能容忍与谬误沾边的脆弱公子哥儿，可不值得你惋惜。来，告诉我那些由于丽迪雅的愚蠢行为而打了退堂鼓的可怜的小伙子们吧。” “你的确是误会了，爸爸，我并没有这样的损害要抱怨。我现在只是就一般而言的，并没有特别的所指。我们在世人面前的尊严以及我们的社会地位，都必定会由于丽迪雅的这种我行我素、放荡不羁和轻佻怪戾的性格而受到影响。请原谅我的爽直。如果你，我亲爱的父亲，不及早想法遏止她的这种狂野的性情，不开导她说她目前的胡乱调情不该是她一生的追求，她很快就会变得无可挽救了。她的性格很快就会成型，她会在十六岁的时候就成为一个十足的浪荡女子，弄得她自己和家人遭人耻笑。她的调情是趣味最低级的那一种；除了年轻和长得像个人样儿外，将一无可取；由于她的愚味无知和头脑空空，她疯狂地追求别人的爱慕，结果招来的只能是众人的鄙视。吉蒂也有这种危险，她紧紧追随着丽迪雅，爱虚荣、无知、怠惰，恣肆放纵！噢！我亲爱的父亲！难道你认为有这样的可能：她们走到哪里也不会受到众人的谴责和蔑视，她们的姐姐不会为此而常常丢脸吗？” 班纳特先生看得出来，伊丽莎白的整个身心都放到这个问题上了；他慈祥地握着她的手说： “不要为这件事不安，我的好女儿。你和吉英无论走到哪里，都会受到尊敬和器重的；你们不会因为有两个或三个不争气的妹妹，便减损了你们的光彩。如果不让丽迪雅去布利屯，我们浪博恩就会无安宁之日了，就叫她去吧。弗斯特上校是个明理识体的人，不会让她搞出什么恶作剧来的；她幸好也这么穷，不会成为别人追逐的对象。到了布利屯，她的调情会比这儿更不起什么作用的。那儿的军官们会找到更中意的女人。所以让我们希望，她这次的布利屯之行，或许能叫她认识到她自己在各方面的微不足道。她无论多坏，她不会坏到哪里去，我们总不能一辈子把她锁在家里吧。” 听了这番回答，伊丽莎白只能作罢了；可是她并没有改变她的意见，她失望而又怏怏不乐地离开了他。不过，再去想这些问题来增添她的烦恼，也不是她的性格。她自信她已经尽到了自己的责任，去为无法避免的危害担忧，或是用过分的焦虑去浇灌它们，不是她的天性。 假如丽迪雅和她母亲得知了伊丽莎白和她父亲之间的这场谈话，她们母女俩的愤慨一定会大得了不得的，就是一块儿骂上一顿也难以消气。在丽迪雅看来，这次布利屯之行囊括了人世间的一切可能有的幸福。她幻想着在那快乐的浴池附近，一条条的街道上到处都是军官们。她好像看见几十个素不相识的军官在向她大献殷勤。她仿佛看到了军营的宏伟壮观，一排排的整齐美观的营帐一直向远处延伸开去，那儿全是年轻快活的军人们，穿着耀人眼目的大红军服；她遐想着她就坐在这样的一个帐篷里，至少和六个军官在同时柔情蜜意地调情。 如果她要是知道了她姐姐硬是要把她从这般美好的憧憬和真实当中拉拽了回来，那她真不知道会怎样地发作呢。只有她母亲能够体会她这种心境，也许差不多还会跟她有同感吧。丽迪雅的布利屯之行是对她的惟一安慰了，在她郁郁不乐地确信她丈夫自己不打算做这趟旅行这后。 不过她们俩根本不知道发生的这一切；她们俩的欢喜一直不间断地持续到丽迪雅本人要动身的那一天。 伊丽莎白现在该和威科汉姆先生见最后一面了。她这次回来以后已跟他见过许多次面，因此不安的情绪早已消失了；她为以前对他有过情意而感到的烦恼也完全没有了。她甚至学会了从那一开始时讨得了她的欢心的文雅外表下面，看出了他的一种矫揉造作和类似于令人厌倦的东西。而且从他最近对待她的态度当中，她又感到一种新的不愉快，因为他很快就表现出一种想要重献殷勤的倾向，而这在经过了一番沧桑之后，只能是更易于激起她的反感。她一度发觉自己成了这样一个游手好闲的浪荡公子的追逐对象，便丧失了对他的一切兴趣；在她克制着她的这种感情不让它表露出来的同时，她却不能不感觉到一种对她自己的责备：他以为不管是有多长时间、不管是出于什么样的原因他不愿再理她了都可以，可是无论是什么时候只要他想重修旧好，他便再可得到的青睐，她的虚荣心便可再得到满足。 民团离开麦里屯的前一天，威科汉姆和几个军官来浪博恩家吃饭；伊丽莎白可不愿意这么好声好气地就送他走了，所以在他问到有关她在汉斯福德的生活情况时，她便提起弗茨威廉上校和达西先生两人也在罗新斯待了三个星期之久，并且问他认识不认识弗茨威廉上校。 他的脸上显出了惊愕、不悦和慌乱的神情；可是在稍许镇定了一下之后，他的脸上又现出了微笑，他回答说他从前常常见到弗茨威廉上校；在称赞了上校是个很有绅士风度的人之后，他问她是否喜欢这个人。她热情地回答说，她很喜欢他。接着他带着一付满不在乎的神气问道：“你刚刚说他在罗新斯待了多长时间？” “将近三个礼拜。” “你们常见面吗？” “是的，几乎是每天都见。” “他的风度和他表兄的大不相同。” “是的，非常不同。不过，认识久了我觉得达西先生也在改变。” “真是这样吗？！”威科汉姆喊道，他诧异的神情并没有逃过她的眼睛。“可以问一下吗？”说到这里，他止住了，然后换了一种愉快的声调说，“他是不是在谈吐方面有所改进了？他是不是出于礼貌改进了他平时的那种作派？因为我不敢奢望，” 他用一种更为严肃的语调小声说道：“他会在本质上变好起来。” “噢，不会！”伊丽莎白说，“在本质上，我相信，他还是跟过去完全一样。” 在她说话的当儿，威科汉姆似乎显得不知是该对她的话高兴，还是应该不去相信。从她的表情上，他好像看出有一种叫他担心和焦虑的东西，只听伊丽莎白继续说道： “当我刚才说认识久了，他也在改变的话时，我并不是指无论是他的思想还是言谈举止在改变中，而是说因为对他的了解加深了，他的性格也就被更好地了解了。” 威科汉姆此时的惊慌，从他那涨红了的脸和不安的神色中表现出来；有几分钟他一声不吭；直到他平复了他的那股窘相，他才又转过身来，用极温柔的语调对她说：“你很了解我对达西先生是怎样的感情，所以你也很容易理解。听到他居然能够明智到在表面举止上做得正确，我是多少衷心地为他高兴啦。他的骄傲朝着这个方向发展，即便对他自己无益，对别人可也许会有好处的，因为它一定能叫他不敢轻易地去做出已经让我深受其害的那样的过失了。我只担心他的这种收敛，我想你刚才也是暗示的这个意思吧，仅仅是在访问期间做出来给他姨妈看的，因为他很看重他姨妈对他的意见和看法。我知道，每当他们姨侄两个在一起的时候，他都有这种敬畏感；这在很大的程度上是因为他将来希望和德包尔小姐结婚，我敢说，这是他心上的一件大事。” 伊丽莎白听到这一番话，忍不住一笑，不过她只是稍稍地点了一下头作为回答，她明白他想让她再提起他的那件伤心事，他好能再发发牢骚，可她没有兴致去怂恿他。在以后的时间里，虽然威科汉姆这方面还是操着往日和那付快活神情，可是他却没有再试着去恭维伊丽莎白；最后他们俩客客气气地道了别，也许双方心里都想着，但愿这是他们两人的最后一面。 晚宴散了以后，丽迪雅随着弗斯特太太一起回到了麦里屯，从那里她们打算明天一大清早动身。她和她家人的告别是一番喧闹，而鲜有离愁。只是吉蒂流了几滴眼泪，而这泪也是出于妒忌和恼怒流的。班纳特夫人则是没完没了的祝她女儿幸福的话，又是让她女儿好好行乐的千叮万嘱；对这番叮嘱，我们有千万个理由相信，丽迪雅自然会是照办不误了；她兴高采烈地向家人大声道别，至于姐姐们的温柔的告别话儿，她根本就听也没有听进去。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第48章 如果伊丽莎白婚姻家庭的看法全部都取自她自己的家庭，她的脑子里就不会形成一幅婚烟幸福、家庭舒适的悦人画面了。她的父亲因为当年迷恋青春美貌，以及青春美貌上常常附着的表面情韵，娶了一位智力低弱思想窄隘的女人，在结婚不久他对她的满腔真挚的爱便完结了。夫妻之间的互敬互爱和推心置腹都永远地消失了；他对家庭幸福的期盼全都不复存在了。可是班纳特先生不是遭受到由自己的鲁莽而造成的失望、便去淫佚享乐来安慰自己的不幸的那种人。他喜欢乡村，喜欢书藉；并从这些嗜好中间获得了他的主要乐趣。对他的妻子他现在要说感激的话，只是因为她的无知和愚蠢有时可用来供他做取笑开心之用。照常理，一个男人准不愿意从自己的老婆身上寻得这种快乐；不过在别的愉悦都缺少的情况下，一个真正的贤人能从所给予他的任何现有的东西中获得益处。 伊丽莎白对她的父亲没有尽到做丈夫的责任，并不是看不出来，她看到这种情况时老是觉得痛苦；只是因为尊重他的能力，感激他对自己的疼爱，她才极力去忘掉那些不顺眼的地方，极力祛除掉那些不愉快的思想，因为她父亲常常不履行丈夫的职责，没有夫妻间应有的尊重，使得他的妻子每每在自己的孩子们中间丢人现眼，这本是应该受到谴责的。但是，说到不美满的婚姻给孩子们带来的不利，她从来没有像现在这样感受得强烈；而且对父亲才能的误用所造的伤害，也从来没有像现在这样认识得深刻；这些才能如果使用得当，至少也许能够顾全了女儿们的体面，即使不能拓宽了他妻子的思想的话。 当伊丽莎白为威科汉姆的离去感到庆幸的时候，她却也发现民团的开拔在别的方面并没有什么好处。她们外出的活动比以前单调得多了；在家里则是有个总在因为生活乏味而发牢骚的母亲和妹妹，使得家庭氛围显得更加沉郁；至于吉蒂，虽说闹得她心慌意乱的那个人走了，她慢慢会变得静下来，可是她的另外那个妹妹，现在却身处在兵营和浴场双重危险的环境里，再加上她那成事不足败事有余的性格，很可能会更加地任性胡来，因此从大体上来说，像她以前有时候所发现的那样，她觉得她眼巴巴地盼望着到来的一件事，等到真正到来时，并不像她所预想得那么满意。于是她不得不再憧憬一个能真正开启她的幸福的时期；为她的幸福找到另一个支点，通过陶醉在期待的心情中安慰眼下的自己，而且准备着迎接到来的另一个失望。她到湖区的旅行是她现在心里最值得高兴的一件事；在母亲和吉蒂不断发着牢骚的这段不愉快的时间里，这次旅行便是她最大的安慰了；如若她能让吉英也参加进来，那么这趟湖区之行便会十全十美了。 “不管怎么说，”伊丽莎白思忖着，“我现在还有一件事值得期盼，等到一切准备就绪要动身的时候，我的失望便肯定又会回来啦。不过，因为姐姐不能同行，我存着这份无尽的遗憾上路，我就又有理由希望来履行我令人愉悦的期待了。一个全是预示着美好的计划，永远不可能实现；只有稍许带上几分特别的苦恼，才可以大体上防止失望。” 丽迪雅临走时，曾答应母亲和吉蒂常常写信详细地告诉她们她在那儿的情形；可是她的信总是姗姗来迟，而且写得很简短。她给她母亲的信上总是写着一些什么她们刚从图书馆回来，有许多军官一起陪着她们去啦，什么她在那儿看到许多漂亮的装饰品，使她很眼红啦；或者是她刚买了一件新衣服，一把洋伞，她本想给她们好好描述一番，只是因为弗斯特太太叫她去军营，所以只好作罢啦；从她给吉蒂的信中，能得知的情况就更少了，因为这些信虽然很长，可是名子下面尽是那些画了长线不让公开的内容。 在丽迪雅走了两三个星期以后，浪博恩又重新开始恢复了愉快欢乐的气氛。到伦敦过冬的人也回来了，人们都穿起了夏日的靓服，到处又是夏日的约会了。班纳特夫人又像往常那样好动和随和了，到六月中旬的时候，吉蒂的心情也好了起来，能到麦里屯时不再掉眼泪了；伊丽莎白看到了真高兴，她希望到了圣诞节时，吉蒂便会变得理智起来，不至于还是天天都要几次地提到军官们，除非是司令部不管这一切又不怀好意另出花样，再派出一团人驻扎到麦里屯来。 他们定好的北上旅行的时间眼看着就要到了；正在这个时候，嘉丁纳舅妈来了一封信，把行期拖后，旅行的地点也得往近挪了。信上说，因为嘉丁纳先生有事，必须延迟两个星期，到了七月份才能动身，而且必须在一个月内又得赶回到伦敦来；因为旅行的时间缩短不能走得太远，不能像他们开始时所计划的那样，看那么多的名胜，或者至少不能那样悠闲从容地游览湖区了，所以他们不得不放弃湖区，找一个较为捷近的地方来代替，照目前的安排，朝北最多走到德比郡为止。其实在那块地方，便有许多的东西值得一看，足够消遣掉他们这三个星期的旅行时间；而且对嘉丁纳舅妈来说，那个地方有着一种特殊的吸引力。那个她曾经住几年、现在又要用几日重游的城镇，勾起了她极大的好奇心，她甚至觉得那些著名的胜地马特洛克、恰兹华斯、鸽谷和秀阜也不过如此罢了。 伊丽莎白感到失望极了；她一心想的是往湖区去的，现在她仍旧认为有足够的时间去那里。不过，她只能客随主便——再说她天生的一付乐天的性格；所以不一会儿就觉得没事了。 提到德比郡，就免不了引起她的许多其他联想。只要她看到这个词就不可能不想到彭伯利和它的主人。“当然啦，”她想，“我可以大摇大摆地走进他的镇子，不让他知晓地拿走几块透明的晶石（透明的晶石：是德比郡此地的一种著名矿石。）。” 现在，等待的日期又延长了一倍。她的舅舅和舅妈还得有四个星期才能到来。不过它们总算过去了，嘉丁纳夫妇和他们的四个孩子终于在浪博恩出现了。这四个孩子中有两个女孩，一个六岁，一个八岁，有两个男孩，他们都将留在这儿由他们的表姐吉英予特别的关照，这位表姐深得他们的喜爱，她的耐心和温和的性情又使她很适合于对他们进行各方面的照顾——教他们识字，跟他们做游戏，以及疼爱他们等等。 嘉丁纳夫妇只在浪博恩住了一夜，第二天早晨便带着伊丽莎白开始了他们的探奇寻乐的旅行。至少，这样的一种乐趣是他们这次旅行中肯定有的——那就是旅伴选得相当的合适，大家都身体健康、性情随和，无论遇到什么不便也能忍受得了——大家都天性乐观，碰上乐事更能叫它乐中有乐——大家都聪慧互爱，有这些共同点即便外面发生了什么扫兴的事，他们相互之间仍然可以自得其乐。 本书不打算描写德比郡的风光，也不打算描述他们的一路上所经过的著名胜地，譬如牛津，布愣恩，活里克，凯尼尔沃恩，伯明翰等都是大家所熟悉的。德比郡的一个小镇是本书现在所要讲的。这个小镇名叫兰姆屯，是嘉丁纳夫人从前居住过的地方，她最近听说这儿有些旧人还健在，于是在览毕了乡间的一切主要的景点之后便绕道来到了这座小城；伊丽莎白从舅母这儿听说，彭伯利就位于兰姆屯的五里地开外。彭伯利不是他们的必经之地，可是要去的话，绕道也不过一二里路。在前一个晚上讨论旅程时，嘉丁纳夫人就表示出想去再看看彭伯利的愿望。嘉丁纳先生完全赞同，于是他们便来征求伊丽莎白的意见。 “亲爱的，你愿意去看看你早已听说过的一个地方吗？”她的舅妈问，“你的许多朋友都和那个地方有关联，威科汉姆就是在那儿长大的，你也知道。” 伊丽莎白感到为难了，她觉得她跟彭伯利毫无瓜葛，没有理由到人家那儿去，因此只得推诿说她不想去看那个地方。她说高楼巨宅她已经看得够多啦；在游遍了这么多地方之后，她对锦毡绣幔已经实在没有什么兴趣了。 嘉丁纳夫人说她真蠢，“如果仅仅是座漂亮的房子和富丽的摆设，”她说，“我自己也不会把它放在心上啦；可是那里的山水景致实在可爱。那儿的林木有许多是国内最知名的。” 伊丽莎白不再吭声了——尽管她心里仍然没有赞同。她蓦然想到在那儿观赏风景时很有可能碰到达西先生。那该有多么难堪啊！想到这里她不由得脸红了，她想最好还是跟舅妈把事情讲个明白，免得去冒这个风险。可是这样做也有诸多的不便；最后她决定：先私下打听一下达西先生在家不在，如果在家，再走这最后的一步也不迟。 所以在晚上就寝时，她便向待女打听彭伯利这个地方好不好，它的主人是谁，然后不免有点儿心跳地问到，它的主人是否去度夏了，她这最后一问竟得了她求之不得的回答——她的提心现在都消失了，安下心来以后她倒产生了极大的好奇心，想亲眼看看这所房子了；当第二天早晨又谈起这个话题而且又问到伊丽莎白的时候，她便从容地、带着一付不在乎的神情回答说，她对这个计划没有什么不赞成的。 于是他们一行三人向彭伯利出发了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第49章 (1) 当他们一行三人乘车快要抵达那里的时候，首先是彭伯利的林木映入他们的眼帘，此时，伊丽莎白的心情不免有些忐忑起来；等到走进了庄园，她的精神便更有些不定了。 庄园很大，其地势高低错落有致。他们从一个最低的地方走了进去，在一片颇为辽阔美丽的树林里坐车行进了一阵子。 伊丽莎白满腹的心事，很少说话，可是在看到这每一处、每一地的美景时她还是不住地打心眼里赞叹。他们沿着上坡路慢慢走了半里路的光景，随后来到了一片高地上，林子在这里嘎然而止，他们看到彭伯利的巨宅就座落在对面的山坡上，有一条相当陡峭的路弯弯曲曲地通到那里。这是一幢很大很漂亮的石头建筑，耸立在高垄上，房子后面衬着一片连绵起伏、树木繁茂的小山冈；房前一条颇具天然情趣的小溪正在涌动着汇入河流，毫无人工斧凿的痕迹。河堰上的点缀既不呆板，也不造作。伊丽莎白高兴起来。她从来没有看到过一个比这里更富于自然情趣的地方，也没有见过哪一处的自然之美能够像这儿一样没有受到人为趣味的损害。大家都是热烈地赞不绝口，伊丽莎白突然觉得，能做彭伯利家的主妇也蛮不赖呢！ 他们下了山坡，过了一座桥，到了房子的门口；在欣赏着屋前景致的同时，伊丽莎白怕遇见房主人的担心又回来了。她怕旅馆里的那个侍女的消息不准确。他们请求进去看看，家仆们立刻把他们引进了客厅；在他们等女管家到来的时候，伊丽莎白一边私下里不禁感到诧异，她怎么竟然会来到达西先生的家里。 女管家来了，她是一位端庄富态的老妇人，不像伊丽莎白想象的那么丰采光耀，可却比她想象中的更加周到礼貌。他们随她一起进了餐厅。这是一间宽敞舒适的屋子，布置得也很精美，在大致观看了一下这间屋子以后，伊丽莎白便走到一个窗户旁边去欣赏这儿的外景。他们刚才路过的那座布着林木的山冈，从远处望去显得更加陡峭，构成一个美丽的景观。处处都收拾配置得很得当；她眺目远望着这整个儿的景致，只见一弯河道，两岸上青树葱茏，山谷蜿蜒曲折一直伸向远外，真看得她心旷神怡。当他们再走到别的房间的时候，凭窗眺望，景致总会有所不同；不过从每一个窗户望出去都有秀色可饱眼福。这些房间都高大美观，家具阵设与主人的身价相等，很是上乘，不过，它们却既不俗丽又不过分奢华，比起罗新斯的阵设来具有真正的风雅，伊丽莎白看了不免佩服主人的情趣。 “就是这个地方，”她心里想，“我差点儿做了它的主妇！要不是这样，对这些屋子我现在早已是很熟悉的了！我就不是作为一个陌生人来参观景致，而是作为主人来享用这一切，把舅舅、舅母当作贵宾来欢迎款待。但是不行，”她突然想了起来，“这是永远不可能的：我舅舅、舅母到那时候就见不着我了，他决不会允许我邀他们到这儿来的。” 亏得她突然想到了这一点——免去了她为拒绝这门亲事而可能会有的遗憾之情。 她真想问一问这位女管家，她的主人是不是真的不在家，可是她鼓不起这个勇气。最后，是她舅舅问了一句；只听见雷诺尔德夫人回答说他不在家，“可是他明天就会回来了，而且要有许多的朋友来。”伊丽莎白听到这一阵心跳，赶紧转过了身去。 同时她又感到庆幸，亏得他们没有再晚一天到这儿来！ 伊丽莎白的舅妈叫她去看一副画像。她走上前去，看见那是威科汉姆的肖像，和另外的几张小型的画像一起挂在壁炉架的上方。舅妈笑着问她喜欢不喜欢这幅画像。女管家走上前来，告她们说像上的这位年轻人是老主人的帐房先生的儿子，是由老主人一手把他抚养大的。“他现在到了部队里，”她接着说，“不过我觉得他已经变得很放荡了。” 嘉丁纳夫人微笑着看了她的外甥女儿一眼，可是伊丽莎白却实在是笑不出来。 “这一幅，”雷诺尔德夫人指着画像说，“是我小主人的画像。跟那一张差不多是同一时期画的，大约有八年了。” “对你主人的堂堂仪表我早有所闻，”嘉丁纳夫人看着画像说，“这是一张很英俊的脸。不过，伊丽莎白，你能告诉我这画像像不像他？” 雷诺尔德夫人听到伊丽莎白跟她主人认识，便好像显得对她越发尊重了。 “这位小姐原来认识达西先生？” 伊丽莎白不觉红了脸，说：“只认识一点儿。” “你觉得他长得漂亮吗？小姐？” “是的，很漂亮。” “我敢说，我没有见过比他更好看的年轻人啦；在楼上的阵列室里还有一张比这个更大更精致的画像。这间屋子是老主人生前喜欢待的一个地方，这些画像还是那个时候留下来的。他喜欢这些小幅画像。” 从这话里，伊丽莎白听出了威科汉姆先生的画像也会一起挂在这儿的原因。 雷诺尔德夫人接着请他们看一幅达西小姐的画像，这是她在八岁时叫人画的。 “达西小姐也像她哥哥那样长得漂亮吗？”嘉丁纳先生问。“噢！是的——是我所见过的最漂亮、最有才情的姑娘！她整天弹琴唱歌。在隔壁的房间里有一架刚刚为她买回来的钢琴——我主人给她的礼物；她明天跟着她哥哥一起回来。” 嘉丁纳先生的举止随和怡人，雷诺尔德夫人很愿意回答他的问话；再则她本人抑或是出于自豪或是出于深厚的感情，也非常乐意谈到他们兄妹两人。 “你的主人一年多半是待在彭伯利吧？” “没有我所希望的那么长，先生；不过我敢说，他每年都有一半的时间待在这里；达西小姐总是在这儿过夏天的。” 伊丽莎白想：“除了她到拉姆斯盖去消夏的时间。” “如果你的主人结了婚，你就能更多地看到他啦。” “是的，先生；可是我不知道这一天什么时候才会到来。我不知道有哪一位姑娘好得能够足以配得上他。” 嘉丁纳夫人听了笑了，伊丽莎白忍不住说：“你能这样想，足见你对他是很赞扬了。” “我说的只是实情而已，每一个了解他的人都会这样讲的，”女管家回答说。伊丽莎白觉得这话讲得未免有些过分；在女管家说到“我一辈子没听他说过一句重话，从他四岁时起，我就跟他在一起了”的话儿时，伊丽莎白听得更是惊奇起来。 这番夸奖，比起其他的那些褒扬之词来，更是和她的看法完全的背道而驰。他脾气不好，这是她一贯的认为。现在她的强烈的好奇心被勾了起来；她很想再多地听到一些，所以当她舅舅说了下面这番话时，她心里很是感激。 “能够当得起这样夸赞的人，实在是太少了。你真是好运气，有这样的一位主人。” “是的，先生，我也深知这一点。就是我走遍天下，也不会碰上一个更好的主人啦。我常说，那些在孩子时候就是心地善良的人，长大了也一定是善心肠的；达西先生从小就是那种脾气最好、气度最大的孩子。” 伊丽莎白几乎是瞪大了眼睛望着她。“这可能是达西先生吗？”她私下想。 “他的父亲是一个德高望重的人。”嘉丁纳夫人说。 “是的，夫人，他的确是个大好人；他的儿子也正像他那样——对穷人体恤关照。” 伊丽莎白倾听着，诧异着，进而又疑虑着，渴望再多听到一些。雷诺尔德夫人说的其他东西都引不起她的任何兴趣。她谈到画像、房间的规格，家具的价钱，伊丽莎白都听不进去。嘉丁纳先生对女管家这样盛赞她的自家主人的偏爱，感到很有趣，不久便又谈到了这一题目上；她一面起劲地谈着他的许多优点，一面领着他们走上一节大楼梯。 “他是一位最好的庄主，也是一位最好的主人，”她说，“完全不像现在那些放荡的年轻人们，除了自己谁也不顾。没有一个佃户或佣人，不对他称赞的。有些人说他骄傲；可是我敢说我从来没见过他身上有这种东西。照我看，这只是因为他不像别的青年人那样爱夸夸其谈罢了。” “这样一说，这倒成为他的另一个优点了！”伊丽莎白心里想。 “这番对他的夸赞，”她舅母一边走，一边轻轻地说，“可与他对我们那位可怜的朋友的行为有所不符。” “也许是我们受了蒙蔽。” “这是不可能的，我们的朋友不像是那种人。” 他们走到楼上那个宽敞的过堂后，便被带进了一间非常漂亮的起居间，它比楼下的房间还要精美和怡人，据说那是刚刚收拾好要给达西小姐用的，去年她在彭伯利的时候看中了这间屋子。 “他真是个好兄长。”伊丽莎白说着，一边向屋里的一个窗户跟前走去。 雷诺尔德夫人说等达西小姐进到这间屋子时一定会感到惊喜的。“他一向都是这样，”她补充说，“只要是能叫他妹妹高兴的事，总是马上去办。世界上没有什么事情他不愿意为她做的。” 再剩下要看的便只有画室和两三间主要的卧室了。画室里阵列着许多优美的油画；可是伊丽莎白一点儿也不懂艺术；只觉得这些画和楼下的也没有什么两样，于是她宁愿掉过头去看达西小姐用粉笔画的几张画，因为这些画的题材倒更容易懂，也更叫她觉得有趣。 画室里也有许多他们家族成员的画像，可是这对一个陌生人来说实在不可能产生什么兴趣。伊丽莎白在这其中寻找着她惟一熟悉的那张面孔。最后她终于看到了有张画像非常酷似达西先生本人，只见他脸上的笑容，正像是他看起她来时所流露出的那种笑容。她伫立在这张画像前仔细端详了好几分钟，在他们临离开画室前她又踅了回来看了一眼。雷诺尔德夫人告他们说，少爷的这张像还是他父亲在世时画的。 一霎那间，在伊丽莎白的心里不禁产生了一种对画上的这个人儿的亲切之感；这种感情是在他们以前的相识中从来没有过的。雷诺尔德夫人对他的夸赞不可小视。什么样的称颂会比一个明理达情的下人的称颂更加可贵呢？作为一个兄长，一个庄园主，一个主人，伊丽莎白想有多少人的幸福握在他的手中！他手中的权力能使多少人快乐，又能使多少人痛苦！他可以行多少的善，也可以做多少的恶呢！女管家提到的件件事情，都足以说明他品格的优良。她站在这个人儿的画像前，望着他那双盯视着她的眼睛，从心底里对他的钟情于她不由地滋生了一种从未有过的感激之情；她回味着他那炽烈的感情，便宽宥了他在表达他的情意时的无礼。 当所有能看的房子都参观完了以后，他们又走下楼来，告别了女管家，由候在大厅门口的园丁带他们出去。 他们穿过草地走向河边，伊丽莎白这时又掉过头来眺望，她舅舅、舅妈也停了下来，哪知道就在她舅舅正推测着这房子的建筑年代时，忽然房主人从一条通向马厩的路走过来。 他们之间相隔不过二十码，他的出现又这么突然，不可能有躲避的时间。他们两个的目光立刻相遇了，两人的脸颊顿时都涨得通红。达西先生吃惊不小，有片刻工夫似乎竟愣在了那儿一动也不动；不过他很快定下心来，朝他们走了过去，和伊丽莎白搭了话，语气之间即便不能说是十分镇定，至少表现得非常有礼。 伊丽莎白一看见他便不由自主往回走，只是见人家走了过来才停住了脚步，无比尴尬地接受了他的问候。至于舅舅和舅妈两人，如果说与达西先生的初次见面或是他与他们刚刚看过的画像上的相似，还不足以叫他们敢肯定面前的这一位就是达西先生的话，他们从园丁见到主人时的惊讶表情上也可立刻断定了。在他和他们的外甥女说的时候，舅舅、舅妈稍微站开了一点儿；伊丽莎白惊慌得连眼睛也不敢抬起来看他，对人家客客气气地问候她家人的话，她也不知道自己回答了些什么。为上一次他们分手以后他在态度上的变化感到吃惊，他所说的每一句话都叫她更加局促不安；她满脑子想着的都是她自己闯到这儿来被人家看到的这种不体面，他们俩在一起的这几分钟竟成了她生平最难熬的时间。达西先生的情况也好不了多少；在他说话的时候，他的语调里也少了他平日有的那种镇定；他把她是多会儿离开浪博恩的和她在德比郡已待了多长时间了的话题，来来回回地问了又问，而且问得那么急促，这都显然说明他是怎样的心慌意乱了。 最后，他好像已经无话可说，在一声不吭地站了一会儿后，他定了定神突然离去了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第50章 (2) 舅舅、舅母这才走上前来，夸赞达西先生真是仪表堂堂；可是伊丽莎白什么也没有听见，完全沉浸在她自己的心事里，跟在他们后面默默地走着。她现在感到的除了羞耻便是懊恼。她这次上这儿来，真是她最不幸最失策的事情了！这会叫他觉得有多么奇怪啊！以他这样一个骄傲的人，他会如何地瞧不起她的这一行为呢！这似乎是她有意要把自己送到人家门上来的！啊！为什么她要来！或者说，他为什么竟要早一天回来呢？如果他们再早走上十分钟，达西先生就不会看见他们了，他显然是刚刚回来，刚刚跳下了马背或是刚刚下了马车。想到这次倒楣的会见，她的脸真是红了一次又一次。他的举止转变得如此明显，这能意味着什么呢？他竟然还会跟她说话，这有多么奇怪！而且是这样彬彬有礼地询问她家人的情况！这次碰巧相遇，她怎么也不会料到他的态度会这么诚恳，谈吐这么温和，与那次在罗新斯庄园当他将信递到她手中时的态度相比，真是有天壤之别！对此她不知该如何作想，也不知该如何解释。 他们现在走到了一条挨着河边的风光秀丽的小径上，这儿的地面逐渐地低了下去，再前面便是一片青葱的树林了；有好一阵子伊丽莎白对这里的景色竟毫无知觉；尽管她也随口答应着她舅舅和舅母的一再招呼，也似乎把眼睛转向了他们指给她看的那些景物，可是她却好像什么也没有看到。她的思想全部集中了彭伯利住宅中的达西先生现在正待着的那个地方。她渴望知道此时此刻他在想着什么；他如何看她，在发生了这么多事情之后，他是否仍然爱着她。或许他能礼貌待她，只是因为他心里已经完全平静了；可是在他的声音里却有一种不像是平静的东西。她不知道，他见了她是感到痛苦还是感到高兴，不过可以肯定的是，他见到她时并不那么镇定。 直到后来舅舅、舅妈提到她为何心不在焉时，这才惊醒了她，她觉得她有必要保持她的常态，以免引起怀疑。 他们走进了林子，暂时离开了河道，踏上了较高的地势；从树林的空隙间望出去，可以看到山谷中各处的迷人景色，对面的山坡上长满的整片整片的树林和时而映入眼帘的河流。嘉丁纳先生说他希望能把整个园子走个遍，可又担心走不过来。园丁带着得意的笑容告他们说，这方圆有十多里呢。所以也只得作罢了；他们沿着经常走的路径转悠了一会儿后，便又回到一片靠近河流的低地上，这是河道最窄的一处。他们从一座简陋的小桥上过了河，只见这小桥和周围的景色很是谐和；这一处的景观是最少经过整饬的；山谷到了这儿也变成了一条小夹道，只能容纳下这条溪流和一条灌木夹道的崎岖小径。伊丽莎白很想循着这条小路去探幽猎胜；可是一过了桥，眼见得离住宅越来越远，不长于行远路的嘉丁纳夫人就走不动了，只想着赶快能回到他们的车子那儿。 她的外甥女也只好依从她，于是他们便在河对岸抄着最近的一条路朝房子走去；不过，他们的行进还是很慢，因为嘉丁纳先生平时很难有空来过他钓鱼的瘾，可是仍然对钓鱼十分的喜爱，现在看见水面有鳟鱼游动便动了兴致，和园丁起劲地谈论起鱼儿来，这步怎么也迈不出了。正在他们这样慢悠悠地遛达着的当儿，不料又让他们吃了一惊，尤其是伊丽莎白，她惊讶的程度几乎和刚才的那一回没有两样，原来他们又看到了达西先生走过来，已经离这儿不远了。这一边的小路不像对岸那样被森林掩翳得严实，所以在较远地地方便看了他。 伊丽莎白不管觉得怎样惊讶，毕竟比刚才那一次的不期而遇有了一些准备，决心要平静地面对他并与他搭话，如果他真是想要来见他们的话。有一会儿工夫，她真的以为他可能要拐到另一条路上去了，因为在道上的转弯处他的身影从他们的视线中消失了一会儿；等弯道一过，他便马上出现在他们面前。伊丽莎白一眼便看出，他还是像刚才那么客气有礼，于是她也表现出一付礼貌的神情，开始赞扬起这地方的美丽景致；可是在她刚说出景色“怡人”、“迷人”这样的一些普通的字眼时，心里便涌出些倒楣的想法，她思忖着她对彭伯利的赞扬会不会被人家曲解了，以为她是另有所图呢？她的脸唰地变红，不再言语了。 嘉丁纳夫人就站在稍后面一点儿，在伊丽莎白默不作声的时候，他请求她是否可以赏光把他介绍给她的朋友们。他的这一礼貌之举是她所没有料及的；想到他居然要求跟在他向她求爱时他曾傲慢地反对过的那些人们相识，她忍不住一笑。“他会感到如何的吃惊呢？”她想，“待他知道了他们是谁时！他眼下还以为他们是上等人吧。” 不过她还是立刻替他介绍了；在她说出他们和她的关系的当儿，她偷偷地瞥了他一眼，看他如何的反应；她觉得他也许会马上逃之夭夭，躲开这些不体面的朋友们的。他听了他们之间的这种亲威关系后显然很意外；不过他还算是挺过了这一关，没有被吓跑，反而陪他们一起走回去，并且与嘉丁纳先生攀谈起来。伊丽莎白不禁感到又是高兴又是得意。叫他知道她竟然也有一些可以值得骄傲的亲戚，很是令人快慰。她专心地倾听着他们之间的谈话，舅舅谈到的每一点都表示了他的颇有见地，他的高雅情趣和风范，让伊丽莎白真为他觉得荣耀。 谈话很快就转到了钓鱼上面，她听到达西先生非常客气地对舅舅说，只要他还住在这邻近的地方，他随时都可以来钓鱼，同时又答应借渔具给他，并且指给他看这条河里通常鱼儿最多的地方。嘉丁纳夫人正跟伊丽莎白手挽手走着，她向伊丽莎白使了一个眼色。表示出她不胜的惊奇。伊丽莎白虽然没有说什么，可心里却感到了一种极大的满足；不过与此同时，她的惊讶也是无法形容的；她心里默默地反复问着自己：“他为什么有了这么大的变化？这是由于什么样的原因呢？这不可能是因为我，不可能是因为我的缘故，他的态度变得如此的温和。我在汉斯福德对他的呵责不可能带来他这么大的改变。他是不可能仍然爱着我的。” 他们就这样两个女人在前，两个男人在后走了一阵子，后来他们步下河边来观看一些珍奇的水生植物，到这时他们前后次序就有了些改变。原来嘉丁纳夫人被这一上午的跋涉已经累得体力不支，觉得伊丽莎白的膀臂已经支撑不住她了，还是宁愿挽着丈夫的手臂走。于是达西先生代替了她，挽住了她外甥女的胳膊，他们两人走到了一起。在稍稍的沉默之后，还是小姐先开了尊口。她希望他知晓，她是确实以为他不在庄园里她才来到这儿的，接着便很自然地说到他的到来真是非常出乎她的预料——“因为你的管家，”她补充说，“告诉我们，你明天才回来的；在我们离开巴克威尔时，我们就打听到你不会一下子回到乡下来。”达西先生承认这一切都是事实；又说他因为找帐房有事，便比那些同来的人早到了几个小时。“他们明天一早便能抵达这儿，”他继续道，“在这些人中间有几个是你认识的——彬格莱先生和他的姐妹们。” 伊丽莎白只是微微地点了点头表示回答。她的思绪立刻回到了他们俩上一次最后提到彬格莱的时候；这时如果她要是抬眼看看他的表情的话，她便能得出判断说，他现在想着的也是那件事。 “在这些人里面还有一个人，”他停了一下后接着说，“她特别地希望能认识你——你愿意让我在你于兰姆布逗留期间介绍我妹妹与你认识吗？我的这一要求不算太过分吧？” 这一请求所带来的惊奇的确不小；这使得她都不知道该怎样答应才好了。她当时马上想到的是，达西小姐之所以希望和她认识，一定是她哥哥做的鼓动，仅想到这一点，也够叫她满意的了；知道他并没有为此就对她抱有恶感，心里觉得很是宽慰。 他们俩默默地走着，各人想着各人的心事。要说伊丽莎白现在的心情很舒坦，那是不可能的；可是她却感到了一些得意和快活。他希望把他的妹妹介绍给她，这便是对她最高的赞赏了。他们两人很快就超过了其他人，当他们到达车子那儿时，嘉丁纳夫妇还在半里地之外哩。 达西先生这时请她到屋里坐坐——可是她说她不累，于是他们便一块儿站在草坪上等着。在这种时候，双方本来都可以有许多要说的话，沉默是最难堪的。她想要找话说，可是似乎觉得每一个话题都难以启齿。最后她想到了她正在旅游，于是他们便大谈起了马特洛克和鸽谷。然而时间和她舅妈的挪动似乎都慢得要死——还没待这一瞎聊收场，她的耐心和心智都几乎快要用尽了。等到嘉丁纳夫妇赶上来的时候，达西先生再三请大家进屋休息一下；可都被谢绝了，末了大家极有礼貌地相互告了别。达西先生把女士们扶进了车子，在马车走动了以后，伊丽莎白看到他才缓缓地向屋里走去。 她的舅舅和舅妈这时打开了他们的话匣子；他们每一个人都宣称，达西先生的人品不知要比他们所想象的好上多少倍。“他的举止得体，待人有礼而没有造作。”她的舅舅说。 “在他身上的确有点儿类似于高贵威严的东西，”他的舅妈说，“不过那仅仅是在他的风度上，而且也不能说是不得体。我现在赞同女管家的看法了；虽然有些人说他骄傲，可我却一点儿也看不到它的影子。” “他竟会那样地对待我们，真是万万也想不到。这不仅是礼貌了，简直可以说是对我们的关照；其实他给我们这样的关照并没有必要。他和伊丽莎白只是泛泛的认识而已。” “说实话，丽萃，”她的舅妈说，“他不如威科汉姆长得漂亮，或者毋宁说他没有威科汉姆的那种亲切的表情，因为他的五官也是长得无可挑剔的。可是你怎会告我们说，他是那么的讨人厌呢？” 伊丽莎白尽力地为自己开脱；说她在肯特碰到他时就比从前对他有了些好感，又说她觉得他今天上午表现得还真讨人喜欢呢。 “不过，他的那些殷勤客气也许有点儿靠不住吧，”她的舅舅回答说，“这些贵人们常常是如此；所以我也并不打算把他请我钓鱼的话当真，因为他很可能再一天就改变了主意，不许我走进到他的庄园了。” 伊丽莎白觉得他们完全误解了他的性格，不过却没有去解释。 “从我们刚才对他的印象来看，”嘉丁纳夫人继续说，“我真的不敢相信他会那么残酷地对待一个人，就像他对可怜的威科汉姆所做的那样。他这人看长相心地不坏。而且在他说话的时候，他嘴角的表情很讨人喜欢。从他的神情上透出一种尊严，叫人不会对他产生不好的看法。不过，那个好心领着我们参观了房子的女管家，对他的人格无疑是吹捧得有些太过了！有的时候，我几乎都憋不住要笑出来了。我想，他一定是一个慷慨施舍的主人，在佣人们的眼里，这里面便包含了一切的德性。” 伊丽莎白觉得，她自己这时应该站出来，就达西先生对威科汉姆的行为说几句公道话了；于是她便小心翼翼地将在肯特时达西先生对他的讲述说给他们听，向他们说明达西先生在这件事情上的行为完全可能会有另一种不同的解释；他的人格决没有哈福德郡的人们所说的那么虚伪，威科汉姆也决没有人们所认为的那么善良。为了证实这一点，她把他们两人在这桩有关钱财交易上的原委细节，一一道了出来，虽然并没有说出她消息的来源，可是却也声明她的话是靠得住的。 嘉丁纳夫人感到惊奇了，同时也对伊丽莎白此时的感情关切起来；只是他们现在已经走到了从前曾给予了她悦愉快乐的场所，使得她沉浸在了美妙的回忆中，其他的一切都顾不上想了；她把这周围的一切有趣的地方指给她的丈夫看，再无暇顾及别的事情。虽然一上午的步行已使她感到疲惫，可是一吃过饭，她又动身去访问故友，整个傍晚她都是在重叙旧情的满足中度过的。 这一天里所发生的事情，对伊丽莎白来说，简直是太重要了，使她无心再去交结任何新的朋友；她只是一味地在想，充满好奇地在想，达西先生这般的彬彬有礼到底原因何在，尤其是他为什么希望她能认识他的妹妹呢。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第51章 伊丽莎白断定，达西先生会在他妹妹到达彭伯利的当天就带她来访问自己的；所以决定那一天的整个上午都守在旅店里。可她还是没有猜对；因为在他们来到兰姆屯的当天早晨，这兄妹两人便来访了。伊丽莎白的舅父母刚刚与他们的一些新朋友们转悠了这个地方，正回到旅店准备换了衣服，跟这些朋友们一些吃饭的时候，忽然听到一阵马车声，他们走到窗口去瞧，只见一男一女乘着一辆双轮马车，沿着街道驶来。伊丽莎白立刻就认出了那个马车夫的制服，猜到是怎么回事了， 并把这一有贵客来临的消息告诉了舅母。他们听了都非常惊讶；伊丽莎白说话时的吞吞吐吐，再加之眼前发生的这件事本身以及前一天的种种情景让她的舅父母们蓦然想到了这其中的奥秘所在。以前他们可从来没有想到这一层上去，可是现在他们觉得，达西先生可能是爱上他们的外甥女了，否则的话，他这多的关照和殷勤就无法得到解释。在他们的脑子里转着这些新念头的时候，伊丽莎白的情绪也变得越来越紧张。她对自己会有这样的不安感到很吃惊；她担心达西先生因为爱她已在他妹妹面前把她捧到了天上，这也是使她坐立不安的原因之一；她现在愈是特别的想要来讨他妹妹喜欢，便愈是怀疑自己没有讨人喜欢的本领了。 担心怕人家瞧见了，伊丽莎白离开了窗户那里；她在屋子里来回地踱着步，极力想使自己镇静一下，可是看到舅舅、舅妈脸上流露出的探询似的诧异神情，只能叫她变得更加不安起来。 达西小姐和她的哥哥走了进来，这场尴尬的介绍也就开始了。伊丽莎白惊奇地发现，她的这位新相认也像她自己一样的局促不安。她到了兰姆屯后便听人说过，达西小姐非常的骄傲；可是几分钟的观察告诉她，达西小姐只是过分地羞怯而已。达西小姐除了简单地回答一两个字外，很难从她那里掏出一句话来。 达西小姐个子很高，比伊丽莎白高出了很多；尽管她才只有十六岁，可是已经发育成熟，外表体态俨然像个大人，很是优雅。她长得不如她哥哥漂亮，可是脸蛋儿上却很富有表情，举止也谦和温雅。伊丽莎白原以为达西小姐也会像她哥哥那样，看起人来锐利而不留情面，现在看到情形并不是这样，便大大地松了一口气。 他们坐了不久，达西先生就告诉她说，彬格莱也要来拜访她；还没待伊丽莎白对此说上几句感谢的话，彬格莱急促的上楼梯的脚步声已经传来，一刹那的工夫他已走进屋里。伊丽莎白对彬格莱的所有怨愤早就已经消失；即便还有，看到他这次来访情意诚恳毫无做作，也会使她的气消得无影无踪了。他亲切地(虽然是泛泛地)询问她家人的情况，表情谈吐依然像从前一样酒脱自如。 和伊丽莎白一样，嘉丁纳夫妇也觉得彬格莱是个很有趣的人。他们早就想着能见到其人。在他们面前的这些年轻人的确引起了他们探询的兴趣。对达西先生和他们外甥女之间的关系的怀疑，使他们开始偷偷地仔细观察双方的情形；不久他们便从这观察探究的结果中得出结论：这两个之中至少有一个已经尝到了恋爱的滋味。对女方的感情他们一时还不敢断定；可是男方这一面满怀着爱慕之情，却是显而易见的。 而伊丽莎白自己也有许多事要做。她想弄清这几位客人各是怀着怎样的感情，另外还想把自己的情绪镇定下来，友好热情地待每一个人；这最后一件事是她最担心自己会做不好的。结果却惟有它最为成功，因为她努力想讨好的这些人对她都早有偏爱。彬格莱乐意，乔治安娜是急切，达西先生是决心已定，要让他们自己显得高兴和满意。 看到彬格莱，伊丽莎白的思想便自然地转到了她姐姐身上；噢！她现在多么急切地想知道，彬格莱是不是也和她一样地惦着她的姐姐呢。有时候她能觉出，他的话不像从前多了，有一两次她甚至高兴地发现，在他注视着她的当儿，他似乎极力想找到一些与姐姐相似的地方。这些也许仅仅是她的想象而已，不过有一点她却看得很清楚：他对所谓的吉英情场上的对手达西小姐并无恋情。在他们两人之间的关系上，一点儿也看不出有彬格莱小姐所希望的能结为姻缘的那种东西。在他们告辞之前又发生了两三件小事，以爱姐姐心切的伊丽莎白解释，这些小事表现出彬格莱对吉英仍有一种不无温情的思念，和想要更多地谈到与她有关的事儿上去的愿望，如若他要是敢说话。他趁着别人一起谈话的时候，用一种十分遗憾的语调跟她说：“他已经有好长时间没见到吉英啦。”还没待她回答，他又说，“有八个月之久了。自从去年的11月26日我们在尼塞费尔德一起跳了舞以后，我们就再也没有见过面。” 伊丽莎白看到他把日子记得这么确切，心里很是高兴；在她没有招呼别人的当儿，他又抓住机会问她，她的姐妹们现在是不是都在浪博恩。他的这一问和他前面提到的，都不是什么重要的话，可是他的表情神态却赋予了它们一种意味。 伊丽莎白的目光不能经常地扫到达西先生本人身上去；不过无论她什么时候瞥上一眼，她看到他脸上都是一付亲切诚恳的表情，而且从他所说的话里，她听出的不再是那种高傲或是对别人看不起的语调，这一切都叫她觉得昨天从他身上发现出的作派上的进步，不管其存在会是多么的短暂，至少已经保持到了今天。她看到他对几个月前他要与之交谈都会觉得丢脸的人们(这里指伊丽莎白的舅父母——译者注)，现在却这样地乐于交结而且想博得他们的好感了；她看到他不仅是对她自己礼貌周全，而且对他曾经在汉斯福德牧师家中公开蔑视过的她的亲戚也是如此，这种前后判若两人的巨大变化强烈地打动了她的心灵，使她禁不住把心里的惊奇流露到了面上。她还从来没有见过他这样地愿意讨好别人，甚至是在尼塞费尔德和他的朋友们在一起的时候，或是在罗新斯跟他的那些高贵亲戚在一起的时候，他也没有像现在这样完全丢开了自我的尊严，丢开了一贯摆出的那付架子，更何况他的这一殷勤即便是献得成功，也不会给他带来什么重要利益，即便他和这些人攀上了交情，也只会落得让尼塞费尔德和罗新斯的小姐们嘲笑和訾议。 这些客人们大约跟他们坐了半个钟头，在站起来告辞的时候，达西先生唤他的妹妹一起和他表达了他们的愿望：请嘉丁纳夫妇和班纳特小姐在他们离开这儿前，务必到彭伯利去吃顿便饭。达西小姐虽然显得腼腆一点儿，也不习惯做出邀请，却还是立即照哥哥的吩咐做了。嘉丁纳夫人此刻瞧着她的外甥女儿，想知道她的意向如何，因为这一邀请主要是冲着她发出的，可是伊丽莎白却在这之前已把头扭了过去。嘉丁纳夫人猜想伊丽莎白的有意回避，可能是出于一时的羞怯，而不是不愿去赴约，又看到她那一向喜好社交的丈夫那么乐意地想要接受，所以她便大胆替他们答应下来，日期订在了后天。 彬格莱因为还有好多话要跟伊丽莎白说，对哈福德郡的所有朋友们的情况有好多话要问，所以为能将再见到她表示了他极大的喜悦。伊丽莎白以为他这都是为了希望能听到她再谈到她的姐姐，心里也十分高兴；如此种种，使得她在客人们走了以后能较为满意地考虑这半个钟头的光景了，尽管在当时她却没甚感到欣悦。此刻的她很想独自待上一会儿，另外又担心她舅舅舅妈会诘问她些什么，所以在听完他们对彬格莱的一番赞扬之后，便匆匆地离开去更衣了。 其实，她大可不必害怕嘉丁纳夫妇在她的事情上所抱有的好奇心；因为他们并不想硬从她那儿掏出什么话来。很显然她和达西先生会这么惯熟，是他们所没有料到的；达西先生显然是爱上她了。他们怀着极大的乐趣看着这一事态的发展，可同时又觉得他们没有要去过问的理由。 关于达西先生，他们现在一心只想到他的好处；从这一天多来的相认中，看不出人家有任何的错处。他那样友好礼貌地待人，使他们不能不受感动，要是他们凭着自己的印象和他的仆人们对他的称道来评价他的为人，而不去参考其他方面的意见，那么哈福德郡的人一定会从他们讲的话里认不出这就是达西先生。现在，他们倒愿意相信那位女管家的话了；因为他们很快意识到了，一个从他四岁上便来到他家，而且本人的行为举止也值得尊敬的女管家的话，是不应该马上被摒弃掉的。况且从他们兰姆屯朋友所讲的情况里，也并没有什么与这位女仆的话相背离的地方。人们能指责他的，只有他的傲慢；说到傲慢，他也许真有一些；就是即便没有，这个小镇上的居民们见他全家终年足迹不至，也自然会给他添加上去的。不过人们都承认，他是个大方慷慨的人，常常救贫济穷。 至于威科汉姆，他们很快便发现出，他在这儿的名声并不见得有多好；因为尽管人们不太明了他与他恩人的儿子之间的主要纠葛是什么，可有一件事实却是尽人皆知的：在他离开德比郡时，他曾欠下了一屁股的债，这债都是达西先生后来替他还上的。 说到伊丽莎白，她今天晚上的心思则是比昨日晚上更多地放在了彭伯利上；这一晚虽然似乎显得很漫长，可还是不够她用来理清她对庄园里的那个人儿的感情；她醒着躺了两个钟头，极力想弄明白她的这些感情。毫无疑问她不再恨他了。这恨在老早以前就已经消失了，她也早就为那种所谓的对他厌恶的情绪而感到羞愧了。由于认为人家有许多好的品性而对他产生的尊敬，虽然在一开始时她不愿意承认，可不再引起她的反感也有些时候了；这种尊敬，经过了这么多有利于他的证据，已经升华得更具有一种亲切的性质，而且正如昨天所证明了的那样，也使他的性格变得可亲可爱了。然而，在尊敬和钦佩之外，于她的心底还有一种情愫也不容忽视。 那就是感激之心——不仅仅是因为曾经爱过她而对他感激，也是因为他能原谅她在拒绝他时所表现出的偏颇和尖刻态度，原谅她对他的一切不公正的谴责，而且至今仍然能够爱着她。她本以为见了她会像仇敌一样惟恐避之而不及的达西先生，结果在这次邂逅相遇时却似乎还是那么愿意与她交谈，在他们两人的那件事情上，他虽然旧情难忘，但却没有任何不妥和过分的表现，反而是努力去博得她的朋友们的好感，而且执意要她和他的妹妹认识。在这么一个骄傲的人身上发生的这样大的变化，不仅仅是叫她惊奇，而且引起了她的感激——这变化一定是由于爱情，炽烈的爱情使然，她饶有兴致地回味着这一切在她脑子里激起的波澜，心里很是快乐，尽管她还不能确定她怀有的到底是一种什么样的感情。她尊敬地，敬佩他，感激他，她对他的幸福前途也产生了一种真正的兴趣；她现在只是想要知道，她希望在多大的程度上来左右他的幸福，想要知道为了他们两人的幸福，她应该在多大的程度上来使用她认为她仍然具有的那种力量，以便重新点燃他求爱的欲念。 在这天晚上，舅妈和外甥女之间商量了一下，觉得人家达西小姐在抵达彭伯利时已经快要过了吃早饭的时分，可还在当天来看望了她们，这殷勤的礼节他们也应该加以效仿，尽管在程度上不能和人家相比；于是她们认为最好是在第二天早晨便到彭伯利回访。他们就这样定下了——伊丽莎白心里很是高兴，虽然要问为什么这么高兴，她自己也回答不出。 嘉丁纳先生第二天吃了早饭就先走了。原来昨天又重新提起了钓鱼的事，约定好了今天中午在彭伯利与几位先生碰头。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第52章 既然伊丽莎白现在认为彬格莱小姐的不喜欢她是出于妒忌，她便不禁想到，彬格莱小姐事实上会多么不欢迎她在彭伯利出现；不过她倒很想看看再度相遇后，这位小姐能拿出多少的礼貌待她。 到了彭伯利住宅后，伊丽莎白和舅妈便从穿堂那里被带进了客厅，面朝北开的窗户使客厅在现在的夏日里显得很怡人。窗子外边是一片空地，屋后树林茂盛，山峦叠嶂，草地上有美丽的橡树和西班牙栗树点缀其间。 在客厅里，达西小姐接待了她们，和达西小姐在一起的还有赫斯特夫人、彬格莱小姐以及陪达西小姐在伦敦住着的那位太太。乔治安娜对待她俩非常客气；只是因为害羞和生怕有所失礼，态度显得有些拘谨，这要是让那些自认为身份比她低的人看了，便很容易以为她是高傲和矜持了。嘉丁纳夫人和她的外甥女儿倒是能慧眼识人，觉得达西小姐值得同情。 赫斯特夫人和彬格莱小姐只对她们行了屈膝礼；她们坐下以后，有好几分钟大家都没有话说，很是尴尬。首先打破这沉默的是安涅斯雷太太，她是一个文静和蔼的女人，你只要瞧她竭力想要找上个话题来谈的样子，便可知道她比另外的那两位要有教养得多；全靠她同嘉丁纳夫人之间的攀谈，再加上伊丽莎白的不时地插话，大家才算没有冷场。达西小姐好像也希望她能鼓起足够的勇气参加进来；并且有的时候也的确说出了一两句简短的话，在她觉得不会有人听到的当儿。 伊丽莎白不久便发现，彬格莱小姐的眼睛在紧紧地盯着她，她只要一张口，尤其是只要跟达西小姐一说话，都每每要引起她的注意。这一发现本来并不能阻止她与达西小姐的谈话，只是因为她们俩之间离得较远，她才没有多去攀谈，不过，她对自己没有多说却并不感到遗憾。因为她有许多自己的心事要想。她极切地盼望着会有几位男人走进来。在这中间，她希望在达西先生，可又害怕有达西先生；究竟是期盼得心切还是害怕得厉害，连她自己也搞 不清楚。伊丽莎白就这样坐了一刻钟的时间，没有听到彬格莱小姐那方面的一句话，后来忽然之间彬格莱小姐冷冰冰地问起了她的家人。她也同样冷淡地回答了一下，随即便又沉默了。 改变了这种情势的是几位佣人的到来，她们端来了冷肉、点心以及各种色鲜味美的应时水果；就是这一着也是经安涅斯雷太太几次地使眼色给达西小姐，才叫她想起了她应尽的主人之责。这一下大家都有事可做了；虽然她们谈话不投机，可大家都会吃；一堆堆的葡萄、油桃和桃子使大家很快聚拢到了桌子旁边来。 在这样嚼着的当儿，伊丽莎白有空闲来决定一下她到底是害怕还是希望达西先生的出现，最后觉得她还是希望他来到这儿；可是待达西先生不一会儿果然走了进来时，她却又认为他还是不来的好了，尽管在一分钟前她相信她还是期盼见到他的。 且说达西和两三位先生离开家里来到河边，陪着嘉丁纳先生在河边钓鱼，后来听说嘉丁纳夫人和她外甥女儿要在今天早晨来回访乔治安娜，便赶了回来，在他一走进来时，伊丽莎白便颇为明智地下了决心，要表现得非常镇静和轻松；为了掩人耳目，她下这决心当然很有必要，只可惜做起来却不像想象得那么容易，因为她到这时才发现在场的人都对他们俩起了疑心，达西一进来，几乎没有一双眼睛不在注视着他的一举一动。不过，谁脸上的好奇和专注神情都没有像彬格莱小姐的那么明显，尽管她跟他们两个中的随便哪一个谈起话来时，还能带出满脸的笑容；她还能笑得出来，是因为她的嫉妒还没有使她绝望，她对达西先生还远远没有死心。达西小姐见到她的哥哥来了，便尽可能地多说点话儿；伊丽莎白看出，达西先生很想叫他的妹妹和她处熟，他尽可能地创造机会，能让她们两人之间多谈一谈。这些情形彬格莱小姐当然也看在了眼里；一气之下也就顾不得礼貌，很快便找了一个机会冷嘲热讽起来： “请问，伊丽莎白小姐，某郡的民团是不是已经离开麦里屯了呢？他们的离开是你家的一个重大损失吧。” 在达西的面前，彬格莱小姐没有敢提起威科汉姆的名字；可是伊丽莎白马上意识到了她主要指的就是这位先生；一霎那间有关他的各种回忆涌上心尖，叫她感到了片刻的不自在；不过她还是极力镇静自己，来对付这一不怀好意的攻击，随即用一种不太在乎的口气回答了这一问话。在她开口作答的时候，伊丽莎白不自觉扫了达西一眼，只见达西的脸红了，正急切地注视着她，而他的妹妹更是显得仓皇无措，连眼睛也不敢抬起了。 如果彬格莱小姐事先知道她现在会给她爱着的这个人带来多大的痛苦，毫无疑问也就不会给出这个暗示了；她只是一心想着要把伊丽莎白搞得狼狈，通过提到她以为伊丽莎白所钟情于的那个人儿，来让她暴露出她的感情，以使达西先生看不起她，或者甚至还可以让达西想起她的几个妹妹曾经为了那个民团闹出的荒唐笑话。彬格莱小姐哪里知道达西小姐受骗私奔的事。除了伊丽莎白，达西先生一向尽量保守秘密，没有告诉过任何一个人；尤其是对于彬格莱的亲友们，她的哥哥更是小心地加以隐瞒，因为他想叫妹妹将来和他们家攀亲，这也是伊丽莎白早已猜到的。他的确早就有这样的一个打算，可这并不是他千方百计拆散彬格莱和班纳特小姐之间的恋情的缘由，或许他只是因为有这个意思便对他朋友的幸福更加关心罢了。 伊丽莎白镇定自若的神情不久便使达西的心情也平静下来；由于彬格莱小姐觉得失望和沮丧，没有再去提威科汉姆，乔治安娜也渐渐地恢复了常态，尽管她再也没能鼓起谈话的勇气。她的哥哥倒没有想到她也牵涉在这件事里面，虽然她这时很怕碰到哥哥的目光。这一本来是想要离间达西和伊丽莎白之间关系的一幕，结果似乎倒是叫他对她想得更多，想得更动情了。 在上面提到的这一问一答以后不久，伊丽莎白和舅母便起身告辞；在达西先生陪着她们走到车子那儿的时候，彬格莱小姐对伊丽莎白的相貌，举止和衣饰不断地评头论足，来发泄她的私愤。可是乔治安娜并没有帮着她说话。她哥哥的推荐已足能使她对伊丽莎白产生好感了：他的判断是不会错了，他说了伊丽莎白的那么多好话，乔治安娜除了觉得她既亲切又可爱就再也感觉不到别的什么了。达西先生回到客厅后，彬格莱小姐憋不住又把跟他妹妹说过的话重复了一遍。 “今天早晨伊丽莎白·班纳特有多么难看啊，达西先生，”她大声地说，“我还没有见过有谁像她那样，在一个冬天就有了这么大的变化。她的肤色变得又黑又粗糙！露易莎和我都觉得，我们这一次本不该再跟她认识的。” 尽管达西先生对这番话是多么的不喜欢，他还是极为平静冷淡地回答她说，除了晒得黑了一点儿外，他看不出她有什么别的变化——这也不足为奇，是夏天旅行的自然结果。 “在我看来，”她回答说，“我根本看不出她有任何美的地方。她的脸太削瘦，皮肤没有光泽，她的五官一点儿也不漂亮，她的鼻子长得缺少特征，线条很模糊。她的牙齿还算过得去，可也只是一般而己；至于她的眼睛，有时候人们把它说得那么美，我可从来没看出它们有任何特别的动人之处。这双眼睛里透着一种尖刻、狡黠的神情，我一点儿也不喜欢；至于她的风度，完全是一种自命不凡，毫无风雅可言，简直叫人不能忍受。” 虽然彬格莱小姐也明白，达西先生爱慕伊丽莎白，她这样做并不能博得他多少的好感；可是人在气头上时，往往就不是那么精明了；看到达西终于露出了些许的烦恼，她便以为她大功告成了。不过，达西还是极力保持了沉默；为了非叫他开口不可，她继续道： “我记得，当我们初次在哈福德郡认识她时，我们大家都感到纳闷她怎么会是一个人人称道的美人儿；我特别记得，有一天晚上当她们在尼塞费尔德吃过晚饭以后，你曾说‘如果她是个美人儿，那么我就该称她妈妈是个小天才啦。’不过从那以后，你对她的看法似乎改变了，我觉得你有一个时期都以为她长得十分漂亮了。” “是的，”达西回答。他再也抑制不住自己，“我那样说只是在我第一次认识她的时候，在这以后的许多个月里，我早就认为她是我所认识的女子当中最漂亮的一个了。” 说完他便走开了，留下彬格莱小姐独自一人，品味着她硬逼着人家说出的，只是给她自己带来痛苦的话。 嘉丁纳夫人和伊丽莎白回来后，谈论起了她们这次作客中所发生的一切，除了那件叫她们两个都特别感兴趣的事情。她们在那里所见到的每一个人的举止神情，也都议论到了，除了她们最最关心的那一个人。她们谈到他的妹妹，他的朋友，他的房屋，他的水果，一切的一切，只是没有谈到本人；然而伊丽莎白却渴望知道舅母的看法，而嘉丁纳夫人也将会得到极大的满足，如果她的外甥女先扯到这个题目上来。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第53章 (1) 伊丽莎白刚刚到达兰姆屯时没有发现有吉英的来信，便觉得很沮丧，这一沮丧的心情一直持续了好几天；到第三天早晨时，她不再发牢骚也不再生姐姐的气了，她一下子收到姐姐的两封信，一封信上还标有曾误投到其他地方的字样。伊丽莎白看到姐姐把地址写得那么潦草，所以投错也不足为怪了。 信送来时，他们正准备出去散步；于是她的舅舅、舅母便留下她一个人安安静静地看信，他们自个儿出去了。那封误投的信自然应该先读；它是五天前写的。信的开始是一些小型的晚会和约会之类的事，还有一些乡下的小道新闻；信的后半部分是隔了一天写的，能看出写信人当时的心情很乱，给出的消息也很重要，主要的内容如下：？ “最最亲爱的丽萃，自从写了上面的内容后，发生了一件最为出乎人的预料的严重事情；可是我又怕吓坏了你——放心吧，家里的人都很好。我这里要说的是可怜的丽迪雅。昨天晚上12点钟正在我们要去睡觉的时候，从弗斯特上校那里寄来一件特快专递，上面说丽迪雅和他部下的一个军官一起跑到苏格兰去了；老实说吧，就是跟威科汉姆——你可以想到我们当时的惊讶。对吉蒂来说，这事似乎并不是完全出乎意料。我真是难过极了。这两个男女就这样鲁莽地到了一块儿！可我还是愿意往最好的地方想，希望他的人品并不像人们所想得那么坏。 我当然认为他是轻率和冒失的，不过但愿这一步(让我们这样希望吧)不是他心有所谋而搞出来的。他选择了她至少不是为了有利可图，因为他当然知道我们的父亲没有任何的东西给她。可怜的母亲伤心得要命，父亲总算还挺得住。我真庆幸，我们没有告诉父母达西先生说威科汉姆的那些话；我们自己也必须忘掉它。据人们猜测，他们俩是在星期六晚上十二点左右动身的，可是直到昨天早晨八点才发现了这两个人的失踪。特快专递随即便寄来了。亲爱的丽萃，他们经过的地方一定离我们不到十里。弗斯特上校说威科汉姆很快便会来到这里。丽迪雅给弗斯太太留了几行字，说明了他们的意图。我必须打住了，我不忍心丢下可怜的母亲这时候一个人待着。我担心你看了我的信也并不明白是怎么回事，我自己也不知道我写了些什么。” 伊丽莎白在读完了这封信后，容不得自己去考虑，也没去体会她现在的感情，便急忙抓起了另一封信，迫不及待地打开读了起来，这封信比上一封的日期晚了一天。？ “最亲爱的妹妹，到这个时候，你一定收到那封匆匆忙忙写成的信了吧？我希望这一封能把事情说得较为清楚一些；不过，虽然时间充裕了，可是我的脑子里仍然很乱，恐怕很难写得有条理。最最亲爱的丽萃，我简直不知道该给你写些什么，除了把倒楣的消息传达给你，并且还得事不宜迟。尽管威科汉姆和我们可怜的丽迪雅之间的婚姻是太莽撞了一点儿，可我们现在还是急切地希望这门婚事已经成了，因为有许多的理由让我们担心，他们俩并没有去苏格兰。弗斯特上校在寄出那封快件后没有几个小时就离开了布利屯，于昨天到达了这里。 虽然丽迪雅给弗斯特太太的短简上说，他们准备是去格利那草原的，可是丹尼来透露说他相信威科汉姆决没有去那儿的意思，也没有跟丽迪雅结婚的念头，我们把这一情况即刻告诉了弗斯特上校，他感到很吃惊，马上便从布利屯那里出发去追踪他们了。他的确很容易地便找到了他们两个去到克拉普汗的踪迹，可是线索到此也就断了；因为在抵达那儿以后，他们把从艾普桑雇来的车子打发走了，换乘了一辆出租马车。在这以后再知道的一切就是 ，有人看见他们继续朝伦敦的方向去了。我自己一筹莫展，不知该如何作想。弗斯特上校在伦敦竭力仔细地打听了一番以后，便来到哈福德郡，在沿途的关卡和巴纳特和汉特费尔德所有的旅馆里找寻了一遍，也没有结果，谁也没有看到有这样的一双男女打这里走过。出于深切的关心，他来到浪博恩，把他的担心诚心诚意地告诉了我们。我真心为他和他的太太难过，可谁又能责怪他们夫妇俩呢。我亲爱的丽萃，我们真是痛苦极了。 父亲和母亲都觉得糟透了，不过我还不认为他会那么坏。也许出于种种原因，他们觉得在城里私下结了婚比执行他们的第一个方案较为可行；即便他对丽迪雅不存好心，欺侮她没有显贵亲戚(这是不大可能的)，我也不相信她也会全然不顾及一切的，这是不可能的。可是我却遗憾地发现，弗斯特上校并不相信他们会结婚；当我说出我的这一希望时，他摇了摇头说，威科汉姆并不是那种可信赖的男人。可怜的母亲真的给气病了，整天待在屋子里。如果她稍稍出去活动活动，会好一点儿的，可是谁也劝不动她；至于父亲，我一生中还从来没有见到他这样难受过。可怜的吉蒂也很气自己没有能把他们两个的关系告诉家人；可是既然这是妹妹们之间的心腹话儿，家人也不能怪吉蒂。亲爱的丽萃，我真高兴你没有见到这些痛苦的场景；不过，现在既然最初的风波已经过去，我能坦率地告诉你我很想叫你回来。如果你不方便，我也没有那么自私非催你回不可。 再见吧！请恕我又提起笔来做我刚刚告诉你我不愿做的事了，可情势是这么严重，我禁不住要恳切地请求你尽可能快地回到家中来。我对舅舅和舅妈太了解了，我知道他们不会怪我叫你回来的，另外我还有别的事情请舅舅帮忙呢。父亲计划和弗斯特上校马上要到伦敦去找寻丽迪雅了。他到底想做什么，我也不太清楚；不过他那痛苦万分的样子一定不能使他最明智最稳妥地处理这件事情，而且弗斯特上校必须在明天晚上就赶回到布利屯。在这样紧急的情况下，我们睿智的舅舅的建议和帮助便是最为重要的了；他一定马上就能懂得我现在的心情，我真诚地信赖他的品格。” “哦，舅舅，我的舅舅现在在哪儿呢？”伊丽莎白在读完了信后一边喊着，一边从椅子上跳起来向外面跑去，她渴望找到舅舅，不耽误这一分一秒的宝贵时间；可是就在她到了门口的当儿，门由一个侍者打开了，达西先生出现在门口。她苍白的脸色和焦躁的举止叫达西吃了一惊，还没待他反应过来该如何应答，满脑子里装着都是丽迪雅的糟糕处境的伊丽莎白急急地大声说：“请原谅，我现在必须离开一下。我得马上找到嘉丁纳先生，有一件紧急的事情要办；我一刻也不能耽搁。” “天哪！发生什么事了？”他喊着，担心之极便忘记了礼貌；随后他又镇静下来说，“我一分钟也不愿耽搁你，只是让我，或是让那位待者去找嘉丁纳夫妇吧。你身体不适——不要自己去。” 伊丽莎白迟疑了一下，这时间她的双膝已经在颤栗，她觉得她想去找回舅父母来是力不从心了。于是，她叫回了佣人，让他赶快把他的主人和主妇带回来。她说话时上气不接下气，几乎叫人家听不清楚。 仆人走了以后，她坐了下来，见她这样体力不支，脸色这么难看，达西不放心离开她，他用一种温和体贴的声调说：“让我去把你的女佣唤来吧。你能不能喝点儿什么，让自己恢复一下？一杯酒——我去给你倒一杯吧——你好像病得很厉害。” “不用，谢谢你，”她回答说，极力想使自己平静下来，“我没有病，我身体很好。只是从浪博恩刚刚捎来一个可怕的消息，叫我一下子心很烦乱。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第54章 (2) 她说到这儿，禁不住哭了，有好几分钟再也说不出一个字来。达西心里焦急可又弄不清是怎么回事，只能说些泛泛的安慰话儿，默默地望着她很是同情。末了，伊丽莎白又说话了：“我刚收到吉英的一封信，告诉了我一件非常不幸的消息。这消息是不可能瞒过任何人的。我最小的妹妹丽迪雅丢弃了她的所有朋友——已经私奔了——她将自己抛进了威科汉姆的怀抱。他们俩从布利屯一块儿逃了。你对他那么了解，当然很清楚这后果会是什么了。她没有钱财，没有显贵亲戚，没有任何能吸引住她的东西——丽迪雅完了。” 达西听了惊讶得目瞪口呆。“我事后想，”她用一种更为忧烦的口吻说，“我本来能够防止这件事的发生的！因为我知道他的底细。只要我把我所知道的一部分告放了我的家人！如若他的为人叫人们知道了，这件事就不会发生了。但是现在这一切的一切都已经太晚了。” “我听了真的很痛心，”达西激动地说，“痛心——震惊。可是这消息绝对的可靠吧？” “是的！他俩在星期日的晚上离开布利屯，有人追踪他们的线索到伦敦，可是无法追下去，他俩一定没有去苏格兰。” “那么，有没有想办法去找她呢？” “我父亲已经去伦敦了，吉英来信敦请我舅舅立刻回去寻找，我希望我们再有半个小时便能动身回去。但是，这与事又有何补呢；我知道很清楚，做什么也没有用。对这样的一个人，能叫他悔过自新吗？又怎么能找得到他们呢？我一点儿也不抱希望。从哪一方面想都太可怕了。” 达西摇摇头，表示默认。 “我当初已经看清了他的本性。噢！如果那时我要知道该怎么做并大胆去做就好了！可是我不知道——我害怕做得太过。结果犯了这无可挽回的错误！” 达西没有吭声。他似乎就没有听到她的话，在屋子里来回地踱着步，深深地思索着；他的眉头紧锁着，他的神情显得很沉郁。伊丽莎白很快发觉了他的这种神情，立即明白他有了心事。她的力量在她身上退去，生长在这样一个脆弱的家庭的屋檐下面，面对着这羞愧难当的耻辱，一切的力量都会消逝的。她既不感到诧异也不愿去责备，即使她相信他愿意委曲求全，也不能给她带来丝毫的安慰，也不能丝毫地减轻她的痛苦。恰恰相反，这倒是使她确切地懂得了她自己的心愿；在现在千恩万爱必会落空的时候，她却真挚地感到了她对他的一种从未有过的爱意。 不过，对自己的考虑并不能占据了她的身心。丽迪雅——以及她给全家人带来的耻辱和痛苦，不久便吞噬了她个人的顾虑；她用一条手绢捂住了脸，便什么也不理不问了。过了好一会儿，她听到了她同伴的声音，方才清醒过来。只听得达西用一种同情而又拘谨的声调说：“我觉得，你恐怕早就想让我离开这儿了，我也没有任何的理由待在这儿，只是对你的真挚然而又是无补于事的关心叫我不忍离去。天哪！我要是能说点儿什么或做点儿什么，能使你减轻一点儿痛苦就好了。我不再用这些徒劳的愿望来折磨你了，这样好像显得我是有意要讨你的感激似的。我担心，这一不幸的事件将使得我妹妹今天不能有幸在彭伯利见到你了。” “哦，是的。务请你代我们跟达西小姐道个歉。就说有件紧急的事要我们立即回去。最好不要把这件不愉快的事告诉她。不过我也知道它不会瞒得太久。” 他即刻答应替她保守秘密——又一次为她的痛苦表示了难过，衷心希望这件事能有一个较为圆满的结局，不至于像现在所想象得这么糟糕，末了请她代问她家里的人好，最后又郑重地望了她一眼离去了。 在他走了以后，伊丽莎白思忖道，他们俩竟然会在德比郡有好几次机会来坦诚相见，这简直是出人意料；当她回想起他们俩这曲折多舛的相认经过时，她禁不住叹息了一声：没料到从前那么巴望中断他们这种关系的那些个感情，现在反倒想要加深他们之间的相认了。 如果说感激和尊敬是情感的基础的话，那么伊丽莎白感情的变化就既不是不可能也不是可指责的了。总而言之，世上有所谓一见钟情、甚至三言两语还没说完就倾心相许的爱情，如果与此相比由感激和尊敬产生的爱情显得不近人情或是不自然的话，我们也无法为伊丽莎白辩解，除了说她也曾尝试过一点儿这一见倾心的方法，在对威科汉姆的情意上，只是效果不好，她才无奈而求其次，用了这另一种较为乏味的恋爱方式。尽管如此，看见他走了她还是不胜遗憾；丽迪雅的放荡行为在一开始就产生了这样的后果，使她想起这件糟糕的事情时又增加了她的痛苦。自从读了吉英的第二封信以后，她就再也没有了威科汉姆会娶丽迪雅的想法。除了吉英，没有人再会用这样的期盼来安慰自己。对这件事的发展，她不再感到惊奇了。当她的脑子里转着第一封信的内容的时候，她惊讶之至——惊讶威科汉姆竟会娶一个没有钱的姑娘；而且对丽迪雅怎么会爱上他，也觉得不可理解。可是现在这一切都是再自然不过的了。像这一类的苟合，有丽迪雅的风流妩媚可能也就足够了；尽管伊丽莎白也不相信，丽迪雅会不存结婚的念头就心甘情愿地跟他私奔，可她也不难相信，丽迪雅的品行和见解都使她很容易落入人家的圈套。 她从来也没有察觉，丽迪雅在民团驻扎哈福德郡期间对威科汉姆有所倾心，不过她倒是确信，只要有人勾引，丽迪雅就会上钩。有的时候是这个军官，有的时候是那个军官成了她的意中人，只要你向她献殷勤，她就看得上你。她的感情总是在变化中，可是从来都没有缺少了谈情说爱的对象。对这样的一个女孩，父母不施家教一味娇惯，结果落得了现在的下场。啊！对这悲剧她现在体会得太深刻了。 她渴望马上回到家去——去亲身耳闻目睹，在这样一个乱糟糟的家里，她要回去为吉英分担现在会压在了她身上的那副重担；父亲去伦敦了，母亲毫无应对的办法，还得需要别人的照顾；虽然她认为丽迪雅的事几乎已经没有办法可想，可是舅舅的参与似乎显得至关重要，她现在等舅舅真是等得心急如焚。嘉丁纳夫妇慌慌张张地赶了回来，听仆人的讲述以为外甥女儿突然得了急病；看到不是那么回事才顿时放了心。伊丽莎白把叫回他们的原因急促地说了一遍，大声地读完了这两封信，又将后面补写的那一部分用力给予了强调。虽然嘉丁纳夫妇从来也没有喜欢过丽迪雅，可他们却不能不感到深切的忧虑。岂只是丽迪雅，家人亲戚都与此事相关；嘉丁纳先生在开始时也大为惊骇，连声感叹，随后便一口答应尽他的一切力量给予帮助。虽然这是预料之中的事，伊丽莎白仍然感激涕零地表示了感谢；三人一齐动手，上路的一切准备工作很快便做好了。他们要尽可能快地赶回去。“可是彭伯利那边怎么办呢？”嘉丁纳夫人问，“约翰（指仆人——译者注）告我们说，当你打发他来找我们时，达西先生在这儿来着，真是这样吗？” “是的，我已经告诉他我们不能去赴约了。一切都已经决定了。” “一切都已经决定了。”嘉丁纳夫人念叨着跑进她的房间去准备了，“难道他们两人之间已经好到这样的程度，能让她把这件事的真相都透露给他了吗？懊，但愿我知道真情就好了！” 但是愿望总归是愿望，或者说最多也不过是在后来一个小时的忙乱中，使她有一个聊以自娱的念头而已。如果是在闲暇的时候，伊丽莎白一定相信，像她现在的这个样子便不可能做得了这多的事情；可是像舅妈一样，她也有她的一份事要做，这其中也包括给他们在兰姆屯的所有的朋友写信，为他们的突然离去编造出种种的理由。只用了一个小时，就一切准备就绪了；嘉丁纳先生这时也和旅店结清了帐目，剩下要做的就是动身了；在经受了一上午的痛苦之后，伊丽莎白没有料到，在这么短的时间内，她就坐上了马车，向浪博恩进发了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第55章 (1) “我又一直在想这件事，伊丽莎白，”从伦敦出来的路上， 她的舅舅说，“真的，经过认真的考虑，我倒比刚才觉得你姐姐的判断是有道理的了。叫我看，任何一个年轻人都不敢对一个有亲朋好友保护、尤其是就留住在他的上校家里的姑娘存坏心眼，因此我愿意从最好的方面去想。难道他不怕她的朋友们前来救助？难道在这样地冒犯了他的上司弗斯特上校以后，他还可能再回到部队上去吗？丽迪雅对他的诱惑不值得他冒这样的险。” “你真是这样想吗？”伊丽莎白激动地说，脸上有了片刻的喜色。 “说实话，”嘉丁纳夫人说，“我也开始像你舅舅这样认为了。如此地不顾廉耻，丢掉一切名誉和利益，他会这样做吗？我不认为威科汉姆有这么坏。丽萃，难道你自己对他已经完全绝望，相信他会做这种事吗？” “为了顾全他个人的利益，他也许不会。除此之外，我相信他全不会在乎的。如果真像你们说的这样就好了：我不敢存这个奢望。如果真是这样的话，他们为什么没有去苏格兰呢？” “首先来说，”嘉丁纳先生回答道，“这里并没有确凿的证据，说明他们没有往苏格兰去。” “噢！可是他们把原来的马车打发掉，换上了出租马车，显然是用心良苦！何况，到巴纳特去的路上也找不到他们的任何踪迹。” “呃，那么——就假定他们是去了伦敦。他们到那儿也许只是为了躲藏一时，而不是有什么别的图谋。他们两人身上都不可能有许多的钱；也许他们会觉得，在伦敦结婚比去到苏格兰更节省一些，虽然不如那儿方便。” “可是，为什么要这样神神密密的呢？为什么要怕人家发现呢？他们结婚干吗要偷偷摸摸的呢？啊！不，不，这根本不可能。吉英在信上说，连他的最要好的朋友都不相信他会娶丽迪雅的。威科汉姆绝对不会跟一个没有钱的女人结婚，他做不到。丽迪雅有什么本钱，有什么诱惑力（除了她的年轻、健康和活泼的性情），能够使得他为其而丢掉他自己结婚致富的一切机会呢？至于他会不会怕这次不名誉的私奔使他自己在部队里丢脸，便把他的行为变得收敛一点儿，那我就无法判断了，因为我不知道他这一步到底能产生多大的影响。至于你的其他理由，我担心都很难站得住脚。丽迪雅没有兄弟出来撑腰；而且从我父亲平日的行为里，从他对家中所发生的一切事情上所采取的那种又似纵容又似不予过问的态度中，威科汉姆也许认为父亲在这件事情上，像有些做父亲的那样，也会不肯去多管、不肯去多想的。” “可是，你认为丽迪雅会只顾了爱他，便同意不结婚而跟他住在一起吗？” “这似乎是，而且的确是叫人震惊的，”伊丽莎白眼睛里溢着泪水回答说，“一个人竟会在这样一点上怀疑自己妹妹的道德感和贞操。可是，我的确不知道怎样说才好了。或许我对她的看法有片面性。可是她太年轻了；又从来没有人去告诉过她如何去想这些重大的问题；最近半年来，不，最近的一年来，她一味地耽溺于追求快乐和虚荣。家里纵容她过那种最为无聊浮浅的生活，随意听从别人的教唆。自从民团驻扎到麦里屯以来，她脑子里整天想着的就是和军官们调情说爱。她总是想着和谈论与军官们调情的事，使她的感情——我怎么说呢——愈发地容易受到诱惑了；本来她天生就足够多情的了。而且我们都知道，威科汉姆有能迷住一个女人的堂堂仪表和优美谈吐，他的魅力是很难抵挡的。” “可是你也看得出，”她的舅母说，“吉英并不认为威科汉姆有那么坏，会干出这等事来。” “吉英认为过哪一个人不好呢？在一件事没有得到证明之前，不管这个人以前的行为如何，吉英多会儿相信过人家会干出坏事来呢？可是，吉英像我一样的清楚威科汉姆的真实面目。我俩都知道他行为上的放荡。他既不诚实又无节操，他虚伪造作，又善于奉迎。” “这些情形你真的都了解吗？”嘉丁纳夫人大声问，显然地对她如何得到的这些消息感到好奇了。 “我的确了解，”伊丽莎白回答道，随之脸也红了，“那一天我已经将他如何不名誉地对待达西先生的行为告诉了你；而且，你自己上次在浪博恩的时候，也亲耳听到了他是怎么谈到对他既宽宏大量又慷慨解囊的达西先生的。还有些事情我现在不能公开——也不值得提起；不过，他给彭伯利一家所造的谣言真是多得不胜枚举。以他对达西小姐的描述，我看到的该是一个骄傲、矜持、惹人讨厌的女孩子。然而，他自己也知道事实恰恰相反。他当然清楚，她和蔼可亲，毫无造作，就如我们所看到的那样。” “难道丽迪雅不知道这些吗？你和吉英这么了解的事，难道她能一点儿也不晓得吗？” “噢，真是这样！事情糟就糟在这儿。我自己也是到了肯特以后，由于常常跟达西先生和他的表弟费茨威廉上校见面，才知道了真相的。在我从肯特回到家里的时候，麦里屯的民团已经准备在一两个星期内开拔了。既是如此，吉英（我已都告诉了她）和我都觉得再没有必要把他的事情向外声张；因为何必无端去触犯邻居们对他的好感呢？甚至就是在丽迪雅已经定下来要跟弗斯特一块儿走的时候，我也从没想到过有必要叫丽迪雅认清威科汉姆的本性。我一点儿也不曾想到，她竟会有上当受骗的这种可能。你可以相信，我万万没有料到会造成了这样的后果。” “这样说来，在他们一块儿去到布利屯的时候，我想你根本不认为他们两人已经相好了。” “一点儿也没有觉出。我回忆不起双方之间有过倾慕的任何征状；只要有这样的事情，你也知道在像我们这样的家庭里是不可能被轻易放过去的。当威科汉姆刚来到部队上的时候，丽迪雅倒很是对他倾慕；可是当时有哪一个姑娘不是这样呢。麦里屯以及麦里屯附近地区的女孩子们在开始的两个月里都迷恋上了他，不过他对丽迪雅可不曾给予过特别的青睐，跟着，在一段不算长的神魂颠倒的爱慕过后，她对他的喜欢便渐渐地淡下去，那些向她献殷勤的其他军官们又成了她的意中人。”？ 我们不难想象，在这几天的旅程中，尽管他们三人对这件事的翻来复去的讨论，不能给他们现在的担心、希望和揣测再添进去什么新奇了，可是无论扯到什么别的话题，他们不久便又会谈到这件事情上来。它总是萦绕在伊丽莎白的脑子里；使她深深地感到痛苦，感到自责，叫她一路上没有过一刻轻松舒坦的时候。 他们急匆匆地赶路，日夜兼程，终于在第二天的中午时分到达了浪博恩。想到吉英不必再为整天的期待他们感到焦心了，伊丽莎白觉得一阵快慰。 当他们的车子进到围场的时候，嘉丁纳舅舅的孩子们看见了便站到了房门前的台阶上来；当车子在门前停下的时候，他们的脸上露出了惊喜，高兴得又是蹦又是跳，这便是他们一行三人刚刚回来时受到的热忱愉快的欢迎了。 伊丽莎白跳下马车，急急地吻过了每个小表弟表妹们，便匆匆走进了门廊，刚巧吉英正从她母亲的房间那里奔下楼来，在这儿相遇了。 伊丽莎白紧紧地拥抱着姐姐，两人的眼睛里都浸满了泪水，与此同时伊丽莎白一刻也没有耽搁地便问起这两个失踪了的人的消息。 “还没有听到什么消息，”吉英回答，“不过，亲爱的舅舅现在回来了，我想一切都会好起来啦。” “父亲还在城里吗？” “是的，我信中告诉过你他星期二就走了。’ “父亲那儿常有信来吗？” “我们只收到过一封。他在星期三那天给我写回来短短的几句话，说是他已平安到达，告诉了我他的地址，这是我在他临走前特意请求他做的。另外他只说，等到有重要线索的时候再来信。” “母亲呢——她好吗？家里人都好吗？” “母亲的情况还算不错。我想；尽管她在精神上受到了不小的刺激。她正在楼上，看到你们她会高兴的。她还待在她的化妆室里。玛丽和吉蒂嘛，谢谢上帝，她们都很好。” “但是你——你怎么样呢？”伊丽莎白着急地问，“你脸色很苍白，你经受了多少的痛苦啊！” 不过，她的姐姐却告诉她，她的精神和身体都很好；趁着嘉丁纳夫妇和他们的孩子们亲热的时候，姐妹俩说了这么几句话，待大家都进来时，吉英便走到舅舅和舅母面前去，一会儿是眼泪一会儿是笑容地向他们两个表示欢迎和感谢。 在大家都来到了客厅以后，伊丽莎白问过的话儿自然又被舅父舅母重新提了起来，他们很快便发现吉英并没有什么消息可以告诉他们。吉英那宽厚的心地里存着的但愿有个美好结局的愿望，还没有离开她。她仍然希冀着会有个圆满的结果，她觉得每个早晨都可能会收到丽迪雅或是父亲的来信，信上会把事情进展情况解释一番，或许还会有结婚的喜讯传来。 在这样说过了几分钟的话儿后，他们便都来到班纳特夫人的房间，班纳特夫人对他们的接待正像所能预料到的那样；她又是眼泪又是懊悔地感叹，她气着骂威科汉姆的卑劣行为，也为自己所受的苦和委曲叫冤；她把每一个人都数落到了，除了纵容女儿铸成这个大错的自己。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第56章 (2) “如果我要是能够，”她说，“照我的想法办。全家人一块儿去布利屯，就不会有这样的事儿发生啦；结果弄得是可怜的丽迪雅没人照顾，为什么弗斯特夫妇要让她一个人瞎跑呢？我敢说他们两个一定是没有尽到他们的责任，因为只要好好管着一点儿，丽迪雅可不是能做出这种事的孩子。我早就认为他们照管不了她；可是我的话总是说了也没有人听，我的可怜的孩子。班纳特先生也走了，我知道他只要见着威科汉姆一定会打起来的，他一定会被打死的，那可叫我们这一家老小怎么办呢？他尸骨未寒，科林斯夫妇就会找上门来赶我们出去了；弟弟，如果你不帮忙，我可真不知道我们这一家子会怎么样了。” 大家对她这些可怕的想法都极力反对，嘉丁纳先生告诉她说，无论是对她本人还是她的家人，他都会尽心照顾，然后又说他明天就动身去伦敦，竭尽全力帮助班纳特先生找到丽迪雅。 “你不必过分惊慌，”他接着说，“尽管应该是要想到最坏的方面，可没有理由就把它当成是肯定的结局。他们两个离开布利屯还不足一个星期，再过几天，我们便可能会得到他们的一些消息了，只有当我们得知他们并没有结婚，也没有任何结婚的打算时，那才算是失望。我一进城就会到姐夫那儿去，请他到天恩寺街我们家里去住，然后我们便着手商量该怎么办。” “噢！我的好兄弟，”班纳特夫人回答说，“你说的正合我的心意。你到了城里后，不管他们可能会在哪里，一定要把他们找到；如果他们俩还没有结婚，就给他们俩结了婚。不要让他们等结婚的礼服，你告诉丽迪雅待他们结了婚以后，她想买多少钱的礼服都可以。最要紧的是，不要叫班纳特先生动手。告诉他我现在的情形糟透了——我已经被惊吓得魂不附体啦，我浑身常常发抖，打哆嗦，腰背抽搐，头痛心跳，白天夜里都不能休息。再告诉丽迪雅，在没有见到我以前，不要购置礼服，因为她不知道哪一家的衣料最好。噢，弟弟，你真好！我知你会把这一切都办好的。” 嘉丁纳先生虽然又一次地告诉她说他在这件事情上一定会认真尽力的，可也忍不住劝诫她，要她的希望像她的担心一样还是适中一些为好；大家跟她一直谈到吃饭的时分才离开，在这以后她又继续向她的管家女人发泄情绪，女儿们不在时，这位管家妇便跟着她在屋里。 尽管她的弟弟和弟妹并不以为非要把她隔离起来不可，可他们却也没有表示反对，因为他们知道，如果让她和大家一起吃饭，在佣人们上菜的时候她也管不住自己的嘴，出言不慎会惹下人笑话的，这样一想，觉得还是让这位他们最信任的女管家陪着她好，让她把她的所有的担心和焦虑只叫这一个人知道好了。 玛丽和吉蒂不久也来到了餐厅里，在这之前她们两个都各自在自己的房间里忙着，还没顾得上露面。一个是刚从书堆里钻出来，另一个是刚刚化完妆。这两人的脸上都很平静，两个人都没有什么明显的变化，只是吉蒂讲话的声调比平常显得焦躁些；这或者是因为她失去一个心爱的妹妹而伤心，或是为了这件事感到气恼。至于玛丽，可严然还是她平时的那付样子，刚刚在桌前坐定以后她便若有所思、一本正经地跟伊丽莎白小声说： “这真是一件最不幸的事了，很可能会遭到众人议论的。我们必须顶住这股人心叵测的潮头，把姐妹间的体恤之情倾注到我们彼此受到创伤的心灵中去。” 她看到伊丽莎白不愿答话，便接着说：“这件事情对丽迪雅来说固然不幸，可是我们却能从这中间获得有用的教训；一个女子的贞操一旦失去便无法挽回——一步迈错便有无尽的毁灭接踵而来——她的声誉既可美好又可毁于一旦——对异性的轻薄负义，她如何防范也不会过分。” 伊丽莎白禁不住诧异地抬起了眼睛，只是觉得心头压抑才没有说出话来。可是玛丽却继续用这类从书本中读来的道德训条宽慰自己。 到下午的时候，班纳特家的这两位大小姐才好不容易有了半个钟头的时间来谈谈心；伊丽莎白立刻抓住这个机会问了吉英许多问题，吉英也同样急切地—一做了回答。姐妹两人先就这件事的可怕后果共同叹息了一番，伊丽莎白认为可怕的结局已经在所难免，班纳特小姐也认为这不是完全没有可能；接着伊丽莎白说道：“告诉我有关的一切细节，只要是我还没听到过的。弗斯特上校是怎么说的？在他们私奔之前，他就一点儿也没有察觉吗？他一定常常看见他们在一起来着。” “弗斯特上校的确承认，他曾怀疑过他们之间有些特别，尤其是丽迪雅这一方，可是却没有发现出任何值得他警惕的地方。我也为他很难过。他对这件事非常关心，也很乐意帮忙。在他还没有想到他们会不到苏格兰去的时候，他就打算来我们这儿说明情况的；等到想到这一层的时候，他便立即赶来了。” “丹尼认为威科汉姆不会跟她结婚，是吗？他事先知道他们有私奔的打算吗？弗斯特上校自己见到过丹尼了吗？” “见过了，不过当他问到他的时候，丹尼矢口否认他知道他们的计划，也不愿说出他对这件事的真实想法。他没有再提起他认为他们不会结婚的话——我由此希望，以前他的意思也许是被人误解。” “我想，在弗斯特上校到来之前，家里的人都没怀疑到他们会不结婚吧？” “这样的一个想法怎么可能在我们的头脑中产生呢！我曾感到有点儿不安——担心小妹跟他结婚不会幸福。因为我早就知道他品行不太端正。父亲和母亲也全然没有想到，他们只是觉得这桩婚姻草率了一点儿。吉蒂承认，在丽迪雅给她的最后一封信中，曾谈到她要准备走这一步，自然因为知道得比我们多，吉蒂当时还很得意。她好像在几个星期前就知道他们在相爱了。” “然而，总不会是在他们到布利屯之前吗？” “不，我想不会。” “弗斯特上校是不是显出了看不起威科汉姆的样子？他了解他的真实面目吗？” “我不得不承认，弗斯特上校不像从前那样说威科汉姆的好了。他觉得他行事鲁莽，生活放荡。自从这件不幸的事儿发生以后，人们都说起他在离开麦里屯时欠了许多的债；不过我希望这些都是谣传。” “噢，吉英，如果我们俩不是这么保密，如果我们俩说出他的事来，就不会有这样的事情发生啦！” “或许，我们那样做了会好一些，”她的姐姐回答，“可是在不了解一个人现在品行的情况下，便去揭露人家以前所犯的错误，总似乎显得不太好。我们的行为是出于最好的动机。” “弗斯特上校把丽迪雅给他妻子的留言告诉你们了吗？” “他带来了这封短简给我们看了。” 吉英说着从她的夹子里取出了那封信，将它交给了伊丽莎白。信是这样写的：？ “亲爱的海丽特： 当你知道我去了哪儿的时候，你一定会大笑起来的，想到明天早晨你会为我的离开感到如何的惊讶，我自己也忍不住笑出了声。我打算去格利那草地去，如果你猜不出我是和谁一起去，那你简直就太傻了，因为在这个世界上我只爱一个男人，他是我的天使。没有他我永远不会幸福，所以不要为我的离去大惊小怪。如果你不愿意的话，你就不必写信把我走的事告诉我浪博恩的家人，因为当我给他们写信，下面署上丽迪雅·威科汉姆的名儿时，那么我家人的惊奇会来得更大。这个玩笑开得多么有趣！我笑得几乎写不下去了。请替我向普拉特道歉，说我今天晚上不能赴约同他跳舞了。告诉他我希望他知道了这一切的情形后能够原谅我，告诉他在我们相遇的下一次舞会上，我会尽兴地和他跳的。在我到了浪博恩后，我便派人来取我的衣服；我希望你能告诉夏丽一声，我那件细洋纱的长裙上撕了一道长口子，在打包以前让他帮着缝一下。再见。代我问候弗斯特上校，愿你为我们的一路顺风干杯。 你的好朋友丽迪雅·班纳特” “啊！好个没脑子的丽迪雅！”在她读完信的时候伊丽莎白喊道，“在这样的时候还能写出这种信来。不过，这封信至少说明，她对这一趟旅行的宗旨看得是很严肃的。不管科威汉姆在以后会引诱她做出什么样丢脸的事来，在她这方面都不是有意的。我们可怜的父亲！看到这信时他一定气坏了吧。” “我从来没见过有谁惊骇成那个样子。他当时一句话也说不出。母亲马上就病倒了，全家是一团糟！” “噢，吉英，”伊丽莎白激动地大声说，“是不是家里所有的佣人都在当天就知道了这件事情？” “我不太清楚——但愿不是这样——不过，在现在的情形下要保密也不太容易。母亲那一歇斯底里的毛病又犯了，尽管我全力地劝慰她，恐怕还是做得不尽如人意。对将来可能会发生的事情的恐怖，几乎已经叫我不知所措了。” “你对母亲的照顾，真是太难为你啦。你的脸色并不好。噢！要是我也在家就好了！样样事情都得你一个人操劳，太辛苦你啦。” “玛丽和吉蒂都非常的好，我想她们本来是会帮我分担这辛劳的，只是我觉得不该让她们受累。吉蒂身体纤弱，玛丽学习那么用功，不应该再打扰了她们休息的时间。好在星期二父亲一走，菲利普姨妈就来到浪博恩；跟我在这儿一起待到星期四。她的来对我们全家是个极大的安慰，同时也帮了我们不少的忙，鲁卡斯夫人待我们也很好；她星期三早晨来安慰我们，并且说只要用得着她们，她和她的女儿们都愿意效劳。” “她还是待在她家里的好，”伊丽莎白大声说，“也许她是出于好意，可是发生了这样不幸的事情，邻居们还是越少见越好。帮忙不可能；劝慰，叫人受不了。还是让他们站得较远一点儿去兴灾乐祸吧。” 伊丽莎白接着问起了父亲去到城里后打算采取的步骤。 “我想，”吉英回答说，“他计划是先去艾普桑，因为他们俩是在那儿换的马车，他想找找那些马车夫，看看能不能从他们的嘴里探听出一点儿消息。他的主要目的一定是想查出他们在克拉普汗所搭乘的那辆出租马车的号码。因为他认为一男一女从一辆马车换上另一辆马车，也许会引起人们的注意，所以他想在克拉普汗做点儿调查。他只要查出那个马车夫在哪家门口让他的客人下了车，便决定去到那儿打探一下，也许能够查问出那辆马车的号码和停车的地点。我不知道他还有没有别的打算；他走的时候那么匆忙，他的心情又那么的不好，我能打问出这么多来已经是不容易了。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第57章 全家人都盼望着在第二天早晨能收到班纳特先生的一封信，可是等到邮差到了却没有带来他的任何音信。他的家人都晓得，他一向是疏于动笔懒得写信，不过在这样的一个非常时期，他们本希望他能勤勉一些的。家人只得认为，他现在还没有好消息要传回来，可是就是这一点他们也希望能得到证实。嘉丁纳先生也想在动身之前多看到几封来信。 在嘉丁纳先生也赶往伦敦后，大家放心了一点儿，至少他们可以经常地听到事情进展的情况了。他临走的时候还答应，将劝说班纳特先生，要他尽可能早地回到浪博恩，这给他的妹妹是一个极大的安慰，因为班纳特太太认为只有这样才能避免她的丈夫死于决斗。 嘉丁纳夫人和孩子们将继续留在哈福德郡待上几天，因为她觉得，她在这里对外甥女儿们是一个帮手。她和她们一起照料班纳特夫人，待她们闲暇下来时，又能给她们以安慰。她们的姨妈也常常来看她们。她说她来是想让她们高兴振作一点儿，可是由于她每次都带来了威科汉姆奢华放荡的新事实，她每回走了以后，反而使她们变得更加沮丧。 麦里屯这儿的人们似乎都在使劲地说他的坏话了，可是仅仅在三个月以前，这个人几乎还是一个光明的天使呢。人们传说他欠着当地每一个商人的债，又说他诱骗妇女，把他的魔爪伸进了每 一个商人的家庭。每个人都说他是天下最坏的青年了，每个人都开始觉得他们对他外表上的美好从来都抱着不信任的态度。虽然伊丽莎白对上述的传闻并不全信，不过却也足以使她更加相信，她妹妹会毁在这个人的手里是无疑的了；甚至对这些传闻更少相信的吉英现在也几乎变得绝望了，因为时间已过了这么久，如果他们两人真去了苏格兰(对这一点她从来也没有完全放弃过希望)，现在也应该听到他们的一些消息了。 嘉丁纳先生是星期天离开的浪博恩；星期二的时候，他的夫人收到了他的一封来信，信上说他一到了伦敦后便找到了班纳特先生，劝他住到了天恩寺街这里。班纳特先生先曾到过艾普桑和克拉普汗，可惜没有打听到任何有用的消息；他现在打算找遍城里所有的主要旅店，因为他考虑在他们俩刚刚到达伦敦没有找到住房之前，可能住过某一个旅店。嘉丁纳先生本人不相信这个办法会奏效，可是因为他的姐夫一味坚持，他也计划帮着他进行。嘉丁纳先生最后说，班纳特先生在目前似乎一点儿也没有想离开伦敦的意思，他还答应不久就再写一封信来，信的后面还有这样一段附言： “我已经给弗斯特上校写信，希望他尽可能找一些威科汉姆在部队里的好朋友，向他们打听一下威科汉姆是否在城里有亲戚和朋友，这些人也许知道他藏在城里哪一块地方。要是我们有这样的人可以请教，从中可能得到一些线索，那事情就好着手得多了。目前我们还无从下手。我敢说，弗斯特上校会极尽可能为我们办这件事的。但是，我又想了一下，也许丽萃比别的人更了解，威科汉姆现在还有什么亲戚。” 伊丽莎白当然清楚她为什么会受到这样的推举；可是无奈她却给不出配得上这一恭维的有用信息。 她从来没有听说过他有什么亲戚，除了他的在多年前已逝世的父母亲。不过他部队上的朋友却可能提供出一些信息；她虽说对此并不存奢望，可是去试一试倒也是应该的。 现在浪博恩家的每一天都是在焦虑中度过的；而一天中最焦急的时刻则是在邮差快要到来的时候。信件的到来是他们每天早晨急切盼望的第一件大事。不管是好消息还是坏消息，总得通过信件才能传递过来，他们总在期待着下一天能带来一些重要的信息。 在嘉丁纳先生的第二封信到来之前，他们从另一个不同的地方，从科林斯先生那里收到了给父亲的一封信；因为吉英曾受父亲的委托于他不在时代拆一切信件，她便对它读了起来；知道他的信总是写得怪里怪气的伊丽莎白，也站在姐姐身后去看。信是这样写的：？ “亲爱的先生： 由于我们之间的亲戚关系和我的职业关系，我觉得对你现在正受到的巨大哀痛——这是我昨天从哈福德郡的一封来信中得知的——表示慰问，是我所义不容辞的。你可以相信，亲爱的先生，科林斯夫人和我对你及你尊敬的家人目前所受到的痛苦，是深表同情的，这种痛苦一定是刻骨铭心的，因为它源于一种时间不能洗涤掉的原因。我真心希望能说点儿什么，以减轻这一不幸的后果；或者能以使你得到安慰，我知道在这类情形下最受打击的莫过于是父母的精神了。早知如此，你女儿若能死去也是比较幸运的。 更为可悲叹的是，这里有理由认为(正像我的亲爱的卡洛蒂所告诉我的)，你女儿的淫佚放纵行为是因为家里大人的错误纵容，尽管为了安慰你和班纳特夫人，我愿意认为丽迪雅的性情生来就是邪恶的，否则她便不可能在这么小小的年纪就犯下这么严重的错误。纵便如此，你的悲哀我也是同情的，而且不仅是科林斯夫人，还有凯瑟琳夫人和她的女儿(我将此事告诉了她们)也跟我有同感。我们一致认为，一个女儿的失足会损害到其他所有女儿的命运，因为正如凯瑟琳夫人自己不吝赐教的那样，有谁还会愿意和这样的一家人攀亲呢。这一考虑叫我颇为得意也想起去年11月我向令媛求婚的那件事，幸亏没有有成功，否则的话我现在也必定卷入到你们的伤痛和耻辱之中去了。愿先生能尽可能地善自宽慰，摈弃掉对这一冤孽女儿的一切爱心，让她去自食她的恶果。祝好，下略。” 嘉丁纳先生直到接得弗斯特上校的回信后，才写来了他的第二封信；信上并没有报来什么可喜的消息。谁也不知道威科汉姆有什么亲戚还与他保持着任何的联系，而且他确实是没有一个至亲在世了。他从前的朋友的确很多；可是自从他进入部队以后，他和他们之间好像便不再有任何较为亲密的关系了。所以很难找出一个人来能告知有关他的任何消息。除了担心会被丽迪雅的家人发现，威科汉姆的糟糕的经济状况，也非得叫他隐匿得秘密一点儿不可，因为刚刚有消息透露出来说，他临走时欠下了一大笔的赌债。弗斯特上校估计，他在布利屯的债务需要有一千多英镑才能还清。在伦敦他也该了不少的钱，而且他在那儿的负债名声叫人听了更是可怕。嘉丁纳先生并不企图把这些细节向浪博恩家隐瞒；吉英读了心惊肉跳。“好一个赌徒！”她喊着，“太出乎人的意料了。我一点儿也没有想到会是这样。” 嘉丁纳先生在信中接着写道，她们可以在第二天也即星期六便能看到她们的父亲了。由于他们所有的努力都毫无结果，她们的父亲也搞得心灰意冷，终于同意了他小舅的请求，返回家去，留下他一个人相机行事。当班纳特夫人被告知了这些情况后，她并没有像女儿们所预料的那样，表示出满意的神精，虽然她几天前对父亲的生命安全是那么的着急。 “没有可怜的丽迪雅，他一个回家来干什么！”她愤愤地嚷道，“在找到他们俩之前他怎么能离开伦敦？如果他走了，谁去跟威科汉姆较量，逼他娶了女儿呢？” 嘉丁纳太太也开始想回到家去了，于是决定在班纳特先生离开那儿的时候，她和孩子们便赶回伦敦。所以派车子把他们母子们达到第一站时，便顺便带回浪博思的主人来。 嘉丁纳夫人走了，把她从德比郡那儿起就一直搅扰着她的关于伊丽莎白和她的那位德比郡的朋友的谜也带走了。她的外甥女儿从来没有主动地在他们面前提起过他的名字；嘉丁纳夫人原以为他们回来后随即会收到达西先生的一封来信，结果这一希望也落空了。伊丽莎白没有收到从彭伯利寄来的任何只言片语。 家里现在这一摊子倒楣的事儿，已经够叫她丧气的了，再无需找其他的理由来解释她精神上的沮丧；所以从这儿（意指伊丽莎白的沮丧。）也无从看出伊丽莎白的一点儿底细来。尽管她到现在已经理清了她自己的情绪：如果她要是根本不认识达西先生，她倒比较地能忍受丽迪雅的这件丢脸面的事情了。那样的话，她想她的不眠之夜至少也可以减少一半了。 班纳特先生回到家来的时候，面上仍然保持着他那惯有的哲人式的镇静。还像从前那样很少说话；只字不提起他这次外出的事儿，女儿们也是过了好一会后才敢在他面前说起了这件事。 那是到了下午他跟女儿们一块儿喝茶时，伊丽莎白才大着胆子谈到了这件事。她刚刚说到她为他这次吃了不少的苦很是难过时，她的父亲便接过了话茬，“甭说这样的话了，这份罪就应该是我受的。这是我自己造成的后果，我应该去承受。” “你千万不要过于自责才是。”伊丽莎白回答说。 “你给过我劝告，我本来可以避免掉这场不幸。可是人的本性多么容易落入到旧习中去呢！不要劝我，丽萃，让我这一生也尝上一次这样的滋味吧。我并不担心会积郁成疾。这痛苦很快就会过去的。” “你认为他们会在伦敦吗？” “是的，还有什么别的地方能叫他们藏得这么隐密呢？” “丽迪雅以前老是想着要到伦敦去。”吉蒂加上了一句。 “那么，这正合她的心意，”她们的父亲懒懒地说，“她在那儿也许会住上一阵子的。” 在沉默了片刻以后，他接着又说：“丽萃，你在五月间劝我的那些话都劝得对，我一点儿也也不怪你，从现在发生的事来看，说明你是有见解的。” 他们的谈话被班纳特小姐进来给母亲端茶中断了一下。 “你母亲的这种做法，也可谓是一种摆架子啦，”班纳特先生大声说，“这倒也不无好处；为家门的不幸增添了一种别样的风雅！哪一天我也要这么做；我将身穿罩衣、头带睡帽地坐在我的书房里，叫你们一个个的伺候我——哦，也许我会等到吉蒂也私奔以后才这么做。” “我才不离家出走呢，爸爸，”吉蒂气恼地说，“我要是去了布利屯，一定会比丽迪雅规矩得多了。” “你到布利屯去！你就是去到伊斯特本这么近的地方，我也不敢叫你去了！不行，吉蒂，至少我已经学得谨慎一些了，你会感觉到它的后果的。我的家里再也不许有军官们来，甚至到我们的村子里也不行。跳舞以后也绝对地禁止，除非是你们姐妹们之间跳。也不许你走出家门去，除非是你已经能够做到每天在家里不捣乱待上十分钟。” 吉蒂将这些吓唬的话儿信以为真，不禁哭了起来。 “哦，好了。”她的父亲说，“不要叫自己不高兴啦。如果你在以后的十年里做了好姑娘，到十年头上的时候，我一定带你去看阅兵式。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第58章 班纳特先生回来的两天以后，吉英和伊丽莎白正在屋后的矮树林里散步，突然看到女管家朝她们这边走来，以为她来是喊她们回母亲那儿去的，两人便向她走了过去；到了管家跟前，才发觉出事出意外，原来她并不是叫她们回去的。她对吉英说：“小姐，请原谅我打断了你们的谈话，只是我真心想知道你们从城里那方面得到的好消息，于是大胆地来问一下。” “你怎么啦，希尔？我并没有听到城里来的任何消息呀。” “唷，亲爱的小姐，”希尔夫吃惊地问，“难道你们还不知道嘉丁纳先生差人给主人送来一封快信吗？这人来了已有半个多钟头了，信在主人手里。” 这姐妹两个拔腿就跑，那么急着赶回家去，连话也顾不上说了。她们从穿堂那儿跑进早餐厅；从那里又到了书房——可是都不见她们父亲的影子；她们正要上楼去看看是不是在母亲的房间里，恰好碰上了厨子告诉她们说： “你们是找主人吧，小姐，他正往小树林那儿散步去了。” 听到这话，她们又从大厅跑了出来，穿过一片草地去追赶父亲，只见父亲正若有所思地向围场旁边的林子里走去。 吉英没有伊丽莎白那么轻巧，也不像妹妹能跑得动，很快地落在了后面，只见妹妹喘着气追上了父亲，着急地喊着： “噢，爸爸，来了什么样的消息，是不是从舅舅那儿来的？” “是的，我收到了从他那儿来的一封快件。” “哦，信上说些什么？是好消息还是坏消息？” “从哪儿来好消息呢？”他说着从衣袋里掏也一封信，“或许你想看一看吧。” 伊丽莎白性急地从父亲手里拿过了信。吉英这时也赶上来了。 “大声地读一读，”她们的父亲说，“我自己几乎还没弄清楚它的意思呢。”？ “亲爱的姐夫： 我现在终于能告诉你一些关于丽迪雅的消息了，希望这个消息大体上能叫你满意。星期六你走后不久，我就很幸运地发现了他们在伦敦的住址。具体的细节等我们见了面再告诉你。现在知道他们已经被找到就够了，我见到了他们两个——” “那么，正像我所希望的，”吉英激动地说，“他们俩已经结婚了。” 伊丽莎白接着读下去：？ “我见到了他们两个。他们并没有结婚，我也看不出他们有这种结婚的打算；但是，如果你愿意履行我大胆为你讲妥的条件的话，我想他们不久便可以结婚了。要求做到的只有一点，那就是担保你的小女儿在你和我姐姐死后能得到五千英镑遗产中的她的那一份；而且订一个契约，答应在你生前每年给她一百英镑。这些条件我以为我可以代你做主，便毫不迟疑地应承下来。我之所以寄快件，就是为能尽快得到你的回答。你了解了这些详情以后就会明白，威科汉姆的处境并不像人们认为的那么糟糕。一般人在这点上是被蒙蔽了；我可以高兴地说甚至在还清他的所有债务以后，在我外甥女的名下还能剩下一些钱(不包括她自己的财产)。如果你愿意根据我说的情况，委托我以你的名誉全权处理这这件事情，我将马上吩咐哈格斯顿去办理适当的手续。你没有必要再跑到城里；安心地待在浪博恩，相信我的勤勉和慎重。尽快地传回你的意见，注意写得清楚一些。我们觉得外甥女儿还是从我们这里嫁出去的好，当然这也要征得你的同意。丽迪雅今天来看我们。若再有什么事情我会尽快给你写信的。再见。 爱德华·嘉丁纳 8月2日写于天恩寺街” “这可能吗！”伊丽莎白喊，“他有可能会娶她吗？” “威科汉姆看来并不像我们所想象得那么坏，”吉英说，“我向你祝贺，亲爱的父亲。” “你回信了吗？”伊丽莎白问。 “没有，不过，得马上写。” 于是她极其恳切地请求他马上回去写，不要耽搁。 “噢！亲爱的父亲，”她大声央求说，“快去动手写吧。要知道，这种事情是一分一秒也不能拖延的。” “不然让我代你写吧，”吉英说，“如果你嫌麻烦的话。” “我很不愿意写这种信，”他回答说，“我可是又必须得做。” 这样说着，他和她们一块儿踅了回来，朝屋子里走去。 “我可以问一下吗？”伊丽莎白说，“我想，父亲一定会同意这些条件的吧。” “当然同意！他要求得这么少，让我都觉得不好意思哪。” “他们必须得结婚！然而他却是那样的一个人！” “是的，他们必须结婚！再也没有别的选择。只是有两件事情我非常想弄清楚：第一件是你舅到底垫付进去了多少钱，才办成了这件事；第二件是我如何才能还上他的这笔钱。” “垫钱！我舅舅！”吉英喊，“父亲，你这是什么意思？” “我想说，一个头脑正常的男人，决不会为了我生前每年给她的一百英镑，死后给 她的五千英镑，而娶她的。” “父亲讲得很有道理，”伊丽莎白说，“虽然在这之前我没能想到这一点。他的债务还清以后钱还能有剩余！噢，这一定是舅舅为他做的！他有多么善良，多么大方，我只是担心这会苦了他自己。一笔小数目是根本下不来的。” “是的，”她们的父亲说“威科汉姆不是个傻瓜，他要是拿不到一万英镑娶她才怪呢。在我们刚刚要结为亲戚的时候，我就把他看得这么坏，这叫我也很难过。” “一万英镑！上帝！就是这一半的数目也还不上。” 班纳特先生没有吭声，三个人就这样心事重重，默不作声地走了回来。父亲随后到书房写信去了，女儿们走进了早餐厅。 “他们真的要结婚了！”待只剩下她们两个人的时候，伊丽莎白大声地说，“这是多么不可思议！而且为此我们还得打心里头感激。尽管他们的婚姻很少会有幸福可言，尽管他的人品那么的卑劣，可是我们还得为此而感到高兴！啊，丽迪雅！” “我这样想时就感到安慰了，”吉英说，“我想，他如果不爱丽迪雅，就肯定不会娶她了。虽然我们好心的舅舅为威科汉姆还债一定做了不少的事儿，可是我却不相信会有一万英镑的数目已经被垫付了。舅舅自己有好几个孩子，也许还会生出几个来。就是要他的五千英镑，他如何能拿得出来？” “如果我们知道威科汉姆到底欠下了多少债，”伊丽莎白说“以及他向我们的小妹要了多少钱，我们就能确切地算出，舅舅为他们两个垫进去多少钱了，因为威科汉姆自己连分文也没有。舅舅和舅妈的恩情我们这一辈子也报答不了。他们把丽迪雅接到了自己家里，给了她保护和体面，为了她的利益做出了这么大的牺牲，这样的情意我们几时才能报完。到现在，丽迪雅已经和舅父母们在一起了！如果这样地待她，也不能使她觉得内疚和感动的话，她就永远都不配得到幸福！在她第一眼看到舅妈的时候，她会做如何的感想呢？！” “我们应该尽力去忘掉他们两人以前的过失，”吉英说，“我希望而且相信他们是会幸福的。我愿意相信，他既然同意娶她了，就证明他已经在开始改过。他们相互的感情会使她们变得成熟起来；我想他们将会安安生生，规规矩矩地过日子啦，不久他们以前的放荡行为也会被人忘掉啦。” 伊丽莎白说：“他们的行为是这样地令人发指，无论是你我，还是其他人都永远不会忘记的。我们不必再说了。” 姐妹两人这时蓦然想到，她们的母亲很可能完全不知道这回事呢。于是她们来到书房，向父亲请示这件事是不是可以告诉母亲。他正在写信，连头也没往起抬，只冷冷地说了句： “随你们的便好了。” “我们可以拿走舅舅的信读给母亲听吗？” “尽管拿走你们想要的东西，只是赶快离开这儿。” 伊丽莎白从书桌上拿起信，随即姐妹俩一块儿到了楼上。玛丽和吉帝正与班纳特夫人在一起：因此一次传达便全家知晓了。在先稍稍将好的消息透露了一些后，吉英读起了信。班纳特夫人听得喜不自禁。在吉英念到丽迪雅不久就可能结婚的话儿时，她就喜上眉梢，以后的每句话便更是叫她喜出望外。由于欣喜她的情绪变得激动起来，正如她前些时候由于惊吓和苦恼而变得急躁不安——样。知道她的女儿就要成亲，这在她来说已经心满意足了。至于女儿是否能够幸福，她并不去多想，女儿行为的失检和丢人，她也很快忘在了脑后。 “我的心爱的丽迪雅！”班纳特夫人喊，“太叫人高兴啦！她就要结婚啦！我又要见到她啦！她十六岁就能结婚！我那善良好心肠的弟弟！我早就知道事情会是这样的——我知道我那兄弟会把一切都办妥当的。我多么希望马上就见到丽迪雅！也见到威科汉姆！可是衣服呢，结婚的衣服呢？我要立刻写信跟弟妹谈这件事。丽萃，我的女儿，快下楼找你父亲，问他将给她多少陪嫁。哦，不用啦，不用啦，还是我自己去得好。吉蒂，按下门铃，叫希尔来。我这就穿衣服。我的宝贝女儿丽迪雅！我们见面后，该会有多么高兴啊！” 她的大女儿见她高兴成这个样子，便想着把话引到应如何感激嘉丁纳先生为她全家人所做的事情上去，好叫她能冷静一点儿。 “我们必须把这圆满的结局，”吉英说，“在很大的程度上，都归功于舅舅的竭诚帮助。我们都认为是他答应拿出钱来替成科汉姆还债的。” “哦，这就对啦，”她的母亲大声说，“除了她自己的舅舅谁还会这样做呢？如果他没有自己的家庭的话，他挣的钱本就是给我和我的女儿们花的吗？这还是我们第—次从他那儿得到好处呢，除了他以前送的几件衣物之外。啊！我真是太高兴啦！很快我就有一个出了嫁的女儿啦。威科汉姆夫人！这听起来有多帅。她六月里刚满了十六岁。吉英呀，妈妈太激动了，一定写不出信来；所以我口述你帮妈妈写吧。关于钱的事，以后再跟父亲商量；可是所需的嫁妆应该马上就订置了。” 她接着便数落出了一大堆的名目，什么细洋纱啦，印花布啦，本来还会说出一大套的定单来的，要不是吉英好不容易地劝住了她，要她等到父亲有空的时候商量了再说。吉英劝她说迟上一两天什么也不会影响的，好在母亲由于高兴也不像平时那么执拗了。随即其他的念头又涌进她的脑子里。 “我一穿好衣服，就到麦里屯去一趟，”她说，“把这好消息告诉我的妹妹菲利普太太。待我从那儿回来后我将去拜访鲁卡斯夫人和郎格太太。吉蒂，快下楼去吩咐他们给我套好马车。我敢说，户外的空气一定对我大大地有益。姑娘们，你们在麦里屯有买的吗？噢！希尔来了。亲爱的希尔，你听说这好消息了吗？丽迪雅小姐就要结婚了；她结婚的那天，你们大家都可以喝到一碗混合调制的甜饮料，欢乐一番。” 希尔夫人即刻表达了她的喜悦之情。伊丽莎白也像别人一样接受了希尔夫人对她家人的一一道贺，后来，她实在看不下去了，便躲回到她自己的房里。自个儿想去了。 可怜的丽迪雅即便落得个最好的结果，也实在够糟糕的了；不过因为还不是太糟，伊丽莎白还得感谢上苍。她也确实感到了些许的庆幸，尽管想到今后的情形，她觉得妹妹既不会得到生活的幸福，也不可能享受到富贵荣华；她又回想起仅仅两小时前她们那所有的担心来，便不由得觉得能有这样的结局也实在是不幸中的万幸了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第59章 班纳特先生以前常常希望，每年都能够存上一笔钱，好叫他的女儿们和他的妻子(如果她能活得比他长的话)将来也能生活得充裕，而不要年年都吃尽花光。现在，他的这一愿望更为迫切了。倘若他从前在这方面做得好一些，丽迪雅就不必为了买回名誉或是面子，而让她的舅舅给予资助了。也不必让舅舅费心地去说服一个全英国最差劲的青年做她的丈夫。 他心里非常的不安：为办成这件场谁几乎都没有什么好处的事情，竟然让人家内弟独自破费做出了那么大的牺牲，他决定要尽可能地打听出人家到底给垫支了多少钱，以便对尽快还上这笔人情债。 在班纳特先生刚刚结婚的时候，节俭被认为是完全没有必要的；因为他们夫妇自然会生出一个儿子的。儿子一旦到了成年，外人继承产权的事便可以取消。寡妇子孺也就可以不愁吃穿了。五个女儿接连来到这个世界，可是儿子还有待出世；在丽迪雅出生以后的许多年里，班纳特夫人一直认定就会有个儿子出生的。最后，这儿子梦终于成为了泡影，可是攒钱已为时太晚。班纳特夫人不会节省，好在她的丈夫喜爱节俭，才算没有入不敷出。 当年他们的结婚条约上规定了班纳特太太和她的孩子们一共 享有五千英镑的遗产。至于这份遗产将怎样地分给孩子们，再由父母在遗书上规定。但是现在，至少是关于丽迪雅的那一部分必须马上给予解决了，班纳特先生毫不犹豫地同意了嘉丁纳先生提出的建设。在信中他对内弟的帮助表示了真诚的感谢，尽管措词相当的简洁；他对一切既成的事实都十二分地赞同，对要让他做的事情，他都非常乐意去完成。他无论如何也不曾想到，说服威科汉姆娶他的女儿，照现在的安排，几乎没有给他自己这方面造成什么的不便。虽说他每年要给他们一百英镑，可是他每年实际损失的还不到十镑．因为就是以前丽迪雅待在家里时，吃用开销再加上她母亲常常塞给她的零用钱。算起来也快是那个数目了。 “这桩事情竟会无需他这方面出什么力气，也是让他感到又惊又喜；因为他现在最大的心愿就是在这件事上越能落得个清静越好。在那激起他去寻找女儿跟一阵愤怒和冲动过后，他现在又回到了他从前那种懒散状态。他写的信很快寄出去了。他虽然做事前喜欢一拖再拖，可是一旦做起来倒也很快。他在信上请内弟把一切代劳之处详细地告诉给他；可是对丽迪雅还是气愤不过，没有写任何的话儿给她。 好消息立刻在全家传开了，而且也很快传到了左邻右舍。邻居们对这件事抱着一种体面的哲人态度。当然如果丽达雅·班纳特小姐做了妓女，那他们在街头巷尾的闲聊的内容会丰富得多。或者她远离尘世，住到了离家很远的一个地方，那聊起来也会饶有兴味。然而，即使是她现在要结婚了，还是有许多的话题可谈；那些心怀恶意的麦里屯的婆娘们，在这以前是假惺惺地祝愿她不遭厄运，现在这一情势的改变也并没有能减低了她们的兴致，因为找到了这样一个丈夫，她将来的受罪是肯定无疑的了。 班纳特夫人没有下楼吃饭已经有两个星期了，可是在今天这样的高兴日子，她又坐到了饭桌的首席上，显得神彩飞扬。在她那洋洋得意的神情里没有半点儿感到羞愧的影子。自从吉英长到十六岁以后，她最大的心愿就是嫁女儿了。现在这一愿望眼看着就要实现了，她想的说的全是婚娶的漂亮排场，什么上好的细洋纱啦，崭新的车子啦，以及众多的男仆女佣啦等等。她在附近一带到处奔走要为女儿找一所住宅，也不管和不考虑他们有多少的收入，不是看到这所房子规格小啦，就是那所房子不够气派啦。 “要是戈尔丁一家能搬走，”班纳特夫人说，”“海叶花园倒还不错；或者若是客厅再大一点儿话，位于斯托克的那幢大宅院也可以；可是阿西渥斯就有点远了！她就是离我十里远，我也不愿意；至于说到帕尔维斯住宅，它的顶楼实在是太糟糕了。” 仆人在的时候，班纳特先生没有打断妻子的谈话。可等到仆人走后，他便对她说：“我的老婆子，在你给你的女儿和女婿找好房子之前，让我们先把一点谈谈清楚。他们绝对不可以住到邻近地区的任何一所房子里。他们也休想指望我会在浪博恩招待他们。” 这一观点一亮明，马上就引起一阵争执；可是班纳特先生却寸步不让，于是很快又导致了另一场争执；班纳特夫人发现她的丈夫不愿意拿出一分钱来给女儿添置衣服，不禁大为惊骇。班纳特先生声明说在这件事上，丽迪雅甭想得到他的一丝一毫的父爱。班纳特夫人对此简直无法理解。他对女儿的愤怒和怨恨竟会到了这样一种不通情理的地步；连女儿出嫁也不肯管了，而没有这一礼仪，女儿的婚礼成何体统，这确实太出乎她的预料了。女儿结婚没有新衣服的羞辱，使她比对女儿两个星期前与威科汉姆私奔和同居的耻辱感，更叫她觉得不可忍受。 伊丽莎白在这个时候才感到了真正的懊恼：她当时实在不该因为一时的痛苦，便将对她妹妹的担心告诉了达西先生；因为既然她的婚礼马上就要举行，她私奔的那一幕就要结束了，他们自然希望那一段不光彩的历史尽量地少被局外人知晓。 她不必担心这件事会通过达西先生传布出去。说到保守秘密，达西先生是那种最可信赖的人；可与此同时，在这个世界上，谁知道了她妹妹的这件丑事，也不像让达西知道了那样更伤她的心。这倒不是因为害怕对她本人有任何的不利，因为反正她和达西之间似乎有一条不可逾越的鸿沟。即使丽迪雅的婚姻能够体体面面地进行，达西先生也不可能跟这样一个人家攀亲，这家人本来已经缺陷够多了，现在添上了一个一向为他所不齿的人(指威科汉姆——译者注)做他的至亲，那他当然更不会愿意了。 她并不会怪他在这门亲事上望而却步。在德比郡时他想要博得她的好感；这她自然是知道的，可是经过这样一个打击，他还可能不改初衷吗？她变得有些自卑了，她悲伤，她悔恨，尽管她自己也几乎不知道她在悔恨些什么。她开始忌妒他的显要身分，当她再不能希望从中得到裨益的时候。她想听到有关他的消息，当一切这样的机会似乎都在失去的时候。她确信她和他在一起是能够幸福的，在他们相遇的可能已经不复存在的时候。 她常常想，如若他要是知道了对于四个月前她那么高傲地拒绝了他的求婚，她现在是会多么高兴、多么感激地接受下来，他一定会得意的。她并不怀疑，他是那种最大度最豁达的男人。可是只要他尚有人的感情，他当然免不了要得意的。 她开始认识到，他无论是在性情还是才能方面，都是最适合于她的那种男人。他的理解力和性格，尽管和她自己的不同，可是却能叫她感到百分之百的称心如意。这样的一桩婚姻肯定是会使双方都受益匪浅；她平易活泼，可以把他的心境陶冶得柔和，举止变得温雅；他的真知卓见，阅历颇深，也一定会使她得到莫大的教益。 但是，这样的一桩能告诉众多情侣什么才是婚烟幸福的美事，现在已经不可能实现。一桩不同性质的婚姻很快就会在他们家举行，将另一桩可能的姻缘冲跑了。 她简直不能想象，威科汉姆和丽迪雅会在生活上做到自力。也不能够想象这一对仅仅凭着感情而不是贞操凑到一起的男女，会得到什么长久的幸福。？ 嘉丁纳先生很快给姐夫写来了回信，在信中他先对班纳特先生那些感激的话回答了几句，并说促成他们家里的任何一个成员的幸福是他的一贯心愿；末了还恳请班纳特先生再也不要提起这件事了。他这封信的主要目的是要告诉他们，威科汉姆先生已经决定离开民团了。？ “我非常希望，”他接着写到，“在他的婚事一定下来后就这么办。我认为无论是为他自己还是为外甥女着想，离开民团都是非常明智的，我想你一定会同意我的看法。威科汉姆先生想参加正规军，在他以前的朋友中间有人能够而且愿意为他帮忙。驻扎在北方的某将军麾下的一个团，已经答应让他当旗手。离开这个地方这一点对谁都有好处。他的前途还有指望，我希望他们到了人地生疏的地方以后能够争点气，就得做事慎重起来。我已经给弗斯特上校写了信，告诉了他们目前的安排，请求他在布利屯和布利屯附近地区通知一下威科汉姆的所有债主，就说我一定信守诺言，会尽快地还清所有的债务。请你也代劳一下将同样的诺言通知给他在麦里屯的债主，我信后附着一份他讲出的债主名单。他将他全部欠的债都说出来了；但愿他至少没有欺骗我们。哈格斯顿已经接受了我们的指示，所有手续在一个星期内就可以办好。到那时他们两个便可以直接去到他的部队上去，如果浪博恩那儿不愿意叫他们去的话；我从我太太那里得知，在临离开南方前，丽迪雅非常想见见家里所有的人。她很好，还请我代她向你和她的母亲问安。忠实于你的 爱·嘉丁纳”？ 班纳特先生和他的女儿像嘉丁纳先生一样清楚，威科汉姆离开民团是最最的上策。可班纳特夫人心里却有老大的不高兴。正当她兴冲冲地在哈福德郡为他们物色房子，期望有女儿女婿陪着能风光炫耀一番的时候，丽迪雅却要住到北部去了，这如何能叫她不感到莫大的失望；再且，丽迪雅已经和民团里的人混得那么惯熟，又有那么多人喜欢她，她这一走岂不是太可惜了吗？ “丽迪雅和弗斯特太太要好，”她说，“让他离开这儿会叫她很痛心的！民团里好几个年青军官也叫她非常的欢喜。某某将军的那个团的军官未必能这样可人意。” 对丽迪雅在动身到北部之前希望能回家来看看的请求，在开始时她的父亲是坚决反对的。可是吉英和伊丽莎白由于考虑到妹妹的情绪和她的脸面，一致希望她的婚姻能得到父母的亲自关照，所以都非常恳切，然而又是婉转入理地敦请父亲在他们一举行了婚礼以后，邀他们回浪博恩一趟，父亲终于被说动了心，同意照她们的想法和意愿去办。她们的母亲得知在女儿被逐到北部之前，仍然能有机会领着出嫁了的女儿在街坊四邻中夸耀夸耀时，气也就消了好多。末了当班纳特先生又给他的内弟写信的时候，便提起让他们俩回来的事；讲定婚礼的仪式一完，他们就回到浪博恩来。不过，威科汉姆竟然有脸同意了这一安排，还是叫伊丽莎白感到了吃惊，如果不考虑其他只问她的本心，与他见面那是她最不情愿的做的事了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第60章 丽迪雅的婚期到了；吉英和伊丽莎白或许比丽迪雅自己还要紧张得多。家里派了一部马车去某地迎接新婚夫妇，到吃午饭时分，他们便能乘马车赶回来。两位姐姐都为他们即将到来感到不安，尤其是吉英她设身处地为妹妹想，如果是她做了这样不光彩的事情，她得忍受多少的羞辱，一想到这，她就为妹妹觉得难过。 他们来了，家里人都聚集到早餐厅里迎接他们。当马车来到门口的时候，班纳特夫人的脸上绽开了笑容；她丈夫的表情却是异常的严肃；她的女儿们则是心里忐忑而不知所措。 丽迪雅的声音从门廊那边传了进来，接着房门被撞开了，丽迪雅冲了进来；她的母亲走上前去，狂喜地拥抱着她；临了把手笑迷迷地伸给了后面走进来的威科汉姆，祝愿他们夫妇新婚快乐，铿锵响亮的话音表明了她毫不怀疑他们会幸福的。 当他们俩转身来到班纳特先生这儿的时候，他可没有那么热烈地欢迎他们。他的面上似乎显得严峻了，几乎连口也没有张一下。这对年轻夫妇的蛮不在乎的神情很是刺恼了他。伊丽莎白感到厌恶，甚至连吉英也感到吃惊。丽迪雅还是从前的那个丽迪雅；桀骜不驯，不知羞耻，撒野撒娇，无所顾忌。她走过每一个姐姐的跟前，要她们向她道贺，在大家都坐定以后，她的眼光又急切地扫过这屋子，数说着这儿的一些小小的变化，临了大笑着说，她离开家真是有一段时间了。 威科汉姆也像丽迪雅一样，没有一点儿的不自在。他的举止一向讨人喜欢，如若他的婚娶和他的人品都来得堂堂正正的话，他现在跟他们认亲戚时脸上挂着的笑容和轻快的谈吐，本会叫全家人欢喜。伊丽莎白在这以前还不相信他竟会有这样的厚颜无耻；她坐下来心里下着决心，以后对这样一个不要脸的人再也不能存任何的幻想。她不禁脸红了，吉英也脸红了；可是叫她们俩脸红的那小两口却毫无羞愧之色。 即使是在这样的一种情形下，也不乏有话可谈。新娘子和她的母亲都抢着要说出各自满肚子的话；威科汉姆正巧坐在伊丽莎白旁边，便向她问起他这一带的熟人的情况，其神态之安详平易叫伊丽莎白觉得她无论如何也难以企及。留在这一男一女脑子里的似乎都是世界上最美好的回忆。提起过去的任何事情都不会使他们难为情；丽迪雅主动地谈到了许多事情，这些话儿她的姐姐们是怎么也说不出口的。 “且想想看，”她嚷着说，“我离家已经有三个月啦；在我看好像才只有两个星期；然而在这段日子里发生了多少的事情啊！天啊，我走的时候，可没料到我会结了婚再回来的！虽然我也想到了真是结了婚回来那一定挺有趣的。” 她的父亲抬起了眼睛。吉英感到了不安。伊丽莎白瞪了一眼；不过一向我行我素的丽迪雅却毫不在意地继续道：“噢！妈妈，这儿的人们知道我今天结婚吗？我刚才还担心他们不知道呢；我们在路上追上了威廉·戈尔丁的马车，我为了让他知道这个消息，便把我车子的上扇玻璃放了下来，脱下了手套，把手放在窗框上，好让他看见我的结婚戒指，还向他点头笑个不停。” 伊丽莎白再也忍不住了。她站了起来。跑出了房间；一直等到他们穿过大厅走向餐厅的时候，她才回来。这时她正巧看到丽迪雅几步跨到了母亲的右边。一面对姐姐说：“嗨，吉英，我现在要代替你的位置了，你必须靠后，因为我已是出了嫁的姑娘啦。” 时间和她的这几个月的经历，并没有使丽迪雅丝毫儿改变了她那任性不羁的性情，从而变得有些知趣起来。她那兴冲冲的劲儿反而变得更足了。她渴望见到菲利普夫人，鲁卡斯一家人和所有的邻居们，听到他们称呼她“威科汉姆夫人”；刚吃过饭，她便将她的戒指叫希尔夫人和两个女佣人看，向大家夸示她已经结了婚了。 “喂，妈妈，”在他们都又回到起坐间以后她说道，“你看我的丈夫怎么样呢？他不是挺可爱吗？我敢说我的姐姐们一定都很嫉妒我。但愿她们有我一半的运气就好啦。她们都应该到布利屯去。那儿是个找丈夫的好地方。妈妈，我们全家没能都去可真是太遗憾啦。” “唉，可不是；如果依我，我们早就去了。不过，丽迪雅，我的宝贝女儿，妈可不想让你走上那么大老远的。难道非这样不可吗？” “噢，天啊！当然是这样啦；——这并不算什么。我自己非常愿意去。你和父亲，还有我的姐姐们一定要来看我们。我们整个冬天都将待在纽卡斯尔，那儿一定会有很多的舞会；我将尽心为每一个姐姐找到合适的舞伴。” “那太好啦！”她的母亲说。 “等你们住够要回去时，你可以把一两个姐姐留在我这儿；我敢说没过完冬天我就能为她们找到丈夫。” “我这里谢谢你了，”伊丽莎白说，“不过我可不喜欢你的那种找丈夫的方式。” 这对新婚夫妇在家里只能待上十天。威科汉姆在离开伦敦时便受到了委任，必须在两个星期内到团部报到。” 只有班纳特夫人为他们停留的短暂感到遗憾；她充分利用这段时间，带着她的小女儿走访亲友，也在家里常常宴请。这种宴会倒是人人欢迎；没有心思的固然愿意也来凑热闹，有心思的人更愿意也来解解闷。 威科汉姆对丽迪雅的感情，正如伊丽莎白事先所料到的那样，比不上丽迪雅对威科汉姆的热爱，而不是出自威科汉姆，这一点对伊丽莎白说来是显而易见的；如果她不是已经继定的逃走是为债务所逼，她倒要真是弄不懂，对丽迪雅没有什么爱意的他为什么愿意与她一块儿私奔了；如果是出于情势所逼，他当然不会反对在逃跑中有个伴儿相随了。 丽迪雅对他是百般的喜爱。他多会儿也是她亲爱的威科汉姆；谁也不能和他相媲美。他干每一件事情都干得最好；她相信到了九月一日那天，他射到的鸟一定超过全英国的任何人。 在他们刚回来不久的一个早晨，她与两个姐姐坐着时，她跟伊丽莎白说： “丽萃，我想我从来还没和你提到过我婚礼时的情形。因为在我告诉妈妈和其他人的时候，你当时不在场。你想不想听听这喜事是怎么办的呢？” “我不愿意听，”伊丽莎白说，“我以为这件事是越少提越好。” “啊！你这个人太奇怪了！不过我还是得告诉你这婚礼是如何举行的。你知道，我们是在圣克利门特教堂典的礼，因为威科汉姆的住所属于那一教区。安排我们所有的人在十一点以前到达那里。我们舅舅舅妈和我一块儿去；其他人将在教堂那儿等候。哦，到了星期一早晨，我突然变慌乱起来！我那么害怕会发生什么意外的事情，把婚期推后，那时我可该会有多么沮丧啊！在我梳妆穿戴的时候，舅母不住地叨叨着，好像她是在布道似的。可是，我几乎一句也没听进去她说的话，你可以想见，因为我心里正想着我的心上人威科汉姆。我渴望知道他是不是穿他那件漂亮的蓝色外衣去教堂。” “唔，那一天我们照常是在十点钟吃早饭；我当时觉得这顿早饭怕是永远也吃不完了；因为你们顺便应该知道，舅父母们在我和他们待着的这些天里，对我看管得很严。虽然我在那儿住了两个星期，我没走出过家门一步。没有参加过一个晚会，没有过一点儿消遣。老实说，伦敦虽然并不太热闹，可是那个雷特剧院还是演出的。哦，话说回来，当接我们去教堂的车子到了门口的时候，舅舅被唤去和那个叫做斯登先生的讨厌家伙去谈事情了。你知道，只要两个人凑在一块儿，总是有没完没了的话儿。唉，我当时真是吓得六神无主，因为我觉得舅舅就要弃我不顾了；如果我们耽误了时间，那一天就不可能结婚了。万幸的是，舅舅在十分钟以后回来啦 ，于是我们马上出发了。不过，我后来记起，就是舅舅去不了，婚礼也不必延期，因为达西先生照样可以主持。” “达西先生！”伊丽莎白非常惊讶的重复道。 “噢！是的！——他将和威科汉姆一块儿去到教堂。可是，天呀！我竟然忘记了！这话我是一点也不应该透露出去的。我曾那么诚恳地向他们保证过！威科汉姆会怎么说我呢？这本是一个应该严格保守的秘密！” “既然是秘密，”吉英说，“就甭再提一个字啦。你可以相信我决不会再追问的。” “哦，这是当然的啦！”伊丽莎白尽管非常想问下去，嘴上也只能这么说，“我们不会再向你问任何问题了。” “那真得谢谢你们，”丽迪雅说，“因为如果你们要问，我一定会把一切都告诉你们的，到那时，威科汉姆可就会生气了。” 伊丽莎白经不住这怂恿她问下去的诱惑，便跑开了好让自己无从问起。 然而在这样一件事情上叫自己闷在鼓里，简直是不可能的；或者说，至少不去试着探听清楚是不可能的。达西先生竟然参加了她妹妹的婚礼。他竟然去到了他显然是最不愿意接近，对他最少吸引力的人们中间，这可真是一件奇怪的事情。与此相关的种种猜测急速纷乱地涌入她的脑海里；可是却没有哪一种猜测能使她满意。那些把达西先生往好处想往崇高想的也最能合她心意的想法，都觉得不太可能。她受不住这无端揣测的熬煎；匆匆地拿过一张纸来，给舅妈写了一封短简，请求她将丽迪雅说漏了嘴的事情解释一下，如果这并不有悖于保守这个秘密的行为的话。 “你很容易理解我现在的心情，”她接着写道，“一个与我们家的任何人都不相关，一个(比较而言)我们家的陌路人，竟然在这样的一种时刻参加进了你们的中间，这怎么能叫我不感到好奇呢。请即刻回信，告诉我真情——倘若此事并不像丽迪雅所认为的那样非要保守秘密的话；如果非要保密不可，那我也只好甘心于闷在鼓里了。” “当然我是不会罢手的，”她把信写完了的时候自言自语地说，“我亲爱的舅妈，如果你不光明正大地告诉我，我不得已肯定会不择手段地去打探清楚的。” 吉英的自尊和信义感，使她不可能在私下里跟伊丽莎白再谈起丽迪雅露出的口风；伊丽莎白倒也高兴这样；——在她的询问没有能得到满意的答复之前，她宁愿一个人等待而不找知己倾吐。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第61章 (1) 伊丽莎白很快便收到了舅母的回信。她一拿到信就急匆匆地去到小树林里，坐在一张长凳上，她安安静静地读个痛快；因为这封长信叫她相信，回答不会是否定的。？ “亲爱的外甥女儿： “刚刚收到你的来信，我将用这整个上午的时间给你回信，因为我感到一封短简容纳不下我要告诉你的话。我不得不承认，你向我问起这件事叫我感到很吃惊；我没有想到这一问会是来自 你这方面。不过，你不要以为我生气了，我之所以这样说是想让你知道，我实在想象不到你居然还要来问我。如果你不愿意听我说这话，那就原谅我的冒昧好了。你舅舅也跟我一样地诧异—我们都认为，只是因为你也是事中人达西先生才会这么做的。可是如果你当真与这件事没有一点儿牵连而且一点儿也不晓得，那就容我细细道来吧。就在我刚刚从浪博思回来的那一天，你舅舅接待了一位意想不到的客人。达西先生来访了，并与他密谈了几个小时。 在我回来时，这事已经发生过了；所以我当时的好奇心并不像你现在的这么强烈。他来是告诉嘉丁纳先生，他已经发现出你妹妹和威汉姆先生在什么地方，他已经跟他们俩见面谈过话了，与丽迪雅谈了一次，与威科汉姆谈了多次。据我看，他在我们走后的第二天便离开了德比郡来到伦敦，决心寻找他们两个。他说他这样做的动机，是因为他认为这件事之所以发生是由于他自己的缘故，是他没能及时将威科汉姆的不端品行揭露出来，以使正派的姑娘再不可能会把他当作知己爱上他。他全然把这责任都归咎于他自己不该有的骄傲上，他承认他以前不耻于做这种将威科汉姆的私生活公布于众的事，认为他的恶行自会大白于天下的。因此他说，站出来极力对这一由他的疏忽所造成的罪过给予补救，实是他义不容辞的责任。 如果他还有 另一个动机的话，我想那也一点儿不减少他的光彩。他在城里待了好几天才找到了他们；不过他并不像 我们那么茫茫然，他有线索可寻；他的这一意识是他决心紧跟我们其后来到伦敦的又一原因。好像是有一位叫做扬吉太太的女人住在城里，她以前曾当达西小姐的家庭教师，由于犯了某种过失被解雇，什么过失他并没有说。这位扬吉太太和威科汉姆混得很熟；因此他一到城里后就去她那里打听威科汉姆的消息。他费了两三天的工夫才从她嘴里得到他想知道的东西。我想，她是不愿意在没有得到什么贿赂和好处之前就轻易地背叛她的朋友，因为她是明确知道她的朋友的住处的。威科汉姆他们刚到伦敦时就找过扬吉太太，要是她能够留他们住，他们早就住在她那儿了。我们这位好心的朋友最后总算打听清楚了他们的方位。他们住在某街。他先是见到了威科汉姆，然后坚持要见丽迪雅。他承认说，他最初的打算是想说服她摆脱她现在的这种不体面的处境，在说通她的亲友们后尽快地让她回到他们中间去，为此他答应极尽一切所能给予她帮助。可是他发现丽迪雅坚决要留在她现在待着的地方。 她并不在乎她的朋友们，也不想得到他的帮助，更不要离开威科汉姆。她相信他们总归是会结婚的，至于多会儿结婚那并不太重要。她的感情既然是如此固执，他想剩下的办法就只有让他们能尽快地结婚，从他跟威科汉姆的初次谈话中，他很容易地听出，威科汉姆可从来不曾有过这种念头。威科汉姆承认，由于债务所逼他不得不离开民团；并且毫不踌躇地将丽迪雅这次私奔造成的不良后果完全归咎于她自己的愚蠢。他想马上辞掉民团的职务；对于他的将来，他几乎毫无打算。他必须到个什么地方去，但是要去到哪里他也不得而知，他知道他就要无法维持他的生计了。达西先生问他为什么不马上和你的妹妹结婚，尽管班纳特先生不是那么太富有，可他总能为他做点什么，而且结婚会使他摆脱目前的窘境。 可是他发现威科汉姆在回答他的话时，还是希望着能到另外一个地方去攀门富亲得笔财产。不过，他目前的情况既是如此，他对眼下有急救的办法，就不可能不有所动心。他们碰了好几次面，商讨了许多事情。威科汉姆当然想要讨得个高价；不过最后总算减少到了一个较为合理的数目。在一切都谈妥了以后，达西先生随后的一步便是将这一切情况通知你的舅舅，他第一次来天恩街是在我回来的前一天晚上。不过他没能见着嘉丁纳先生，经过进一步的探问，他得知了你父亲还住在这儿，明天早晨就要动身回去。达西先生觉得找你父亲商量这件事不如找你舅舅。他走时没留下姓名，家里人只知道有位先生有事来过。直到星期六他又造访以后才知道是他。那时你父亲已经走了，你舅舅正巧在家，于是他们便进行了一次长谈。星期日他们又会晤了一次，这次我也见到了他。事情直到星期一才算完全谈妥；一经谈定，就即刻派了专人送信到浪博恩。不过，我们的这位客人可真有点太固执了。我想，丽萃，这执拗才是他性格上的真正缺点吧。人们不时地指责过他的许多缺陷；但是唯有这一点才是他的真正的缺陷。 一切事情都要由他自己亲自来办不可；尽管我相信(我这样说并不是为了受到感谢，所以也无需跟别人提起)你舅舅会很乐意地全都承揽下来的。他们为此相互争执了好长时间，其实这一对男女也许就不配受到他们这样的对待。最后是你舅舅不得不让了步，使他非但不能替外甥女儿出点力，相反要无功而受美名了，这并不合他的心愿；我真的相信你今天早晨的这封信让他非常的高兴，因为我应你之求做的这一番解释就会剥去他身上借来的美丽羽毛，使其物归原主了。不过，丽萃，这件事只能是你自己知道，或者最多告诉吉英。我想你也很清楚，为那一对男女需要尽多大的力。我相信，达西先生为他还上了数目高达一千多英镑的债务，而且除了她自己名下的钱以外另外又给了她一千镑，还给他买了个官职。达西先生之所以要独自包揽这一切的原因，我在上面已经提到过了。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第62章 (2) 这都是由于他，由于他的考虑不周和没有及时地揭露，好多人才没有能看出威科汉姆的真实品性，结果错把他当做了好人。也许在他的这话里有几分真实；虽然我怀疑他的这种保留态度，或任何一个人的保留态度，应该对这件事负责。尽管达西先生说了这些好听的理由，我亲爱的丽萃，你也可以完全相信，你舅舅是绝对不会依从他的，如果不是考虑到他在这件事情上也许 另有一番用意的话。在这一切都谈妥之后，他便回到彭伯利他的朋友们那里去了；大家同时说定，等到婚礼举行那天，他还要来伦敦，办理有关金钱方面的最后手续。现在我把所有的事都讲给你听了。你说我的叙述将会叫你感到莫大的惊奇；我希望我的这番话至少不会给你带来任何的不悦。丽迪雅住到了我们这儿；威科汉姆也经常的来。他还是他从前的那付样子，一点儿也没有变；丽迪雅在这儿的行为叫人也一点儿不能满意，如果不是从吉英上星期三的来信中得知她在家的表现也是如此、因而我现在告诉你也不会给你带来新的苦恼的话，我就不会对你说了。我非常严肃地跟她谈了好多次话，反复对她说明她的这些所做所为的危害性，以及她给全家人带来的不幸。 如若她要是听进去了我的话，那就是万幸了，可是我敢肯定她根本就没有在听。有几次我真的生气了，可是一想起我的伊丽莎白和吉英，就是为了她们将来的名誉，我也得耐住性子。达西先生准时回到了伦敦，并且正如丽迪雅告诉你的，参加了他们的结婚典礼。第二天他跟我们一块儿吃了饭，计划在星期三、四离开城里。我亲爱的丽萃，如果我在这里说(以前我从来不曾敢提起过)我是多么喜欢他，你会生我的气吗？他对待我们还像是在德比郡那样处处讨人喜爱。他的见解和聪颖也让我感到很惬意；他惟一美中不足的地方，是性情稍欠活泼，如果他伴侣选得合适，这一点他的妻子便可以带给他的。我想他非常的害羞；——他几乎没有提到过你的名字。不过怕羞似乎已成为现在的时尚。如果我说得太冒昧了一点儿还请你原谅，或者，至少不要用将来不让去彭伯利的办法来惩罚我。在没有游遍那整个庄园之前，我是不会觉得尽兴的。一辆轻便的双轮小马车，驾上两匹漂亮的小马，便足矣。现在我必须搁笔了。孩子们已经嚷着要我有半个钟头了。 你的舅母M·嘉丁纳九月六日写于天恩寺街”？ 这一封信使伊丽莎白陷入到一种百感交集的的境地中，她理不清楚是喜悦还是痛苦在她感情中占据着上峰。对达西先生在促成妹妹的这桩婚事中所起的作用，她曾产生过种种模糊不定的猜想，她既不敢怂恿这些猜测，担心他不可能好到那样的程度，同时又害怕这都是真的，她会报答不了人家的恩情，如今这些怀疑却证明是千真万确的事实啦！他曾有意地追随舅父母们来到城里，把在寻觅这对男女中所遇到的麻烦和羞辱都一古脑地承担下来；他不得不向一个他一惯讨厌和鄙视的女人去求情，他必须一而再再而三地与他最不愿意见面的人(连他的名字他也耻于听到)会晤，据理说服他，甚至到后来贿赂他。 他做这一切只是为了一个对他既无好感又不敬重的姑娘。她的心里的确在轻轻地说，他做这一切都是为了她自己。可是这一想法很快就被其他的考虑打消了，她不久便觉得她把自己也未免估计得太高了，她岂能指望他对她(一个曾经拒绝过他女人)的感情，能够战胜了他的那憎厌与威科汉姆连襟的本能情绪。做威科汉姆的姐夫！他的全部自尊都一定会反对这种关系的。他无疑是出了许多的力。她都羞于去想他究竟出了多大的力。不过他为自己干预这件事已经给出了一个理由，这个理由是合情合理的。他怪他当初做事欠妥当，这当然讲得通；他慷慨地拿出了不少的钱，他有条件这样做；尽管她不再愿意认为她自己是他之所以要这样做的主要动力了，她却或许能够相信，他对她还有的情意，会促使他在这样一件影响到她心境之平和一事情上，去尽他的努力的。 一想到全家人对一个永远不可能被给予回报的人欠下了这么重的人情，伊丽莎白就感到异常的痛苦。他们全家得把丽迪雅的能够回来，她的人格以及全家名誉的保全都归功于他。啊！可她曾经对他是那样的厌恶、对他说话是那般的出言不逊，这叫她真的追悔莫及。她替自己感到羞愧；可是她却为他感到骄傲。他能够本着同情之心和崇高之义，牺牲掉了自我。她一遍又一遍地读着她舅母赞扬他的话。虽然觉得还不够劲儿，可足以叫她高兴的了。她发现舅父母两人都坚持认为在她自己和达西先生之间有着情意和隐秘，这也叫她感到了一些得意，尽管这得意中夹杂着懊恼。 听到有人走近的声音，她从长凳上站起来，打断了自己的沉思；她还没来得及走到另一条小径上去，就被威科汉姆追上来。 “我是不是打搅了你这自个儿散步的清静，我的亲爱的姐姐？”在他来到她的身边时他说。 “的确是这样，”她笑着回答说，“不过打扰了未必就一定不受欢迎。” “要是这样，我真感到抱歉了。我们从前一直是好朋友；现在我们更是亲上加亲了。” “是的。别人也出来了吗？” “我不知道。班纳特夫人和丽迪雅乘着马车去麦里屯了。喂，我亲爱的姐姐，我从我们的舅父母那儿听说你们当真游过彭伯利了。” 她回答表示肯定。 “我为此都几乎要嫉妒你了，可我觉得我怕享不了这份福，否则的话，我去纽卡斯尔的时候就要以顺路去看看了。我想你见到那位老管家奶奶了吧？可怜的雷诺尔德太太，她一直都是那么喜欢我的。当然她不会向你提到我了。” “不，她提到了。” “她怎么说我呢？” “她说你离开家以后就进了部队，她担心你在部队上的情况并不好。不过，这你也知道，路途隔得远了，事情难免会有所走样。” “说的是。”他咬着嘴唇回答。伊丽莎白想这下该会叫他住口了吧；可是不多一会儿他又说话了： “上个月我在城里意外地碰到了达西。我们彼此之间照了几次面。我不知道他在那里会有什么事。” “或许是在准备他与德·包尔小姐的婚事吧，”伊丽莎白说，“他一年中的这个季节在那儿，一定是有什么特别的事情要办。” “说得一点儿也不错。你在兰姆屯的时候见到达西先生了吗？我从嘉丁纳夫妇的话中听出，你似乎见过他了。” “是的；他还把我们介绍给了他的妹妹。” “你喜欢她吗？” “非常喜欢。” “我听说，她在这一年两年里长进出落得多了。我上次见到她的时候，她还不怎么样呢。我很高兴你喜欢她。我希望她将来能有出息。” “我敢说她会的；她已经度过了困惑她的那个年龄。” “你们路过基姆普屯村了吗？” “我不记得啦。” “我之所以提它，因为当初应该得到那份牧师职位就在那儿。一个非常怡人的地方！——那么棒的牧师住宅！对我真是再合适不过了。” “你竟然会喜欢布道吗？” “非常喜欢。我会把它作为我的职责的一部分，即使开始时费点劲，不久也就习以为常了。一个人不应该发牢骚——不过，这对我来说的确是件美差事！那种恬静幽雅的生活，完全合乎于我对幸福的憧憬！但是这一切都成了泡影。你在肯特时，达西跟你提起过这件事吗？” “听到过的，而且很具权威性；那个位置留给你是有条件的，而且可以由现在的庇护人自由处置。” “你都听说了。是的，这话说的有些根据；你还记得吧，我一开始就是这样告诉你的嘛。” “我也的的确确听说，曾有一度时期，布道这份职业并不像现在这样合你的口味；听说你曾宣布你决心永远不再要当牧师，于是这件事就折衷解决了。” “这你也听说了！这话并非是完全没有根据。你或许记得，我们俩第一次谈到这件事的时候，我也提到过的。” 他们现在已快要走到家门口了，因为想摆脱他，她走得很快；为了她妹妹的缘故，伊丽莎白不愿意得罪他，于是她只是笑了笑回答说： “威科汉姆，我们现在已是兄弟姐妹了。让我们不要再为过去的事争吵了。我希望在以后的日子里，我们能想到一块儿去。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第63章 (1) 威科汉姆对这次谈话已经领教够了，这使得他永远也不愿意再提这个话题，来使自己尴尬或是使他的亲爱的姐姐伊丽莎白生气，伊丽莎白同时也高兴地发现，她方才说的话也足以叫他保持沉默了。 他和丽迪雅动身的那一天就快到了，班纳特夫人不得不忍受这种分别的痛苦，这一别至少要长达一年之久，因为她的丈夫坚决不同意她要让全家去纽卡斯尔一住的计划。 “噢！我亲爱的丽迪雅，”她喊道，“我们什么时候才能再见面呢？” “天哪！我哪儿知道？也许得两三年以后吧。” “要经常给妈妈写信，我的亲爱的。” “我尽力而为吧。你也知道，结了婚的女子就腾不出许多的时间来写信了。我的姐姐们可以给我写嘛。她们反正也没有别的事情要做。” 威科汉姆的道别要比他妻子的显得亲热得多。他笑容满面，倜傥风流，说了许多动听的话儿。 “他是我平生见过的最为机巧圆滑的年轻人了，”在他们刚走后班纳特先生说，“他会假笑，会痴笑，会奉迎我们所有的人。我为他感到莫大的骄傲。我找到了一个更为宝贝的女婿，甚至胜过威廉·鲁卡斯爵士的那一位(指科林斯先生——译者注)。” 女儿的离去使得班纳特夫人几日闷闷不乐。 “我常常想，”她说，“世上再没有和亲友离别更叫人感伤的事了，没有了亲友，一个人显得多么冷清。” “你看到了吗，妈妈，这就是嫁出女儿的后果，”伊丽莎白说，“你另外的四个姑娘好在还没有主儿，一定让你能好过一些。” “我不是为这难受，丽迪雅离开我不是因为她已经出嫁，只是因为她丈夫的部队碰巧远在他乡。如果离得近一点儿，她就不会这么快离开了。” 不过，班纳特夫人由于这件事引起的苦恼很快便消除了，因为外界正传布着一件新闻，使她的心里又燃起了希望。尼塞费尔德的女管家接到旨令，说是她的主人在一两天内便要回来，在这儿打几个星期的猎，让她收拾准备。班纳特夫人听了这消息简直变得坐卧不安。她打量着吉英，一会儿在笑，一会儿又在摇头。 “呃，这么说，彬格莱先生就要来了，妹妹，”班纳特夫人跟她的妹妹菲利普夫人说，“哦，这自然是好极了。不过，我对此也不太在乎了。你知道，他和我们家已经断了往来，我敢说我再也不想见到他了。可是，话说回来，如果他愿意到尼塞费尔德来，他仍然是非常受欢迎的。谁知道以后的事情又会怎么发展呢？不过这和我们家已经没关系了。你知道，妹妹，我们老早以前就商定再也不提起这件事了。他一定会来吗？” “这一点你可以相信，”对方说，“因为昨天晚上尼科尔斯太太来到了麦里屯；我看到她从街上走过，便特意跑出去向她打听；她告我说这的确是真的。彬格莱先生最晚到星期四来，很可能是在星期三。她正打算到肉店去订购点肉星期三用，她已经买好了六只鸭子，准备宰了吃。” 班纳特小姐一听说彬格莱先生要来，不禁红了脸。她已经有她几个月没有再和伊丽莎白提到过他的名字；可是这一次，一剩下她们姐妹两人的时候，她就说道： “丽萃，在今天姨妈告诉我们这一消息的时候，我看见你在注视我；我知道我显得局促不安了。不过不要以为我还有任何愚蠢的想法。我只是一时之间有些心慌，因为感觉到大家都在盯着我。我向你保证，这个消息既不会叫我痛苦又不会叫我欣喜。我只为一件事感到高兴，那就是他这次是一个人来；我们不必与他多见面了。并不是我自己害怕和他见面，而是担心别人的闲言碎语。” 伊丽莎白对这件事不知怎么想才好。要是她在德比郡没有见过彬格莱，她也许会认为他这次来没有什么别的意图而只是为了打猎；但是她依然认为他对吉英怀着情意，她现在不能断定的只是，他这次来是得到了他的朋友的许可，还是他大胆做主自己要来的。 她有时候不由得这么想：“ 这可怜的人儿来到自己租赁的住宅，还要引起人们纷纷的议论，也真够难为他的了！我还是不去管他吧。” 尽管她的姐姐对彬格莱的到来是这样地宣称和这样的认为她自己的感情，伊丽莎白还是不难看出，姐姐的情绪还是为此受到了很大的影响。她比平时更加心魂不定，更加忐忑不安了。 这个一年以前曾在班纳特夫妇之间谈到的话题，现在又重新提起了。 “只要彬格莱先生一到，亲爱的，”班纳特夫人说，“你当然会去访问他喽。” 他的妻子向他说明，在彬格莱重返日费尔德的时候，作为他的邻居们这样的拜访是绝对必要的。 “这种献殷勤正是我所厌恶的，”班纳特先生说，“如果他想和我们交结，那他来就是了。他知道我们住的地方。邻居走的时候去送行，邻居回来的时候又去欢迎，我可不愿意把我的时间都花在这个上面。” “唔，我可不管你那一套，我只晓得如果你不去拜访他，那真是太失礼了。不过，这并不妨碍我邀他来家里吃饭，我的主意是已经定了。我们必须早些请到郎格太太和戈尔丁一家，加上我们家的人，是十三个人，正好留给他一个位置。” 决心下定后她觉得宽慰了，因此对她丈夫的无礼也不那么计较；尽管当她想到由于丈夫的失礼邻居们都要在 他们的前面见到彬格莱先生时，她还是有点儿不太甘心。 在彬格莱先生的来期逼近的时候，吉英对伊丽莎白说：“他的来临开始叫我心里觉得难过起来。这与我本不相干；见了他我也能够毫不在乎的，只是我忍受不了人们的没完没了的飞短流长。母亲是好意；可是她哪儿知道，她说的那些话叫我得蒙受多大的痛苦。当他不再住在尼塞费尔德时，我便会快活啦！” “我很想能说些什么安慰你，”伊丽莎白说，“可是我又完全无能为力。你一定也感觉到了这一点；我平时劝说一个遇到难处的人要耐心一点的那些话儿，这时候就不起作用了，因为你总是很能忍耐的。” 彬格莱先生终于来了。班纳特夫人让仆人们帮忙，最早就设法得到这一消息，可是这样一来，她焦心地等待的时间似乎拉得更长。她计算着在她的请柬送出去之前还得耽搁的那些天数；为不能在这之前见到他而感到失望。然而在他来到哈福德郡的第三天早晨，她从梳妆室的窗台上便看见了他骑着马走进围场，向她家走过来。 她很快便唤过了她的女儿们，让她们分享这一喜悦。吉英坐在桌子那儿没有动；伊丽莎白为了叫母亲欢喜，走到窗前张望可当她看到有达西先生陪着他的时候，便又坐回到姐姐那儿去了。 “还有一个人跟彬格莱先生，妈妈，”吉蒂说，“他会是谁呢？” “我想是他的朋友吧，亲爱的，我自己也不太清楚。” “啊！”吉蒂喊起来，“很像是以前总跟他在一块儿的那个人。他的名字叫什么来着。就是那个非常傲慢的高个儿。” “天呀！是达西先生！——我敢肯定。哦，毫无疑问，彬格莱先生的任何一位朋友都会在这儿受到欢迎；不然的话，我就该说我讨厌见到这个人啦。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第64章 (2) 吉英这时候用惊奇和关切的目光注视着伊丽莎白。她不知道他们在德比郡时会晤的情形，以为这是妹妹在收到他的那封解释的信以后与他的第一次见面，因而不免为妹妹将会遇到的尴尬担心。总之，姐妹俩都够不好受的了。她们每个都考虑到了对方，当然也想到她们自己；她们所以决定有礼地待他，完全是由于他是彬格莱先生的朋友，当然她这话只是在私下里说，不会让他们两个人听到。伊丽莎白还有吉英根本不知晓的隐情叫自己感到惴惴不安她还从未有勇气把嘉丁纳夫人的信让吉英看过，也没有向吉英吐露过她对达西先生感情的变化。在吉英看来，达西先生只是一位被她所拒绝过的男人，他的优点也为她所低估过；可是对情况了解得更多的伊丽莎白来说，他是他们全家的大恩人，她自己也深深地景仰他，如果这情意不如吉英的来的温馨，至少也像吉英的一样合理。他会来到尼塞尔德，来到浪博恩主动地看她，这一事实使她感到的惊奇，几乎不亚于她在德比郡最初看到他举止作派的改进时所感受到的惊奇。 当她想到经过了这么久的时间，他对她的感情和心意竟依然如故时，她刚才变得苍白的脸又放出了光彩，绽开的笑颜给她的眼睛里也注入了一种愉快的光芒。不过她还是有些放心不下。 “且让我先看看他如何表现，”她说，“然后再存指望也不迟。” 她坐在那里专心地做着活计，努力想使自己平静下来，连眼皮也不敢抬起一下，只是到后来仆人走到门前的时候，她才出于担心和好奇，把眼睛落在了姐姐的脸上。吉英的脸色比平常显得略为苍白了点儿，不过她的镇静倒出乎伊丽莎白的预料之外。在两位贵客走进来的时候，她的脸涨红了；可是她接待他们的举止还是显得挺自然，挺有礼的，没表现出任何的怨恨或是不必要的殷勤。 伊丽莎白只说了几句礼数上的应酬话便不再吭声了，接着又坐了下来做她的活儿。她那种专心劲儿是她平时少有的。她只有一次抬眼看了达西，只见他还是平常的那付严肃神情；她想，比他以前在哈福德郡时和她在彭伯利看到他时或许还要严肃。不过，这也许是由于他在她母亲的面前的缘故，使他不像跟舅父母在一起时那么随便。这一猜想叫她痛苦，可又不是不可能的。 她也望了彬格莱先生一眼，即刻便看出他又是觉得高兴又是有点儿不好意思。班纳特夫人对待他礼貌周到，可对她的那位朋友却既冷谈又拿腔拿调，相形之下使她的两个大女儿很是觉得过意不去。 对于知道内情，觉得她母亲的宝贝女儿之所以能保全了名誉全是靠了达西先生的伊丽莎白来说，母亲的这种待人的轻重位置，尤其叫她感到了万分的难过和痛苦。 达西向她问起嘉丁纳夫妇的情形，她慌乱地回答了几句，在这以后达西便没有再说什么。他没有坐在她的旁边；或许这就是他沉默的原因；然而在德比郡时情形可不是这样。几分钟过去了，没有听到他吭一声；有时候，她忍不住好奇地抬起眼睛，望着他的脸，常常看到他不是瞧着吉英就是瞧着自己，要不就是什么也不看只是盯着地面。比起他们上一次见面的时候，达西的心事显然加重了，也不像以前急于博得人家的好感。她觉得失望，可又为她这样而生自己的气。 “这不是我意料之中的事吗？”她想，“可是，他为什么又要来呢？” 除了达西先生本人，她现在没有心情和任何人谈话；可跟他谈她又几乎没有足够的勇气。 她在询问了他妹妹的近况以后，就再也找不出话说了。 “彬格莱先生，你这次离开可有不少的日子啦。”班纳特夫人说。 彬格莱先生忙表示赞同。 “我开始还担心你这一走再也不会回来了。人们都说，你打算一过米迦勒节就把房子退掉；不过，我希望这只是谣传。自从你走后，邻里发生了许多事情。鲁卡斯小姐嫁走了。我自己的一个女儿也出嫁了。我想你一定知道；想必你在报纸上看到过了。我知道这消息在《泰晤士报》和《快报》上都登载了；不过写得不够劲儿。上面只说：‘乔治·威科汉姆先生与丽迪雅·班纳特小姐近期结婚，一个字儿也没提她的父亲，她住的地方。这是我兄弟嘉丁纳起的稿，我真纳闷他怎么会做得这么糟糕。你看到了吗？” 彬格莱回答说他看到了，并且向她表示祝贺。伊丽莎白连眼皮也没敢抬。因此达西先生是怎样的表情，她就不得而知了。 “我敢说，把一个女儿快快乐乐地嫁出去了，真是件叫人高兴的事，”她母亲继续道，“可是，彬格莱先生，女儿离开我那么远又使我很难过。他们俩去到了纽卡斯尔，一个紧靠北边的地方，他们似乎就得在那儿待下去了，我不知道他们待多久。威科汉姆的部队在那儿驻扎；我想你也听说他离开民团进到正规军里的消息了。感谢上帝！多亏他有一些帮忙的朋友，尽管凭他的人品他该有更多的朋友才是。” 伊丽莎白知道，母亲这话是说给达西先生听的，她真是难为情得要命，几乎连坐也坐不住了。不过这番话倒是比以往的什么东西都顶事，逼使她开口说起话来；她问彬格莱他这一回打算在乡下留多久。他说：“可能要住上几个星期。” “彬格莱先生，在你打尽了你那边的鸟儿以后，”她的母亲说，“我恳请你到班纳特先生的庄园来，在这儿你可以尽情地打。我相信我的丈夫也将非常愿意让你来，而且会把最好的鹧鸪都留给你打猎用的。” 伊丽莎白为母亲的这一过分的讨好奉迎，真是感到羞愧难当！她觉得，即便眼下会有一年前的那种好事(指吉英和彬格莱相好之事——译者注)在望，也会转眼之间再度落空的。在那一瞬间，她只觉得就是吉英或是她自己的许多年的幸福，也补偿不了这几分钟的痛苦难堪。 “我的第一个心愿，”她暗暗地对自己说，“就是永远不要再见到他们两个。跟他们在一起的愉悦怎能抵偿得了我现在所受的羞辱！让我再也不要见到他们中间的任何一个！” 然而，许多年的幸福也抵偿不了的痛苦，不久便被大大地减轻了，因为伊丽莎白看到姐姐的美貌又燃起了她先前那位情人的多大的热情。彬格莱刚进来时几乎没有跟她说什么话；可是后来的每一分钟都使他对她越来越关注起来。他发现她还和去年一样漂亮；还像以前一样温馨，一样纯真，尽管不如从前健谈了。吉英一心只希望人家看不出她跟从前有什么两样，也真的以为自己还是说得很多。可是她心事重重，连她自己有时候的沉默，她也没有察觉出来。 当客人们起身要走的时候，班纳特夫人没有忘记她早就想好了的邀请，在几天以后这两位贵客将来浪博恩吃请饭。 “你还欠着一次对我们的访问呢，彬格莱先生，”她补充说，“因为在你去年冬天进城以前你曾答应过我们，在你一回到这儿后便与我家人吃顿便饭。你瞧，我还没有忘记；老实说，上次你没回来赴约还真叫我非常的失望呢。” 彬格莱听到这话，不由得面上有了羞色，抱歉地说上次是有生意给耽搁了。说完，他们便离去了。 班纳特夫人本来很想当天就让他们留下吃饭来着；只是想到虽然她家的饭食不错，可是要请一个一年有一万英镑进项的人，不添上两道正菜怎么能说得下去呢，更何况她还对他娶她的女儿存着殷切的期望呢。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第65章 待客人们一走，伊丽莎白也溜达了出去，好让精神恢复一下；或者，换句话说，也就是要不受搅扰地去想想那些只会让她的精神更加沉郁的事情。达西先生的行为叫她惊奇也叫她烦恼。“如果他来只是为了表现出那付不言不语、一本正经、冷若冰霜的样子，”她说，“那他何必要来呢？” 她怎么想这件事，也觉得不快活。 “在城里时，他对我舅舅舅妈依然是很和气很悦人，可待我为什么就是这样呢？如果他是害怕我，那又何必来呢？如果他不再爱我了，那他何必不说出来呢？这个人真是叫人琢磨不透！我再也不愿去想他的事了。” 她的这个决心由于姐姐的走上前来，倒真的给顶用了一会儿，一见姐姐神情欣然，她便知道这两位客人虽使自己失意，可倒也满了姐姐的心意。 “现在，”吉英说，“经过这一次的见面以后，我的心情完全平静下来啦，我知道我能应付得很好，我将再也不为他的到来觉得蹩扭了。我很高兴他星期二要来这儿吃饭，到那个时候，人们就会看见，我和他之间的见面只是作为关系很淡的普通朋友罢了。” “是的，关系的确很淡，”伊丽莎白笑着说，“哦，吉英还是当心点儿吧。” “亲爱的丽萃，你可别认为我那么软弱，到现在还会旧情复燃 。” “我看你很有可能会让他再一往深情地爱上你的。”？ 到了星期二时，她们再一次见到了这两位客人。班纳特夫人因为上次看到彬格莱在半个小时的访问中，竟然兴致极高礼貌又好，便又来了好情绪，打起诸多的如意算盘。 星期二这一天，浪博恩来了许多的人；那两位叫主人家殷切盼望的客人很守信用，准时地赶来赴饭局了。当他们走进饭厅的时候，伊丽莎白留意注视着彬格莱，看他会不会坐到吉英身边去，因为从前每逢有宴请，他都是坐在那个位子上的。她的母亲事先也想到了这一层，很明智地没把彬格莱让到她自己这一边来。他刚一进来时似乎有些犹豫，可正巧这时吉英转过头朝他这边笑了一下，便把这事给决定了。他坐到了吉英身旁。 伊丽莎白顿时感到一阵快意，跟着去瞧他的朋友，看他作如何的反应。达西看上去倒是雍容大度，对此毫不在意；要不是她这时看见彬格莱也又惊又喜地望了达西一眼，她还以为他这样做是事先得到了达西先生的恩准呢。 吃饭的时候，彬格莱先生对姐姐的态度尽管显得较以前拘谨了些，可仍然流露出了不少的爱慕之意，使伊丽莎白觉得，如果让他完全自己作主的话，吉英的幸福和他自己的幸福很快便会到来的。虽然她对事情的结局还不敢完全断定她看到他是那样的态度还是感到了由衷的高兴。这使得她的精神一下子有了生气和活力；因为她此刻的心情本来并不愉快。达西先生和她之间的距离真是隔得不能再远了，他和母亲坐在一起。她当然清楚这种情势对于他们哪一方都毫无愉悦和趣味可言。由于离得远，她听不清他们俩的谈话，不过她看得出他们之间很少说话，而且一旦说起点什么的时候，双方也都显得那么拘束和冷淡。每当她母亲对人家的怠慢叫她想起她一家对他所欠的情时，心里就更觉得难过；她有几次真想不顾一切地告诉给他，他的恩情她家里并不是没有人知道，也并非是没有人感激。 伊丽莎白希望到傍晚的时候他们俩能有机会待在一起，希望整个访问不至于只是在达西进来时打个招呼，连话也没有谈上几句就收了场。在男客们没进来之前她等在客厅里的这一段时间，叫她觉得既烦躁不安又索然无味，几乎都要让她耐不住要使性子了。她期待着他们的到来，她知道她这个晚上能否过得快乐就全靠这一着了。 “如果他进来后不找我，”她说，“那么，我将要永远地放弃他了。” 他们来到客厅里，她觉得他似乎就要做她所想望的事了；可倒楣的是，在班纳特小姐斟茶的时候，女客们都围聚到了桌子旁边，在伊丽莎白倒咖啡的地方，连摆一张椅子的空地儿也腾不出来。他们进来以后，有一个姑娘向她这边更挨近了一些，跟她低声说道： “我们不能让这两个男人挤到我们俩中间来。我们并不想要他们；不是吗？” 达西走到了屋里的另一头。她的眼睛一直跟着他，随便看到他和什么人说话，她都嫉妒，连给别人倒咖啡的心思也没有了；稍后她又痛恨自己不该这样的愚蠢。 “对一个被我拒绝过的男人，我怎么能妄想人家再爱上自己呢？哪一个男人会这样低三下四，第二次向同一个女人求婚呢？他们的感情岂能忍受得了这般的羞辱！” 可是在看到他自己拿着咖啡朝这边走过来的时候，她的情绪又兴奋起来；她抓住这个机会对他说： “你妹妹还在彭伯利吗？” “是的，她在那儿一直要待到圣诞节。” “是她自己一个人吗？她的朋友们是不是都走了？ “安涅斯雷太太跟她在一起。其他的人都上斯卡巴勒去了。他要在那儿待上三个星期。” 伊丽莎白再想不出别的话儿来说；不过如果他愿意和她谈话，他本不愁没有话说的。可是他在她旁边站了几分钟却没有吭声；后来那个姑娘又跟伊丽莎白叨叨起了什么，他便走开了。 等到茶具撤走、牌桌都摆好以后，女客们都立起身子，伊丽莎白这个时候又希望他能很快走到自己身边；但见她母亲在四处拉人打“惠斯脱”，他也不好推却，几分钟以后便与其他客人一同坐上牌桌。于是她的一切希望都落空了。现在她满心希望到来的快乐都化为了泡影。他们只能各自坐在自己的那一牌桌上，她已经完全没有了指望，达西的眼睛不停地扫到她这来，因此像她自己一样，他的牌也没有打好。 班纳特夫人想让尼塞费尔德的两位朋友吃了晚饭再走；可不幸的是，他们的马车比别的任何客人的都来得更早，她没有机会能留住他们。 “女儿唷，”待客人们一散完后班纳特夫人便说，“你们觉得今天过得快活吗？我敢说，一切都做得非常漂亮。饭菜的烹调味道从来没有今天这么好。鹿肉烧得恰到火候——大家都说没有吃过这么肥的腰肉。说到汤，比起我们上星期在鲁卡斯家吃的要好上一百倍；甚至连达西先生也说鹧鸪肉烧得很好吃；我想他至少有两三个法国厨子吧。而且，我的好女儿吉英，我从来没见你比今天更漂亮过。当我问郎格太太的意见时，她也这么说。你们猜她还说了什么？‘啊！班纳特夫人，吉英总归会嫁到尼塞费德去的。’她真是这么说来着。我也确实认为郎格太太是个大好人——她的侄女们都是些很懂礼识体的姑娘们，只是长得稍逊色一点；我非常喜欢她们。” 总之，班纳特夫人的心情现在好极了；她把彬格莱对吉英的一举一动都看在了眼里，相信吉英到最后准会得到他的；她在一时高兴之下，便对这桩美事想入非非起来，乃至第二天时由于没见到他来求婚，便变得颇为沮丧。 “这是叫人觉得很愉快的一天，”吉英事后对伊丽莎白说，“客人们都请得很好，彼此之间非常融洽。我希望我们能常常再聚到一起。” 伊丽莎白会心地笑了。 “丽萃，你不应该这样。你不应该相信我。这很伤我的自尊心。老实说，我现在已经学会与这样的一位明理可爱的年轻人愉快地聊天，而不存任何其他的非份之想。我很满意他现在的行为举止，他从不曾想着要笼络我的感情。只不过是，他的谈吐比别人来得美妙，他更希望博得人们的好感。” “你真狠心！”她的妹妹说，“你不让我笑，可又时时刻刻在引我发笑。” “在一些事情上，叫人相信自己是多么难啊！” “又有些事情简直不可能叫人相信！” “可是你为什么非要想说服我，让我承认我没有能说出我的心里话呢？” “对你的这个问题，我简直也不知道该怎么回答了。我们每个人都喜欢劝导别人，尽管我们说出来的都不值得一听。请原谅我的率直；如果你一味地摆出一付若无其事的样子，那就不要想让我做你的知己了。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第66章 几天以后彬格莱先生又来作客，这一次是他一个。他的朋友那天早晨已动身去伦敦了，要走十天的时间。他与班纳特先生家的人坐了一个多钟头，兴致显得很高。班纳特夫人留他跟他们一起用饭，他说了许多道歉的话，因为他在别处已先有了约会。 “等你下次再来时，”她说，“我希望我们将有幸能请你吃饭。” “明天你能来吗？” 可以，他明天没有任何的约会；于是她的这一邀请便被爽快地接受下来。 第二天他一大早就到了，太太小姐们都还没打扮好呢。班纳特夫人穿着晨衣，头发还没有来得及梳好；便跑进女儿房间里喊： “吉英，快点儿弄好下楼去。他来了——彬格莱先生来了——这是真的。赶紧点儿。喂，莎雷，过班纳特小姐这边来，帮她穿一下衣服。这个时候，丽萃的头发你就甭去管了。” “我们马上就下去，”吉英说，“不过我敢说吉蒂比我们两个都快，因为她在半个钟头前就上了楼。” “噢！你提吉蒂干吗？这关她的什么事？赶快，赶快！你的腰带放在哪儿啦，亲爱的？” 然而在母亲走了以后，吉英没有妹妹们陪着却怎么也不愿意一个人下楼去。—到了傍晚时分，眼见得母亲想叫他们两个再能单独待上会儿的心思又活了起来。喝过茶以后，班纳特先生像往常一样到了书房，玛丽上楼去弹琴了。五个障碍就这样去掉了两个。班纳特夫人坐在那儿朝着伊丽莎白和凯瑟琳使了好一阵子的眼色，可没有得到她们两个的反应。伊丽莎白装着没有看见；而在吉蒂最后终于对母亲的这种行为有所觉察时，却不解其意地天真地问道：“妈，你怎么啦？你刚才对我眨巴眼睛是怎么回事？你想让我做什么呀？” “没事，没事，孩子。我没有朝你眨眼睛。”就这样子她又坐了五分钟的光景；可是班纳特太太实在不忍心让这样的一个大好的机会错过，于是她突然站了起来对吉蒂说： “来，宝贝，跟妈妈走，我想跟你说件事。”说着领着吉蒂走了出去。吉英立刻向伊丽莎白望了一眼，示意求她不要离去，因为她对母亲的这一做法已经感到有点儿受窘了。可是没有过几分钟，班纳特夫人拉开了一半门喊： “丽萃，亲爱的，妈妈有话要跟你说。” 伊丽莎白不得不走了出去。 “我们还是不要打搅他们两个人，”在她一走进穿堂的时候，母亲说，“吉蒂和我要上楼到我的梳妆间里去坐了。” 伊丽莎白没有和母亲争辩，在穿堂里静静地待着，看到母亲和吉蒂上了楼以后，又踅回到客厅里。 班纳特夫人那一天的计划并没有奏效。彬格莱浑身上下都是可爱之处，可却没有表明他对她女儿的爱意。他的随和和快乐风趣为他们家的晚上增添了格外的欢乐情趣；他能很好地忍耐这位母亲的不合时宜的过分殷勤，听着她母亲讲的许多蠢话而能耐住性子，不表示出厌烦，这使吉英尤为感激。 几乎没有用主人家邀请，他便留下来吃了晚饭；在他临走以前，主要是经他自己和班纳特夫人撮和，约定好了翌日清晨他与她的丈夫去一同打猎。 从这一天以后，吉英再也不提漠然处之的话了。姐妹俩之间也没再谈起彬格莱；不过伊丽莎白在晚上睡觉的时候，心里高兴地想道只要达西先生不在十天之内赶回来，这件事很快就能成功了。可是她又认真地转念一想，觉得事情之所以这样发展一定是事先有了达西先生的参与。 彬格莱准时前来赴约；他和班纳特先生像事先说好的那样，一起消磨了一个上午。班纳特先生显得友好热情，实在出乎彬格莱的预料。在彬格莱身上找不到那种傲慢跋扈或愚蠢的地方让他去嘲笑，也不会叫他厌恶得不愿意开口；他健谈，而又少了他平时的那种怪癖，以前彬格莱还从不曾见过他这样。不用说，彬格莱和他一块儿回来吃了午饭；下午的时候，班纳特夫人想法把别人支开，留下了他和她的女儿两个人在一块。伊丽莎白因为有封信要写，喝过茶以后就到起坐间去了；再则她看到别人都躲开去打牌，她也不愿意再和母亲的安排做对。 但是当伊丽莎白写完了信回到客厅里的时候，她不胜惊讶地看到母亲的做法在起作用了。她拉开门的当儿，瞥见姐姐和彬格莱挨着站在壁炉前，好像正沉浸在一场热烈的谈话中间；即使这还不能引起她的怀疑，在他俩急急地转过头来相互站离开来时脸上现出的神色却也把一切都告诉她了。他们两个都显得很尴尬；可伊丽莎白觉得她自己的情形也许更糟。那两个人谁也没有吭声；伊丽莎白正待走开时，彬格莱(他和吉英刚才都已坐下了)突然立起身子，跟她悄悄地说了几句，跑出屋子去了。 只要这贴心的话儿能带来愉快，吉英从来也不会向伊丽莎白保守秘密的；她即刻上前去抱住了妹妹，无比快乐地说，她现在已是世界上最幸福的人了。 “这幸福我得到的太多啦！”她接着说，“实在是太多了。我不配享有这么多的幸福。噢！为什么不是所有的人都像我这么幸福呢？” 伊丽莎白连连地向姐姐道贺，那种真挚，热烈和喜悦的心情实是语言所难以表达的。她的每一句祝贺的话儿，都叫吉英觉得是一份新的快乐。可是此时此刻的吉英不愿意只让她们两个分享这幸福，或者说她要把还没说完的话儿留着跟别的人去倾吐。 “我必须马上到妈妈那儿去，”她大声说，“我无论如何也不愿意让她那份爱心还悬在半空中；我要亲自去告诉她，而不愿意让她从别人那儿听到。噢！丽萃，且想象一下，我要说的话儿将会给我们的家人带来多么大的快乐呀！我如何能消受了这样的幸福！” 说着她便跑到母亲那边去了，只见母亲已经有意识地早散了牌局，在楼上和吉蒂坐着拉话儿。 伊丽莎白这时留下了她独自一人，微微地笑着思忖着，没想到几个月来一直困扰和焦虑着她的家人的这件大事，竟然一下子便顺利地得到了最后的解决。 她自言自语道：“这也宣布了他的朋友处心积虑的阻挠的完结！宣布了他妹妹百般欺瞒从中作梗的完结！这是最幸福、最圆满、最合理的结局。” 几分钟以后，彬格莱已经跟她们的父亲谈妥了这件事，回到了伊丽莎白这儿。 “你姐姐哪儿去了？”他一打开门便急切地问。 “上楼找我母亲了。我敢说，她马上就会下楼来的。” 彬格莱跟着关上门到了她跟前，得到了她这个做妹妹的良好亲切的祝愿，伊丽莎白真心诚意地说，她为他和姐姐的姻缘感到欣喜。两人亲切地握了握手；她听着他对他的幸福的倾诉，听着他对吉英的赞美，直到姐姐下楼来；尽管这些话是出于一个热恋着的情人之口，伊丽莎白却真诚地相信，他那对幸福的期盼是有把握的，因为他们彼此非常了解，吉英的性情又是那么的温柔善良，她和他自己之间的感情和情趣又是那么相合。 对他们全家人来说，这都是一个不同寻常的欢欣的夜晚；吉英内心的喜悦把她的面上映衬得更加妖艳，比平时更加的美丽。吉蒂吃吃地笑着，希望她的机会不久也会到来。班纳特夫人喜形于色，什么热烈的话语也表达不够她对这门亲事的赞同，虽然有半个钟头的时间她和彬格莱谈的都是这件事，班纳特先生吃晚饭时的谈吐和举止，都表明他心里是怎样的高兴。 不过，在他们的客人没走之前，他嘴里却没有对这件事提到过一个字；可是待客人一走，他便朝女儿转过身来说： “吉英，爸爸祝福你。你将会成为一个非常幸福的姑娘。” 吉英立即走向前去，亲吻了父亲，感谢了他的这番好意。 “你是一个好姑娘，”他说，“我为你将有这么一个幸福的归宿，而感到高兴。我完全相信你们俩会过得十分美满的。你们的性情很相似。你们两个都那么愿意顺从，结果会弄得样样事情都拿不定主意；你们又都那么随和，每个仆人都会欺骗你们；又都那么大方，所以每每会入不敷出的。” “但愿不是这样。要在理料钱财上粗心马虎，我是不会原谅我自己的。” “入不敷出！我的亲爱的老头子，”他的妻子喊，“你这是说到哪里去了？哦，他一年有四五千英镑的收入，很可能比这还要多。”末了她又对吉英说，“噢！我亲爱的女儿啊，我真是太高兴啦！我想我今天晚上是肯定睡不着了。我早就知道事情会是这样的。我总是说，到最后会是这样的。我相信你这样的美貌是不会白白地没有用场的！我记得，去年他刚刚来到哈福德郡时，我第一眼看到他便觉得你们俩将可能会到一块儿的。啊！我这辈子也没有见到过他这么漂亮的男人！” 威科汉姆，丽迪雅，这时候都被忘到九霄云外了。吉英是她最心爱的女儿，别人她都不放在心上了。妹妹们很快都拥到她这边来，要她答应将来尽她的可能给她们以种种的优待。 玛丽请求能使用尼塞费尔德的图书馆；吉蒂恳求姐姐在每个冬天的时候能举办几个舞会。 彬格莱从这以后，自然成了浪博恩府上的天天客；常常是早饭前来，留到吃过晚饭后走；除非是有的时候，有些不知趣的邻居还没有能够完全死心，邀他去家中吃饭，出于礼貌他不得不去应酬。 伊丽莎白现在几乎很少有时间能和姐姐交交心；因为彬格莱先生在的时候，吉英便对谁也顾不上理会了；不过她发现，在这对情人有时候不得不分一会儿的那些时间里，她自己倒对他们两个人还都有用。于吉英不在的当儿，他总是找伊丽莎白，很有兴味地和她谈她的姐姐；彬格莱走了以后，吉英也总是跟她谈起他来。 “他告诉我说，”有一天晚上她对伊丽莎白讲，“他一点儿也不知道我去年春天住在城里的消息，听了这话我心里真高兴！我可从来不曾想到过这一点。” “我也不曾想到，”伊丽莎白回答说，“那么他对此是如何解释的呢？” “他说那一定是他妹妹干的。对我和他的相认，他的姐妹们肯定是不满意的，就这一条而言，我毫不感到有什么奇怪，因为他本可以找到一个各方面都更为理想的意中人。不过我相信，当她们看到她们的兄弟跟我一起很幸福时，她们慢慢地会转变态度的，我们之间又会和好起来的；尽管再像从前那般亲密无间是决不可能了。” “这还是我第一次听到你讲不宽宥的话儿。我的好姐姐！看到你得再次面对彬格莱小姐的假仁假义，我便感到难过。” “你能相信吗，丽萃，去年11月份他回到城里时心里还是真正爱着我的，就是几句我这方面感情不热烈的劝说话儿，竟然使他当时没有再回到乡下来！” “他确实还有些不是，不过这都是由于他太谦卑的缘故。” 这话又自然引起吉英对他的赞美来，说他谦虚，虽然有那么多好的品质，却并不自以为是。 伊丽莎白很高兴地发现，彬格莱并没有透露出他朋友对这件事的干涉，因为她知道虽然吉英是那种最善良最宽厚的心肠，在这种事情上她很难不对他产生出偏见来。 “我无疑是世界是最幸运的人啦！”吉英大声地说，“噢！丽萃，为什么是我受到这样的宠幸，成了全家最为幸福的人呢！要是我能够看到你这样幸福！要是另有一个这样好的男人也爱上了你，那该有多好啊！” “即便你给我找到几十个这样的男人，我也决不会像你那么幸福的。除非是我也有了你那样的性情、那样的善良，否则的话，我永远不会有你那样的幸福。不，不，还是让我自己来做吧；或许，假如运气好的话，我会碰上另一个科林斯先生的。” 浪博恩家的好消息不可能对外人瞒得太久。班纳特夫人得到允准，悄悄地将它告诉了菲利普太太，菲利普太太可无需经过谁的允许，就把这消息传遍了麦里屯的街坊四邻。 班纳特府上很快地就被左邻右舍们称颂为是天下最有福气的一家人了；尽管只是在几个星期以前，大家还以为他们一家是倒尽了楣的。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第67章 (1) 在彬格莱和吉英订婚一个星期后的一个早晨，他和这家的太太小姐们正在楼上的客厅里坐着，突然听到一阵马车声，大家走到窗口去看，只见一辆四马大车驶进了草地里。邻里人一般是不在这么早来访问的，况且，看那辆车的配置也不像是这附近一带的。马是驿站上的马，马车和赶车的人号服他们都不熟悉。不过可以肯定的是，有人要来访了，于是彬格莱即刻劝说班纳特小姐躲开这来人的侵扰跟他到矮树林那边去。他们两人走了，留下的这三个还在那儿猜想着，可惜都觉得茫茫然。直到门被推开，客人进来，她们才发现是凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人。 她们当然会觉得惊奇的，可是却没有料到是这样的事出意料，虽然班纳特夫人和吉蒂根本不认识这位夫人，可她们甚至比伊丽莎白觉得宠幸。 她旁若无人地走进屋子里，对伊丽莎白的行礼只是稍稍地倾了倾头，然后一声不吭地坐了下来。她在这儿也不愿行介绍之礼，不过伊丽莎白还是在她进来时把她的名字告诉了母亲。 班纳特夫人尽管为有这样的一个地位显耀的客人来访不胜荣耀，可感到万分的纳闷。她极其礼貌地接待她。然而凯瑟琳夫人坐在那里，却是视若罔闻，过了一会儿后，只是朝着伊丽莎白冷冷地说： “你一切都好吧，班纳特小姐。我想那位太太就是你母亲喽。” 伊丽莎白简短地回答说是的。 “这一位我想是你的妹妹了。” “是的，夫人，”班纳特太太说，她为能跟这样一位贵夫人搭话而颇感得意，“她是我的四女儿。我最小的姑娘老五，最近已经出嫁了，我的大女儿正在什么地方，和她的心上人散步，这位年轻人相信很快也会变成我们家的一分子啦。” “你们的园子可是不大。”在片刻的沉默后凯瑟琳夫人说。 “我敢说，若跟夫人罗新斯的园子相比，它就什么也不是啦，可是老实说，它比威廉·鲁卡斯爵士家的的园子还大得多呢。” “这间屋子在夏天做起坐室一定一点儿也不合适，窗子都是朝着西面的。” 班纳特夫人说他们吃过午饭以后从来也不在那儿坐的，最后又补充说： “我可以冒昧地问夫人一句，你离开时科林斯夫妇都好吧。” “是的，很好。我在前天晚上还见到了他们。” 伊丽莎白此刻想，凯瑟琳接着就该会从口袋掏出一封卡洛蒂托捎的信了，因为这似乎是她来造访的惟一可能的动机了。然而却并不见夫人拿出信来，她完全弄不明白了。 班纳特夫人极为客气地恳求贵夫人用点儿点心；可是被凯瑟琳夫人毫不客气地一口拒绝了；过了一会儿，她站了起来和伊丽莎白说道： “班纳特小姐，在你家草地的那一端很有一些郊野的气息。如果你能陪我的话，我倒很乐意去看一看。” “去吧，亲爱的女儿，”她的母亲说，“带夫人到各条小径上走一走。我想她会喜欢我们这儿幽静的。” 伊丽莎白听从了母亲的话，跑进自己的房间里拿了一把阳伞，然后陪着这位贵客走下楼来。两人走过穿堂，凯瑟琳夫人边走边打开饭厅和客厅的门浏览一下，称赞房间布置得很舒适。 她的马车还停在门口，伊丽莎白瞧见她的女仆还在车里。她们俩沿着鹅卵石铺道默默地走向小树林那边；伊丽莎白决定不去劳神和这样的一个女人攀谈，她现在的态度比平时更是傲慢和无礼。“我以前怎么竟会以为她和她的姨侄有相像之处呢？”在望着她的脸时，伊丽莎白暗自说。 待她们一走进小树林时，凯瑟琳夫人便用下面的方式开始了她的谈话： “班纳特小姐，你一定知道我来到这儿的原因。你的良心都会告诉你我为什么要来到这里的。” 伊丽莎白并不想掩饰她所感到的诧异。 “的确，你是弄错了，夫人。对会在这儿看到你的原因，我一点儿也解释不出。” “班纳特小姐，”这位贵夫人生气地回答，“你应该知道，我是不允许别人来捉弄我的。不管你想要怎样狡辩，你将会发现我是不会那样做的。我的性格一向是以真诚和率直闻名遐迩的，在这样一件举足轻重的大事上，我当然更会格守我的这一品性了。两天以前，我听到了一则惊世骇俗的新闻。说是不只是你姐姐就要攀上一门富亲了，就是你，班纳特·伊丽莎白小姐也很快会跟我的姨侄达西先生结亲了。尽管 我知道这一定是狂妄的谣传；尽管我相信他不可能耻于做这等事情，我还是决定马上赶到这个地方来了，把我的想法告知于你。” “如果你相信这传闻不可能是真的，”伊丽莎白又是惊讶又是厌恶，脸不由得涨红了，“那么我真弄不懂你为什么要这么大老远的不辞劳苦跑来啦。请问夫人对此有何见教呢？” “我要求你立即向大家说明这都是谣言。” “你来到浪博恩，来看我和我的家人，”伊丽莎白冷淡地说，“这本身便是对这条传闻的一种肯定；假如真有这么一条传闻存在的话。” “假如，那么你是在装着不知道这么回事啦？这消息难道不是你自己死劲儿传布出去的吗？难道你不知道这消息已经是弄得满城风雨了吗？” “我从不曾听说过。” “你能不能起誓说，这消息也没有一点儿的根据呢？” “我并没有声称，我也具备夫人你那样的坦率。问题 你可以问，至少是否愿意回答那可就在 我了。” “你这种态度我可不能容忍。班纳特小姐我坚持要得到一个满意的回答。我的姨侄他到底向你求过婚没有？” “夫人你已经说过这是根本不可能的了。” “照理应该是这样；只要他还没有失去他的理智，就一定不会这样做的。可是你的各种手腕和百般的引诱，也可能会使他一时痴迷，从而忘掉了他对他自己和他的家人应负的责任。你或许已经把他给迷住了。” “如果真是这样，我也不会向你承认出来的。” “班纳特小姐，你知道你是在和谁说话吗？我可不习惯于听你这样讲话。我几乎是他在这个世界上最亲近的人了，我有权利了解他所有的切身大事。” “可是你没有权利知道我的；而且你用这种蛮横的态度，更是休想叫我说出真情来。” “请你把我的话儿听明白。你胆敢攀附这门亲事，是绝对不可能成功的。不，绝对不会。达西先生已经与我的女儿订婚了。现在，你还有什么可说呢？” “只有这一点：如果他已经订婚，你就没有理由怀疑他会向我求婚了。” 凯瑟琳夫人犹豫了一下，然后回答说： “他们之间的订婚，比较特别。从孩提时起，他们就相互倾心。这是他母亲的心愿，也是她的母亲的心愿。他们还睡在摇篮里的时候，我们便计划好了这门亲事，现在当这老姐妹两个的心愿即将在他们的完婚中实现的时候，竟然有一个出身低微、微不足道、与达西家族毫无干系的丫头要来从中作梗了！难道你丝毫也不顾及他的亲友们的愿望？不顾及他跟德·包尔小姐默许的婚姻？难道你竟然毫无羞耻体面之心？难道你没有听我说过，他很小就已经和他表妹的命运联系在一起了吗？”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第68章 (2) “是的，我以前听你说过。不过那跟我又有什么关系呢？如果没有别的理由反对我嫁你的姨侄，仅是凭他的母亲和姨妈想让他娶德·包尔小姐的心愿我肯定是不会放弃这门亲事的。你们姐妹两个在盘算他俩的婚姻上尽了你们的努力，可到底如何进行则要看他们自己了。如果达西先生既没义务也没有心思和他的表妹结婚，那他为什么不可以另行选择呢？如果他选中的是我，那我为什么不可以接受呢？” “因为名誉、礼节、慎行谨言以及利益关系都不允许你这么做。是的，班纳特小姐，利益的关系。如果你要一味地一意孤行得罪所有人的意愿的话，你就别指望他的家人和他的朋友们会看得起你。凡是和他有关系的人都会谴责你，小看你，鄙视你。你的婚姻将成为你的耻辱；你的名字将永远不会被他的亲友们提起。” “这真是些大大的不幸，”伊丽莎白回答说，“不过作为达西先生的妻子，与她的这一身分俱来的，必然会有许多莫大的幸福之源泉，所以整个看来，她没有抱怨的必要。” “你这个冥顽不化的丫头！真为你感到羞耻！这就是你对我今年春天招待了你一番的报答吗？你为此不应该对我有所感激吗？” “让我们坐下来谈吧。班纳特小姐，你应该明白，我到这儿来是下定了决心的，不达到我的目的，我是决不肯罢手的。我从来没有对任何人的妄想屈服过。我也从来没有叫自己失望过。” “这只会使夫人你现在的处境更加难堪；对我可没有丝毫的影响。” “不许你打断我的话。安静地听我说。我的女儿和我的姨侄是天生的一对。他们的母系都是高贵的出身，他们的父系虽然没有爵位，可也都是极受尊重，极为荣耀的名门世家。他们两家的财产都极为可观。两家的亲戚都一致认为，他们是前世注定的姻缘；世上有什么能把他们俩拆散呢？难道是一个出身低微、没有显贵亲戚、没有财产的痴心妄想的丫头不成。这还成什么体统！这将是绝对不能容忍的。如果你要是为你自己着想，脑子放明白一点儿，你就不会想着要跳出你成长的这个环境啦。” “我并不认为，跟你的姨侄成亲，我就脱离了我现在的环境。他是一位绅士，我是一位绅士的女儿；在这一点上我们是平等的。” “说的不错。你是一位绅士的女儿。但是你的母亲是什么样的人呢？你的姨父和舅父和舅母又是什么样的人呢？不要以为我不知道他们的情况。” “不管我的亲戚们怎么样，”伊丽莎白说，“只要你的姨侄他自己不反对他们，他们又与你有什么关系呢。” “请你实话告诉我，你到底与他订婚了没有？” 尽管伊丽莎白不愿意只是为了顺从凯瑟琳夫人而回答她的这个问题；不过在斟酌了片刻之后，她还是说了实话： “没有。” 凯瑟琳夫人似乎大大地松了一口气。 “你愿意答应我，永远不跟他订婚吗？” “我不愿做任何这样的承诺。” “班纳特小姐，你真让我感到震骇和惊讶了。我原以为你是一个理智的姑娘。不过你也不要打错了算盘，以为我会妥协。你如果不给予我所要的保证，我是不会离开这里的。” “我永远也不会给予你什么保证。我是不会被你这样一种完全无理的要求吓住的。你想叫达西先生娶你女儿；可是，难道你以为只要我答应了你的要求，他们的婚姻就会有可能了吗？如果他真的爱上了我，我现在就是拒绝了他，他就会去找他的表妹了吗？请允许我冒昧地说，凯瑟琳夫人，你向我提出这一非常之请求的理由，就是既无聊浅薄又没有道理的。你大大地错看了我的人格，如果你认为你能够说得我屈服的话。你的姨侄会在多大程度上赞同你对他的事情干涉，我不知道；不过你显然没有权利来问过我的事情。所以我请求你不要再在这件事情上继续纠缠了。” “请你耐住点你的性子。我的话还没有讲完呢。除了我刚才说过的那些反对的理由外，我还要再加上一条。有关你最小的妹妹跟人私奔的那桩不名誉的事，我并不是不知情。我知道所有一切的细节；那年轻人跟她结婚，完全是你爸爸和舅舅花钱买来的，是一桩凑糊撮合成的婚姻。这样的女孩子难道也配做我姨侄的小姨吗？她的丈夫，他父亲生前的帐房儿子，也配和他做连襟吗？真是天地不容！——你究竟打的是什么主意？彭伯利的门第难道能给这样的践踏吗？” “ 现在，你不会有什么再可拿来谴责的了，”伊丽莎白忿忿地回答，“对我你已经极尽了一切能力来进行侮辱。我现在必须回家去了。” 说着伊丽莎白站起身来。凯瑟琳夫人随后也站了起来，一块儿往回走。这位贵夫人可真是有点儿气急败坏了。 “那么，你对我姨侄的名誉和体面根本不顾及啦！好一个不通人情、自私自利的丫头！你难道不懂得，跟你完了婚，他会在所有人的眼里都名誉扫地吗？” “凯瑟琳夫人，我没有什么再要说的了。我的意思你都已经明白了。” “那么，你是非要嫁他不可了？” “我并没有这么说。我只是决心要按我自己的意愿和方式建立起我的幸福，而不去考虑你或是任何一个与我毫无关系的人的意见。” “好啊。你是坚决不肯依从我啦。你是坚决不愿意遵循责任、荣誉和知恩图报的信条啦。你是决心要让他的所有的朋友们都看不起他，让世人们都取笑他啦。” “责任和荣誉感，以及知恩图报”，伊丽莎白回答说，“在现在的这件事情上，都跟我牵扯不上。我和达西先生的婚姻不会违反这里的任何一个信条。至于他家人的不满或是世人的愤慨，如果前者是由于我嫁他而引起的，我是根本不会去在乎的——至于世人，则还是明理识义的人多，所以一般来说是不会帮着去嘲讽的。” “啊，这就是你的起初想法！这就是你最后下定的决心！很好。现在我知道我该如何行动了。不要以为，伊丽莎白小姐，你的妄想和野心会能得逞。我刚才只是在试探你。我本希望发现出你是明理的；等着瞧吧，我说得出，便做得到。” 凯瑟琳夫人就这样说，和伊丽莎白走到了她的车子门前，临上车前，她又匆匆地掉转头来说道： “我不向你道别，班纳特小姐。我也不问候你的母亲。你们都不配得到我这样的对待。我真是太生气啦。” 伊丽莎白没有搭话；也没有想着再请这位贵夫人来家坐上一坐，她独自儿默默地走回到房里。她上楼的时候听到了马车走远的声音。她的母亲在化妆室的门前性急地拦住了她，问凯瑟琳夫人为什么不进来再休息休息。 “她自己不愿意，”她的女儿说，“她想要走嘛。” “她是个长得多么好看的女人啊！她能来这儿真是太客气太给我们家面子啦！因为我想她来只不外乎是告诉我们科林斯夫妇一切都好吧。我敢说，她或许是到别的什么地方，路过麦里屯，想起了顺便来看看你。我想她不会有什么特别的事情跟你说吧，丽萃？” 伊丽莎白不得不就势撒了个小小的谎，因为她实在不可能把这次谈话的内容告诉母亲。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第69章 这一不同寻常的造访给伊丽莎白精神上带来的不安，并不是那么容易就能克服掉；在许多个钟头里，她都不能不想着这件事。凯瑟琳这次不辞辛苦从罗新斯赶来，似乎全是为了拆散掉她和达西先生的这桩只是存在于想象中的姻缘。毫无疑问，凯瑟琳夫人的此举不能说是不明智！可是，关于他们订婚的谣言是从什么地方传出去的，这却叫伊丽莎白无从想象；后来她才想起达西是彬格莱的好朋友、她是吉英的妹妹，现在既然已有一桩婚姻可望成功，人们当然也就企望着另一桩接踵而来了。她自己不是也早就想到，姐姐结婚以后，她和达西见面的机会也就更多了吗？她的邻居鲁卡斯一家(通过他们和科林斯夫妇的通信，她想这一消息才会传到了凯瑟琳夫人那里)竟把这件事看得十拿九稳，而她自己只不过认为，这件事将来也许有几分希望罢了。 然而，在翻来复去地想着凯瑟琳夫人的那些话语的时候，伊丽莎白对她一味地进行干涉的后果还是禁不住感到了些许的不安。从她所说的她要坚决阻止这门亲事的话儿里，伊丽莎白想到她一定在盘算着如何劝说她的姨侄了；至于达西会不会像他姨妈那样来看待这与她成亲的种种不利，她可不敢妄下断言。伊丽莎白不清楚他对他姨妈到底喜欢到什么程度，或者说他在多大程度上听凭于她的判断，不过有一点自然是肯定的，那就是他一定比 她自己看重凯瑟琳夫人的意见；在列举与一个其至亲之门第远远低于他本人的女人结婚的种种不幸中间，他的姨妈无疑会击中他的弱处的。他有那么多的体面感和尊严感，在伊丽莎白看来不值一驳的荒唐的话儿，在他觉得也许就是理由充分、很多道理的训指了。 如果以前他似乎在这个问题上常常表现出动摇，那么他的这位至亲的劝导和恳求可能会把他的这全部疑惑打消了，会使他下定决心，去高高兴兴地追求他的尊严不受到玷污。如果真是这样，他就再也不会回到这儿来了。凯瑟琳夫人很可能在城里见到他；他答应彬格莱再回到尼塞费尔德的事，恐怕也就会泡汤了。 “所以，如果在这几天之内一旦有他不再前来践约的托词传回来，”她心里又想到，“我就知道这是怎么回事。那时我就该放弃一切期盼，放弃他会继续爱我的一切希望了。如果在他可以得到我的感情和我本人的时候，他却只满足于为我感到惋惜，那么很快连惋惜他的心情也会消逝掉的。” 且说她家里的人听说是谁前来访问后，都不胜惊讶；不过他们也只是用班纳特夫人那样的假想去满足了他们的好奇心；因此伊丽莎白在这件事情上并没有受到过多的诘问。 第二天早晨在她走下楼来的时候，她碰上了父亲，见他拿着一封信从书房里出来。 “丽萃，”他说，“我正要去找你，你来我的房间一下。” 她跟着他走进书房，她想知道他要告诉的事儿的好奇心，由于她猜测到这事一定与他手中的那封信有关，而变得越发强烈了。她突然想到这信也许是凯瑟琳夫人写来的；于是她不无烦恼她预想到了，她为此需要做出的种种解释。 她跟父亲到壁炉前，两人一起坐下了。临了父亲说道： “我今天早晨收到了一封信，叫我大大地吃了一惊。因为这封信主要是与你有关，所以你应该知道它的内容。在这以前，我真的不晓得我有两个女儿快要成亲了。让我祝贺你，你竟然得到了这样重大的胜利。” 断定这封信是达西而不是她的姨妈写来的，伊丽莎白脸上立刻泛起一片红晕；正在她不知道对达西终于表白了他自己的感情是应该感到高兴，还是对他的信不直接寄给她而感到气恼的时候，她的父亲说话了： “你好像是有预感似的，年轻姑娘在这类事情上总是看得透辟的；不过我想，你纵便聪明，也猜想不出爱慕你的人是谁。这封信是科林斯先生写来的。” “科林斯先生！他能有什么话好说？” “当然是一些非常重要的话喽。他在信的一开始表达了他对我的大女儿快要婚娶的祝贺，这消息似乎是鲁卡斯家的某个爱管闲事的好心人告诉他的。我也不打算告诉他的。我也不打算把他的这一段祝贺的话读出来，叫你更心焦。跟你自己有关的内容是这样写的：“在这样向你道贺了一番科林斯夫人和我自己对这门亲事的诚挚的祝愿以后，我现在想就另一件事略提一二；这件事我们也是听鲁卡斯家的人说的。你的女儿伊丽莎白，据说她在她的姐姐出嫁以后，也会很快嫁出去的，她的如意郎君将可能是世上最享有盛名的富豪之一。” “你，能猜想得出，丽萃，他指的是谁吗？” “这位年轻人福星高照，拥有世人所希冀的一切珍物，——巨大的财富，世袭的高贵门第，众多受其荫庇的家产。虽然这一切的诱惑力是如此之强大，不过我还是要告诫我的表妹伊丽莎白和你自己，当这位先生向府上求婚时，切不可见利眼红，遽而应承，否则会招来种种的祸患。” “丽萃，你知道这位先生是谁吗？下面就要提到了。” “我之所以要告诫你们，是因为我们有理由认为，他的姨妈凯瑟琳·德·包尔夫人对这门亲事是很有看法的。” “现在你明白了，这个人就是达西先生！丽萃，我想我叫你感到意外了吧。科林斯先生，或者说鲁卡斯一家人，难道还能够在我们认识的人里找出一个比此人更能证明他们的话是无稽之谈的了吗？达西先生在任何一个女人身上看到的都是瑕癖，他这一生也许就没有正眼看过你一次！他们的想象力可真令人艳羡！” 伊丽莎白尽力想跟父亲一起调笑打趣，可却只勉强挤出一个最不自然的笑来。父亲的机智幽默从来没有像今天这样不合她的口味。 “难道你不觉得有趣吗？” “噢！很有趣。请再往下读吧。” “当昨天晚上我们向她提及了这桩可能的婚姻时，凯瑟琳夫人立即表达了她在这件事情上的看法；很显然，由于我表妹家庭方面的种种缺陷，她坚决反对这一她称之为是不光彩的婚姻。所以我想我有责任尽快地将这一情况告诉我的表妹，以便能引起她和倾慕她的贵人的警觉，不致没有经得至亲的同意便草率婚娶。”——科林斯先生还说：“得知我表妹丽迪雅的不贞之事得到了悄然的解决，我真觉得高兴，我只是担心他们没有结婚就住在了一起的事儿日后总会被众人知晓。不过，在听到你于他们刚刚成亲后便邀他们回家去住的消息，我还是感到了极大的困惑，我的身分和我的职责都要求我必须就此说上几句。你这是对邪恶秽行的一种怂恿；如果我是浪博恩的牧师，我一定会拼力去反对这种做法的。作为一个基督教徒，你当然应该宽恕了他们的行为，但是却永远不应该再见他们，或者是允许别人再在你面前提到他们的名字。” “这就是他关于基督教徒应该对人宽宥的见解！”伊丽莎白的父亲说，“这封信的其他部分都是关于卡洛蒂现在的情形，以及他们快要生贵子的事儿。喂，丽萃，你好像听得并不高兴。我想，你不至于也变得故作正经起来，一听到这种闲话便装出受到触犯的样子。我们活着，难道不就是做邻居的笑料，反过来也对他们进行取笑吗？” “噢！”伊丽莎白喊道，“我听得津津有味呢。不过，这事还是太古怪啦！”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第70章 事情并没有像伊丽莎白揣测的那样发展，彬格莱先生非但没有收到他朋友不能履约的道歉信，反而在凯瑟琳夫人来过后不几天，便把达西也带到了浪博恩。两位贵客来得很早，伊丽莎白坐在那儿很是担心，怕母亲把他姨妈造访的事告诉达西，好在彬格莱想要和吉英单独在一块儿，所以提议大家都出去散步。许多人同意了。班纳特夫人没有散步的习惯，玛丽又从来不肯浪费时间，于是一同出去的只有五个人。刚出去不久彬格莱和吉英便让别人超过了他们。他们俩在后面慢腾腾地走着，而伊丽莎白、吉蒂、达西三人走在了前面。三个人谁也很少说话；吉蒂很怕达西，不敢吭气；伊丽莎白这时在心里暗暗下着最后的决心，达西或许也是这样。 他们朝鲁卡斯家的方向走着，因为吉蒂想去看玛丽亚；由于伊丽莎白觉得没有必要大家都去，所以吉蒂离开了他们俩自个儿进了鲁府。伊丽莎白大着胆子跟着达西继续往前走。现在是她将决心变为行动的时候了，趁着她还有足够的勇气，她即刻说道： “达西先生，我是一个非常自私的人；为了使我自己的情绪得到解脱，我便顾不上想这会如何伤害到你的感情了。你对我那可怜的妹妹情义太重，我再也不能不感激你了。自从我知道了这件事以后，我一直急切地盼望着有一天能向你表白，我对此事是如何的感激。如果我的家人也知道这件事，现在对你表示感激的就不会是我一个人啦。” “抱歉，非常抱歉，”达西用一种吃惊又充满感情的语调说，“我担心你知道了这件事情后，会想到别的地方去，会叫你自己无谓地感到不安。我并没有料到，嘉丁纳夫人这样不能保守秘密。” “你不该责怪我舅妈。是丽迪雅的不小心最先向我透露出了你也搅在了这件事中间。当然，我不弄清楚是不肯罢休的。让我代表我的家人再一次地谢谢你，感谢你的一片同情怜悯之心，为了找到他们，你不怕麻烦，忍受了那么多的羞辱。” “如果你要感谢我，”他回答，“那你就为你自己感谢我好了。我不愿意否认，除了其他的原因外为了叫你能幸福的愿望是我要这样做的主要原因。你家里的人不用感谢我。我虽然也尊敬他们，可是我当时想到的只是你一个人。” 伊丽莎白羞涩得一句话也说不出。在短暂的沉默以后，她的朋友又说：“你是个有度量有涵养的人，是不会与我计较的。如果你的感情还是和四月份一样，请你能告诉我。 我的感情和心愿依然如故，只要你说一个‘不’字，我就永远不再提起这件事了。” 伊丽莎白自然能体味到，她的情人此刻的那种尴尬和焦急的心情，因而觉得她现在不能再不说话了；于是她马上仍带着些腼腆地告诉他说，自从他刚才提到的那个时期以来，她的感情已经发生了很大的变化，现在她愿意以非常高兴和感激的心情来接受他的这番美意了。这一回答给达西带来的喜悦，是他以往从来未体味过的；他顿时成了一个热恋中的情人，热烈而又温柔地地倾吐起他自己的爱意来。如若伊丽莎白能抬起头来瞧上一瞧他的眼睛，她就会看到，那洋溢在他脸上的从心底里涌出的喜悦神情，把他映衬得多么美啊；尽管她不敢抬眼看，可是她能听；听他将他那蕴积着的感情倾诉出来，证明她在他的心目中是多么重要，使她越听越觉得他的感情的可贵。 他们俩继续走着，也不知道在走向哪里。他们之间有多少的心思，多少的感情，需要表述，再也没有心力去注意别的事情了。伊丽莎白很快就知晓了他们俩之所以能这样了解对方的心意，还多亏了他姨妈的帮忙，这位姨妈的确在她返回的途中去过伦敦，告诉了达西她的浪博恩之行、她这样做的动机以及她和伊丽莎白谈话的内容；而且着重地将伊丽莎白的一言一语详细地道出来，以凯瑟琳夫人的理解，这些话语都特别地表现出了伊丽莎白的乖张和自负，满以为这种讲述能够帮助她从她的姨侄口里，得到她从伊丽莎白那里所得不到的承诺。然而，事与愿违，实际的效果却和凯瑟琳夫人所想的恰恰相反。 “姨妈的这番话给了我希望，”达西说，“在以前，我还没敢抱有过这种奢望。我早就了解你的性格，知道如果你当真是对我恨得要命，你就会向凯瑟琳夫人坦率地当面讲出来的。” 伊丽莎白红着脸笑着回答说：“是的，你对我率直的性格了解得很透彻，你相信我敢那样做。是的，既然我敢当着你的面，深恶痛绝地骂你，那么我也能在你所有的亲戚面前骂你了。” “你所批评我的，都是我应该接受的。因为虽然你对我的指责没有根据，是听了别人的谣传，可是在那时我对待你的态度，却是应该受到最严厉的责备的。那是不可原谅的。我一想起它来总是痛恨自己。” “我们俩不要争着去抢在那天晚上谁该受到更多的指责了，”伊丽莎白说，“如果严格地审视一下，我们两个人的态度都是有过错的；不过从那以后，我认为我们两个人都在礼貌待人方面有了进步。” “我还不能够就这样轻易地宽恕了我自己。我当时的行为举止，我的态度和我所说的话都深深地印在了我的脑海里，几个月来，甚至直到现在都深深地刺痛着我的心。你对我的中肯的批评，我永远也不会忘记：‘如果你表现得礼貌一些就好了。’这是你当时说的话。你不知道，你也无从想象，这句话一直在怎样地折磨着我；尽管只是过了一些时候以后，我承认，我方才冷静下来能够认识到其正确性的。” “我万万没有料到，我的那些话会给你留下这么深刻的印象。我一点儿也没想到它们会给你这样大的影响。” “对这一点我很容易相信。那时候你以为我已经丧失掉了一切应有的感情，我敢断定你当时是这样想的。我永远忘不了，你当时沉下脸来说，我不可能做出任何一种适当的求爱方式，来劝诱你接受我。” “噢！请不要再提我那时说的话啦。这些回忆一点儿也不能说明什么。老实说，很早以前我就为我的那些话感到羞愧啦。” 达西提到了他的那封信：“那封信是不是很快就使你改变了一些对我的看法呢？在读它的当儿，你对信上的内容相信还是不相信？” 她向他解释了那封信对她的影响，告诉了他她对他以往的一切偏见如何逐渐地消除掉的。 “我知道，”他说，“我的信一定使你感到痛苦了，但是我这也是不得已的。我希望你已经把这封信烧了。尤其是开始的那一部分，我都担心你是否能有勇气再去重读。我至今还记着其中的一些句子，你看了它们很可能会恨我的。” “如果你认为这对保留住我的爱情是必要的，那我当然一定要把它烧掉了；不过，虽然我们俩都有理由认为我的观点和想法不是完全不可以改变的，可是我希望它们还不至于像这儿所说的一样，那么容易地改变。” “我写那封信的时候，”达西回答说，“满以为自己的心情是非常和平和冷静的，但是自那以后，我就意识到了我的信是在一种极度的激愤心情下写成的。” “信在开始时也许有怨愤，不过到结尾时就并不是这样啦。那句收尾的话本身便是一种宽宥。我们还是不要再想那封信了。写信人和收信人现在的感情都和那时大大地不同了，所以伴随着这封信而来的一切不愉快，都应该被忘掉了。你应该学学我的人生哲学。回忆过去时，只去想那些给你留美好印象的事情。” “我不认为你有这一类的人生哲学。在你的反省里完全没有了呵责的因素，从这样回顾中得到的满足不是一种哲理，更恰当一点儿说是一种纯真。可是对于我来说，情形就是这样了。痛苦的回忆总是侵扰着我，它们不可能也不应该被拒之门外。我活了这么大，在实际上是自私的，虽然在信条和原则上不是如此。从孩提时候起，大人们就开始都给我讲什么是对的，可从来也没有人教导我去改好我的性情。他们教给了我好的信条，可任我去以那种骄傲和自负的方式去实行它们。 由于家中只有我一个儿子(很多年中就我一个孩子)，我被父母宠爱坏了，他们虽然自身很好(尤其是我父亲，待人非常仁厚、和蔼)，可却允许和纵容我，甚至是教育我自私自利，高傲自大，不去关心家庭以外的任何人，去认为天下人都不好，希望或者至少是认为别人的见解、悟性、品格都不如我。我就这样从8岁活到了28岁；我也许还会这样继续地活下去的，要不是你，我最亲爱最可爱的伊丽莎白！我哪一点不是亏了你！你给我上了一课，尽管在开始时使我很痛苦，可是却叫我受益匪浅。你羞辱得我很有道理。我当初向你求婚时，根本没有想到会被拒绝。是你叫我懂得了，在取悦一个值得自己爱的女子方面，我的那种自命不凡是多么的微不足道。” “当时你真的以为我会很高兴地接受你吗？” “的确如此。你一定会笑我太自负了吧？我那时真的相信你希冀期盼着得到我的求爱的。” “我当时的态度也一定欠妥，可是我向你保证，我决不是有意的。我从来没有想过要欺骗你的感情，可是我往往凭着一时的兴致便弄出了错儿。从那天晚上以后，你一定非常恨我吧？” “恨你！也许我当下有些生气，可是我的气愤很快便开始导入到正确的方向去了。” “我简直害怕问你，那次我们在彭伯利碰见时，你怎么看我呢？你是不是怪我在那里了？” “一点儿也没有；我只是觉得惊奇罢了。” “在我被你看到时，我的惊奇并不比你的小。我的良知告诉我，我并不配受到你那样殷勤的对待，我承认，我没有料到你会那样的待我。” “我当时的用意，”达西回答说，“就是以我所拥有的一切礼貌告诉你，我并不那么小肚鸡肠，对过去还会耿耿于怀；我希望得到你的谅解，减少你对我的坏印象，叫你发现出你批评我的缺点，我在留心去改了。至于别的念头是在哪一刻钻进了我的脑子里的，我也说不清楚了，不过我想大概是在见到你的半个钟头里吧。” 达西随后告诉了伊丽莎白，乔治安娜对认识了她是有多么的高兴，而在这种结识突然中断以后又是多么的失望；接着便自然谈到了这交情中断的原因，伊丽莎白这才明白，他要从德比郡追随她去寻觅她妹妹的决心早在其离开旅店前就下定了，他当时在店房里的那种严肃专注的神情，便是由于内心斗争着这么一个意图而引起的。 她再一次表达了她的谢意，不过双方都觉得这个题目太叫人痛苦，所以没有再谈下去。 他们这样悠闲地走了好几里路，只顾倾心于交谈，根本没有意识到他们走了的路程，待最后想起看表时，才知道是该回去的时候了。 “彬格莱和吉英上哪儿去啦？”这一问又引发出了他们俩对那一对情人的讨论。达西对他们的婚姻表示由衷的高兴；他的朋友彬格莱最早便告诉了他这个消息。 “我要问，你当时听了感到意外吗？”伊丽莎白说。 “一点儿也不。在我走了的时候，我就感到这事就要成功了。” “这就是说，你早就给了他许可。我已经猜到这样。”虽然达西对她的用词表示反对，可她发现出事实跟她猜想的差不多。 “在我动身要去伦敦的前一天晚上，”达西说，“我对彬格莱交待了我觉得我早就应该告诉他的话。我把过去的事都对他说了，使他明白我当初对他这件事情的干涉真是又荒唐又冒失。他是那么的惊奇。他一点儿也没有怀疑到会是这样的。另外，我还告诉了他，我以前认为你姐姐对他没有情意的看法并不正确；因为我一眼便看出他对你姐姐仍然是一片深情，所以我相信他们俩结合一定会幸福的。” 伊丽莎白对他能够这样轻而易举地驾驭他的朋友，禁不住笑了。 “当你告诉他我姐姐是爱着他时，”她说，“你是出自你的观察呢，还是仅仅凭着我春天里对你讲的呢？” “凭我的观察。在我最近两次去到你家时，我对她进行了仔细的观察；我确信了她是有真情的。” “我想，你的这一确认很快便给他带来了信心。” “是这样。彬格莱为人极其谦卑。他的缺乏自信妨碍了他在这样一件颇费思考的事情上运用他自己的判断力；可是他习惯于依赖我的，这使一切事情都变得容易了。我不得不向他承认了一件事，他对那件事真的气了一段时间。我告诉他，你姐姐去年冬天有三个月曾住在城里，我知道这件事，却故意隐瞒了他。他很生气。不过，我相信在他明白了你姐姐的真实感情时，他的气也就消了。现在他已经真心诚意地原谅我了。” 伊丽莎白这时真想说，彬格莱先生真是个讨人喜欢的朋友，这样容易受朋友的摆布，对他的朋友来说，他可真是个无价之宝；可是她抑制住了自己。她想到在这一方面他还得有个适应的阶段，现在开他的玩笑还为时过早。就这样，他们谈着彬格莱即将到来的幸福(这幸福仅次于他自己的)一直走到了家门口。在门厅里，他们俩分了手。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第71章 “亲爱的丽萃，你们到什么地方散步啦？”伊丽莎白一走进屋子吉英便向她问道，随后在桌子旁边坐下来时别人也这样问她。她只得回答，他们两人是随便走走，到后来她也不知道走到什么地方去了。她说话时脸红了；可是不管她神色如何，谁也没有怀疑到那件事情上去。 那个下午平平静静地过去了。什么特别的事儿也没有发生。已经公开了的那一对恋人又是说又是笑，那一对尚待公开的恋人则是默默不语。达西性格沉稳，内心的喜悦可以不流露到面上；伊丽莎白感到焦躁和不安，她还无暇 体味这一幸福，只是 知道她有了这件幸福的事儿罢了。因为除了眼下的这一尴尬以外，还有其他种种的麻烦等在她前面。她预想到当她说出她的事情以后，家里人会如何的反应；她知道除了吉英家里再也没有人喜欢达西先生了；她甚至担心就是他的财产地位也怕抵消不掉家里人对他的厌恶。 晚上的时候，她向吉英倾吐了真情。虽然多疑远远不是吉英一向的所为，她对这件事却无论如何也不能相信。 “你是在开玩笑吧，丽萃。这根本不可能！跟达西先生订婚！不，不，你哄不了我。我知道这不可能。” “事情一开始就这么难缠！我本是把希望都寄托在你身上的；如果你要是不相信，我敢肯定再也没人会相信我啦。可是，我的确不是开玩笑。我说的是真情。他仍然爱着我，我们俩订婚了。” 吉英疑惑地打量着她。“噢，丽萃！这不可能。我了解你是多么的讨厌他。” “你一点儿也不知情。你说的那个过去早该被忘掉了。或许，我以前不总像现在这么爱他。不过，在这类事情上，我可不喜欢我有一个好的记忆力。这是我最后一次再记起这件从前的事了。” 吉英仍然显得惶惑不解。伊丽莎白于是又再一次一本正经地向她保证说，这是事实。 “天啊！这能是真的吗！不过我现在必须相信你了，”吉英大声说，“我的亲爱的丽萃，我恭喜你啦，可是你真的已经想好了吗？请原谅我这样问，你能肯定你和他在一起会幸福吗？” “这当然毫无疑问了。我们俩都认为我们是世界上最幸福的一对情侣了。你感到高兴吗，吉英？你喜欢这样一个妹夫吗？” “非常非常的喜欢。还有什么能比这更叫彬格莱和我自己高兴的呢。我们俩以前也考虑谈论过这件事，都觉得不太可能。你真的那么爱他吗？噢，丽萃！天下最大的悲哀莫过于没有爱情的婚姻。你敢肯定你确实愿意这样去做吗？” “噢，当然是啦！等我告诉你事情的全部以后，你就会认为做得还不够哪。” “你这话是什么意思？” “哦，我必须得承认，我爱他要胜于我爱彬格莱。我怕你就要生气了 。” “亲爱的妹妹，你现在能正经一点吗？我想跟你严肃地谈一谈。赶快告诉我我应该知道的一切事情。你能告诉我你爱他有多久了吗？” “这爱是慢慢地到来的，我几乎也说不清楚它是什么时候萌发的。不过我想，它一定是在我上一次见到他彭伯利的美丽庄园的时候开始的吧。” 姐姐又叫她严肃些，这一次总算产生了效果；她郑重其事地把自己爱他的经过讲给吉英听，吉英很快便满意了。对这件事情信服了以后，班纳特小姐便没有什么再放心不下的事了。 “现在我真的高兴啦，”她说，“因为你也将会像我自己一样幸福了。我一向很看重他。不为别的，就是因为他还能爱你这一条，我就应该永远敬重他了；作为彬格莱的朋友和你的丈夫，现在除了彬格莱和你自己以外，我最喜欢的当然是他了。可是，丽萃，在这件事情上你可对我隐瞒了你的心事了。关于彭伯利和兰姆屯的事，你几乎一点儿也没有给我透露过！我知道的一些情形都是别人而不是你告诉我的。” 伊丽莎白对她讲了她之所以要保密的原因。其一是她不愿意提起彬格莱；其二是她自己的感情还处在一种理不清的状态，使得她同样也不愿意提起达西的名字。不过现在她再也不必对她隐瞒了，她连同达西给丽迪雅帮忙的事也告诉了吉英。一切都和盘托出了，谈话一直进行到中夜。？ “天啊！”第二天早晨当班纳特夫人站到窗前时她喊道，“这个讨厌的达西先生又跟着我们可爱的彬格莱一块儿来啦！他这三番五次不知趣地前来，是怎么回事？我但愿他去打猎或者去干点别的，不要再来搅扰我们。我们拿他该怎么办呢？丽萃，还得让你再陪他出去走走，免得他害彬格莱的事。” 对来得这么顺当的一个建议，伊丽莎白几乎禁不住要笑出声来；不过听到母亲每每称他“讨厌”，她又确实觉得有些气恼。 两位贵客一走进门，彬格莱便满含意味地瞧着伊丽莎白，并热热地同她握手，说明他已经得知她的好消息了；临了他又大声地说：“班纳特夫人，你们这附近还有什么幽静小道没有了，最好是让丽萃今天再一次迷了路。” 班纳特夫人说：“今天早晨我要劝达西先生，丽萃和吉蒂到奥克汉山那边散步。这一段长路走起来挺有趣，达西先生从来没有见过那样的景色。” “这样的散步对别人也许很有好处，”彬格莱先生接过话茬说，“不过我想，对吉蒂就怕有些吃不消了。是这样吗？吉蒂？” 吉蒂承认她宁愿待在家里。达西说他很想去看看山上的景致，伊丽莎白点头表示同意。在她上楼去准备的时候，班纳特夫人跟上来对她说： “丽萃，我很对不起你，逼你独自个儿和那个讨厌的人在一起。我希望你能不予计较：这都是为了吉英好，你也知道；你只消时而敷衍他几句就行了，没有必要费神去和他交谈。” 在散步中间，两人决定今天晚上就去求得班纳特先生的同意。母亲那里则由伊丽莎白自己去说。她不知道她母亲会怎么看这件事；她有时候怀疑他那高贵的地位和万贯的家产是不是就能足以克服掉母亲对他的厌恶感。然而，不管母亲对这门亲事是过分地反对也好，还是欣喜若狂也好，她的谈吐和举止总归不能表现得得体，让人家觉得她见解平庸；伊丽莎白既不愿意让达西先生见到她母亲对此表现出的高兴若狂的样子，也不愿意让达西看到也那激烈表示反对的模样。？ 当天晚上，在班纳特先生要回到书房里去的时候，伊丽莎白看见达西先生也站起来跟在他后面去了，看到这种情形，她的心一下子吊到了嗓子眼上。她并不是担心父亲会反对，只怕父亲为了这件事而不愉快。要是由于她，父亲的最宠爱的女儿，由于她的选择，使父亲陷入苦恼之中，为她的出嫁而操心和惋惜，她心里会非常难过的。她惶惶不安地坐在那儿，直到达西先生出来，看到他面上带着笑容，她才稍稍地舒了口气。他走到她和吉蒂坐着的桌子旁边；装着是看她做针线活儿，悄悄地说：“请到你父亲那儿去，他在书房里等着你呢。”她马上起身去了。 她的父亲正来回在屋子里踱着步，神情显得严肃而不安。“丽萃，”他说，“你这是怎么啦？你是不是糊涂了，竟然接受了这个人的求婚？你不是一直都在恨他吗？” 此时她真恨不得她以前对达西的看法不那么极端就好了，她的言语不那么苛责就好了！那样就可以省得她去极为尴尬地解释和表白了；但是，现在她必须费这番唇舌了，也不免有些心慌意乱地跟父亲说，她是爱上达西先生了。 “或者换句话说，你是非要嫁他不可了。他非常富有，这是肯定的，你可以比吉英有更多的锦衣靓饰和更排场的车马。可是，这些就能使你幸福吗？” 伊丽莎白说：“你现在反对我的，只是认为我和他并没有感情喽？” “是的。我们大家都知道他是个骄傲不易亲近的人；但是只要你真正地喜欢他。这些都算不了什么。” “我真的、我真的十分喜欢他，”她眼里浸着泪水回答说，“我爱他。说实话他一点儿也没有那种不恰当的骄傲。他待人非常可亲。你不了解他的真正为人；所以请不要用这样的话来谈论他，使我痛苦。” “丽萃，”她的父亲说，“我已经答应了他。的确，像他这种人，只要他肯纡尊做出请求，我岂敢有拒绝他的道理。我现在便给予 你我的同意，如果你已经下定决心要嫁他的话。不过，我劝你还是要好好想一想。我深知你的性格，丽萃。我清楚除非你是真正从心底里尊重你的丈夫，否则的话，你既不会幸福也不会觉得体面；除非你认为他在许多方面都比你强。如果婚姻不称心，你那诸多活泼的天性便会把你置于到一种危险的境地。你难免会落得个丢人悲苦的下场。我的孩子，别让我以后看到你不能尊重你终身的伴侣而叫我伤心。你不知道你这样做的后果。” 伊丽莎白听得更加感动了，她非常诚挚非常严肃地向父亲讲述了全盘的经过，他解释了她对他的感情所经历的渐进变化，说她坚决相信他的感情不是来自一朝一夕，而是经过了许多个月的挫折的考验，并列举出了他的种种的优点，来向父亲证明达西先生是她所真正爱的对象。最后，她终于消除了她父亲的疑虑，使他完全赞同了这门婚事。 “唔，我亲爱的女儿，”当她停止了她的讲述时他说，“我没有什么可说的了。如果真是这样，那他是值得你爱的。我的丽萃，爸爸可不愿意让你嫁上一个不如你的人。” 为了使父亲对达西先生更有好感，她于是告诉了他达西先生主动为丽迪雅所做的事情。他听了大大地吃了一惊。 “这个晚上真是奇事迭出了！那么，是达西承揽了这所有的事情：他撮合了他们的婚姻，出钱为他还清了债务，给他在部队上弄到了职位！这太好啦！既为我省下了钱，又免去了我的许多麻烦。可是，现在的这些热恋中青年人们，什么事情都喜欢自作主张。我明天就向他提出还他的钱；那么他一定会大谈特谈他是如何地爱你，于是这件事情(指还钱的事——译者注)也就永远地了了。” 接着，班纳特先生想起了前几天在他读科林斯先生的那封信时，伊丽莎白所表现出的难堪；直待取笑了女儿一会儿之后才让她最终离开，在她走出房门时他说道：“如果有找玛丽和吉蒂的小伙子来了，把他们带到这儿来，因为我现在有的是闲功夫。” 伊丽莎白的心里此时落下了一付重荷；在她自己的房里静静地想了半个钟头以后，她又能神色较为坦然地和大家待在一起了。一切都发生得太急猝了，还来不及叫她高兴，不过这个晚上总算是平平静静地过去了；这儿再也没有需要担心的大事了，安逸和舒适感很快就会回来的。 晚上当母亲要上楼到化妆间的时候，伊丽莎白也跟着去了，把这件重大的事情告诉了母亲。母亲的反应非常特别：当初听到这件事的时候，班纳特夫人坐在那儿一动也不动，说不出一个字来。而且直待过了好长时间，她才弄明白了她听到的话儿；尽管平时她在对这类给她家带来好处的事儿、或是以女儿求婚者的方式带来的好处上，反应可并不迟缓。到最后她才开始恢复过来，开始在椅子上不安地扭动，一会儿站了起来，一会儿又坐下去，一会儿又表示出诧异，一会儿又为自己祝福。 “天啊！上帝在赐福给我！哎哟，谁想得到啊！达西先生！这是真的吗？噢！我最最可爱的丽萃！你将会变得多么富贵啊！你可以有多少的钱花，有多少的珠宝和马车！吉英简直不能和你相比。我真是太高兴，太幸福啦。多么可爱的一个小伙子！多么英俊！多么高大！噢，我亲爱的女儿！请原谅妈妈以前对他的厌恶。我希望他会不计前嫌。最最亲爱的丽萃。伦敦城里的豪华住宅！漂亮的东西一应俱全！我有三个女儿出嫁啦！一年一万英镑的收入！噢，天啊！我真是不知如何是好啦。我就要发疯啦。” 这番话足以表明班纳特夫人是非常赞同了，伊丽莎白不久便起身走了，一边暗自庆幸，这一感情的渲泄只是她一个人看到了。可是还没待她回到自己的房间三分钟，她母亲就跟过来了。 “我亲爱的女儿啊，”她喊，“我只在想这件事啦！一年一万英磅的收入，很可能会更多！这简直阔得像个皇亲国戚啦！而且还有特许结婚证。你自然要用特许证结婚了。喂，妈妈的心肝宝贝，告诉我达西先生最喜欢吃什么莱，明天我就做给他吃。” 这不是个好的征兆，她的母亲可能会在那位先生面前出丑的；伊丽莎此时感到，虽然她已经赢得了达西最热烈的感情，征得了她父母双亲的同意，这里仍然有一些事情需要操心。不过，到了第二天时，情形比她想象的要好得多；因为班纳特夫人对她这位未来的女婿很是敬畏，不敢轻易跟他搭话，除非是遇到能向他表示她的关心、或是对他的意见表示敬重的场合。 伊丽莎白看到父亲努力在跟达西先生亲近，很是宽慰；班纳特先生不久便对她说，他对达西先生的钦佩正在与时俱增。 “我对我的三位女婿都非常赏识，”他说，“威科汉姆或许是我的宠儿；不过我觉得对你的丈夫，我也会像吉英的一样那么喜欢。”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第72章 伊丽莎白的精神不久又变得活泼调皮起来，她想要达西把他最初是怎么会爱上她的情形讲给她听。“你这爱是怎么开始的？”她问，“一旦你起了爱意，我知道你就会很好地珍惜它的；不过，到底是什么使你最初动了这种心思的呢？” “我也说不准具体是在什么时间、什么地点，你的那一颦那一笑，你的那一言那一语，开始叫我爱上你了。这是好久以前的事了。当我意识到了的时候，我已经在爱河中跋涉了一半的里程了。”“我的容貌在开始时就打动不了你的心，至于说我的举止态度嘛，我对你至少一直是不礼貌的，我跟你说话时，总是想刺伤你。现在你就老实说吧，那时你是不是喜欢上了我对你的无礼呢？” “说到它表现了你脑子的灵活聪颖，我是这样想的。” “你还不如直接就把它称作是唐突无礼。这样说一点儿也不过分。事实上是，你对多礼、必恭必敬、过分的殷勤已经厌恶了。你已经腻烦了那些女人们，她们的谈吐、笑颜和思想都是为了讨得你的欢心。我之所以能撩动了你的心，叫你感兴趣，是因为我和 他们完全不同。如果你的心底不是真正可爱的话，你早就会为此恨上我了；尽管你面上努力做出一付冷峻高傲的样子，你的感情始终是高尚和公正的，你非常鄙视那些极为奉迎你的人们。这儿，我已经代劳为你做了解释了；真的，经过通盘的考虑以后，我开始觉得你的爱是十分的合情合理了。可以肯定，你当时并不了解我的优点，不过，有谁是想到了 这一点才去爱的呢。” “当吉英病在尼塞费尔德的时候，在你对她的那么贴体的照呼中，不就表现出了你的优点吗？” “可爱的吉英！有谁不愿意为她多做一点儿事呢？不过，我们姑且就把这看做我的一种德性吧。我的优点反正都是在你的卵翼之下了，而且你把它们尽可能的夸张光耀；可是反过来，我却是在不断地寻找机会与你争执和纠缠；闲话少说，还是让我来问你吧，为什么你到后来的时候不再愿意提起对我的爱了呢？你这次回来的第一次到我家，随后是第二次在我家吃晚饭的那一回，你为什么那么害羞见到我呢？尤其是在你来了以后，你为什么要显出一付完全不把我放在心上的神情呢？” “因为你那板着的面孔和一声不语，使我不敢上前攀谈。” “可是当时我是难为情。” “我也是呀。” “当我们坐下来吃饭的时候，你本来有机会跟我多说上几句的。” “如果我的感情不是那么充溢的话，我会的。” “你竟然给出了一个合情合理的回答，而我呢，也竟然这么通情理会接受它！可是我真不知道，要是我也不去理你，你自以为会拖到什么时候去。要不是我问你，我真不知道你什么时候才会开口！我要谢你为丽迪雅做的好事的决心，一定产生了极大的效果。我担心这影响是太大了；因为如果我们的幸福是来自对诺言的反悔，我们在道义上怎么能讲得过去，因为我当时就不应该提到这件事。这样做无论怎么说也是不对的。” “你不必自责。道义上完全说得过去。凯瑟琳夫人的那种不正当地企图拆散我们的努力，才是驱散了我的一切疑团的原因。我并不认为我眼下的幸福，是来自你的那一急切想要表达你的感激的愿望。我并没有想着一切要等你开口。我姨妈的信息已经给了我希望，我于是立刻决定把事情弄个明白清楚。” “凯瑟琳夫人的用处可真是太大啦，这应该是使她高兴才对，因为她一向喜欢对别人有用嘛。不过，请告诉我，你这次来尼塞费尔德是要干什么呢？难道只是为了骑着马来找难为情吗？或者，你是有更重要的目的呢？” “我真正的目的是来看你，如果可能的话，我要判定一下我是否还有希望让你能爱上我。我对别人或是对自己说出来的目的，则是为了来看看你姐姐是否仍然对彬格莱有情，如果有，我就把事情的原委向他坦白。” “你有勇气向凯瑟琳夫人宣布这件她自食其果的事吗？” “我现在更缺乏的是时间而不是勇气，伊丽莎白。不过这件事总得来做，如果你给我一张纸，我现在马上就写信给她。” “如若不是我也有封信要写，我也许便会坐你旁边，像另外那位年轻小姐曾经做过的那样，来赞赏你的工整的笔体了。可是我也有个舅妈，再不能不回信给她啦。” 由于不情愿承认她和达西先生之间的关系是被舅妈过高地估计了，伊丽莎白一直没有答复嘉丁纳夫人的那封长信。但是，当现在她有了这个最为可喜的消息要告诉的时候，她却有些不好意思地发现她已经让舅父母多等了三天了，于是她马上写信好让他们分享这一幸福：？ “亲爱的舅妈，对你在信中所呈述的那些亲切而又令人满意的详情细节，我本当早就向你表示感谢才对；可是说实话，我当时的心情实在不好，无法写回信。你当时所想象的情况，超过了现实很远。可是现在，关于这件事，任凭你怎么想都不怕了，放开你的想象力，让你的想象力插上翅膀任意地去翱翔吧，只要你不认为我已经结婚了，便不会错到哪里去。你一定要马上给我回信，再把他大大地赞扬一番，甚至要超过你的上一封信。我们没到湖区去旅游，真是万幸。我怎么会那么傻，非要到湖区去呢！你说要弄几匹小马游园，这个主意很有趣。以后我们每天都可以在彭伯利庄园里尽情地游了。我现在是世界上最幸福的人儿啦。这话以前或许有别人说过，可是他们谁也没有我这么充分的理由。我甚至比吉英还要幸福；她只是微微地抿嘴笑，而我是放声大笑。达西用他还剩有的爱问候你。希望你们都来彭伯利过圣诞节。——你的外甥女儿。” 达西先生给凯瑟琳的信，则完全是用另一种风格；与这两个人的都不同的，是班纳特先生为答复科林斯先生的上一封信而写的回信：？ “亲爱的先生： 我必须得劳驾你再恭贺我一次。伊丽莎白很快就要做达西先生的妻子了。竭尽你的可能去安慰凯瑟琳夫人吧。不过，如果我是你，我就会站在她姨侄这一边。因为他能给予你更多。” 彬格莱小姐在哥哥结婚前夕送来的祝贺，虽说不胜亲切，但却毫无诚意。她甚至还给吉英写了一封信，表示恭喜，又把她以前的那些对她有好感的话重复了一遍。吉英再不会受蒙蔽了，不过她还是受到了感动，尽管对她已经没有了以前的友好之情，吉英还是给她回了一封信，语气词句之亲切是她所不配享受的。 达西小姐在得知这一消息后来信所表达的喜悦，正像她的哥哥在给她的去信中所表达的一样真挚；满满的四页信纸也盛不下她的所有的欣喜和她期盼嫂子会喜爱自己的殷切心情。 还没待从科林斯先生那儿传来任何音讯，或是从他妻子那儿传来对伊丽莎白的任何祝贺，浪博恩一家就听说科林斯夫妇自己要回鲁卡斯府上来了。这一突然要回来的原因很快就清楚了。凯瑟琳夫人为她姨侄的信气得大动肝火，而为这门亲事真正感到欣喜的卡洛蒂则想赶快回娘家去，躲避开这场风暴。她的朋友在这样的时刻能来到她的身边，对伊丽莎白来说，真是一件乐事，尽管在她们常常见面的时候，当她看到达西先生受到她丈夫那种阿臾奉承的折磨时，不免想到这一愉快也是付出了代价的。不过，达西先生倒是能非常平静地忍耐。他甚至能够和颜悦色地听威廉·鲁卡斯爵士的夸赞，说他摘走了他们这儿的最明亮的一颗珠宝，并希望他们以后常常在宫中碰面。如果看到达西先生在无奈地耸着肩膀的话，那也是在威廉爵士走开了的时候。 菲利普夫人的粗俗是对达西先生忍耐力的另一个大的考验，虽然菲力普夫人跟她姐姐一样，也敬畏他，不敢和他像和彬格莱那样随便地谈话，可是只要她一张口，便叫人觉得俗不可耐。她 对他的敬畏也是如此，尽管照理说由于敬重，她开口少，举止该会变得文雅一点儿才是。伊丽莎白极尽一切可能，尽量使他能避开她母亲和她姨妈纠缠，让他和自己以及不致会伤害到的感情的她的家人待在一起；虽说由此而引起的这些不舒服的情绪大大地减少了他们热恋中的欢乐，可却也增加了他们对未来的憧憬和期盼；她兴奋地巴望着那一天的到来，那时他们便会摆脱了这儿的无聊应酬，在彭伯利他们自己的家里，优雅舒适地享受生活。笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第73章 作为母亲班纳特夫人最快活的一天，是她的两个备受称道的女儿出嫁的那一天。至于她以后是怀着怎样得意高兴的心情去访问彬格莱夫人和谈论达西夫人的，读者自然不难猜想。在这里我想说，由于她的这么多的女儿得到了好的归宿，她平生的愿望得到了完美的实现，她的身上开始产生出一种可喜的变化，在她的后半生里，她成了一个通情达理、和蔼可亲、颇有见识的女人了；尽管有的时候她也难免有些神经质和大惊小怪，不过这倒仍合了她丈夫的心意，因为对现在的这种不同寻常的家庭和睦与幸福，他或许还不习惯呢。 班纳特先生非常想念他的二女儿；对她的疼爱使他常常离开他的家一段时间，这种现象在以前还很少有过。他喜欢上彭伯利去，尤其是在女儿最最料想不到的时候去。 彬格莱先生和吉英在尼塞费尔德只住了一年。离她的母亲和她的麦里屯的亲戚这么近，甚至对于脾气随和的 他和孝顺父母的 她来说，也不是那么合心愿了。彬格莱姐妹们的美好希望于是如愿以偿了；他在邻近德比郡的一个镇上买了一幢住宅，吉英和伊丽莎白在她们的诸多幸福之中又加上了一个，她们彼此只相隔不到三十英里，姐妹的情谊可以常叙了。 吉蒂大部分时间都是和这两个姐姐住在一起，在那儿充分地享受生活。从此她所效交往的人物都比往常的高尚，她本人得到了长足的进步。她的脾气不像丽迪雅那么不可驯服，现在摆脱了丽迪雅的影响，又有人给她适当的关心和教导，她已不像从前那样轻狂、那样无知、那样庸俗了。当然家里也总是小心翼翼，不让她再去受丽迪雅的坏影响；虽然威科汉姆夫人常常写信来邀她到那里去住，答应带她参加舞会，交结男朋友，她的父亲从来也没有允准过她。 只有玛丽一个女儿还留在家里；她不得不搁置下对书本的钻研、常常陪母亲度过她的寂寞。玛丽和外界的接触多了起来，不过每次同母亲串门回来，她仍然能用道德的教条评价一番；由于也不再受到跟姐姐们在一起时那种相形见绌的羞辱，她的父亲觉得，她的这种适应于外界的变化，在很大程度上恐怕是甘心情愿的。 至于威科汉姆和丽迪雅，姐姐们的结婚并没有能给他们的性格带来什么改变。威科汉姆能很泰然地接受这一事实：伊丽莎白一定知道了他从前的那些种种忘恩负义和虚伪欺骗的行为；尽管如此，他还指望着说服达西给他找个差事。伊丽莎白结婚时从丽迪雅那儿收到的一封祝贺信，便说明了这一点：如果说不是威科汉姆本人，至少是他的妻子抱着这种希望。信是这样写的：？ “亲爱的丽萃： 我祝愿你幸福。你爱达西先生只要能爱到我爱威科汉姆的一半，你就一定会非常幸福了。有这么一个阔绰的姐姐，叫人觉得是个极大的安慰，在你没事的时候，我希望你能想起我们。我敢说威科汉姆会很喜欢在宫廷中弄到个位置的，同时我也想，如果没有别人的接济，我们的钱是很难维持生计的。一年有约三四百英镑进项的一个差使便足矣；不过如果你不愿意，那就不必跟达西先生提起。 忠实于你的丽迪雅” 伊丽莎白对这样的事果然不愿意讲，于是她在回信中尽可能地打消她在这方面的一切期望和请求。不过，伊丽莎白还是在自己力所能及的范围内，用自己省下的钱经常接济他们。她心里十分明白，像他们的那点收入，又加上这两口子大手大脚不会算计，肯定不够维持他们的生活；每当他们要迁徙时，吉英或是伊丽莎白总会接到丽迪雅的请求，让她们帮他们偿还帐款，他们的生活，即使是在停战威科汉姆转业以后，也是极不安定的。他们总是搬来搬去，想找便宜的房子住，结果总是花掉了更多的钱。威科汉姆对她的爱不久便淡漠了；丽迪雅对他的感情较为持久一些，尽管她年轻莽撞，她还是顾全了她婚后的名声。 虽然达西从来不让威科汉姆来彭伯利，可为了伊丽莎白的缘故，还是帮他另找了一份职业。丽迪雅在丈夫到伦敦和巴恩游玩的时候，也间或到彭伯利作客；至于彬格莱夫妇那儿，他们小两口则常是一住下来就不想走了，弄得连彬格莱那样和顺性格的人，有时都耐不住在谈话中带出了叫他们走的暗示。 彬格莱小姐在达西结婚时，觉得自己的自尊心深深地受到了伤害；可是为了仍能保留住她在彭伯利作客的权利，她把一切怨气都打消了；她对乔治安娜更加喜欢，对达西几乎还像从前那么关心，以前对伊丽莎白失礼的地方，她也尽量去加以弥补。 彭伯利现在成了乔治安娜的真正的家；姑嫂之间的亲密相处，正像达西先生所希望看到的那样。她们互敬互爱，关系融洽无间。乔治安娜非常崇拜伊丽莎白；虽然起初她对嫂子和哥哥谈话时的那种逗嘴调笑，很是惊讶和担心。他在她心目中激起的，总是那种几近于超过了兄妹感情的敬重，现在她却看到他成了公开打趣的对象了。她的脑子里开始灌输进了她从不知道的知识。经过伊丽莎白开导，她逐渐明白了，妻子可以跟丈夫逗趣撒娇，做哥哥的却不总能容忍一个比他小十岁的妹妹也这么做。 凯瑟琳夫人在姨侄成亲时真是气极了；她在给姨侄的回信中，直言不讳，把达西尤其是伊丽莎白大骂了一顿，以致使得双方在一个短时间内断绝了一切的往来。到后来，经伊丽莎白的劝说，达西放弃了前嫌，写了一封和解的信；做姨妈的在又强拗了一阵子以后，怒气便也退了，一则是她疼爱的姨侄，二则是她想看看他的这位夫人是如何表现的；她放下架子来到了彭伯利，也顾不得这庄园由于接纳了这主妇和经她的舅父母的几次访问，而变得污浊了的空气了。 这对新婚夫妇一直跟嘉丁纳夫妇保持着最亲密的往来。达西和伊丽莎白都真心地喜爱他们；他们心里都充满了对舅父母的最诚挚的感激之情，是他们把伊丽莎白带到了彭伯利来，从而促成了他们的美好姻缘。？？？？？？？？？？？？笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第74章 “I had not been long ifordshire,before I saw,inmon with others,that Bingley preferred your elder sister to any other young woman in the try.But it was not till the evening of the da herfield that I had any apprehension of his feeling a serious attat. I had often seen him in love before.At that ball,while I had the honour of dang with you,I was first made acquainted,by Sir William Lucas's idental information, that Bingley's attentions to your sister had given rise to a general expectation of their marriage.He spoke of it as a certai, of which the time alone could be undecided.From that moment I observed my friend's behaviour attentively; and I could then perceive that his partiality for Miss Be was beyond what I had ever witnessed in him.Your sister I also watched. Her look and manners were open, cheerful, and engaging as ever, but without any symptom of peculiar regard, and I remained vinced from the evening's scrutiny,that though she received his attentions with pleasure, she did not ihem by any participation of se.If you have not been mistaken here,I must have been in error.Your superior knowledge of your sister must make thetter probable.If it be so,if I have been misled by such error to inflict pain on her, your rese has not been unreasonable. But I shall not scruple to assert, that the serenity of your sister's tenand air was such as might have given the most acute observer a vi that, however amiable her temper,her heart was not likely to be easily touched. That I was desirous of believing her indifferent is certain—but I will veo say that my iigation and decisions are not usually influenced by my hopes or fears. I did not believe her to be indifferent because I wished it; I believed it on impartial vi,as truly as I wished it in reason.My objes to the marriage were not merely those which Ist night aowledged to have the utmost required force of passion to put aside,in my own case;the want of e could not be so great an evil to my friend as to me.But there were other causes nance;causes which,though still existing,aing to an equal degree in both instances, I had myself endeavoured to et, because they were not immediately before me.These causes must be stated, though briefly.The situation of your mother's family, though objeable, was nothing inparison to that total want of propriety so frequently,so almost uniformly betrayed by herself, by your three younger sisters, and asionally even by your father. Pardo paio offend you. But amidst your for the defects of your rtions, and your displeasure at this representation of them, let it give you stion to sider that,to have ducted yourselves so as to avoid any share of the like sure,is praise no less generally bestowed on you and your elder sister, than it is honourable to the sense and disposition of both. I will only say farther that from assed that evening, my opinion of all parties was firmed, and every i heightened which could have led me before, to preserve my friend from what I esteemed a most unhappy e. He left herfield for London, on the day following,as you,I am certain,remember,with the design of soourning. “The part which I acted is now to be exined. His sisters' uneasiness had been equally excited with my own;our ce of feeling was soon discovered, and, alike sensible that no time was to be lost iag their brother,we shortly resolved on joining him directly in London.We ly went—and there I readily engaged in the office of pointing out to my friend the certain evils of such a choice. I described, and enforced them early.But,however this remonstrance might have staggered or dyed his determination, I do not suppose that it would ultimately have prevehe marriage,had it not been seded by the assurahat I hesitated not in giving, of your sister's indifference.He had before believed her to return his affe with sincere, if not with equal regard. But Bingley has great natural modesty, with a stronger dependeny judgement than on his own.To vince him,therefore,that he had deceived himself, was no very difficult point.To persuade him against returning into Hertfordshire, when that vi had been given,was scarcely the work of a moment.I e myself for having dohus much.There is but one part of my du the whole affair on which I do not reflect with satisfa;it is that I desded to adopt the measures of art so far as to ceal from him your sister's being in town. I k myself, as it was known to Miss Bingley; but her brother is eve ignorant of it.That they might have met without ill sequence is perhaps probable;but his regard did not appear to me enough extinguished for him to see her without some danger.Perhaps this cealment,this disguise was beh me;it is done,however, and it was done for the best.On this subject I have nothing more to say,no other apology to offer.If I have wounded your sister's feelings,it was unknowingly done and though the motives which governed me may to you very naturally appear insuffit,I have not yet learnt to n them. “With respect to that other,more weighty usation,of having injured Mr.Wickham, I only refute it byying before you the whole of his e with my family. Of what he has particrly used me I am ignorant;but of the truth of what I shall rte,I summon more thaness of undoubted veracity.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第75章 “Mr.Wickham is the son of a very respectable man, who had for many years the ma of all the Pemberley estates,and whose good du the discharge of his trust naturally ined my father to be of servi;and on Ge Wickham,who was his godson,his kindness was therefore liberally bestowed.My father supported him at school,and afterwards at Cambridge—most important assistance, as his own father, aloor from the extravagance of his wife, would have been uo give him a gentleman's eduy father was not only fond of this young man's society, whose manners were always engaging;he had also the highest opinion of him, and hoping the church would be his profession,inteo provide for him in it.As for myself,it is many,many years since I first began to think of him in a very different mahe vicious propensities—the want of principle,which he was careful to guard from the knowledge of his best friend,could not escape the observation of a young man of nearly the same age with himself,and who had opportunities of seeing him in unguarded moments,which Mr.Darcy could not have.Here again I shall give you pain—to what degree you only tell.But whatever may be the ses which Mr.Wickham has created,a suspi of their nature shall not prevent me from unfolding his real character—it adds even another motive.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第76章 “My excellent father died about five years ago; and his attat to Mr.Wickham was to thest so steady, that in his will he particrly rme to me, to promote his adva in the best mahat his profession might allow—and if he took orders,desired that a valuable family living might be his as soon as it became vat.There was also a legacy of ohousand pounds.His own father did not long survive mine, and within half a year from these events,Mr.Wickham wrote to inform me that,having finally resolved against taking orders,he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for him to expeore immediate peiary advantage,in lieu of the preferment, by which he could not be beed.He had some iion,he added,of studying thew,and I must be aware that the i of ohousand pounds would be a very insuffit support therein.I rather wished,than believed him to be si,at any rate, erfectly ready to ede to his proposal. I khat Mr.Wickham ought not to be a clergyman; the business was therefore sooled—he resigned all im to assistan the church,were it possible that he could ever be in a situation to receive it,aed iurn three thousand pounds.All e between us seemed now dissolved.I thought too ill of him to invite him to Pemberley,or admit his society in town. In town I believe he chiefly lived,but his studying thew was a mere pretend being now free from all restraint,his life was a life of idleness and dissipation. For about three years I heard little of him;but on the decease of the incumbent of the living which had been designed for him,he applied to me again by letter for the presentation. His circumstances, he assured me, and I had no difficulty in believing it, were exceedingly bad. He had found thew a most unprofitable study,and was now absolutely resolved on being ordained,if I would present him to the living iion—of which he trusted there could be little doubt,as he was well assured that I had no other person to provide for,and I could not have otten my revered father's iions.You will hardly me me for refusing toply with this ey,or for resisting every repetition to it.His rese was in proportion to the distress of his circumstances—and he was doubtless as violent in his abuse of me to others as in his reproaches to myself. After this period every appearance of acquaintance was dropped. How he lived I know not. Butst summer he was again most painfully obtruded on my notice. “I must now mention a circumstance which I would wish to et myself, and whio obligatiohan the present should induce me to unfold to any human being.Having said thus much,I feel no doubt of your secrecy.My sister,who is more than ten years my junior,was left to the guardianship of my mother's nephew, el Fitzwilliam, and myself.About a year ago, she was taken from school, and aablishment formed for her in London; andst summer she went with thedy who presided over it, tate; and thither also went Mr. Wickham,undoubtedly by design; for there proved to have been a prior acquaintaween him and Mrs.Younge,in whose character we were most unhappily deceived;and by her ivand aid, he so far rmended himself to Giana,whose affeate heart retained a strong impression of his kio her as a child, that she ersuaded to believe herself in love, and to sent to an elopement.She was then but fifteen,which must be her excuse;and after stating her imprudence,I am happy to add, that I owed the knowledge of it to herself. I joihem uedly a day or two before the intended elopement, and then Giana, uo support the idea of grieving and offending a brother whom she almost looked up to as a father, aowledged the whole to me.You may imagine what I felt and how I acted.Regard for my sister's credit and feelings prevented any public exposure;but I wrote to Mr.Wickham,who left the ce immediately,and Mrs.Younge was of course removed from her charge. Mr.Wickham's chief object was uionably my sister's fortune, which is thirty thousand pounds; but I ot help supposing that the hope of revenging himself on me was a strong i. His revenge would have beee indeed. “This, madam, is a faithful narrative of every event in which we have been ed together; and if you do not absolutely reject it as false,you will,I hope,acquit me heh of cruelty towards Mr.Wickham.I know not in what manner,under what form of falsehood he had imposed on you;but his sess is not perhaps to be wo. Ignorant as you previously were of everything iher, dete could not be in your power,and suspi certainly not in your ination. “You may possibly wonder why all this was not told youst night; but I was not then master enough of myself to know what could ht to be revealed.For the truth of everything here rted,I appeal more particrly to the testimony of el Fitzwilliam,who,from our near rtionship and stant intimacy, and, still more, as one of the executors of my father's will, has been unavoidably acquainted with every particr of these transas. If your abhorrene should make my assertions valueless,you ot be prevented by the same cause from fiding in my cousin;and that there may be the possibility of sulting him,I shall endeavour to find some opportunity of putting this letter in your hands in the course of the m.I will only add,God bless you.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第77章 “FITZWILLIAM DARCY” If Elizabeth, when Mr. Darcy gave her the letter, did not expect it to tain a renewal of his offers, she had formed no expectation at all of its tents.But such as they were,it may well be supposed how eagerly she went through them,and what a trariety of emotion they excited.Her feelings as she read were scarcely to be defined.With amazement did she first uand that he believed any apology to be in his power;and steadfastly was she persuaded, that he could have ion to give, which a just sense of shame would not ceal.With a strong prejudice against everything he might say,she began his ount of what had happe herfield.She read with an eagerness which hardly left her power ofprehension, and from impatience of knowing what the sentence might bring,was incapable of attending to the sense of the one before her eyes.His belief of her sister’s insensibility she instantly resolved to be false;and his ount of the real, the worst objes to the match, made her too angry to have any wish of doing him justice. He expressed for what he had done which satisfied her;his style was not pe,but haughty.It ride and insolence. But when this subject was seeded by his ount of Mr. Wickham—when she read with somewhat clearer attention a rtion of events which,if true,must overthrow every cherished opinion of his worth,and which bore s an affinity to his own history of himself—her feelings were yet more acutely painful and more difficult of definition.Astonishment,apprehension,and even horror, oppressed her. She wished to discredit it entirely, repeatedly eximing,“This must be false! This ot be! This must be the grossest falsehood!”—and when she had gohrough the whole letter, though scarcely knowing anything of thest page or two,put it hastily arotesting that she would nard it,that she would never look in it again. In this perturbed state of mind,with thoughts that could rest on nothing,she walked on;but it would not do;in half a mihe letter was unfolded again,and colleg herself as well as she could,she again began the mortifying perusal of all that rted to Wickham, andmanded herself so far as to examihe meaning of every sentehe ount of his e with the Pemberley family was exactly what he had rted himself;and the kindness of thete Mr.Darcy,though she had not before known its extent,agreed equally well with his own words.So far each recital firmed 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 ttered herself that her wishes did not err.But when she read and re-read with the closest attention, the particrs immediately following of Wickham's resigning all pretensions to the living,of his receiving in lieu so siderable a sum as three thousand pounds,again was she forced to hesitate. She put dowter, weighed every circumstah what she meant to be impartiality—deliberated on the probability of each statement—but with little sess. On both sides it was only assertion.Again she read on;but every line proved more clearly that the affair,which she had believed it impossible that any trivance could so represent as to render Mr.Darcy's du it less than infamous,was capable of a turn which must make him entirely meless throughout the whole. The extravagand general profligacy which he scrupled not toy at Mr.Wickham's charge, exceedingly shocked her;the more so,as she could bring no proof of its injustice.She had never heard of him before his entrao the—shire Militia, in which he had e the persuasion of the young man who,oing him identally in town,had there renewed a slight acquaintance.Of his former way of life nothing had been known ifordshire but what he told himself.As to his real character,had information been in her power,she had never felt a wish of inquiring. His tenance, voice, and manner had established him at on the possession of every virtue. She tried to recollee instance of goodness,some distinguished trait of iy or benevolehat might rescue him from the attar.Darcy;or at least,by the predominance of virtue, atone for those casual errors under which she would endeavour to ss what Mr.Darcy had described as the idleness and viany years' tinua no such recolle befriended her. She could see him instantly before her,in every charm of air and address;but she could remember no more substantial good than the general approbation of the neighbourhood, and the regard which his social powers had gained him in the mess.After pausing on this point a siderable while, she once more tio read. But, s! the story which followed, of his designs on Miss Darcy, received some firmation from what had passed between el Fitzwilliam and herself only the m before;and atst she was referred for the truth of every particr to el Fitzwilliam himself—from whom she had previously received the information of his near in all his cousin's affairs, and whose character she had no reason to question. At oime she had almost resolved on applying to him,but the idea was checked by the awkwardness of the application, and at length wholly banished by the vi that Mr.Darcy would never have hazarded such a proposal,if he had not been well assured of his cousin's corroboration.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第78章 She perfectly remembered everything that had passed in versatioween Wickham and herself,in their first evening at Mr.Phillips's.Many of his expressions were still fresh in her memory. She was now struck with the impropriety of suications to a stranger, and wo had escaped her before. She saw the indelicacy of putting himself forward as he had done,and the insistency of his professions with his duct.She remembered that he had boasted of having no fear of seeing Mr.Darcy—that Mr.Darcy might leave the try,but that he should stand his grou he had avoided the herfield ball the very week. She remembered also that,till the herfield family had quitted the try,he had told his story to no o herself;but that after their removal it had been everywhere discussed;that he had then no reserves, no scruples in sinking Mr. Darcy's character, though he had assured her that respect for the father would alrevent his exposing the son. How differently did everything noear in which he was ed!His attentions to Miss King were now the sequence of views solely and hatefully merary;and the mediocrity of her fortune proved no lohe moderation of his wishes, but his eagero grasp at anything. His behaviour to herself could now have had no tolerable motive;he had either been deceived with regard to her fortune, or had been gratifying his vanity by encing the preference which she believed she had most incautiously shown. Every lingering struggle in his favrew fainter and fainter; and in farther justification of Mr. Darcy, she could not but allow that Mr. Bingley, wheioned by Jane, had long ago asserted his melessness in the affair; that proud and repulsive as were his manners, she had never, in the whole course of their acquaintan acquaintance which hadtterly brought them much together, and given her a sort of intimacy with his ways—seen anything that betrayed him to be unprincipled or unjust—anything that spoke him of irreligious or immoral habits;that among his own es he was esteemed and valued—that even Wickham had allowed him merit as a brother,and that she had often heard him speak so affeately of his sister as to prove him capable of some amiable feeling;that had his as been what Mr.Wickham represehem, so gross a vition of everything right could hardly have been cealed from the world;and that friendship between a person capable of it, and su amiable man as Mr. Bingley, rehensible. She grew absolutely ashamed of herself.Of her Daror Wickham could she think without feeling she had been blind, partial,prejudiced,absurd. “How despicably I have acted!”she cried;“I,who have prided myself on my disment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities!who have often disdaihe generous dour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or meable mistrust! How humiliating is this discovery!Yet, how just a humiliation! Had I been in love,I could not have been more wretchedly blind! But vanity,not love,has been my folly.Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance,I have courted prepossession and ignorand driven reason away,where either were ed. Till this moment I never knew myself.” From herself to Jane—from Jao Bingley,her thoughts were in a line which soht to her recolle that Mr.Darcy's exnation there had appeared very insuffit,and she read it again.Widely different was the effect of a sed perusal.How could she deny that credit to his assertions in one instance,which she had been obliged to give iher?He dered himself to be totally unsuspicious of her sister's attat;and she could not help remembering what Charlotte's opinion had always beeher could she deny the justice of his deion of Jane.She felt that Jane's feelings,though fervent,were little disyed,and that there was a stant her air and manner not often united with great sensibility. When she came to that part of the letter in which her family were mentioned in terms of such mortifying, yet merited reproach,her sense of shame was severe.The justice of the charge struck her too forcibly for denial,and the circumstao which he particrly alluded as having passed at the herfield ball, and as firming all his first disapprobation, could not have made a stronger impression on his mind than on hers. Thepliment to herself and her sister was not u. It soothed, but it could not sole her for the pt which had thus been self-attracted by the rest of her family;and as she sidered that Jane's disappoi had in fact been the work of her rtions,and reflected how materially the credit of both must be hurt by such impropriety of duct, she felt depressed beyond anything she had ever known before. After wandering along thene for two hiving way to every variety of thought—re-sideris, determining probabilities, and reg herself, as well as she could, to a ge so sudden and so important, fatigue, and a recolle of her long absence, made her at length return home; and she ehe house with the wish of appearing cheerful as usual, and the resolution of repressing such refles as must make her unfit for versation. She was immediately told that the two gentlemen from Rosings had each called during her absence;Mr.Darly for a few mio take leave—but that el Fitzwilliam had been sitting with them at least an hour, hoping for her return, and almost resolving to walk after her till she could be found. Elizabeth could but just affect in missing him;she really rejoiced at it. el Fitzwilliam was no longer an object; she could think only of her letter.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第79章 The two gentleme Rosings the m, and Mr. Collins having been in waitihe lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, was able t home the pleasing intelligence, of their appearing in very good health, and in as tolerable spirits as could be expected,after the mncholy se sotely gohrough at Rosings.To Rosings he then hasteo sole Lady Catherine and her daughter; and on his return brought back, with great satisfa, a message from herdyship, imp that she felt herself so dull as to make her very desirous of having them all to dih her. Elizabeth could not see Lady Catherihout recolleg that, had she chosen it, she might by this time have beeed to her as her future nieor could she think,without a smile, of what herdyship's indignation would have been.“What would she have said?how would she have behaved?”were questions with which she amused herself. Their first subject was the diminution of the Rosings party.“I assure you,I feel it exceedingly,”said Lady Catherine;“I believe no one feels the loss of friends so much as I do.But I am particrly attached to these young men, and know them to be so much attached to me!They were excessively sorry to go! But so they always are.The dear el rallied his spirits tolerably till just atst;but Darcy seemed to feel it most acutely,more,I think,thanst year.His attat to Rosings certainly increases.” Mr.Collins had apliment,and an allusion to throw in here, which were kindly smiled on by the mother and daughter. Lady Catherine observed, after dihat Miss Be seemed out of spirits, and immediately ounting for it by herself, by supposing that she did not like to go home again so soon,she added: “But if that is the case,you must write to your mother ahat you may stay a little longer.Mrs.Collins will be very d of yourpany,I am sure.” “I am much obliged to yourdyship for your kind invitation,”replied Elizabeth,“but it is not in my power to ept it.I must be in tow Saturday.” “Why,at that rate,you will have been here only six weeks. I expected you to stay two months. I told Mrs. Collins so before you came. There be no asion for yoing so soon. Mrs. Be could certainly spare you for another fht.” “But my father ot. He wrotest week to hurry my return.” “Oh!your father of course may spare you, if your mother . Daughters are never of so much sequeo a father. And if you will stay another monthplete,it will be in my power to take one of you as far as London,for I am going there early in June,for a week;and as Dawson does not object to the barouche-box,there will be very good room for one of you—and indeed,if the weather should happen to be cool,I should not object to taking you both,as you are her of ye.” “You are all kindness,madam;but I believe we must abide by our inal n.” Lady Catherine seemed resigned.“Mrs. Collins, you must send a servant with them.You know I always speak my mind, and I ot bear the idea of two young women travelling post by themselves.It is highly improper.You must trive to send somebody. I have the greatest dislike in the world to that sort of thing.Young women should always be pruarded and attended, to their situation in life.When my niece Giaatest summer,I made a point of her having two men-servants go with her.Miss Darcy,the daughter of Mr.Darcy,of Pemberley,and Lady Anne,could not have appeared with propriety in a different manner.I am excessively atteo all those things.You must send John with the youngdies,Mrs. Collins.I am d it urred to me to mention it;for it would really be discreditable to you to let them go alone.” “My uncle is to send a servant for us.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第80章 “Oh!Your uncle!He keeps a man-servant,does he?I am very d you have somebody who thinks of these things.Where shall you ge horses? Oh! Bromley, of course. If you mention my the Bell,you will be atteo.” Lady Catherine had many other questions to ask respeg their journey,and as she did not ahem all herself,attention was necessary, which Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her; or, with a mind so upied,she might have otten where she was. Refleust be reserved for solitary hours;whenever she was alone,she gave way to it as the greatest relief;and not a day went by without a solitary walk,in which she might indulge in all the delight of unpleasant recolles. Mr. Darcy's letter she was in a fair way of soon knowing by heart. She studied every sentence; and her feelings towards its writer were at times widely different.When she remembered the style of his address,she was still full of indignation;but when she sidered how unjustly she had ned and upbraided him, her anger was turned against herself;and his disappointed feelings became the object ofpassion. His attat excited gratitude,his general character respect;but she could not approve him; nor could she for a mome her refusal, or feel the slightest inatioo see him again. In her own past behaviour, there was a stant source of vexation a;and in the unhappy defects of her family,a subject of yet heavier chagrin.They were hopeless of remedy. Her father, tented withughing at them,would never exert himself to restrain the wild giddiness of his you daughters; and her mother, with manners so far frht herself,was entirely insensible of the evil. Elizabeth had frequently united with Jane in an endeavour to check the imprudence of Catherine and Lydia;but while they were supported by their mother's indulgence,what ce could there be of improvement?Catherine,irited,irritable,aely under Lydia's guidance,had been always affronted by their advice; and Lydia, self-willed and careless, would scarcely give them a hearing.They were ignorant, idle, and vain.While there was an officer ion,they would flirt with him;and while Meryton was within a walk of Longbourn, they would be going there forever. Ay on Jane's behalf was another prevailing ; and Mr. Darcy's exnation, by rest Bio all her food opinioehe sense of what Jane had lost. His affe roved to have been sincere, and his duct cleared of all me,unless any could attach to the impliess of his fiden his friend.How grievous then was the thought that,of a situation so desirable in every respect,so replete with advantage,so promising for happiness,Jane had been deprived,by the folly and inde of her own family! When to these recolles was added the development of Wickham's character, it may be easily believed that the happy spirits which had seldom been depressed before, were now so much affected as to make it almost impossible for her to appear tolerably cheerful. Their es at Rosings were as frequent during thest week of her stay as they had been at first.The veryst evening ent there;and herdyship again inquired minutely into the particrs of their journey, gave them dires as to the best method of pag,and was sent on the y of g gowns in the only right way,that Maria thought herself obliged, on her return,to undo all the work of the m,and pack her trunk afresh. When they parted,Lady Catherih great dession, wished them a good journey, and ihem toe to Hunsfai year;and Miss de Bh exerted herself so far as to curtsey and hold out her hand to both.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第81章 On Saturday m Elizabeth and Mr. Colli for breakfast a few minutes before the others appeared;aook the opportunity of paying the parting civilities which he deemed indispensably necessary. “I know not, Miss Elizabeth,”said he,“whether Mrs. Collins has yet expressed her sense of your kindness ining to us;but I am very certain you will not leave the house without receivihanks for it.The favor of yourpany has been much felt, I assure you.We know how little there is to tempt ao our humble abode.Our in manner of living,our small rooms and few domestid the little we see of the world,must make Hunsford extremely dull to a youngdy like yourself;but I hope you will believe us grateful for the dession, and that we have done everything in our power to prevent your spending your time unpleasantly.” Elizabeth was eager with her thanks and assurances of happiness. She had spent six weeks with great enjoyment; and the pleasure of being with Charlotte,and the kind attentions she had received, must make her feel the obliged. Mr. Collins was gratified,and with a more smiling solemnity replied: “It gives me great pleasure to hear that you have passed your time not disagreeably. We have certainly done our best; and most fortunately having it in our power to introduce you to very superior society, and, from our e with Rosings, the frequent means of varying the humble home se, I think we may tter ourselves that your Hunsford visit ot have beeirely irksome.Our situation with regard to Lady Catherine's family is ihe sort of extraordinary advantage and blessing which few boast.You see on what a footing we are.You see how tinually we are ehere. In truth I must aowledge that, with all the disadvantages of this humble parsonage, I should not think anyone abiding in it an object ofpassion,while they are sharers of our intimacy at Rosings.” Words were insuffit for the elevation of his feelings; and he was obliged to walk about the room,while Elizabeth tried to unite civility and truth in a few short sentences. “You may, in fact, carry a very favourable report of us into Hertfordshire,my dear cousin.I tter myself at least that you will be able to do so. Lady Catherine's great attentions to Mrs. Collins you have been a daily witness of;and altogether I trust it does not appear that your friend has drawn an unfortu on this point it will be as well to be silent.Only let me assure you, my dear Miss Elizabeth,that I from my heart most cordially wish you equal felicity in marriage.My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking.There is ihing a most remarkable resemnce of character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other.” Elizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness where that was the case, and with equal siy could add, that she firmly believed and rejoiced in his domesticforts. She was not sorry,however,to have the recital of them interrupted by thedy from whom they sprang.Poor Charlotte!it was mncholy to leave her to such society!But she had chosen it with her eyes open; and though evidently regretting that her visitors were to go,she did not seem to ask forpassion.Her home and her housekeeping,her parish and her poultry,and all their depe s,had not yet lost their charms. At length the chaise arrived,the trunks were fastened on,the parcels ced within,and it ronouo be ready.After an affeate partiween the friends,Elizabeth was atteo the carriage by Mr. Collins, and as they walked down the garden he wasmissioning her with his best respects to all her family,ing his thanks for the kindness he had received at Longbourn in the winter, and hispliments to Mr. and Mrs.Gardihough unknowhen handed her in,Maria followed,and the door was on the point of being closed,when he suddenly remihem,with some sternation,that they had hitherto otten to leave any message for thedies at Rosings. “But,”he added,“you will of course wish to have your humble respects delivered to them, with yrateful thanks for their kio you while you have been here.” Elizabeth made no obje;the door was then allowed to be shut,and the carriage drove off. “Good gracious!”cried Maria, after a few minutes' sile seems but a day or two since we first came! a how many things have happened!” “A great many indeed,”said herpanion with a sigh. “We have dined imes at Rosings, besides drinkihere twice! How much I shall have to tell!” Elizabeth added privately,“And how much I shall have to ceal!” Their journey erformed without much versation, or any rm; and within four hours of their leaving Hunsford they reached Mr. Gardiner's house,where they were to remain a few days. Jane looked well, and Elizabeth had little opportunity of studying her spirits, amidst the various es which the kindness of her aunt had reserved for them.But Jane was to go home with her,and at Longbourn there would be leisure enough for observation. It was not without an effort, meanwhile, that she could wait even for Longbourn, before she told her sister of Mr. Darcy's proposals.To know that she had the power of revealing what would so exceedingly astonish Jane,and must,at the same time, so highly gratify whatever of her own vanity she had not yet been able to reason away,was such a temptation to openness as nothing could have quered but the state of indecision in which she remained as to the extent of what she shouldmunicate;and her fear,if she oered on the subject,of being hurried into repeating something of Bingley which might only grieve her sister further.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第82章 It was the sed week in May,in which the three youngdies set out together from Gracechurch Street for the town of—,ifordshire; and, as they drew he appointed inn where Mr.Be's carriage was to meet them,they quickly perceived, in token of the an's punctuality, both Kitty and Lydia looking out of a dining-room upstairs.These two girls had been above an hour in the ce, happily employed in visiting an opposite milliner,watg the sentinel on guard,and dressing a sd and cucumber. After weing their sisters, they triumphantly disyed a table set out with sueat as an innrder usually affords, eximing,“Is not this nice?Is not this an agreeable surprise?” “And we mean to treat you all,”added Lydia,“but you must lend us the money,for we have just spent ours at the shop out there.”Then, showing her purchases—“Look here, I have bought this bo.I do not think it is very pretty;but I thought I might as well buy it as not.I shall pull it to pieces as soon as I get home, and see if I make it up aer.” And when her sisters abused it as ugly,she added,with perfe,“Oh!but there were two or three much uglier in the shop; and when I have bought some prettier-coloured satin to trim it with fresh,I think it will be very tolerable.Besides,it will not much signify what one wears this summer, after the—shire have left Meryton,and they are going in a fht.” “Are they indeed!”cried Elizabeth,with the greatest satisfa. “They are going to be encamped near Brighton; and I do so apa to take us all there for the summer!It would be such a delicious scheme;and I dare say would hardly cost anything at all.Mamma would like to go,too,of all things!Only think what a miserable summer else we shall have!” “Yes,”thought Elizabeth,“that would be a delightful scheme indeed,aely do for us at once.Good Heaven!Brighton, and a whole campful of soldiers, to us, who have bee already by one piment of militia,and the monthly balls of Meryton!” “Now I have got some news for you,”said Lydia, as they sat down at table.“What do you think?It is excellent neital news—and about a certain person we all like!” Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other,and the waiter was told he need not stay.Lydiaughed,and said: “Aye,that is just like your formality and discretion.You thought the waiter must not hear,as if he cared!I dare say he often hears worse things said than I am going to say.But he is an ugly fellow! I am d he is gone.I never saw such a long in my life.Well, but now for my news;it is about dear Wickham;too good for the waiter,is it not?There is no danger of Wickham's marrying Mary King.There's for you!She is gone down to her u Liverpool:goo stay.Wickham is safe.” “And Mary King is safe!”added Elizabeth;“safe from a eprudent as to fortune.” “She is a great fool foing away,if she liked him.” “But I hope there is n attat oher side,”said Jane. “I am sure there is not on his. I will answer for it, he never cared three straws about her—who could about such a nasty little freckled thing?” Elizabeth was shocked to think that,however incapable of such coarseness of expression herself, the coarseness of the se was little other than her ow had harboured and fancied liberal! As soon as all had ate,and the elder ones paid,the carriage was ordered; and after some trivahe whole party, with all their boxes,work-bags,and parcels,and the unwee addition of Kitty's and Lydia's purchases,were seated in it.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第83章 “How nicely we are all crammed in,”cried Lydia.“I am d I bought my bo, if it is only for the fun of having another bandbox!Well, now let us be quitefortable and snug, and talk andugh all the way home.And in the first ce,let us hear what has happeo you all since you went away.Have you seen any pleasant men?Have you had any flirting?I was i hopes that one of you would have got a husband before you came back. Jane will be quite an old maid soon,I dere.She is almost three-and-twenty!Lord,how ashamed I should be of not being married before three-and-twenty! My aunt Phillips wants you so to get husbands,you 't think.She says Lizzy had better have taken Mr.Collins;but I do not think there would have been any fun in it.Lord!how I should like to be married before any of you;and then I would chaperon you about to all the balls.Dear me!we had such a good piece of fuher day at el Forster's.Kitty and me were to spend the day there,and Mrs.Forster promised to have a little dan the evening; (by the bye, Mrs. Forster and me are such friends!)and so she asked the twtons toe, but Harriet was ill, and so Pen was forced toe by herself; and then, what do you think we did?We dressed up Chambeyne in woman's clothes on purpose to pass for ady, only think what fun!Not a soul knew of it,but el and Mrs. Forster,and Kitty and me,except my aunt,for we were forced to borrow one of her gowns; and you agine how well he looked!When Denny,and Wickham,and Pratt,and two or three more of the men came in, they did not know him in the least. Lord!how Iughed!and so did Mrs.Forster.I thought I should have died.And that made the men suspeething,and then they soon found out what was the matter.” With such kinds of histories of their parties and good jokes,did Lydia,assisted by Kitty's hints and additions,endeavour to amuse herpanions all the way to Longbourn. Elizabeth listened as little as she could, but there was no esg the frequeion of Wickham's name. Their reception at home was most kind.Mrs.Be rejoiced to see Jane in undiminished beauty;and more than once during dinner did Mr.Be say voluntarily to Elizabeth: “I am d you aree back,Lizzy.” Their party in the dining-room wasrge, for almost all the Lucases came to meet Maria ahe news; and various were the subjects that upied them:Lady Lucas was inquiring of Maria, across the table, after the welfare and poultry of her eldest daughter;Mrs.Be was doubly engaged,on one hand colleg an ount of the present fashions from Jane,who sat some way below her,and,oher,retailing them all to the younger Miss Lucases; and Lydia, in a voice rather louder than any other person's,was eing the various pleasures of the m to anybody who would hear her. “Oh!Mary,”said she,“I wish you had goh us,for we had such fun!As we went along,Kitty and I drew up the blinds,and pretehere was nobody in the coad I should have gone so all the way,if Kitty had not been sid whe to the Ge,I do think we behaved very handsomely,for we treated the other three with the cold lun in the world,and if you would have gone,we would have treated you too.And then when we came away it was such fun!I thought we never should have got into the coach.I was ready to die ofughter.And then we were so merry all the way home! we talked andughed so loud,that anybody might have heard us ten miles off!” To this Mary very gravely replied,“Far be it from me,my dear sister, to depreciate such pleasures!They would doubtless be genial with the generality of female minds.But I fess they would have no charms for me—I should infinitely prefer a book.” But of this answer Lydia heard not a word.She seldom listeo anybody for more than half a minute, and teo Mary at all. Iernoon Lydia was urgent with the rest of the girls to walk to Meryton, and to see how everybody went on; but Elizabeth steadily opposed the scheme.It should not be said that the Miss Bes could not be at home half a day before they were in pursuit of the officers.There was another reason too for her opposition.She dreaded seeing Mr.Wickham again,and was resolved to avoid it as long as possible.Thefort to her of the regiment's approag removal was indeed beyond expression. In a fht they were to go—and once gone,she hoped there could be nothing more to gue her on his ount. She had not been many hours at home before she found that the Brighton scheme,of which Lydia had given them a hint at the inn,was under frequent discussioween her parents.Elizabeth saw directly that her father had not the smallest iion of yielding; but his answers were at the same time so vague and equivocal,that her mother,though often disheartened,had never yet despaired of seeding atst.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第84章 Elizabeth's impatieo acquaint Jah what had happened could no longer be ovee;and at length,resolving to suppress every parti which her sister was ed,and prepario be surprised,she rted to her the m the chief of the se between Mr.Dard herself. Miss Be's astonishment was soon lessened by the strong sisterly partiality which made any admiration of Elizabeth appear perfectly natural;and all surprise was shortly lost in other feelings. She was sorry that Mr.Darcy should have delivered his ses in a manner so little suited to rmend them; but still more was she grieved for the unhappiness which her sister's refusal must have given him. “His being so sure of seeding was wrong,”said she,“aainly ought not to have appeared;but sider how much it must increase his disappoi!” “Indeed,”replied Elizabeth,“I am heartily sorry for him;but he has other feelings,which will probably soon drive away his regard for me.You do not me me,however,for refusing him?” “me you!Oh,no.” “But you me me for having spoken so warmly of Wickham?”“No—I do not know that you were wrong in saying what you did.” “But you will know it,when I have told you what happehe very day.” She then spoke of the letter,repeating the whole of its tents as far as they ed Ge Wickham.What a stroke was this for poor Jane,who would willingly have gohrough the world without believing that so much wiess existed in the whole raankind,as was here collected in one individual.Nor was Darcy's vindication, though grateful to her feelings, capable of soling her for such discovery.Most early did shebour to prove the probability of error,ao clear the ohout involving the other. “This will not do,”said Elizabeth;“you never will be able to make both of them good for anything.Take your choice,but you must be satisfied with only ohere is but such a quantity of merit between them;just enough to make one good sort of man;and ofte it has been shifting about pretty muy part, I am ined to believe it all Mr.Darcy's;but you shall do as you choose.” It was some time, however, before a smile could be extorted from Jane. “I do not know when I have been more shocked,”said she.“Wickham so very bad! It is almost past belief.And poor Mr. Darcy!Dear Lizzy,only sider what he must have suffered.Such a disappoi! and with the knowledge of your ill opinion, too!and having to rte such a thing of his sister!It is really too distressing.I am sure you must feel it so.” “Oh! no, my regret andpassion are all done away by seeing you so full of both. I know you will do him such ample justice,that I am growing every moment more uned and indifferent.Your profusion makes me saving; and if youment over him much longer,my heart will be as light as a feather.” “Poor Wickham!there is su expression of goodness in his tenance!su openness aleness in his manner!” “There certainly was some great misma in the education of those two young men.One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.” “I hought Mr.Darcy so defit in the appearance of it as you used to do.” “A I meant to be umonly clever in taking so decided a dislike to him, without any reason. It is such a spur to one's genius, su opening for wit, to have a dislike of that kind. One may be tinually abusive without saying anything just;but one ot always beughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.” “Lizzy,when you first read that letter,I am sure you could not treat the matter as you do now.” “Indeed,I could not.I was ufortable enough,I was very ufortable,I may say unhappy.And with no oo speak to about what I felt,no Jaofort me and say that I had not been so very weak and vain and nonsensical as I knew I had!Oh! how I wanted you!” “How unfortuhat you should have used such very strong expressions in speaking of Wickham to Mr.Darcy,for now they do appear wholly undeserved.” “Certainly.But the misfortune of speaking with bitterness is a most natural sequence of the prejudices I had been encing. There is one point on which I want your advice.I want to be told whether I ought, ht not, to make our acquaintances in general uand Wickham's character.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第85章 Miss Be paused a little, and then replied,“Surely there be no asion for exposing him so dreadfully.What is your opinion?” “That it ought not to be attempted.Mr.Darcy has not authorised me to make hismunication publi the trary, every particr rtive to his sister was meant to be kept as much as possible to myself; and if I endeavour to undeceive people as to the rest of his duct, who will believe me?The general prejudice against Mr. Darcy is so violent, that it would be the death of half the good people ion to attempt to ce him in an amiable light.I am not equal to it.Wickham will soon be gone;and therefore it will not signify to anyone here what he really is. Some time he will be all found out, and then we mayugh at their stupidity in not knowing it before.At present I will say nothing about it.” “You are quite right.To have his errors made public might ruin him for ever. He is now, perhaps, sorry for what he has done, and anxious to re-establish a character.We must not make him desperate.” The tumult of Elizabeth's mind was ayed by this versation. She had got rid of two of the secrets which had weighed on her for a fht,and was certain of a willing listener in Jane, whenever she might wish to talk again of either. But there was still something lurking behind, of which prudence forbade the disclosure. She dared not rte the other half of Mr. Darcy's letter, nor exin to her sister how sincerely she had been valued by her friend.Here was knowledge in whio one could partake; and she was sensible that nothihan a perfederstandiween the parties could justify her in throwing off thisst encumbranystery.“And then,”said she,“if that very improbable event should ever take ce,I shall merely be able to tell what Bingley may tell in a much mreeable manner himself.The liberty ofmunication ot be miill it has lost all its value!” She was now, on beiled at home, at leisure to observe the real state of her sister's spirits.Jane was not happy.She still cherished a very tender affe for Bingley.Having never even fancied herself in love before, her regard had all the warmth of first attat, and, from her age and disposition, greater steadihan first attats often boast;and so fervently did she value his remembrand prefer him to every other man, that all her good sense,and all her attention to the feelings of her friends, were requisite to check the indulgence of threts which must have been injurious to her owh and their tranquillity. “Well,Lizzy,”said Mrs.Be one day,“what is your opinion now of this sad business of Jane's?For my part,I am determined o speak of it again to anybody.I told my sister Phillips so the other day. But I ot find out that Jane saw anything of him in London.Well,he is a very undeserving young man—and I do not suppose there's the least the world of her ever getting him now.There is no talk of hising to herfield again in the summer;and I have inquired of everybody,too,who is likely to know.” “I do not believe he will ever live at herfield any more.” “Oh well!it is just as he chooses.Nobody wants him toe. Though I shall always say he used my daughter extremely ill;and if I was her,I would not have put up with it.Well,myfort is, I am sure Jane will die of a broke;and then he will be sorry for what he has done.” But as Elizabeth could not receivefort from any such expectation,she made no answer. “Well, Lizzy,”tinued her mother,soon afterwards,“and so the Collinses live veryfortable, do they? Well,well,I only hope it willst.And what sort of table do they keep?Charlotte is an excellent manager,I dare say. If she is half as sharp as her mother,she is saving enough. There is nothiravagant in their housekeeping,I dare say.” “No,nothing at all.” “A great deal of good ma, depend upon it.Yes, yes.They will take care not to outrun their ie. They will never be distressed for money.Well, muay it do them!And so, I suppose, they often talk of having Longbourn when your father is dead.They look upon it as quite their own,I dare say,whehat happens.” “It was a subject which they could not mention before me.” “No; it would have been strange if they had; but I make no doubt they often talk of it between themselves.Well,if they be easy with ae that is notwfully their own,so much the better.I should be ashamed of having ohat was oailed on me.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第86章 The first week of their return was soon gohe sed began. It was thest of the regiment's stay ion,and all the youngdies in the neighbourhood were drooping apace.The deje was almost universal.The elder Miss Bes alone were still able to eat,drink,and sleep,and pursue the usual course of their employments.Very frequently were they reproached for this insensibility by Kitty and Lydia,whose own misery was extreme, and who could notprehend such hard-heartedness in any of the family. “Good Heaven!what is to be of us?What are we to do?”would they often exim iterness of woe.“How you be smiling so,Lizzy?” Their affeate mother shared all their grief;she remembered what she had herself endured on a simr asion, five-and-twenty years ago. “I am sure,”said she,“I cried for two days together when el Miller's regime away. I thought I should have broken my heart.” “I am sure I shall break mine,”said Lydia. “If one could but go thton!”observed Mrs. Be. “Oh,yes!—if one could but go thton!But papa is so disagreeable.” “A little sea-bathing would set me up forever.” “And my aunt Phillips is sure it would do me a great deal of good,”added Kitty. Such were the kind ofmentations resoundiually through Longbourn House. Elizabeth tried to be diverted by them;but all sense of pleasure was lost in shame.She felt ahe justir. Darcy's objes; and never had she been so much disposed to pardon his interferen the views of his friend. But the gloom of Lydia's prospect was shortly cleared away;for she received an invitation from Mrs. Forster, the wife of the el of the regiment, to ompahton. This invaluable friend was a very young woman, aely married.A resemn good humour and good spirits had rmended her and Lydia to each other,and out of their three months' acquaintahey had been intimate two. The rapture of Lydia on this asion, her adoration of Mrs. Forster, the delight of Mrs. Be, and the mortification of Kitty, are scarcely to be described.Wholly iive to her sister's feelings, Lydia flew about the house iless ecstasy, calling for everyone's grattions, andughing and talking with more violehan ever;whilst the luckless Kitty tinued in the parlour repi her fate in terms as unreasonable as her ent eevish. “I ot see why Mrs. Forster should not ask me as well as Lydia,”said she,“Though I am not her particr friend.I have just as much right to be asked as she has,and more too,for I am two years older.” In vain did Elizabeth attempt to make her reasonable,and Jao make her resigned.As for Elizabeth herself,this invitation was so far from exg ihe same feelings as in her mother and Lydia, that she sidered it as the death warrant of all possibility ofmon sense for thetter;aable as such a step must make her were it known,she could not help secretly advising her father not to let her go.She represeo him all the improprieties of Lydia's general behaviour,the little advantage she could derive from the friendship of such a woman as Mrs. Forster,and the probability of her bei more imprudent with such apanion at Brighton, where the temptations must be greater than at home.He heard her attentively,and then said: “Lydia will never be easy until she has exposed herself in some public ce or other,and we ever expect her to do it with so little expense or invenieo her family as uhe present circumstances.” “If you were aware,”said Elizabeth,“of the very great disadvao us all which must arise from the publiotice of Lydia's unguarded and imprudent manner—nay,which has already arisen from it,I am sure you would judge differently in the affair.” “Already ariseed Mr. Be.“What, has she frightened away some of your lovers? Poor little Lizzy! But do not be cast down. Such squeamish youths as ot bear to be ected with a little absurdity are not worth a regret.e, let me see the list of pitiful fellows who have bee aloof by Lydia's folly.” “Indeed you are mistaken. I have no sujuries to resent. It is not of particr, but of general evils, which I am nowining. Our importance, our respectability in the world must be affected by the wild vtility,the assurand disdain of all restraint which mark Lydia's character. Excuse me, for I must speak inly. If you, my dear father, will not take the trouble of cheg her exuberant spirits, and of teag her that her present pursuits are not to be the business of her life, she will soon be beyond the reae.Her character will be fixed,and she will,at sixteehe most determined flirt that ever made herself or her family ridiculous;a flirt,too,in the worst and mea degree of flirtation; without any attra beyond youth and a tolerable person; and, from the ignorand emptiness of her mind,wholly uo ward off any portion of that universal pt which her rage for admiration will excite. In this danger Kitty also isprehended. She will follow wherever Lydia leads.Vain,ignorant,idle,and absolutely untrolled!Oh!my dear father, you suppose it possible that they will not be sured and despised wherever they are known, and that their sisters will not be often involved in the disgrace?” Mr. Be saw that her whole heart was in the subject, and affeately taking her hand said in reply:笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第87章 “Do not make yourself uneasy,my love.Wherever you and Jane are known you must be respected and valued; and you will not appear to less advantage for having a couple of—or I may say, three—very silly sisters.We shall have no peace at Longbourn if Lydia does not go thto her go,then.el Forster is a sensible man,and will keep her out of any real mischief;and she is luckily too poor to be an object of prey to anybody.At Brighton she will be of less importance even as amon flirt than she has beehe officers will find womeer worth their notice. Let us hope, therefore, that her being there may teach her her own insignifice.At any rate, she ot grow many degrees worse,without authorising us to lock her up for the rest of her life.” With this answer Elizabeth was forced to be tent;but her own opinion tihe same,and she left him disappointed and sorry. It was not in her nature, however, to increase her vexations by dwelling on them. She was fident of having performed her duty,and to fret over unavoidable evils,ment them by ay,was no part of her disposition. Had Lydia and her mother known the substance of her fereh her father,their indignation would hardly have found expression in their united volubility.In Lydia's imagination, a visit thtonprised every possibility of earthly happiness. She saw, with the creative eye of fancy, the streets of that gay bathing-ce covered with officers. She saw herself the object of attention,to tens and to scores of them at present unknown.She saw all the glories of the camp—its tents stretched forth ieous uniformity of lines,crowded with the young and the gay,and dazzling with scarlet;and,toplete the view, she saw herself seated beh a tent, tenderly flirting with at least six officers at once. Had she known her sister sought to tear her from such prospects and such realities as these,what would have been her sensations?They could have been uood only by her mother, who might have felt nearly the same. Lydia's going thton was all that soled her for her mncholy vi of her husband's never intending to go there himself. But they were entirely ignorant of what had passed;and their raptures tinued, with little intermission, to the very day of Lydia's leaving home. Elizabeth was now to see Mr. Wickham for thest time. Having been frequently inpany with him since her return, agitation retty well over;the agitations of formal partiality entirely so.She had eve to dete the very gentleness which had first delighted her, an affectation and a sameo disgust and weary.In his present behaviour to herself,moreover, she had a fresh source of displeasure,for the ination he sooified of renewing those attentions which had marked the early part of their acquaintance could only serve,after what had since passed, to provoke her. She lost all for him in finding herself thus selected as the object of such idle and frivolous gantry;and while she steadily repressed it,could not but feel the reproof tained in his believing,that however long,and for whatever cause, his attentions had been withdrawn, her vanity would be gratified, and her preference secured at any time by their renewal.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第88章 On the veryst day of the regiment's remaining at Meryton, he dined,with other of the officers,at Longbourn;and so little was Elizabeth disposed to part from him in good humour,that on his making some inquiry as to the manner in which her time had passed at Hunsford,she mentioned el Fitzwilliam's and Mr. Darcy's having both spent three weeks at Rosings,and asked him, if he was acquainted with the former. He looked surprised,displeased,rmed;but with a moment's recolle and a returning smile,replied,that he had formerly seen him often;and,after that he was a very gentlemanlike man,asked her how she had liked him.Her ansarmly in his favour.With an air of indifference,he soon afterwards added: “How long did you say he was at Rosings?” “Nearly three weeks.” “And you saw him frequently?” “Yes,almost every day.” “His manners are very different from his cousin's.” “Yes, very different. But I think Mr. Darcy improves upon acquaintance.” “Indeed!”cried Mr.Wickham with a look which did not escape her.“And pray,may I ask?—”But cheg himself,he added,in a gayer tone,“Is it in address that he improves?Has he deigo add aught of civility to his ordinary style?—for I dare not hope,”he tinued in a lower and more serious tohat he is improved in essentials.” “Oh, no!”said Elizabeth.“In essentials, I believe, he is very much what he ever was.” While she spoke, Wickham looked as if scarcely knowing whether to rejoice over her words,or to distrust their meaning. There was a something in her tenance which made him listen with an apprehensive and anxious attention,while she added: “When I said that he improved on acquaintance,I did not mean that his mind or his manners were in a state of improvement, but that, from knowing him better, his disposition was better uood.” Wickham's rm noeared in a heightenedplexion and agitated look;for a few minutes he was silent,till,shaking off his embarrassmeurain,and said in the ge of ents: “You, who so well know my feeling towards Mr. Darcy, will readilyprehend how sincerely I must rejoice that he is wise enough to assume even the appearance of what is right.His pride, in that direay be of service, if not to himself, to many others,for it must only deter him from suisduct as I have suffered by.I only fear that the sort of cautiouso which you,I imagine,have been alluding,is merely adopted on his visits to his aunt, of whose good opinion and judgemeands mu awe.His fear of her has always operated,I know,when they were together;and a good deal is to be imputed to his wish of f the match with Miss de Bh,which I am certain he has very much at heart.” Elizabeth could not repress a smile at this, but she answered only by a slight ination of the head.She saw that he wao engage her on the old subject of his grievances,and she was in no humour to indulge him.The rest of the evening passed with the appearance, on his side, of usual cheerfulness, but with no further attempt to distinguish Elizabeth;and they parted atst with mutual civility,and possibly a mutual desire of never meeting again. When the party broke up, Lydia returned with Mrs. Forster to Meryton, from whehey were to set out early the m.The separatioween her and her family was rather noisy than pathetic.Kitty was the only one who shed tears;but she did weep from vexation and envy.Mrs.Be was diffuse in her good wishes for the felicity of her daughter,and impressive in her injuns that she should not miss the opportunity of enjoying herself as much as possible—advice which there was every reason to believe would be atteo; and in the morous happiness of Lydia herself in bidding farewell, the mentle adieus of her sisters were uttered without being heard.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第89章 Had Elizabeth's opinion been all drawn from her own family,she could not have formed a very pleasing picture of jugal felicity or domesticfort.Her father,captivated by youth ay, and that appearance of good humour which youth ay generally give,had married a woman whose weak uanding and illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put ao all real affe for her. Respect, esteem, and fidence had vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown. But Mr. Be was not of a disposition to seekfort for the disappoi which his own imprudence had brought on, in any of those pleasures which too often sole the unfortunate for their folly or their vice. He was fond of the try and of books; and from these tastes had arisen his principal enjoyments.To his wife he was very little otherwise ied, than as her ignorand folly had tributed to his amusement.This is not the sort of happiness which a man would in general wish to owe to his wife;but where other powers of eai are wanting, the true philosopher will derive be from such as are given. Elizabeth,however,had never been blind to the impropriety of her father's behaviour as a husband.She had always seen it with pain;but respeg his abilities,and grateful for his affeate treatment of herself, she endeavoured to et what she could not overlook, and to banish from her thoughts that tinual breach of jugal obligation and de which, in exposing his wife to the pt of her own children, was so highly reprehensible. But she had never felt sly as now the disadvantages which must attend the children of so unsuitable a marriage,nor ever been so fully aware of the evils arising from so ill-judged a dire of talents;talents,which,rightly used,might at least have preserved the respectability of his daughters,even if incapable the mind of his wife. When Elizabeth had rejoiced over Wickham's departure, she found little other cause for satisfa in the loss of the regiment.Their parties abroad were less varied than before,and at home she had a mother and sister whose stant repinings at the dullness of everything around them threw a real gloom over their domestic circle; and, though Kitty might in time regain her natural degree of sense, sihe disturbers of her brain were removed, her other sister, from whose dispositioer evil might be apprehended,was likely to be hardened in all her folly and assurance by a situation of such double danger as a watering-d a camp.Upon the whole,therefore,she found,what has been sometimes found before,that ao which she had been looking forward with impatient desire did not,in taking ce, bring all the satisfa she had promised herself.It was sequently necessary to name some other period for theme of actual felicity—to have some other point on which her wishes and hopes might be fixed, and by again enjoying the pleasure of anticipation, sole herself for the present, and prepare for another disappoi. Her tour to the Lakes was now the object of her happiest thoughts;it was her best stion for all the ufortable hours which the distentedness of her mother and Kitty made iable;and could she have included Jane in the scheme,every part of it would have been perfect. “But it is fortuhought she,“that I have something to wish for.Were the whole arraplete,my disappoi would be certain. But here, by carrying with me one ceaseless source ret in my sister's absence,I may reasonably hope to have all my expectations of pleasure realised.A scheme of which every part promises delight ever be sessful;and general disappoi is only warded off by the defence of some little peculiar vexation.” When Lydia went away she promised to write very often and very mio her mother and Kitty; but her letters were always long expected,and always very short.Those to her mother tained little else than that they were just returned from the library, where sud such officers had attehem, and where she had seen such beautiful ors as made her quite wild;that she had a new gown,or a new parasol,which she would have described more fully,but was obliged to leave off in a violent hurry,as Mrs.Forster called her,and they were going to the camp;and from her correspondeh her sister,there was still less to be learnt—for her letters to Kitty,though rather longer,were much too full of lines uhe words to be made public.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第90章 After the first fht or three weeks of her absence,health, good humour,and cheerfulness began to reappear at Longbourn. Everything wore a happier aspect.The families who had been in town for the winter came back again,and summer finery and summer es arose. Mrs. Be was restored to her usual querulous serenity;and,by the middle of Juty was so much recovered as to be able to enter Meryton without tears;a of such happy promise as to make Elizabeth hope that by the following Christmas she might be so tolerably reasonable as not to mention an officer above once a day,unless,by some cruel and malicious arra at the War Offiiment should be quartered ion. The time fixed for the beginning of their northern tour was now fast approag, and a fht only was wanting of it, when a letter arrived frardiner,which at once dyed itsme and curtailed its extent.Mr.Gardiner would be prevented by business from setting out till a fhtter in July,and must be in London again within a month,and as that left too short a period for them to go so far,and see so much as they had proposed,or at least to see it with the leisure andfort they had built on, they were obliged to give up the Lakes, and substitute a more tracted tour,and, to the present o go no farther northwards than Derbyshire.In that ty there was enough to be seen to upy the chief of their three weeks; and tardi had a peculiarly strong attra.The town where she had formerly passed some years of her life, and where they were now to spend a few days, robably as great an object of her curiosity as all the celebrated beauties of Matlock,Chatsworth,Dovedale,or the Peak. Elizabeth was excessively disappointed; she had set her heart on seeing the Lakes,and still thought there might have been time enough.But it was her busio be satisfied—aainly her temper to be happy;and all was sht again. With the mention of Derbyshire there were many ideas ected. It was impossible for her to see the word without thinking of Pemberley and its owner.“But surely,”said she,“I may enter his ty without impunity,and rob it of a few petrified spars without his perceiving me.” The period of expectation was now doubled. Four weeks were to pass away before her uncle and aunt's arrival. But they did pass away,and Mr.and Mrs.Gardiner,with their four children,did at length appear at Longbourn.The children, two girls of six a years old, and two younger boys, were to be left uhe particr care of their cousin Jane, who was the general favourite, and whose steady sense and sweetness of temper exactly adapted her for attending to them in every way—teag them,ying with them,and loving them. The Gardiners stayed only one night at Longbourn, a off the m with Elizabeth in pursuit of y and amusement. One enjoyment was certain—that of suitableness ofpanions; a suitableness whichprehended health and temper to bear inveniences—cheerfulo enhance every pleasure—and affe and intelligence, which might supply it among themselves if there were disappois abroad. It is not the object of this work to give a deion of Derbyshire, nor of any of the remarkable ces through which their route thithery;Oxford,Blenheim,Warwick,Kenilworth,Birmingham, etc. are suffitly known.A small part of Derbyshire is all the present .To the little town of Lambton, the se ardiner's former residence, and where she hadtely learned some acquaintaill remaihey bent their steps, after having seen all the principal wonders of the try; and within five miles of Lambton, Elizabeth found from her aunt that Pemberley was situated.It was not in their direct road,nor more than a mile or two out of it.In talking over their route the evening before,Mrs.Gardiner expressed an ination to see the ce again.Mr.Gardiner dered his willingness,and Elizabeth lied to for her approbation. “My love,should not you like to see a ce of which you have heard so much?”said her aunt;“a ce,too,with whiany of your acquaintances are ected.Wickham passed all his youth there,you know.” Elizabeth was distressed. She felt that she had no business at Pemberley,and was obliged to assume a disination for seeing it.She must own that she was tired of seeing great houses;after going over so many,she really had no pleasure in fine carpets or satin curtains. Mrs. Gardiner abused her stupidity.“If it were merely a fine house richly furnished,”said she,“I should not care about it myself; but the grounds are delightful.They have some of the fi woods in the try.” Elizabeth said no more—but her mind could not acquiesce. The possibility of meeting Mr. Darcy, while viewing the ce, instantly urred.It would be dreadful!She blushed at the very idea,and thought it would be better to speak openly to her aunt than to run such a risk. But against this there were objes;and she finally resolved that it could be thest resource,if her private inquiries to the absence of the family were unfavourably answered. ly,wheired at night,she asked the chambermaid whether Pemberley were not a very fine ce,what was the name of its proprietor,and,with no little rm,whether the family were down for the summer?A most wee ive followed thest question—and her rms now being removed, she was at leisure to feel a great deal of curiosity to see the house herself;and when the subject was revived the m,and she was again applied to, could readily answer, and with a proper air of indifferehat she had not really any dislike to the scheme. To Pemberley,therefore,they were to go.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第91章 Elizabeth,as they drove along,watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation;and when at length they turned in at the lodge,her spirits were in a high flutter. The park was veryrge,and tained great variety of ground. They e in one of its lowest points,and drove for some time through a beautiful wood stretg over a wide extent. Elizabeth's mind was too full for versation,but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view.They gradually asded for half-a-mile,and then found themselves at the top of a siderable eminence,where the wood ceased,and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley,into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was arge,handsome stone building,standing well on rising ground,and backed by a ridge of high woody hills;and in front,a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater,but without any artificial appearas banks were her formal nor falsely adorned.Elizabeth was delighted.She had never seen a ce for whiature had done more,or where natural beauty had been so little teracted by an awkward taste.They were all of them warm in their admiration;and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something! They desded the hill,crossed the bridge,and drove to the door;and,while examining the nearer aspect of the house,all her apprehension of meeting its owner returned.She dreaded lest the chambermaid had been mistaken.On applying to see the ce, they were admitted into the hall; and Elizabeth, as they waited for the housekeeper,had leisure to wo her being where she was. The housekeeper came; a respectable-looking elderly woman, much less fine,and more civil,than she had any notion of findihey followed her into the dining-parlour. It was arge, well proportioned room, handsomely fitted up. Elizabeth, after slightly surveying it,went to a window to enjoy its prospect.The hill, ed with wood, which they had desded, receiving increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. Every disposition of the ground was good;and she looked on the whole se, the river, the trees scattered on its banks and the winding of the valley,as far as she could trace it,with delight.As they passed into other rooms,these objects were taking different positions;but from every window there were beauties to be seen. The rooms were lofty and handsome,and their furniture suitable to the fortune of its proprietor;but Elizabeth saw,with admiration of his taste,that it was her gaudy nor uselessly fih less of splendour,and more real elegahan the furniture of Rosings. “And of this ce,”thought she,“I might have been mistress! With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own,ao them as visitors my uncle and aunt.But no,”—recolleg herself—“that could never be;my uncle and aunt would have been lost to me; I should not have been allowed to ihem.” This was a lucky recolle—it saved her from something very like regret. She loo inquire of the housekeeper whether her master was really absent, but had not the ce for it. At length however, the question was asked by her uncle; and she turned away with rm,while Mrs.Reynolds replied that he was,adding,“But we expect him to-morrow, with arge party of friends.”How rejoiced was Elizabeth that their own journey had not by any circumstance been dyed a day! Her aunt now called her to look at a picture.She approached and saw the likeness of Mr.Wickham,suspended,amongst several other miniatures, over the mantelpiece. Her aunt asked her, smilingly,how she liked it.The housekeeper came forward,and told them it icture of a youleman,the son of herte master's steward,who had been brought up by him at his own expense.“He is now goo the army,”she added;“but I am afraid he has turned out very wild.” Mrs.Gardiner looked at her h a smile,but Elizabeth could not return it. “And that,”said Mrs. Reynolds, pointing to another of the miniatures,“is my master—and very like him.It was drawn at the same time as the other—about eight years ago.” “I have heard much of your master's fine person,”said Mrs. Gardiner, looking at the picture;“it is a handsome face. But, Lizzy,you tell us whether it is like or not.” Mrs.Reynolds respect for Elizabeth seemed to increase on this intimation of her knowing her master. “Does that youngdy know Mr.Darcy?” Elizabeth coloured,and said:“A little.” “And do not you think him a very handsome gentleman,ma'am?” “Yes,very handsome.” “I am sure I know none so handsome;but in the gallery upstairs you will see a finerrger picture of him than this.This room was myte master's favourite room,and these miniatures are just as they used to be then.He was very fond of them.” This ouo Elizabeth for Mr.Wickham's being among them. Mrs. Reynolds then directed their attention to one of Miss Darcy,drawn when she was o years old. “And is Miss Darcy as handsome as her brother?”said Mrs. Gardiner. “Oh!yes—the handsomest youngdy that ever was seen;and so omplished!—She ys and sings all day long.In the room is a new instrument juste down for her—a present from my master;shees here to-morrow with him.” Mr. Gardiner, whose manners were very easy and pleasant, enced hermunicativeness by his questions and remarks;Mrs.Reynolds,either by pride or attat,had evidently great pleasure in talking of her master and his sister. “Is your master much at Pemberley in the course of the year?” “Not so much as I could wish,sir;but I dare say he may spend half his time here;and Miss Darcy is always down for the summer months.” “Except,”thought Elizabeth,“when she goes tate.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第92章 “If your master would marry,you might see more of him.” “Yes,sir;but I do not know when that will be.I do not know who is good enough for him.” Mr.and Mrs.Gardiner smiled.Elizabeth could not help saying,“It is very much to his credit,I am sure,that you should think so.” “I say no more tharuth, and everybody will say that knows him,”replied the other.Elizabeth thought this was going pretty far;and she listened with increasing astonishment as the housekeeper added,“I have never known a cross word from him in my life, and I have known him ever since he was four years old.” This raise,of all others most extraordinary,most opposite to her ideas.That he was not a good-tempered man had been her firmest opinion.Her kee attention was awakened;she loo hear more,and was grateful to her uncle for saying: “There are very few people of whom so much be said.You are lucky in having such a master.” “Yes,sir,I know I am.If I were to gh the world,I could not meet with a better. But I have always observed, that they whood-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.“ 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 i her on no other point. She rted 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 excessivemendation of her master,soon led again to the subject; and she dwelt with energy on his mas as they proceeded together up the great staircase. “He is the bestndlord,and the best master,”said she,“that ever lived; not like the wild young men nowadays, who think of nothing but themselves.There is not one of his tenants or servants but what will give him a good name. Some people call him proud;but I am sure I never saw anything of it.To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.” “In what an amiable light does this ce him!”thought Elizabeth. “This fine ount of him,”whispered her aunt as they walked,“is not quite sistent with his behaviour to our poor friend.” “Perhaps we might be deceived.” “That is not very likely;our authority was too good.” On reag the spacious lobby above they were shown into a very pretty sitting-roomtely fitted up with greater elegand lighthan the apartments below;and were informed that it was but just doo give pleasure to Miss Darcy,who had taken a liking to the room whenst at Pemberley. “He is certainly a good brother,”said Elizabeth,as she walked towards one of the windows. Mrs. Reynolds anticipated Miss Darcy's delight, when she should ehe room.“And this is always the way with him,”she added.“Whatever give his sister any pleasure is sure to be done in a moment.There is nothing he would not do for her.” The picture-gallery,and two or three of the principal bedrooms, were all that remaio be shown. In the former were many good paintings;but Elizabeth knew nothing of the art;and from such as had been already visible below,she had willingly turo look at some drawings of Miss Darcy's,in crayons,whose subjects were usually more iing,and also more intelligible. In the gallery there were many family portraits,but they could have little to fix the attention of a stranger.Elizabeth walked i of the only face whose features would be known to her.Atst it arrested her—and she beheld a striking resemo Mr. Darcy,with such a smile over the face as she remembered to have sometimes seen when he looked at her.She stood several minutes before the picture,in ear tion,auro it again before they quitted the gallery. Mrs. Reynolds informed them that it had been taken in his father's lifetime. There was certainly at this moment,in Elizabeth's mind,a mentle sensation towards the inal than she had ever felt at the height of their acquaintahemendatioowed on him by Mrs.Reynolds was of no trifling nature.raise is more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant?As a brother,andlord,a master,she sidered hoeople's happiness were in his guardianship!—how much of pleasure or pain was it in his power to bestow!—how much of good or evil must be done by him! Every idea that had been brought forward by the housekeeper was favourable to his character,and as she stood before the vas on which he was represented, and fixed his eyes upon herself, she thought of his regard with a deeper se of gratitude than it had ever raised before;she remembered its warmth, and softes impropriety of expression. When all of the house that en to general iion had beehey returned downstairs, and, taking leave of the housekeeper,were signed over to the gardener,who met them at the hall-door. As they walked across thewn towards the river, Elizabeth turned back to look again;her uncle and aunt stopped also,and while the former was jecturing as to the date of the building, the owner of it himself suddenly came forward from the road, which led behind it to the stables. They were withiy yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearahat it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met,and the cheeks of both were overspread with the deepest blush.He absolutely started,and for a moment seemed immovable from surprise;but shortly rec himself, advaowards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfectposure,at least of perfect civility.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第93章 She had instinctively turned away;but stopping on his approach, received hispliments with an embarrassment impossible to be ovee. Had his first appearance, or his resemo the picture they had just been examining, been insuffit to assure the other two that they now saw Mr.Darcy,the gardener's expression of surprise,on beholding his master,must immediately have told it.They stood a little aloof while he was talking to their niece,who,astonished and fused,scarcely dared lift her eyes to his face, and knew not what answer she returo his civil inquiries after her family.Amazed at the alteration of his manner siheyst parted,every sentehat he uttered was increasing her embarrassment;and every idea of the impropriety of her being found there recurring to her mind,the few minutes in which they tinued were some of the most ufortable in her life.Nor did he seem much more at ease;when he spoke, his ent had none of its usual sedateness;and he repeated his inquiries as to the time of her havi Longbourn,and of her staying in Derbyshire,so often,and in so hurried a way,as inly spoke the distra of his thoughts. At length every idea seemed to fail him; and, after standing a few moments without saying a word, he suddenly recollected himself,and took leave. The others then joined her, and expressed admiration of his figure;but Elizabeth heard not a word,and wholly engrossed by her own feelings,followed them in silence.She was overpowered by shame aion. Hering there was the most unfortuhe most ill-judged thing in the world!How stra must appear to him! In what a disgraceful light might it not strike so vain a man!It might seem as if she had purposely thrown herself in his way again! Oh! why did hee? Or, why did he thuse a day before he was expected?Had they been only ten minutes soohey should have been beyond the reach of his discrimination;for it was in that he was that moment arrived—that moment alighted from his horse or his carriage.She blushed again and agaihe perverseness of the meeting.And his behaviour, so strikingly altered—what could it mean?That he should eveo her was amazing!—but to speak with such civility,to inquire after her family!Never in her life had she seen his manners so little dignified,never had he spoken with such gentleness as on this ued meeting.What a trast did it offer to hisst address in Rosings Park,whe his letter into her hand! She knew not what to think,or how to ount for it. They had ered a beautiful walk by the side of the water, and every step was bringing forward a nobler fall of ground, or a finer reach of the woods to which they were approag;but it was some time before Elizabeth was sensible of any of it;and, though she answered meically to the repeated appeals of her uncle and aunt, and seemed to direct her eyes to such objects as they pointed out,she distinguished no part of the se.Her thoughts were all fixed on that one spot of Pemberley House, whichever it might be, where Mr. Darcy then was. She loo know what at the moment assing in his mind—in what manner he thought of her,and whether,in defiance of everything, she was still dear to him.Perhaps he had been civil only because he felt himself at ease;yet there had been that in his voice which was not like ease.Whether he had felt more of pain or of pleasure in seeing her,she could not tell,but he certainly had not seen her withposure. At length, however, the remarks of herpanions on her absenind aroused her, and she felt the y of appearing more like herself.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第94章 They ehe woods, and bidding adieu to the river for a while,asded some of the higher grounds;when,in spots where the opening of the trees gave the eye power to wander,were many charming views of the valley, the opposite hills, with the le of woods overspreading many,and asionally part of the stream.Mr.Gardiner expressed a wish of going round the whole park, but feared it might be beyond a walk.With a triumphant smile they were told that it was ten miles round. It settled the matter;and they pursued the ustomed circuit;which brought them again,after some time,in a dest among hanging woods, to the edge of the water, and one of its narrowest parts.They crossed it by a simple bridge,in character with the general air of the se;it ot less adorhan any they had yet visited;and the valley,here tracted into a glen,allowed room only for the stream, and a narrow walk amidst the rough coppice-wood which bordered it.Elizabeth loo explore its windings;but when they had crossed the bridge, and perceived their distance from the house,Mrs.Gardiner,who was not a great walker,could go no farther, and thought only of returning to the carriage as quickly as possible.Her niece was,therefore,obliged to submit, and they took their way towards the house on the opposite side of the river,in the dire;but their progress was slow, fardihough seldom able to indulge the taste, was very fond of fishing, and was so mugaged in watg the asional appearance of some trout ier, and talking to the man about them, that he advanced but little. Whilst wandering on in this slow mahey were again surprised,and Elizabeth's astonishment was quite equal to what it had been at first,by the sight of Mr.Darcy approag them,and at no great distahe walk here being here less sheltered than oher side,allowed them to see him before they met.Elizabeth,however astonished,was at least more prepared for an interview than before,and resolved to appear and to speak with ess,if he really inteo meet them.For a few moments,indeed,she felt that he would probably strike into some other path.The ideasted while a turning in the walk cealed him from their view;the turning past,he was immediately before them.With a nce, she saw that he had lost none of his ret civility;and,to imitate his politeness, she began, as they met, to admire the beauty of the ce;but she had not got beyond the words“delightful,”and“charming,”when some unlucky recolles obtruded,and she fahat praise of Pemberley from her might be mischievously strued.Her colour ged,and she said no more. Mrs.Gardiner was standing a little behind;and on her pausing, he asked her if she would do him the honour of introdug him to her friends.This was a stroke of civility for which she was quite unprepared; and she could hardly suppress a smile at his being now seeking the acquaintance of some of those very people against whom his pride had revolted in his offer to herself.“What will be his surprise,”thought she,“when he knows who they are? He takes them now for people of fashion.” The introdu,however,was immediately made;and as she heir rtionship to herself,she stole a sly look at him,to see how he bore it, and was not without the expectation of his decamping as fast as he could from such disgracefulpanions. That he was surprised by the e was evident;he sustai,however,with fortitude,and so far from going away,turned his back with them,aered into versation with Mr.Gardiner. Elizabeth could not but be pleased,could not but triumph.It was soling that he should know she had some rtions for whom there was o blush.She listened most atteo all that passed between them,and gloried in every expression,every sentence of her uncle,which marked his intelligence,his taste,or his good manners. The versation soon turned upon fishing;and she heard Mr.Darvite him,with the greatest civility,to fish there as often as he chose while he tinued in the neighbourhood, at the same time to supply him with fishing tackle,and pointing out those parts of the stream where there was usually most sport. Mrs.Gardiner,alking arm-in-arm with Elizabeth,gave her a look expressive of wonder. Elizabeth said nothing, but it gratified her exceedingly;thepliment must be all for herself. Her astonishment,however,was extreme,and tinually was she repeating,“Why is he so altered? From what it proceed? It ot be for me—it ot be for my sake that his manners are thus softened. My reproofs at Hunsford could not work such a ge as this.It is impossible that he should still love me.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第95章 After walking some time in this way， the twodies in front， the two gentlemen behind， on resuming their ces， after desding to the brink of the river for the better iion of some curious water-nt，there ced to be a little alteration. It inated in Mrs.Gardiner，who，fatigued by the exercise of the m， found Elizabeth's arm ie to her support， and sequently preferred her husband's. Mr. Darcy took her ce by her niece， and they walked on together.After a short silehedy first spoke. She wished him to know that she had been assured of his absence before she came to the ce， and ly began by ， that his arrival had been very ued—“for your housekeeper，”she added，“informed us that you would certainly not be here till to-morrow； and indeed， before we left Bakewell， we uood that you were not immediately expected in the try.”He aowledged the truth of it all， and said that business with his steward had asioned hising forward a few hours before the rest of the party with whom he had been travelling.“They will join me early to-morrow，”he tinued，“and among them are some who will im an acquaintah you—Mr.Bingley and his sisters.” Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts were instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley's name had bee mentioned between them；and，if she might judge by hisplexion，his mind was not very differently engaged. “There is also oher person in the party，”he tinued after a pause，“who more particrly wishes to be known to you.Will you allow me，or do I ask too much，to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton？” The surprise of su application was great indeed； it was too great for her to know in what manner she eded to it.She immediately felt that whatever desire Miss Darcy might have of being acquainted with her must be the work of her brother，and， without looking farther， it was satisfactory； it was gratifying to know that his rese had not made him think really ill of her. They now walked on in silence，each of them deep in thought. Elizabeth was notfortable；that was impossible；but she was ttered and pleased. His wish of introdug his sister to her liment of the highest kind.They soon outstripped the others， and when they had reached the carriage， Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were half a quarter of a mile behind. He then asked her to walk into the house—but she dered herself not tired，and they stood together on thewn.At such a time much might have been said，and silence was very awkward. She wao talk，but there seemed to be an embargo on every subject.Atst she recollected that she had been travelling，and they talked of Matlod Dovedale with great persevera time and her aunt moved slowly—and her patiend her ideas were nearly worn our before the tête-à-tête was over. On Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner'sing up they were all pressed to go into the house and take some refreshment； but this was deed， and they parted on each side with utmost politeness. Mr.Darcy hahedies into the carriage；and when it drove off，Elizabeth saw him walking slowly towards the house. The observations of her uncle and aunt now began；and each of them pronounced him to be infinitely superior to anything they had expected. “He is perfectly well behaved，polite，and unassuming，”said her uncle. “There is something a little stately in him，to be sure，”replied her aunt，“but it is fio his air，and is not unbing.I ow say with the housekeeper，that though some people may call him proud，I have seen nothing of it.” “I was never more surprised than by his behaviour to us.It was more than civil；it was really attentive；and there was no y for such attention. His acquaintah Elizabeth was very trifling.” “To be sure， Lizzy，”said her aunt，“he is not so handsome as Wickham；or，rather，he has not Wickham's tenance，for his features are perfectly good.But how came you to tell us that he was so disagreeable？” Elizabeth excused herself as well as she could；said that she had liked him better when they met ihan before，and that she had never seen him so pleasant as this m. “But perhaps he may be a little whimsical in his civilities，”replied her uncle.“Yreat men often are；and therefore I shall not take him at his word about fishing， as he might ge his mind another day，and warn me off his grounds.” Elizabeth felt that they had entirely mistaken his character，but said nothing. “From what we have seen of him，”tinued Mrs. Gardiner，“I really should not have thought that he could have behaved in so cruel a way by anybody as he has done by poor Wickham.He has not an ill-natured look.On the trary，there is something pleasing about his mouth when he speaks.And there is something of dignity in his tehat would not give one an unfavourable idea of his heart. But， to be sure， the gooddy who showed us his house did give him a most ming character！ I could hardly helpughing aloud sometimes.But he is a liberal master，I suppose，and that in the eye of a servantprehends every virtue.” Elizabeth here felt herself called on to say something in vindication of his behaviour to Wickham； and therefave them to uand，in as guarded a manner as she could，that by what she had heard from his rtions i，his as were capable of a very different stru； and that his character was by no means so faulty，nor Wickham's so amiable，as they had been sidered ifordshire. In firmation of this， she rted the particrs of all the peiary transas in which they had been ected，without actually naming her authority， but stating it to be such as might be relied on. Mrs.Gardiner was surprised and ed；but as they were noroag the se of her former pleasures， every idea gave way to the charm of recolle； and she was too mugaged in pointing out to her husband all the iing spots in its environs to think of anything else.Fatigued as she had been by the m's walk they had no sooner diha off again i of her former acquaintand the evening ent iisfas of a intercourse renewed after many years' distinuance. The urrences of the day were too full of io leave Elizabeth much attention for any of these new friends； and she could do nothing but think， and think with wonder， of Mr. Darcy's civility，and，above all，of his wishio be acquainted with his sister.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第96章 Elizabeth had settled it that Mr.Darcy would bring his sister to visit her the very day after her reag Pemberley; and was sequently resolved not to be out of sight of the inn the whole of that m. But her clusion was false; for on the very m after their own arrival at Lambton, these visitors came.They had been walking about the ce with some of their new friends, and were just returning to the inn to dress themselves for dining with the same family,when the sound of a carriage drew them to a window, and they saw a gentleman and ady in a curricle driving up the street.Elizabeth immediately reizing the livery, guessed what it meant, and imparted no small degree of her surprise to her rtions by acquainting them with the honour which she expected. Her uncle and aunt were all amazement; and the embarrassment of her manner as she spoke, joio the circumstaself, and many of the circumstances of the preg day,opeo them a new idea on the business.Nothing had ever suggested it before, but they now felt that there was no other way of ounting for such attentions from such a quarter than by supposing a partiality for their niece.While these newly-born notions were passing in their heads, the perturbation of Elizabeth's feelings was at every moment increasing. She was quite amazed at her own diposure;but amongst other causes of disquiet,she dreaded lest the partiality of the brother should have said too mu her favour;and,more thanmonly anxious to please,she naturally suspected that every power of pleasing would fail her. She retreated from the window,fearful of being seen;and as she walked up and down the room,endeav topose herself, saw such looks of inquiring surprise in her uncle and aunt as made everything worse. Miss Dard her brother appeared, and this formidable introdu took ce.With astonishment did Elizabeth see that her new acquaintance was at least as much embarrassed as herself. Since her being at Lambton, she had heard that Miss Darcy was exceedingly proud; but the observation of a very few minutes vinced her that she was only exceedingly shy. She found it difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyble. Miss Darcy was tall,and er scale than Elizabeth;and, though little more than sixteen,her figure was formed,and her appearananly and graceful. She was less handsome than her brother; but there was sense and good humour in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming ale.Elizabeth, who had expected to find in her as acute and unembarrassed an observer as ever Mr. Darcy had been, was much relieved by dising such different feelings. They had not been long together before Mr.Darcy told her that Bingley was alsoing to wait on her;and she had barely time to express her satisfa,and prepare for such a visitor,when Bingley's quick step was heard oairs,and in a momeered the room.All Elizabeth's anger against him had been long done away;but had she still felt any,it could hardly have stood its ground against the ued cordiality with which he expressed himself on seeing her again. He inquired in a friendly, though general way,after her family,and looked and spoke with the same good-humoured ease that he had ever done. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner he was scarcely a less iing persohan to herself.They had long wished to see him.The whole party before them,indeed,excited a lively attention.The suspis which had just arisen of Mr. Dard their niece directed their observation towards each with an earhough guarded inquiry;and they soon drew from those inquiries the full vi that one of them at least knew what it was to love.Of thedy's sensations they remained a little in doubt;but that the gentleman was overflowing with admiration was evident enough. Elizabeth, on her side, had much to do.She wao ascertain the feelings of each of her visitors; she waopose her own,and to make herself agreeable to all;and ier object, where she feared most to fail, she was most sure of sess,for those to whom she endeavoured to give pleasure were prepossessed in her favour. Bingley was ready,Giana was eager, and Darcy determio be pleased. In seeing Bingley,her thoughts naturally flew to her sister;and, oh!how ardently did she long to know whether any of his were directed in a like manner. Sometimes she could fancy that he talked less than on former asions,and once or twice pleased herself with the notion that, as he looked at her, he was trying to trace a resem,though this might be imaginary,she could not be deceived as to his behaviour to Miss Darcy,who had bee up as a rival to Jane. No look appeared oher side that spoke particr regard. Nothing urred betweehat could justify the hopes of his sister. On this point she was soon satisfied; and two or three little circumstances urred ere they parted,whi her anxious interpretatioed a recolle of Ja untinctured by tenderness,and a wish of saying more that might lead to the mention of her,had he dared. He observed to her,at a moment whehers were talking together,and in a tone which had something of real regret,that it“was a very long time since he had had the pleasure of seeing her;”and,before she could reply,he added,“It is above eight months. We have not met sihe 26th of November,when we were all dang together at herfield.” Elizabeth leased to find his memory so exact; aerwards took asion to ask her,when unatteo by any of the rest,whether all her sisters were at Longbourn.There was not mu the question,nor in the preg remark;but there was a look and a manner which gave them meaning.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第97章 It was not often that she could turn her eyes on Mr. Darcy himself; but, whenever she did catch a glimpse, she saw an expression of generalisance, and in all that he said she heard a so far removed from hauteur or disdain of hispanions,as vinced her that the improvement of manners which she had yesterday witnessed however temporary its existence might prove, had at least outlived one day.When she saw him thus seeking the acquaintand c the good opinion of people with whom any intercourse a few months ago would have been a disgrace—when she saw him thus civil, not only to herself, but to the very rtions whom he had openly disdained, and recollected theirst lively se in Hunsford Parsohe differehe ge was so great, and struck so forcibly on her mind, that she could hardly restrain her astonishment from being visible. Never, even in thepany of his dear friends at herfield, or his digions at Rosings,had she seen him so desirous to please,so free from self-sequence or unbending reserve,as now,when no importance could result from the sess of his endeavours,and whehe acquaintance of those to whom his attentions were addressed would draw down the ridicule and sure of thedies both of herfield and Rosings. Their visitors stayed with them above half-an-hour;and when they arose to depart,Mr.Darcy called on his sister to join him in expressing their wish of seeing Mr.and Mrs.Gardiner,and Miss Be,to di Pemberley,before they left the try.Miss Darcy, though with a diffidence which marked her little in the habit of giving invitations,readily obeyed.Mrs.Gardiner looked at her niece,desirous of knowing how she,whom the invitation most ed,felt disposed as to its epta Elizabeth had turned away her head.Presuming however,that this studied avoidance spoke rather a momentary embarrassment than any dislike of the proposal,and seeing in her husband,who was fond of society,a perfect willio ept it,she veo engage for her attendand the day after the was fixed on. Bingley expressed great pleasure in the certainty of seeing Elizabeth again,having still a great deal to say to her,and many inquiries to make after all their Hertfordshire friends.Elizabeth, struing all this into a wish of hearing her speak of her sister, leased,and on this ount,as well as some others,found herself,when their visitors left them,capable of sidering thest half-hour with some satisfa,though while it assing, the enjoyment of it had been little. Eager to be alone, and fearful of inquiries or hints from her uncle and aunt,she stayed with them only long enough to hear their favourable opinion of Bingley,and then hurried away to dress. But she had no reason to fear Mr.and Mrs.Gardiner's curiosity;it was not their wish to force hermunication.It was evident that she was much better acquainted with Mr.Darcy than they had before any idea of;it was evident that he was very mu love with her.They saw much to i,but nothing to justify inquiry.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第98章 Of Mr. Darcy it was now a matter of ao think well;and, as far as their acquaintance reached, there was no fault to find. They could not be untouched by his politeness; and had they drawn his character from their own feelings and his servant's report,without any refereo any other ount,the circle ifordshire to which he was known would not have reized it for Mr.Darcy.There was now an i,however, in believing the housekeeper;and they soon became sensible that the authority of a servant who had known him since he was four years old, and whose own manners indicated respectability, was not to be hastily rejected.her had anything urred ielligence of their Lambton friends that could materially lessen its weight.They had nothing to use him of but pride; pride he probably had,and if not,it would certainly be imputed by the inhabitants of a small market-towhe family did not visit. It was aowledged,however,that he was a liberal man,and did much good among the poor. With respect to Wickham, the travellers soon found that he was not held there in much estimation;for though the chief of his s with the son of his patron were imperfectly uood, it was yet a well-known fact that,on his quitting Derbyshire,he had left mas behind him, which Mr. Darcy afterwards discharged. As for Elizabeth,her thoughts were at Pemberley this evening more tha;and the evening,though as it passed it seemed long,was not long enough to determine her feelings towards one in that mansion;and shey awake two whole hours endeav to make them out. She certainly did not hate him. No; hatred had vanished long ago,and she had almost as long been ashamed of ever feeling a dislike against him, that could be so called. The respect created by the vi of his valuable qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for some time ceased to be repugnant to her feeling; and it was now heightened into somewhat of a friendlier nature, by the testimony so highly in his favour, and bringing forward his disposition in so amiable a light, which yesterday had produced. But above all, above resped esteem, there was a motive within her of goodwill which could not be overlooked. It was gratitude; gratitude, not merely for having once loved her, but for loviill well enough to ive all the petnd acrimony of her manner iing him, and all the unjust usations ompanying her reje.He who,she had been persuaded,would avoid her as his greatest enemy,seemed,on this idental meeting,most eager to preserve the acquaintance, and without any indelicate disy ard,or any peculiarity of manner,where their two selves only were ed, was solig the good opinion of her friends,a on making her known to his sister.Such a ge in a man of so much pride exg not only astonishment but gratitude—for to love,ardent love,it must be attributed;and as such its impression on her was of a sort to be enced,as by no means unpleasing,though it could not be exactly defined.She respected,she esteemed,she was grateful to him,she felt a real i in his welfare;and she only wao know how far she wished that welfare to depend upon herself,and how far it would be for the happiness of both that she should employ the power, which her fancy told her she still possessed,ing ohe renewal of his addresses. It had beeled in the eveniween the aunt and the hat such a striking civility as Miss Darcy's ining to them on the very day of her arrival at Pemberley, for she had reached it only to ate breakfast,ought to be imitated,though it could not be equalled,by some exertion of politeness on their side;and,sequently,that it would be highly expedient to wait o Pemberley the following m.They were,therefore, to go.Elizabeth leased;though when she asked herself the reason,she had very little to say in reply. Mr.Gardiner left them soon after breakfast.The fishing scheme had been rehe day before, and a positive e made of his meeting some of the gentlemen at Pemberley before noon.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第99章 vinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley's dislike of her had inated in jealousy,she could not help feeling how unwee her appeara Pemberley must be to her,and was curious to know with how much civility on thatdy's side the acquaintance would now be renewed. On reag the house,they were shown through the hall into the saloon, whose northern aspect re delightful for summer. Its windows opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house,and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediatewn.In this house they were received by Miss Darcy,who was sitting there with Mrs.Hurst and Miss Bingley,and thedy with whom she lived in London. Giana's reception of them was very civil, but attended with all the embarrassment which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her being proud and reserved.Mrs.Gardiner and her niece,however, did her justid pitied her. By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bihey were noticed only by a curtsey; and, on their beied, a pause, awkward as such pauses must always be,seeded for a few moments.It was first broken by Mrs.Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-looking woman, whose endeavour to introdue kind of discourse proved her to be more truly well-bred thaher of the others;aween her and Mrs.Gardiner,with asional help from Elizabeth,the versation was carried on.Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for ce enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence when there was least danger of its being heard. Elizabeth soon saw that she was herself closely watched by Miss Bingley,and that she could not speak a word,especially to Miss Darcy,without callitention.This observation would not have prevented her fr to talk to thetter,had they not beeed at an inve distance; but she was not sorry to be spared the y of saying much. Her own thoughts were employing her. She expected every moment that some of the gentlemen would ehe room.She wished,she feared that the master of the house might be amongst them; and whether she wished or feared it most,she could scarcely determier sitting in this manner a quarter of an hour without hearing Miss Bingley's voice,Elizabeth was roused by receiving from her a cold inquiry after the health of her family. She answered with equal indifferend brevity,and the others said no more. The variation which their visit afforded roduced by the entrance of servants with eat, cake, and a variety of all the fi fruits in season;but this did not take ce till after many a signifit look and smile from Mrs.Ano Miss Darcy had been given,to remind her of her post.There was now employment for the whole party—for though they could not all talk,they could all eat;and the beautiful pyramids of grapes, arines,and peaches soon collected them round the table. While thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of deg whether she most feared or wished for the appearanr.Darcy,by the feelings which prevailed on his entering the room; and then, though but a moment before she had believed her wishes to predominate,she began tret that he came. He had been some time with Mr. Gardiner, who, with two or three entlemen from the house, was engaged by the river, and had left him only on learning that thedies of the family intended a visit to Giana that m. No sooner did he appear than Elizabeth wisely resolved to be perfectly easy and unembarrassed; a resolution the more necessary to be made, but perhaps not the more easily kept, because she saw that the suspis of the whole party were awakened against them,and that there was scarcely an eye which did not watch his behaviour when he first came into the room.In no tenance was attentive curiosity sly marked as in Miss Bingley's, in spite of the smiles which overspread her face whenever she spoke to one of its objects; for jealousy had not yet made her desperate, atentions to Mr. Darcy were by no means over.Miss Dar her brother's entraed herself much more to talk,and Elizabeth saw that he was anxious for his sister and herself to get acquainted,and forwarded as much as possible, every attempt at versation oher side. Miss Bingley saw all this likewise;and,in the imprudence of aook the first opportunity of saying,with sneering civility: “Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the—shire Militia removed from Meryton?They must be a great loss to your family.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第100章 In Darcy's presence she dared not mention Wickham's Elizabeth instantlyprehehat he permost ihoughts;and the various recolles ected with him gave her a moment's distress; but exerting herself vigorously to repel the ill-natured attack,she presently answered the question in a tolerably detached tone.While she spoke, an involuntary nce showed her Darcy, with a heightenedplexion, early looking at her,and his sister ovee with fusion, and uo lift up her eyes.Had Miss Bingley known ain she was then giving her beloved friend, she undoubtedly would have refrained from the hint; but she had merely inteo dipose Elizabeth by bringing forward the idea of a man to whom she believed her partial, to make her betray a sensibility which might injure her in Darcy's opinion, and, perhaps, to remind thetter of all the follies and absurdities by whie part of her family were ected with that corps.Not a syble had ever reached her of Miss Darcy's meditated elopement.To no creature had it been revealed,where secrecy ossible,except to Elizabeth; and from all Bingley's es her brother articrly anxious to ceal it,from the very wish which Elizabeth had long ago attributed to him, of their bing hereafter her own. He had certainly formed such a n, and without meaning that it should effect his endeavour to separate him from Miss Be,it is probable that it might add something to his lively for the welfare of his friend. Elizabeth's collected behaviour, however, soon quieted his emotion;and as Miss Bingley,vexed and disappointed,dared not approaearer to Wickham,Giana also recovered in time, though not enough to be able to speak any more. Her brother, whose eye she feared to meet,scarcely recollected her i in the affair,and the very circumstance which had been desigo turn his thoughts from Elizabeth seemed to have fixed them on her more and more cheerfully. Their visit did not tinue long after the question and answer above mentioned; and while Mr. Darcy was attending them to their carriage Miss Bingley was venting her feelings in criticisms on Elizabeth's person,behaviour,and dress.But Giana would not join her.Her brother's rmendation was enough to ensure her favour; his judgement could not err, and he had spoken in such terms of Elizabeth as to leave Giana without the power of findiherwise than lovely and amiable.When Darcy returo the saloon,Miss Bingley could not help repeating to him some part of what she had been saying to his sister. “How very ill Miss Eliza Be looks this m,Mr.Darcy,”she cried;“I never in my life saw anyone so much altered as she is sihe winter.She is grown so brown and coarse!Louisa and I were agreeing that we should not have known her again.” However little Mr. Darcy might have liked su address, he tented himself with coolly replying that he perceived no other alteration than her being rather tanned, no miraculous sequence of travelling in the summer. “For my own part,”she rejoined,“I must fess that I never could see ay in her.Her face is too thin;herplexion has no brilliand her features are not at all handsome.Her nose wants character—there is nothing marked in its lines.Her teeth are tolerable, but not out of themon way; and as for her eyes,which have sometimes been called so fine,I could never see anythiraordinary ihey have a sharp,shrewish look,which I do not like at all;and in her air altogether,there is a self-sufficy without fashion,which is intolerable.” Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Elizabeth, this was not the best method of rmending herself; but angry people are not always wise;and in seeing him atst look somewhattled,she had all the sess she expected.He was resolutely silent,however,and,from a determination of making him speak,she tinued: “I remember, when we first knew her ifordshire, how amazed we all were to find that she uted beauty;and I particrly recollect your saying one night,after they had been dining at herfield,'she a beauty!—I should as soon call her mother a wit.'But afterwards she seemed to improve on you,and I believe you thought her rather pretty at oime.” “Yes,”replied Darcy,who could tain himself no longer,“but that was only when I first saw her, for it is many months since I have sidered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.” He the away, and Miss Bingley was left to all the satisfa of having forced him to say what gave no one any pain but herself. Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth talked of all that had urred during their visit,as they returned,except what had particrly ied them both.The look and behaviour of everybody they had seen were discussed, except of the person who had mostly eheir attentioalked of his sister, his friends, his house, his fruit—of everything but himself; yet Elizabeth was longing to know what Mrs. Gardihought of him, and Mrs. Gardiner would have been highly gratified by her niece's beginning the subject.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第101章 Elizabeth had been a good deal disappointed in not finding a letter from Jane on their first arrival at Lambton; and this disappoi had been renewed on each of the ms that had now beehere;but ohird her repining was over, and her sister justified, by the receipt of two letters from her at once, on one of which was marked that it had been missent elsewhere.Elizabeth was not surprised at it,as Jane had written the dire remarkably ill. They had just been preparing to walk as the letters came in;and her uncle and aunt, leavio enjoy them in quiet, set off by themselves.The one missent must first be atteo;it had been written five days ago.The beginning tained an ount of all their little parties and es,with suews as the try afforded; but thetter half, which was dated a dayter,and written in evident agitation,gave more important intellige was to this effect: “Since writing the above,dearest Lizzy,something has urred of a most ued and serious nature; but I am afraid you—be assured that we are all well.What I have to say rtes to poor Lydia.An express came at twelvest night, just as we were all goo bed,from el Forster,to inform us that she was gone off to Sd with one of his officers;to owruth, with Wickham! Imagine our surprise.To Kitty, however,it does not seem so wholly ued.I am very,very sorry. So imprudent a mat both sides! But I am willing to hope the best, and that his character has been misuood. Thoughtless and indiscreet I easily believe him,but this step (a us rejoice over it)marks nothing bad at heart.His choice is disied at least, for he must know my father give her nothing.Our poor mother is sadly grieved.My father bears it better.How thankful am I that we never let them know what has been said against him;we must et it ourselves.They were off Saturday night about twelve,as is jectured,but were not missed till yesterday m at eight.The express was sent off directly. My dear Lizzy, they must have passed within ten miles of us. el Forster gives us reason to expect him here soon. Lydia left a few lines for his wife,inf her of their iion. I must clude,for I ot be long from my poor mother.I am afraid you will not be able to make it out,but I hardly know what I have written.” Without allowing herself time for sideration, and scarcely knowing what she felt,Elizabeth on finishing this letter instantly seized the other,and opening it with the utmost impatience,read as follows:it had been written a dayter than the clusion of the first.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第102章 “By this time,my dearest sister,you have received my hurried letter; I wish this may be more intelligible, but though not fined for time,my head is so bewildered that I ot answer for being coherent. Dearest Lizzy, I hardly know what I would write, but I have bad news for you, and it ot be dyed. Imprudent as the marriage between Mr. Wickham and our poor Lydia would be, we are now anxious to be assured it has taken ce, for there is but too much reason to fear they are not goo Sd. el Forster came yesterday, havi Brighton the day before, not many hours after the express. Though Lydia's short letter to Mrs.F.gave them to uand that they were going to Gretna Green, something was dropped by Denny expressing his belief that W. never inteo go there, or to marry Lydia at all, which was repeated to el F.,who,instantly taking the rm,set off from B.intending to trace their route. He did trace them easily to pham, but no further;for oering that ce,they removed into a haey coad dismissed the chaise that brought them from Epsom. All that is known after this is, that they were seen to tihe London road.I know not what to think.After making every possible inquiry on that side London, el F. came on into Hertfordshire,anxiously renewing them at all the turnpikes,and at the inns in Ba and Hatfield,but without any sess—no such people had beeo pass through.With the ki he came on to Longbourn,and broke his apprehensions to us in a manner most creditable to his heart. I am sincerely grieved for him and Mrs. F., but no one throw any me on them. Our distress, my dear Lizzy, is very great. My father and mother believe the worst, but I ot think so ill of him. Many circumstances might make it more eligible for them to be married privately in town than to pursue their first n;and even if he could form such a design against a young woman of Lydia's es,which is not likely, I suppose her so lost to everything?Impossible!I grieve to find,however,that el F. is not disposed to depend upon their marriage; he shook his head when I expressed my hopes,and said he feared W.was not a man to be trusted.My poor mother is really ill,and keeps her room. Could she exert herself, it would be better; but this is not to be expected.And as to my father,I never in my life saw him so affected.Poor Kitty has anger for having cealed their attat; but as it was a matter of fidence, one ot wonder.I am truly d,dearest Lizzy,that you have been spared something of these distressing ses;but now,as the first shock is over, shall I own that I long for your return? I am not so selfish,however,as to press for it,if inve.Adieu!I take up my pen again to do what I have just told you I would not;but circumstances are such that I ot help early begging you all toe here as soon as possible.I know my dear uncle and aunt so well,that I am not afraid of requesting it,though I have still something more to ask of the former.My father is going to London with el Forster instantly, to try to discover her.What he means to do, I am sure I know not; but his excessive distress will not allow him to pursue any measure in the best and safest way,and el Forster is obliged to be at Brighton again to-morrow evening. In su exigence, my uncle's advid assistance would be everything in the world;he will immediatelyprehend what I must feel,and I rely upon his goodness.” “Oh! where, where is my uncle?”cried Elizabeth,darting from her seat as she fihe letter,in eagero follow him,without losing a moment of the time so precious; but as she reached the door it ened by a servant, and Mr. Darcy appeared.Her pale fad impetuous manner made him start,and before he could recover himself to speak, she, in whose mind every idea was superseded by Lydia's situation, hastily eximed,“I beg your pardon,but I must leave you.I must find Mr.Gardihis moment, on busihat ot be dyed;I have not an instant to lose.” “Good God! what is the matter?”cried he, with more feeling than politehen recolleg himself,“I will not detain you a minute; but let me, or let the servant go after Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.You are not well enough;you ot go yourself.” Elizabeth hesitated, but her krembled under her and she felt how little would be gained by her attempting to pursue them. Calling back the servant, therefore, shemissioned him, though in so breathless a as made her almost unintelligible,to fetch his master and mistress home instantly. On his quitting the room she sat down, uo support herself, and looking so miserably ill, that it was impossible for Darcy to leave her, or to refrain from saying, in a tone of gentleness andmiseratio me call your maid.Is there nothing you could take to give you present relief?A ss of wine;shall I get you one?You are very ill.” “No,I thank you,”she replied,endeav to recover herself.“There is nothing the matter with me.I am quite well;I am only distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from Longbourn.” She burst into tears as she alluded to it,and for a few minutes could not speak another word. Darcy, iched suspense, could only say something indistinctly of his ,and observe her inpassionate sile length she spoke again.“I have just had a letter from Jane, with such dreadful news. It ot be cealed from anyone. My younger sister has left all her friends—has eloped;has thrown herself into the power of—of Mr. Wickham.They are gone off together frhton.You know him too well to doubt the rest.She has no money,no es, nothing that tempt him to—she is lost for ever.” Darcy was fixed in astonishment.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第103章 “When I sider,”she added in a yet mitated voice,“that I might have preve!I,who knew what he was.Had I but exined some part of it only—some part of what I learnt,to my own family!Had his character been known,this could not have happened.But it is all—all toote now.” “I am grieved indeed,”cried Darcy;“grieved—shocked.But is it certain—absolutely certain?” “Oh, yes!They left Brighton together on Sunday night, araced almost to London,but not beyond;they are certainly not goo Sd.” “And what has been done,what has been attempted,to recover her?” “My father has goo London,and Jane has written to beg my uncle's immediate assistand we shall be off,I hope,in half-an-hour.But nothing be done—I know very well that nothing be done.How is such a man to be worked on?How are they even to be discovered?I have not the smallest hope.It is every way horrible!” Darcy shook his head in silent acquiesce. “When my eyes were opeo his real character—Oh!had I known what I ought,what I dared to do!But I knew not—I was afraid of doing too much.Wretched,wretched mistake!” Darcy made no answer.He seemed scarcely to hear her,and was walking up and down the room in ear meditation,his brow tracted,his air gloomy.Elizabeth soon observed,and instantly uood it.Her power was sinking;everything must sink under such a proof of family weakness,su assurance of the deepest disgrace.She could her wonder nor n,but the belief of his self-quest brought nothing story to her bosom, afforded no palliation of her distress. It was, on the trary, exactly calcted to make her uand her own wishes; and never had she so holy felt that she could have loved him,as now,when all love must be vain. But self, though it would intrude, could not engross her. Lydia—the humiliation,the misery she was bringing on them all, soon swallowed up every private care;and c her face with her handkerchief,Elizabeth was soon lost to everything else;and, after a pause of several minutes,was only recalled to a sense of her situation by the voice of herpanion,who,in a manner which, though it spokepassion,spoke likewise restraint,said, “I am afraid you have been long desiring my absenor have I anything to plead in excuse of my stay,but real,though unavailing .Would to Heaven that anything could be either said or done on my part that might offer stion to such distress! But I will not torment you with vain wishes, which may seem purposely to ask for your thanks.This unfortunate affair will, I fear, prevent my sister's having the pleasure of seeing you at Pemberley to-day.” “Oh,yes.Be so kind as to apologise for us to Miss Darcy.Say that urgent business calls us home immediately. ceal the unhappy truth as long as it is possible,I know it ot be long.” He readily assured her of his secrecy;again expressed his sorrow for her distress, wished it a happier clusion than there resent reason to hope, and leaving hispliments for her rtions,with only one serious,parting look,went away. As he quitted the room,Elizabeth felt how improbable it was that they should ever see each ain on such terms of cordiality as had marked their several meetings in Derbyshire;and as she threw a retrospective nce over the whole of their acquaintance, so full of tradis and varieties, sighed at the perverseness of those feelings which would noromoted its tinuand would formerly have rejoiced in its termination.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第104章 If gratitude aeem are good foundations of affe, Elizabeth's ge of se will be her improbable nor faulty. But if otherwise—if regard springing from such sources is unreasonable or unnatural,inparison of what is so often described as arising on a first interview with its objed even before two words have been exged, nothing be said in her defence, except that she had given somewhat of a trial to thetter method in her partiality for Wickham, and that its ill sess might, perhaps, authorise her to seek the other less iing mode of attat.Be that as it may,she saw him go with regret;and in this early example of what Lydia's infamy must produce,found additional anguish as she reflected on that wretched business. Never, since reading Jane's sed letter, had she eained a hope of Wickham's meaning to marry her. No o Jane, she thought, could tter herself with su expectation. Surprise was the least of her feelings on this development.While the tents of the first letter remained on her mind, she was all surprise—all astonishment that Wickham should marry a girl whom it was impossible he could marry for money;and how Lydia could ever have attached him had appeared iprehensible. But now it was all too natural. For su attat as this,she might have suffit charms;and though she did not suppose Lydia to be deliberately engaging in an elopement without the iion of marriage,she had no difficulty in believing that her her virtue nor her uanding would preserve her from falling an easy prey. She had never perceived,while the regiment was ifordshire, that Lydia had any partiality for him; but she was vihat Lydia wanted only encement to attach herself to anybody. Sometimes one officer, sometimes another, had been her favourite,as their attentions raised them in her opinion.Her affes had tinually been fluctuating but never without an object.The mischief of and mistaken indulgeowards such a girl—oh!how acutely did she now feel it! She was wild to be at home—to hear, to see, to be upon the spot to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon her, in a family sed, a father absent, a mother incapable of exertion, and requiring stant attendance; and though almost persuaded that nothing could be done for Lydia, her uncle's interference seemed of the utmost importance, and till he ehe room her impatience was severe.Mr.and Mrs. Gardiner had hurried ba rm, supposing by the servant's ount that their niece was taken suddenly ill; but satisfying them instantly on that head,she eagerlymunicated the cause of their summons,reading the two letters aloud,and dwelling on the post of thest with trembling energy,though Lydia had never been a favourite with them,Mr.and Mrs.Gardiner could not but be deeply a?icted.Not Lydia only,but all were ed in it;and after the first exmations of surprise and horrardiner promised every assistan his power. Elizabeth, though expeg no less, thanked him with tears of gratitude;and all three being actuated by one spirit,everything rting to their journey eedily settled.They were to be off as soon as possible.“But what is to be done about Pemberley?”cried Mrs. Gardiner.“John told us Mr.Darcy was here when you sent for us;was it so?” “Yes;and I told him we should not be able to keep agement. That is all settled.” “What is all settled?”repeated the other, as she ran into her room to prepare.“And are they upon such terms as for her to disclose the real truth?Oh,that I knew how it was!” But wishes were vain,or at best could only serve to amuse her in the hurry and fusion of the following hour.Had Elizabeth been at leisure to be idle,she would have remained certain that all employment was impossible to one so wretched as herself;but she had her share of business as well as her aunt,and amongst the rest there were o be written to all their friends at Lambton, with false excuses for their suddeure.An hour,however, saw the wholepleted; and Mr. Gardiner meanwhile haviled his ount at the inn,nothing remaio be do to go;and Elizabeth,after all the misery of the m,found herself,in a shorter space of time than she could have supposed, seated in the carriage,and on the road to Longbourn.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第105章 “I have been thinking it ain,Elizabeth,”said her uncle,as they drove from the town;“and really,upon serious sideration, I am much more ined than I was to judge as your eldest sister does oter. It appears to me so very uhat any young man should form such a design against a girl who is by no means unprotected or friendless,and who was actually staying in his el's family,that I am strongly ined to hope the best. Could he expect that her friends would not step forward?Could he expect to be noticed again by the regiment,after su affront to el Forster?His temptation is not adequate to the risk!” “Do you really think so?”cried Elizabeth,brightening up for a moment. “Upon my word,”said Mrs. Gardiner,“I begin to be of your uncle's opinion. It is really too great a vition of decy, honour,and i,for him to be guilty of it.I ot think so very ill of Wickham. you yourself,Lizzy,so wholly give him up,as to believe him capable of it?” “Not,perhaps,of ing his own i;but of every lect I believe him capable.If,i should be so!But I dare not hope it.Why should they not go on to Sd if that had been the case?” “In the first ce,”replied Mr.Gardihere is no absolute proof that they are not goo Sd.” “Oh!but their removing from the chaise into a haey coach is such a presumption!And,besides,no traces of them were to be found on the Ba road.” “Well, then—supposing them to be in London. They may be there, though for the purpose of cealment, for no more exceptional purpose. It is not likely that money should be very abundant oher side;and it might strike them that they could be more eically, though less expeditiously, married in London than in Sd.” “But why all this secrecy?Why any fear of dete?Why must their marriage be private?Oh,no,no—this is not likely.His most particr friend,you see by Jane's ount,ersuaded of his never intending to marry her.Wickham will never marry a woman without some money.He ot afford it.And what ims has Lydia—what attra has she beyond youth,health,and good humour that could make him,for her sake,fo every ce of being himself by marrying well? As to what restraint the apprehensions of disgra the corps might throw on a dishonourable elopement with her,I am not able to judge;for I know nothing of the effects that such a step might produce.But as to your other obje,I am afraid it will hardly hold good. Lydia has no brothers to step forward; and he might imagine, from my father's behaviour, from his indolend the little attention he has ever seemed to give to what was going forward in his family,that he would do as little,and think as little about it,as any father could do,in such a matter.” “But you think that Lydia is so lost to everything but love of him as to sent to live with him on any terms other than marriage?” “It does seem,and it is most shog indeed,”replied Elizabeth, with tears in her eyes,“that a sister's sense of ded 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 thest 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. Sihe—shire were first quartered ion,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 captivate a woman.” “But you see that Jane,”said her aunt,“does not think so very ill of Wickham as to believe him capable of the attempt.” “Of whom does Jane ever think ill?And who is there,whatever might be their former duct, that she would think capable of su attempt, till it were proved against them? But Jane knows, as well as I do, what Wickham really is.We both know that he has been profligate in every sense of the word;that he has her iy nor honour;that he is as false aful as he is insinuating.” “And do you really know all this?”cried Mrs.Gardiner,whose curiosity as to the mode of her intelligence was all alive. “I do indeed,”replied Elizabeth, c.“I told you, the other day, of his infamous behaviour to Mr. Darcy; and you yourself,whenst at Longbourn,heard in what manner he spoke of the man who had behaved with such forbearand liberality towards him.And there are other circumstances which I am not at liberty—which it is not worth while to rte;but his lies about the whole Pemberley family are endless. From what he said of Miss Darcy I was thhly prepared to see a proud,reserved, disagreeable girl.Yet he ko the trary himself.He must know that she was as amiable and uending as we have found her.” “But does Lydia know nothing of this? she be ignorant of what you and Jane seem so well to uand?”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第106章 “Oh, yes!—that, that is the worst of all.Till I was i, and saw so much both of Mr. Dard his rtion el Fitzwilliam, I was ignorant of the truth myself. And when I returned home, the—shire was to leave Meryton in a week or fht's time.As that was the case, her Jao whom I rted the whole, nor I, thought it necessary to make our knowledge public;for of what use could it apparently be to any ohat the good opinion which all the neighbourhood had of him should then be overthrown?And eve was settled that Lydia should go with Mrs.Forster,the y of opening her eyes to his character never urred to me.That she could be in any danger from the deception never entered my head.That such a sequence as this could ensue, you may easily believe, was far enough from my thoughts.” “When they all removed thton, therefore, you had no reason,I suppose,to believe them fond of each other?” “Not the slightest.I remember no symptom of affe oher side; and had anything of the kind been perceptible,you must be aware that ours is not a family on which it could be throhen first he ehe corps,she was ready enough to admire him;but so we all were.Every girl in or near Meryton was out of her senses about him for the first two months;but he never distinguished her by any particr attention;and,sequently, after a moderate period of extravagant and wild admiration,her fancy for him gave way,and others of the regiment,who treated her with more distin,again became her favourites.” It may be easily believed,that however little of y could be added to their fears,hopes,and jectures,on this iing subject, by its repeated discussion, no other could detain them from it long, during the whole of the journey. From Elizabeth's thoughts it was never absent. Fixed there by the kee of all anguish, self-reproach, she could find no interval of ease or etfulness. They travelled as expeditiously as possible, and, sleeping one night on the road, reached Longbourn by diime the day.It was afort to Elizabeth to sider that Jane could not have been wearied by long expectations. The little Gardiners, attracted by the sight of a chaise, were standing oeps of the house as they ehe paddod, when the carriage drove up to the door, the joyful surprise that lighted up their faces,and disyed itself over their whole bodies,in a variety of capers and frisks, was the first pleasing ear of their wee. Elizabeth jumped out;and, after giving each of them a hasty kiss,hurried into the vestibule,where Jane,who came running down from her mother's apartment,immediately met her. Elizabeth,as she affeately embraced her,whilst tears filled the eyes of both,lost not a moment in asking whether anything had been heard of the fugitives. “Not yet,”replied Jane.“But now that my dear uncle ise,I hope everything will be well.” “Is my father in town?” “Yes,he went on Tuesday,as I wrote you word.” “And have you heard from him often?” “We have heard only once.He wrote me a few lines on Wednesday to say that he had arrived in safety,and to give me his dires, which I particrly begged him to do.He merely added that he should not write again till he had something of importao mention.” “And my mother—how is she?How are you all?” “My mother is tolerably well, I trust; though her spirits are greatly shaken.She is upstairs and will have great satisfa in seeing you all.She does not yet leave her dressing-room.Mary and Kitty,thank Heaven,are quite well.” “But you—how are you?”cried Elizabeth.“You look pale.How muust have gohrough!” Her sister,however,assured her of her being perfectly well;and their versation, which had been passing while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were engaged with their children,was now put ao by the approach of the whole party.Jane ran to her uncle and aunt,and weed and thahem both,with alternate smiles and tears. When they were all in the drawing-room,the questions which Elizabeth had already asked were of course repeated by the others,and they soon found that Jane had no intelligeo give. The sanguine hope of good,however,which the benevolence of her heart suggested had not yet deserted her;she still expected that it would all end well, and that every m would bring some letter, either from Lydia or her father, to exin their proceedings,and,perhaps,annouheir marriage. Mrs.Be,to whose apartment they all repaired,after a few minutes' versation together, received them exactly as might be expected; with tears aions ret, iives against the viinous duct of Wickham,andints of her own sufferings and ill-usage; ming everybody but the person to whose ill-judging indulgehe errors of her daughter must principally be owing. “If I had been able,”said she,“to carry my point in going thton,with all my family, this would not have happened;but poor dear Lydia had nobody to take care of her.Why did the Forsters ever let her go out of their sight? I am sure there was some great or other on their side,for she is not the kind of girl to do such a thing if she had been well looked after. I always thought they were very unfit to have the charge of her;but I was overruled, as I always am. Poor dear child!And now here's Mr.Be gone away,and I know he will fight Wickham, wherever he meets him and then he will be killed,and what is to be of us all?The Collinses will turn us out before he is cold in his grave,and if you are not kind to us,brother,I do not know what we shall do.” They all eximed against such terrific ideas;and Mr.Gardiner, after general assurances of his affe for her and all her family, told her that he meant to be in London the very day, and would assist Mr.Be in every endeavour for rec Lydia.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第107章 “Do not give way to useless rm,”added he;“though it is right to be prepared for the worst,there is no asion to look on it as certain.It is not quite a week sihey left Brighton.In a few days more,we may gain some news of them;and till we know that they are not married,and have no design of marrying,do not let us give the matter over as lost.As soon as I get to town I shall go to my brother,and make hime home with me to Gracechurch Street;and then we may sult together as to what is to be done.” “Oh! my dear brother,”replied Mrs. Be,“that is exactly what I could most wish for.And now do,when you get to town, find them out,wherever they may be;and if they are not married already,make them marry.And as for wedding clothes,do not let them wait for that,but tell Lydia she shall have as much money as she chooses to buy them,after they are married.And,above all things,keep Mr.Be from fighting.Tell him what a dreadful state I am in,that I am frighted out of my wits—and have such tremblings,such flutterings,all over me—such spasms in my side and pains in my head,and such beatings at heart,that I get by night nor by day.And tell my dear Lydia not to give any dires about her clothes till she has seen me,for she does not know which are the best warehouses.Oh,brother,how kind you are!I know you will trive it all.” But Mr. Gardihough he assured her again of his ear endeavours in the cause, could not avoid rmending moderation to her,as well in her hopes as her fear;and after talking with her in this maill dinner was oable,they all left her to vent all her feelings on the housekeeper,who attended in the absence of her daughters. Though her brother and sister were persuaded that there was no real asion for such a seclusion from the family,they did not attempt to oppose it,for they khat she had not prudenough to hold her tongue before the servants,while they waited at table,and judged it better that one only of the household,and the one whom they could most trust shouldprehend all her fears and solicitude on the subject. In the dining-room they were soon joined by Mary and Kitty, who had been too busily engaged in their separate apartments to make their appearance before.One came from her books,and the other from her toilette.The faces of both,however,were tolerably calm;and no ge was visible iher,except that the loss of her favourite sister,or the anger which she had herself incurred in this business,had given more of fretfulhan usual to the ents of Kitty.As for Mary,she was mistress enough of herself to whisper to Elizabeth,with a tenance of grave refle, soon after they were seated at table: “This is a most unfortunate affair, and will probably be much talked of.But we must stem the tide of malid pour into the wounded bosoms of each other the balm of sisterly stion.” Then, perceiving in Elizabeth no ination of replying, she added,“Unhappy as the event must be for Lydia, we may draw from it this useful lesson: that loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable; that one false step involves her in endless ruin;that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful;and that she ot be too much guarded in her behaviour towards the undeserving of the other sex.” Elizabeth lifted up her eyes in amazement,but was too much oppressed to make any reply.Mary,however,tio sole herself with such kind of moral extras from the evil before them. Iernoowo elder Miss Bes were able to be for half-an-hour by themselves; and Elizabeth instantly availed herself of the opportunity of making any inquiries, which Jane was equally eager to satisfy.After joining in generalmentations over the dreadful sequel of this event,which Elizabeth sidered as all but certain,and Miss Be could not assert to be wholly impossible,the former tihe subject,by saying,“But tell me all and everything about it which I have not already heard. Give me further particrs.What did el Forster say?Had they no apprehension of anything before the elopement took ce?They must have seeogether for ever.” “el Forster did own that he had often suspected some partiality,especially on Lydia's side,but nothing to give him any rm.I am so grieved for him!His behaviour was attentive and kind to the utmost.He wasing to us,in order to assure us of his ,before he had any idea of their not being goo Sd:when that apprehension first got abroad,it hastened his journey.” “And was Denny vihat Wickham would not marry? Did he know of their intending to go off?Had el Forster seen Denny himself?” “Yes; but, wheioned by him, Denny denied knowing anything of their ns,and would not give his real opinion about it. He did not repeat his persuasion of their not marrying—and from that, I am ined to hope, he might have been misuood before.” “And till el Forster came himself, not one of you eained a doubt,I suppose,of their being really married?”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第108章 “How was it possible that su idea should enter our brains? I felt a little uneasy—a little fearful of my sister's happiness with him in marriage,because I khat his duct had not been always quite right.My father and mother knew nothing of that;they only felt how imprudent a match it must be. Kitty then owned, with a very natural triumph on knowing more than the rest of us,that in Lydia'sst letter she had prepared her for such a step.She had known,it seems,of their being in love with each other,many weeks.” “But not before they went thton?” “No,I believe not.” “And did el Forster appear to think ill of Wickham himself?Does he know his real character?” “I must fess that he did not speak so well of Wickham as he formerly did.He believed him to be imprudent aravagant. And sihis sad affair has take is said that he left Merytoly i;but I hope this may be false.” “Oh,Jane,had we been less secret,had we told what we knew of him,this could not have happened!” “Perhaps it would have beeer,”replied her sister. “But to expose the former faults of any person without knowing what their present feelings were,seemed unjustifiable.We acted with the best iions.” “Could el Forster repeat the particrs of Lydia's o his wife?” “He brought it with him for us to see.” Jahen took it from her pocket-book,and gave it to Elizabeth. These were the tents: “MY DEAR HARRIET, “You willugh when you know where I am gone,and I ot helpughing myself at your surprise to-morrow m,as soon as I am missed.I am going to Gretna Green,and if you ot guess with who, I shall think you a simpleton, for there is but one man in the world I love,and he is an angel.I should never be happy without him,so think it no harm to be off.You need not send them word at Longbourn of my going,if you do not like it, for it will make the surprise the greater,when I write to them and sign my name 'Lydia Wickham.'What a good joke it will be!I hardly write fhing.Pray make my excuses to Pratt for not keeping my e,and dang with him to-night.Tell him I hope he will excuse me when he knows all;and tell him I will dah him at the ball we meet,with great pleasure.I shall send for my clothes when I get to Longbourn;but I wish you would tell Sally to mend a great slit in my worked muslin gown before they are packed up. Good-bye. Give my love to el Forster.I hope you will drink tood journey. “Your affeate friend, “LYDIA BE.” “Oh! thoughtless, thoughtless Lydia!”cried Elizabeth when she had fi.“What a letter is this,to be written at such a moment!But at least it shows that she was serious on the subject of their journey.Whatever he might afterwards persuade her to, it was not on her side a scheme of infamy.My poor father!how he must have felt it!” “I never saw anyone so shocked.He could not speak a word for full ten minutes. My mother was taken ill immediately, and the whole house in such fusion!” “Oh!Jane,”cried Elizabeth,“was there a servant belonging to it who did not know the whole story before the end of the day?” “I do not know.I hope there was.But to be guarded at such a time is very difficult.My mother was in hysterid though I endeavoured to give her every assistan my power,I am afraid I did not do so much as I might have done! But the horror of what might possibly happen almost took from me my faculties.” “Your attendance upon her has been too much for you.You do not look well.Oh that I had been with you!You have had every care and ay upon yourself alone.” “Mary and Kitty have been very kind,and would have shared in every fatigue,I am sure;but I did not think it right for either of them.Kitty is slight and delicate;and Mary studies so much,that her hours of repose should not be broken in on.My aunt Phillips came to Longbourn on Tuesday,after my father went away;and was so good as to stay till Thursday with me.She was of great use andfort to us all.And Lady Lucas has been very kind;she walked here on Wednesday m to dole with us,and offered her services,or any of her daughters',if they should be of use to us.” “She had better have stayed at home,”cried Elizabeth;“perhaps she meant well,but,under such a misfortune as this,one ot see too little of one's neighbours. Assistance is impossible;dolensufferable.Let them triumph over us at a distance, aisfied.” She then proceeded to inquire into the measures which her father had inteo pursue,while in town,for the recovery of his daughter. “He meant I believe,”replied Jao go to Epsom,the ce where theyst ged horses, see the postilions and try if anything could be made out from them.His principal object must be to discover the number of the haey coach which took them from pham.It hade with a fare from London;and as he thought that the circumstance of a gentleman anddy's removing from one carriage into anht be remarked he meant to make inquiries at pham.If he could anyhow discover at what house the an had before set down his fare,he determio make inquiries there,and hoped it might not be impossible to find out the stand and number of the coach.I do not know of any other designs that he had formed;but he was in such a hurry to be gone,and his spirits so greatly diposed,that I had difficulty in finding out even so much as this.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第109章 The whole party were in hopes of a letter from Mr.Be the m,but the post came in without bringing a single line from him.His family knew him to be,on allmon asions, a most negligent and dtory correspo;but at such a time they had hoped for exertion.They were forced to clude that he had no pleasing intelligeo send; but even of that they would have been d to be certain.Mr.Gardiner had waited only for the letters before he set off. When he was gohey were certain at least of receiving stant information of what was going on, and their uncle promised, at parting, to prevail on Mr. Be to return to Longbourn, as soon as he could,to the great stion of his sister,who sidered it as the only security for her husband's not being killed in a duel. Mrs.Gardiner and the childreo remain ifordshire a few days longer, as the former thought her presence might be serviceable to her nieces. She shared in their attendanrs. Be, and was a greatfort to them in their hours of freedom.Their other aunt also visited them frequently, and always, as she said, with the design of cheering aening them up—though, as she never came without rep some fresh instance of Wickham's extravagance rity, she seldom went away without leaving them more dispirited than she found them. All Meryton seemed striving to the man who, but three months before,had been almost an angel of light.He was dered to be io every tradesman in the ce, and his intrigues, all honoured with the title of sedu, had beeended into every tradesman's family.Everybody dered that he was the wickedest young man in the world; and everybody began to find out that they had always distrusted the appearance of his goodness.Elizabeth,though she did not credit above half of what was said,believed enough to make her former assurance of her sister's ruin more certain;and even Jane,who believed still less of it, became almost hopeless, more especially as the time was nowe when,if they had goo Sd,which she had never before entirely despaired of, they must in all probability have gained some news of them. Mr. Gardiner left Longbourn on Sunday; on Tuesday his wife received a letter from him;it told them that,on his arrival,he had immediately found out his brother,and persuaded him toe to Gracechurch Street;that Mr.Be had been to Epsom and pham,before his arrival,but without gaining any satisfactory information; and that he was now determio inquire at all the principal hotels in town, as Mr. Be thought it possible they might have goo one of them, on their firsting to London,before they procured lodgings.Mr.Gardiner himself did not expey sess from this measure,but as his brother was eager in it,he meant to assist him in pursuing it.He added that Mr.Be seemed wholly disined at present to leave London and promised to write again very soon.There was also a post to this effect: “I have written to el Forster to desire him to find out,if possible,from some of the young man's intimates in the regiment, whether Wickham has any rtions or es who would be likely to know in art of town he has now cealed himself. If there were ahat one could apply to with a probability of gaining such a clue as that,it might be of essential seque present we have nothing to guide us. el Forster will, I dare say,do everything in his power to satisfy us on this head.But, on sed thoughts,perhaps,Lizzy could tell us what rtions he has now livier than any other person.” Elizabeth was at no loss to uand from whehis defereo her authority proceeded; but it was not in her power to give any information of so satisfactory a nature as thepliment deserved. She had never heard of his having had any rtions, except a father and mother,both of whom had been dead many years.It ossible,however,that some of hispanions in the—shire might be able to give more information;and though she was not very sanguine in expeg it,the application was a something to look forward to. Every day at Longbourn was now a day of ay;but the most anxious part of each was when the post was expected.The arrival of letters was the first grand object of every m's impatiehrough letters,whatever of good or bad was to be told would bemunicated,and every seeding day was expected t some news of importance. But before they heard again frardiner,a letter arrived for their father,from a different quarter,from Mr.Collins;which, as Jane had received dires to open all that came for him in his absence,she ly read;and Elizabeth,who knew what curiosities his letters always were, looked over her, and read it likewise.It was as follows: “MY DEAR SIR,笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第110章 “I feel myself called upon,by our rtionship,and my situation in life, to dole with you on the grievous affli you are now suffering under, of which we were yesterday informed by a letter from Hertfordshire. Be assured, my dear sir, that Mrs. Collins and myself sincerely sympathise with you and all your respectable family,in your present distress,which must be of the bitterest kind, because proceeding from a cause whie remove.Numents shall be wanting on my part that alleviate so severe a misfortune—or that mayfort you,under a circumstahat must be of all others the most afflig to a parent's mind.The death of your daughter would have been a blessing inparison of this.And it is the more to bemented, because there is reason to suppose as my dear Charlotte informs me, that this litiousness of behaviour in your daughter has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgehough, at the same time, for the stion of yourself and Mrs. Be, I am ined to think that her own disposition must be naturally bad, or she could not be guilty of su enormity, at so early an age. Howsoever that may be, yrievously to be pitied; in which opinion I am not only joined by Mrs. Collins,but likewise by Lady Catherine and her daughter, to whom I have rted the affair.They agree with me in apprehending that this false step in one daughter will be injurious to the fortunes of all the others; for who, as Lady Catherine herself desdingly says,will ect themselves with such a family?And this sideration leads me moreover to reflect, with augmented satisfa,on a certai ofst November;for had it been otherwise,I must have been involved in all your sorrow and disgrace.Let me then advise you,dear sir,to sole yourself as much as possible, to throw off your unworthy child from your affe for ever,and leave her to reap the fruits of her own heinous offense. “I AM,DEAR SIR,ETC.,ETC.” Mr.Gardiner did not write again till he had received an answer from el Forster; and then he had nothing of a pleasant nature to send. It was not known that Wickham had a siionship with whom he kept up any e, and it was certain that he had no near one living.His former acquaintances had been numerous;but since he had been in the militia,it did not appear that he was on terms of particr friendship with any of them.There was no oherefore,who could be pointed out as likely to give any news of him.And in the wretched state of his own fihere was a very powerful motive for secrecy, in addition to his fear of discovery by Lydia's rtions,for it had just transpired that he had left gamis behind him to a very siderable amount. el Forster believed that more than a thousand pounds would be necessary to clear his expe Brighton. He owed a good deal in town, but his debts of honour were still more formidable.Mr.Gardiner did not attempt to ceal these particrs from the Longbourn family. Jane heard them with horror.“A gamester!”she cried.“This is wholly ued.I had not an idea of it.” Mr.Gardiner added in his letter,that they might expect to see their father at home on the following day, which was Saturday. Rendered spiritless by the ill-sess of all their endeavours,he had yielded to his brother-inw's ey that he would return to his family,and leave it to him to do whatever asion might suggest to be advisable for tinuing their pursuit.When Mrs. Be was told of this,she did not express so much satisfa as her children expected,sidering what her ay for his life had been before.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第111章 “What,is heing home,and without poor Lydia?”she cried.“Sure he will not leave London before he has found them.Who is to fight Wickham,and make him marry her,if hees away?” As Mrs.Gardiner began to wish to be at home,it was settled that she and the children should go to London,at the same time that Mr.Be came from it.The coach,therefore,took them the first stage of their journey, and brought its master back to Longbourn. Mrs.Gardiner went away in all the perplexity about Elizabeth and her Derbyshire friend that had attended her from that part of the world.His name had never been voluntarily mentioned before them by her nied the kind of half-expectation which Mrs. Gardiner had formed, of their being followed by a letter from him,had ended in nothing.Elizabeth had received none since her return that coulde from Pemberley. The present unhappy state of the family rendered any other excuse for the lowness of her spirits unnecessary; nothing, therefore,could be fairly jectured from that,though Elizabeth, who was by this time tolerably well acquainted with her own feelings, erfectly aware that, had she known nothing of Darcy,she could have borhe dread of Lydia's infamy somewhat better.It would have spared her,she thought,one sleepless night out of two. When Mr. Be arrived, he had all the appearance of his usual philosophicposure.He said as little as he had ever been in the habit of saying;made ion of the busihat had taken him away, and it was some time before his daughters had ce to speak of it. It was not till the afternoon,when he joihem at tea,that Elizabeth veo introduce the subject; and then, on her briefly expressing her sorrow for what he must have endured,he replied,“Say nothing of that.Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing,and I ought to feel it.” “You must not be too severe upon yourself,”replied Elizabeth.“You may well warn me against su evil.Human nature is so proo fall into it!No,Lizzy,let me on my life feel how much I have been to me.I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression.It will pass away soon enough.” “Do you suppose them to be in London?” “Yes;where else they be so well cealed?” “And Lydia used to want to go to London,”added Kitty. “She is happy then,”said her father drily;“and her residehere will probably be of some duration.” Then after a short silence he tinued: “Lizzy,I bear you no ill-will for being justified in your adviest May,which,sidering the event,shows some greatness of mind.” They were interrupted by Miss Be,who came to fetch her mother's tea. “This is a parade,”he cried,“which does one good;it gives su elegao misfortune!Another day I will do the same;I will sit in my library,in my nightcap and p gown,and give as much trouble as I ;or,perhaps,I may defer it till Kitty runs away.” “I am not going to run aapa,”said Kitty fretfully.“If I should ever go thton,I would behave better than Lydia.” “You go thton. I would not trust you so near it as Eastbourne for fifty pounds!No,Kitty,I have atst learnt to be cautious,and you will feel the effects of it.No officer is ever to enter into my house again,nor even to pass through the vige. Balls will be absolutely prohibited,unless you stand up with one of your sisters.And you are o stir out of doors till you prove that you have spent ten minutes of every day in a rational manner.” Kitty,who took all these threats in a serious light,began to cry. “Well,well,”said he,“do not make yourself unhappy.If you are a good girl for the en years,I will take you to a review at the end of them.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第112章 Two days after Mr.Be's return,as Jane and Elizabeth were walking together in the shrubbery behind the house,they saw the housekeepering towards them, and, cluding that she came to call them to their mother, went forward to meet her; but, instead of the expected summons, when they approached her, she said to Miss Be,“I beg your pardon,madam,for interrupting you, but I was in hopes you might have got some good news from town,so I took the liberty ofing to ask.” “What do you mean,Hill?We have heard nothing from town.” “Dear madam,”cried Mrs. Hill, i astonishment,“don't you know there is an expresse for master frardiner? He has beehis half-hour,and master has had a letter.” Away ran the girls,too eager to get in to have time for speech. They ran through the vestibule into the breakfast-room; from theo the library;their father was iher;and they were on the point of seeking him upstairs with their mother,when they were met by the butler,who said: “If you are looking for my master,ma'am,he is walking towards the little copse.” Upon this information,they instantly passed through the hall once more, and ran across thewn after their father, who was deliberately pursuing his way towards a small wood on one side of the paddock. Jane,who was not so light nor so mu the habit of running as Elizabeth, soongged behind, while her sister, panting for breath,came up with him,and eagerly cried out: “Oh, papa, what news—what news? Have you heard from my uncle?” “Yes I have had a letter from him by express.” “Well,and what news does it bring—good or bad?” “What is there of good to be expected?”said he, taking the letter from his pocket.“But perhaps you would like to read it.” Elizabeth impatiently caught it from his hand.Jane now came up.“Read it aloud,”said their father,“for I hardly know myself what it is about.” Gracechurch Street,Monday,August 2. “My dear Brother, “Atst I am able to send you some tidings of my niece, and such as,upon the whole,I hope it will give you satisfa.Soon after you left me on Saturday,I was fortunate enough to find out in art of London they were.The particrs I reserve till we meet;it is enough to know they are discovered.I have seen them both—” “Then it is as I always hoped,”cried Jahey are married!” Elizabeth read on: “I have seen them both.They are not married,nor I find there was any iion of being so; but if you are willing to perform the es which I have veo make on your side,I hope it will not be long before they are.All that is required of you is,to assure to your daughter,by settlement,her equal share of the five thousand pounds secured among your children after the decease of yourself and my sister;and,moreover,to enter into an e of allowing her,during your life,one hundred pounds per annum.These are ditions which,sidering everything, I had ation inplying with,as far as I thought myself privileged, for you. I shall send this by express, that no time may be lost in bringing me your answer. You will easilyprehend, from these particrs, that Mr. Wickham's circumstances are not so hopeless as they are generally believed to be.The world has been deceived in that resped I am happy to say there will be some little money,even when all his debts are discharged,to settle on my nie addition to her own fortune.If,as I clude will be the case,you send me full powers to a your hroughout the whole of this business,I will immediately give dires to Haggerston for preparing a proper settlement.There will not be the smallest asion for y to town again;therefore stay quiet at Longbourn,and depend on my diligend care.Send back your answer as fast as you , and be careful to write explicitly.We have judged it best that my niece should be married from this house, of which I hope you will approve.Shees to us to-day.I shall write again as soon as anything more is determined on.Yours,etc., “EDW.GARDINER.” “Is it possible?”cried Elizabeth,when she had finished.“ it be possible that he will marry her?” “Wickham is not so undeserving,then,as we thought him,”said her sister.“My dear father,I gratte you.” “And have you answered the letter?”cried Elizabeth. “No;but it must be done soon.” Most early did she thereaty him to lose no more time before he wrote. “Oh!my dear father,”she cried,e bad write immediately. sider how important every moment is in such a case.” “Let me write for you,”said Jane,“if you dislike the trouble yourself.” “I dislike it very much,”he replied;“but it must be done.” And so sayiurned back with them,and walked towards the house. “And may I ask—”said Elizabeth;“but the terms, I suppose, must beplied with.” “plied with!I am only ashamed of his asking so little.” “And they must marry!Yet he is such a man!” “Yes,yes,they must marry.There is nothing else to be do there are two things that I want very much to know;one is,how much money your uncle hasid down t it about;and the other,how am I ever to pay him.” “Money!My uncle!”cried Jane,“what do you mean,sir?” “I mean,that no man in his proper senses would marry Lydia on so slight a temptation as one hundred a year during my life,and fifty after I am gone.” “That is very true,”said Elizabeth;“though it had not urred to me before.His debts to be discharged,and something still to remain!Oh!it must be my uncle's doings!Generous,good man,I am afraid he has distressed himself.A small sum could not do all this.” “No,”said her father;“Wickham's a fool if he takes her with a farthihahousand pounds.I should be sorry to think so ill of him,in the very beginning of our rtionship.” “Ten thousand pounds!Heaven forbid!How is half such a sum to be repaid?”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第113章 Mr.Be made no answer,and each of them,deep in thought, tinued silent till they reached the house.Their father the on to the library to write, and the girls walked into the breakfast-room. “And they are really to be married!”cried Elizabeth,as soon as they were by themselves.“How strahis is!And for this we are to be thankful.That they should marry,small as is their ce of happiness,and wretched as is his character,we are forced to rejoice.Oh,Lydia!” “Ifort myself with thinking,”replied Jahat he certainly would not marry Lydia if he had not a real regard for her. Though our kind uncle has done something towards clearing him, I ot believe that ten thousand pounds,or anything like it,has been advanced.He has children of his own,and may have more. How could he spare half ten thousand pounds?” “If we were ever able to learn what Wickham's debts have been,”said Elizabeth,“and how much is settled on his side on our sister, we shall exactly know what Mr. Gardiner has done for them, because Wickham has not sixpence of his own.The kindness of my uncle and aunt ever be requited.Their taking her home, and aff her their personal prote and tenance, is such a sacrifice to her advantage as years of gratitude ot enough aowledge. By this time she is actually with them! If such goodness does not make her miserable now,she will never deserve to be happy!What a meeting for her,when she first sees my aunt!” “We must endeavour to et all that has passed oher side,”said Jane:“I hope and trust they will yet be happy. His senting to marry her is a proof,I will believe,that he ise tht way of thinking.Their mutual affe will steady them;and I tter myself they will settle so quietly,and live in so rational a manner,as may in time make their past imprudeen.” “Their duct has been such,”replied Elizabeth,“as her you,nor I,nor anybody ever et.It is useless to talk of it.” It now urred to the girls that their mother was in all likelihood perfectly ignorant of what had happehey went to the library,therefore,and asked their father whether he would not wish them to make it known to her. He was writing and, without raising his head,coolly replied: “Just as you please.” “May we take my uncle's letter to read to her?” “Take whatever you like,a away.” Elizabeth took the letter from his writing-table, and they went upstairs together. Mary and Kitty were both with Mrs. Be:onemunication would,therefore,do for all.After a slight preparation food he letter was read aloud.Mrs. Be could hardly tain herself.As soon as Jane had read Mr.Gardiner's hope of Lydia's being soon married,her joy burst forth,and every followience added to its exuberance.She was now in an irritation as violent from delight,as she had ever been fidgety from rm aion.To know that her daughter would be married was enough.She was disturbed by no fear for her felicity,nor humbled by any remembrance of her misduct. “My dear, dear Lydia!”she cried.“This is delightful indeed! She will be married!I shall see her again!She will be married at sixteen!My good,kind brother!I knew how it would be.I knew he would manage everything!How I long to see her!and to see dear Wickham too!But the clothes,the wedding clothes! I will write to my sister Gardiner about them directly.Lizzy,my dear, run down to your father,and ask him how much he will give her. Stay,stay,I will go myself.Ring the bell,Kitty,for Hill.I will put on my things in a moment.My dear,dear Lydia!How merry we shall be together when we meet!” Her eldest daughter endeavoured to give some relief to the violence of these transports, by leadihoughts to the obligations which Mr.Gardiner's behaviourid them all under. “For we must attribute this happy clusion,”she added,“in a great measure to his kindness.ersuaded that he has pledged himself to assist Mr.Wickham with money.” “Well,”cried her mother,“it is all very right; who should do it but her own uncle? If he had not had a family of his own, I and my children must have had all his money,you know;and it is the first time we have ever had anything from him, except a few presents.Well!I am so happy!In a short time I shall have a daughter married.Mrs.Wickham!How well it sounds!And she was only sixteenst June.My dear Jane,I am in such a flutter, that I am sure I 't write;so I will dictate,and you write for me. We will settle with your father about the money afterwards;but the things should be ordered immediately.” She was then proceeding to all the particrs of caliuslin, and cambrid would shortly have dictated some very plentiful orders, had not Jahough with some difficulty, persuaded her to wait till her father was at leisure to be sulted. One day's dy,she observed,would be of small importand her mother was too happy to be quite so obstinate as usual. Other schemes,too,came into her head. “I will go to Meryton,”said she,“as soon as I am dressed,ahe good,good o my sister Philips.And as Ie back, I call on Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long. Kitty, run down and order the carriage.An airing would do me a great deal of good,I am sure.Girls, I do anything for you ion?Oh!Herees Hill! My dear Hill, have you heard the good news? Miss Lydia is going to be married; and you shall all have a bowl of punake merry at her wedding.” Mrs.Hill began instantly to express her joy.Elizabeth received her grattions amongst the rest,and then,sick of this folly, te in her own room,that she might think with freedom. Poor Lydia's situation must, at best, be bad enough; but that it was no worse,she had o be thankful.She felt it so;and though,in looking forward,her rational happiness nor worldly prosperity could be justly expected for her sister, in looking back to what they had feared,only two ho,she felt all the advantages of what they had gained.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第114章 Mr. Be had very often wished before this period of his life that, instead of spending his whole ie, he hadid by an annual sum for the better provision of his children, and of his wife,if she survived him.He now wished it more than ever. Had he done his duty in that respect,Lydia need not have been ied to her uncle for whatever of honour or credit could now be purchased for her.The satisfa of prevailing on one of the most worthless young men i Britain to be her husband might then have rested in its proper ce. He was seriously ed that a cause of so little advao anyone should be forwarded at the sole expense of his brother-inw,and he was determined,if possible,to find out the extent of his assistand to discharge the obligation as soon as he could. When first Mr.Be had married,ey was held to be perfectly useless,for,of course,they were to have a son.The son was to join in cutting off the entail, as soon as he should be of age, and the widow and younger children would by that means be provided for. Five daughters sessively ehe world, but yet the son was toe; and Mrs. Be, for many years after Lydia's birth, had beeain that he would.This event had atst been despaired of,but it was then toote to be saving. Mrs.Be had no turn for ey,and her husband's love of independence had alone preveheir exceeding their ie. Five thousand pounds was settled by marriage articles on Mrs. Be and the children. But in roportions it should be divided amongst thetter depended on the will of the parents. This was one point,with regard to Lydia,at least,which was now to be settled,and Mr.Be could have ation in eding to the proposal before him.In terms of grateful aowledgment for the kindness of his brother,though expressed most cisely, he then delivered on paper his perfect approbation of all that was done,and his willio fulfil the es that had been made for him. He had never before supposed that, could Wickham be prevailed on to marry his daughter, it would be doh so little invenieo himself as by the present arra.He would scarcely be ten pounds a year the loser by the huhat was to be paid them;for,what with her board and pocket allowand the tinual presents in money which passed to her through her mother's hands,Lydia's expenses had been very little within that sum. That it would be doh such trifliion on his side, too, was another very wee surprise; for his wish at present was to have as little trouble in the business as possible.When the first transports e which had produced his activity in seeking her were over, he naturally returo all his former indolence.His letter was soon dispatched;for,though dtory in uaking business,he was qui its execution.He begged to know further particrs of what he was ied to his brother, but was too angry with Lydia to send any message to her. The good news spread quickly through the house, and with proportionate speed through the neighbourhood. It was borne ier with det philosophy. To be sure, it would have been more for the advantage of versation had Miss Lydia Bee upoown; or, as the happiest alternative,been secluded from the world, in some distant farmhouse.But there was much to be talked of in marrying her; and the good-natured wishes for her well-doing which had proceeded before from all the spiteful olddies ion lost but a little of their spirit in this ge of circumstances,because with su husband her misery was sidered certain. It was a fht since Mrs.Be had been downstairs;but on this happy day she again took her seat at the head of her table, and in spirits oppressively high. iment of shame gave a damp to her triumph.The marriage of a daughter,which had been the first object of her wishes since Jane was sixteen,was now on the point of omplishment, ahoughts and her words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials,fine muslins, new carriages, and servants. She was busily searg through the neighbourhood for a proper situation for her daughter,and, without knowing or sidering what their ie might be, rejected many as defit in size and importance. “Haye Park might do,”said she,“if the Gouldings could quit it—or the great house at Stoke,if the drawing-room wererger;but Ashworth is too far off!I could not bear to have her ten miles from me;and as for Pulvis Lodge,the attics are dreadful.” Her husband allowed her to talk on without interruption while the servants remained. But when they had withdrawn, he said to her:“Mrs.Be,before you take any or all of these houses for your son and daughter,let use tht uanding. Into one house in this neighbourhood they shall never have admittance. I will not ence the impudence of either, by receiving them at Longbourn.” A long dispute followed this deration; but Mr. Be was firm. It sooo another; and Mrs. Be found, with amazement and horror, that her husband would not advance a guio buy clothes for his daughter. He protested that she should receive from him no mark of affe whatever on the asion.Mrs.Be could hardlyprehend it.That his anger could be carried to such a point of inceivable rese as to refuse his daughter a privilege without which her marriage would scarcely seem valid,exceeded all she could believe possible.She was more alive to the disgrace which her want of new clothes must refle her daughter's nuptials, than to any sense of shame at her eloping and living with Wickham a fht before they took ce.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第115章 Elizabeth was now most heartily sorry that she had,from the distress of the moment,beeo make Mr.Darcy acquainted with their fears for her sister; for since her marriage would so shortly give the proper termination to the elopement,they might hope to ceal its unfavourable beginning from all those who were not immediately on the spot. She had no fear of its spreading farther through his means. There were few people on whose secrecy she would have more fidently depended; but, at the same time, there was no one whose knowledge of a sister's frailty would have mortified her so muot, however, from any fear of disadvantage from it individually to herself, for, at any rate, there seemed a gulf impassable between them.Had Lydia's marriage been cluded on the most honourable terms,it was not to be supposed that Mr. Darcy would ect himself with a family,where to every other obje,would now be added an alliand rtionship of the kind with the man whom he so justly sed. From such a e she could not wohat he would shrink.The wish of pr her regard,which she had assured herself of his feeling in Derbyshire, could not in rational expectation survive such a blow as this. She was humbled, she was grieved;she repehough she hardly knew of what.She became jealous of his esteem,when she could no longer hope to be beed by it.She wao hear of him,when there seemed the least ce of gaining intelligence.She was vihat she could have been happy with him,when it was no longer likely they should meet. What a triumph for him,as she often thought,could he know that the proposals which she had proudly spurned only four months ago, would now have been most dly and gratefully received! He was as generous, she doubted not, as the most generous of his sex; but while he was mortal, there must be a triumph. She began now toprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His uanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened,his manners improved;and from his judgement, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received be of greater importance. But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude what ubial felicity really was. An union of a different tendend precluding the possibility of the other,was soon to be formed in their family. How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence,she could not imagi how little of perma happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were strohan their virtue, she could easily jecture. Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Be's aowledgments he briefly replied, with assurance of his eagero promote the welfare of any of his family;and cluded with eies that the subject might never be mentioo him again.The principal purport of his letter was to inform them that Mr.Wickham had resolved on quitting the militia.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第116章 “It was greatly my wish that he should do so,”he added,“as soon as his marriage was fixed on.And I think you will agree with me, in sidering the removal from that corps as highly advisable,both on his ount and my niece's.It is Mr.Wickham's iion to go into the regrs;and among his former friends,there are still some who are able and willing to assist him in the army. He has the promise of an ensign General—'s regiment, now quartered in the North. It is an advao have it so far from this part of the kingdom.He promises fairly;and I hope among different people, where they may each have a character to preserve, they will both be more prudent. I have written to el Forster, to inform him of our present arras, and to request that he will satisfy the various creditors of Mr.Wickham in and near Brighton,with assurances of speedy payment, for which I have pledged myself.And will you give yourself the trouble of carrying simr assurao his creditors ion, of whom I shall subjoin a list to his information?He has given in all his debts;I hope at least he has not deceived us. Haggerston has our dires, and all will bepleted in a week.They will then join his regiment, uhey are first io Longbourn;and I uand frardihat my niece is very desirous of seeing you all before she leaves the South.She is well,ao be dutifully remembered to you and your mother.—Yours,etc., “E.GARDINER.” Mr. Be and his daughters saw all the advantages of Wickham's removal from the—shire as clearly as Mr. Gardiner could do.But Mrs.Be was not so well pleased with it.Lydia's beiled in the North, just when she had expected most pleasure and pride in herpany, for she had by no means given up her n of their residing ifordshire,was a severe disappoi; and, besides, it was such a pity that Lydia should be taken from a regiment where she was acquainted with everybody,and had so many favourites. “She is so fond of Mrs. Forster,”said she,“it will be quite shog to send her away!And there are several of the youoo, that she likes very much.The officers may not be so pleasant in General—'s regiment.” His daughter's request,for such it might be sidered,of being admitted into her family again before she set off for the North, received at first an absolute ive. But Jane and Elizabeth, who agreed in wishing,for the sake of their sister's feelings and sequehat she should be noticed on her marriage by her parents, urged him so early yet so rationally and so mildly, to receive her and her husband at Longbourn, as soon as they were married,that he revailed on to think as they thought, and act as they wished.And their mother had the satisfa of knowing that she would be able to show her married daughter in the neighbourhood before she was bao the North. When Mr.Be wrote again to his brother,therefore,he sent his permission for them toe;and it was settled,that as soon as the ceremony was over, they should proceed to Longbourn. Elizabeth was surprised,however,that Wickham should sent to such a scheme,and had she sulted only her own ination, aing with him would have bee object of her wishes.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第117章 Their sister's wedding day arrived;and Jane and Elizabeth felt for her probably more than she felt for herself.The carriage was sent to meet them at—,and they were to return in it by diime.Their arrival was dreaded by the elder Miss Bes, and Jane more especially, who gave Lydia the feelings which would have attended herself,had she been the culprit,and was wretched ihought of what her sister must endure. They came.The family were assembled in the breakfast room to receive them. Smiles decked the fars. Be as the carriage drove up to the door;her husband looked imprably grave;her daughters,rmed,anxious,uneasy. Lydia's voice was heard in the vestibule; the door was thrown open,and she ran into the room. Her mother stepped forwards, embraced her, and weed her with rapture; gave her hand, with an affeate smile, to Wickham, who followed hisdy;and wished them both joy with an crity which shewed no doubt of their happiness. Their reception from Mr. Be, to whom they then turned,was not quite so cordial. His teher gained in austerity;and he scarcely opened his lips.The easy assurance of the young couple,indeed,was enough to provoke him. Elizabeth was disgusted, and even Miss Be was shocked. Lydia was Lydia still;untamed,unabashed,wild,noisy,and fearless. She turned from sister to sister,demanding their grattions;and when at length they all sat down,looked eagerly round the room, took notice of some little alteration in it, and observed, with augh,that it was a great while since she had been there. Wickham was not at all more distressed than herself, but his manners were always so pleasing,that had his character and his marriage beely what they ought, his smiles and his easy address,while he imed their rtionship,would have delighted them all. Elizabeth had not before believed him quite equal to such assura she sat down,resolving within herself to draw no limits in future to the impudence of an impudent man. She blushed,and Jane blushed;but the cheeks of the two who caused their fusion suffered no variation of colour. There was no want of discourse.The bride and her mother could her of them talk fast enough; and Wickham, who happeo sit near Elizabeth, began inquiring after his acquaintan that neighbourhood, with a good humoured ease which she felt very uo equal in her replies.They seemed each of them to have the happiest memories in the world. Nothing of the past was recollected with pain; and Lydia led voluntarily to subjects which her sisters would not have alluded to for the world. “Only think of its being three months,”she cried,“since I went away;it seems but a fht I dere;ahere have been things enough happened iime.Good gracious!When I went away,I am sure I had no more idea of being married till I came back again!Though I thought it would be very good fun if I was.”Her father lifted up his eyes. Jane was distressed. Elizabeth looked expressively at Lydia; but she, who never heard nor saw anything of which she chose to be insensible,gaily tinued, “Oh! mamma, do the people hereabouts know I am married to-day? I was afraid they might not; and we overtook William Goulding in his curricle, so I was determined he should know it,and so I let down the side-ss o him,and took off my glove,a my hand just rest upon the window frame,so that he might see the ring,and then I bowed and smiled like anything.” Elizabeth could bear it no longer.She got up,and ran out of the room;aurned no more,till she heard them passing through the hall to the dining parlour.She then joihem soon enough to see Lydia,with anxious parade,walk up to her mother's right hand,and hear her say to her eldest sister, “Ah!Jaake your ow,and you must go lower,because I am a married woman.” It was not to be supposed that time would give Lydia that embarrassment from which she had been so wholly free at first. Her ease and good spirits increased. She loo see Mrs. Phillips,the Lucases,and all their other neighbours,and to hear herself called“Mrs.Wickham”by each of them;and in the mean time,she went after dio show her ring,and boast of being married,to Mrs.Hill and the two housemaids. “Well, mamma,”said she, when they were all returo the breakfast room,“and what do you think of my husband? Is not he a charming man? I am sure my sisters must all envy me. I only hope they may have half my good luck.They must all go thton.That is the ce to get husbands.What a pity it is, mamma,we did not all go.” “Very true;and if I had my will,we should.But my dear Lydia,I don't at all like yoing such a way off.Must it be so?” “Oh, lord! yes; —there is nothing in that. I shall like it of all things.You and papa,and my sisters,muste down and see us. We shall be at Newcastle all the winter,and I dare say there will be some balls,and I will take care to get good partners for them all.” “I should like it beyond anything!”said her mother. “And then when you go away,you may leave one or two of my sisters behind you;and I dare say I shall get husbands for them before the winter is over.” “I thank you for my share of the favour,”said Elizabeth;“but I do not particrly like your way of getting husbands.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第118章 Their visitors were not to remain above ten days with them.Mr. Wickham had received hismission before he left London, and he was to join his regiment at the end of a fht. No o Mrs.Be regretted that their stay would be so short;and she made the most of the time by visiting about with her daughter, and having very frequent parties at home.These parties were eptable to all; to avoid a family circle was even more desirable to such as did think,than such as did not. Wickham's affe for Lydia was just what Elizabeth had expected to find it;not equal to Lydia's for him.She had scarcely needed her present observation to be satisfied,from the reason of things,that their elopement had been brought on by the strength of her love,rather than by his;and she would have wondered why, without violently g for her,he chose to elope with her at all, had she not felt certain that his flight was rendered necessary by distress of circumstances; and if that were the case, he was not the young man to resist an opportunity of having apanion. Lydia was exceedingly fond of him.He was her dear Wickham on every asion;no one was to be put iion with him. He did every thi in the world;and she was sure he would kill more birds on the first of September,than any body else in the try. One m, soon after their arrival, as she was sitting with her two elder sisters,she said to Elizabeth: “Lizzy, I never gave you an ount of my wedding, I believe. You were not by,when I told mamma and the others all about it. Are not you curious to hear how it was managed?” “No really,”replied Elizabeth;“I think there ot be too little said on the subject.” “La!You are se!But I must tell you how it went off.We were married, you know, at St. Clement's, because Wickham's lodgings were in that parish.And it was settled that we should all be there by eleven o'y uncle and aunt and I were to go together;and the others were to meet us at the church. Well,Monday m came,and I was in such a fuss!I was so afraid,you know,that something would happen to put it off,and then I should have gone quite distracted.And there was my aunt, all the time I was dressing,preag and talking away just as if she was reading a sermon.However,I did not hear above one word in ten,for I was thinking,you may suppose,of my dear Wickham.I loo know whether he would be married in his blue coat.” “Well,and so we breakfasted at ten as usual;I thought it would never be over; for, by the bye, you are to uand, that my uncle and aunt were horrid unpleasant all the time I was with them. If you'll believe me, I did not o my foot out of doors,though I was there a fht.Not one party,or scheme, or anything.To be sure London was rather thin,but,however,the Little Theatre en. Well, and so just as the carriage came to the door, my uncle was called aon busio that horrid man Mr.Stone.And then,you know,when ohey get together,there is no end of it.Well,I was shtened I did not know what to do,for my uncle was to give me away;and if we were beyond the hour,we could not be married all day.But,luckily,he came back again in ten minutes' time,and then we all set out.However,I recollected afterwards that if he had beeed going,the wedding need not be put off,for Mr.Darcy might have done as well.” “Mr.Darcy!”repeated Elizabeth,in utter amazement. “Oh,yes!—he was toe there with Wickham,you know.But grae!I quite ot!I ought not to have said a word about it.I promised them so faithfully!What will Wickham say?It was to be such a secret!” “If it was to be secret,”said Jane,“say not another word on the subjeay depend upon my seeking no further.” “Oh!certainly,”said Elizabeth,though burning with curiosity;“we will ask you no questions.” “Thank you,”said Lydia,“for if you did,I should certainly tell you all,and then Wickham would be angry.” On sucement to ask,Elizabeth was forced to put it out of her power,by running away. But to live in ignoran such a point was impossible;or at least it was impossible not to try for information.Mr.Darcy had been at her sister's wedding.It was exactly a se,aly among people, where he had apparently least to do, a temptation to go.jectures as to the meaning of it,rapid and wild, hurried into her brain; but she was satisfied with hose that best pleased her,as g his du the light,seemed most improbable.She could not bear such suspense;and hastily seizing a sheet of paper, wrote a short letter to her aunt,to request aion of what Lydia had dropped,if it werepatible with the secrecy which had been intended. “You may readilyprehend,”she added,“what my curiosity must be to know hoerson unected with any of us,and paratively speaking) a strao our family, should have been amongst you at such a time.Pray write instantly,a me uand it—unless it is, for very t reasons, to remain in the secrecy which Lydia seems to think necessary;and then I must endeavour to be satisfied with ignorance.” “Not that I shall,though,”she added to herself,as she fihe letter;“and my dear aunt,if you do not tell me in an honourable manner,I shall certainly be reduced to tricks and stratagems to find it out.” Jane's delicate sense of honour would not allow her to speak to Elizabeth privately of what Lydia had let fall;Elizabeth was d of it;—till it appeared whether her inquiries would receive any satisfa,she had rather be without a fidante.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第119章 Elizabeth had the satisfa of receiving an ao her letter as soon as she possibly could. She was no sooner in possession of it,than hurrying into the little copse,where she was least likely to be interrupted,she sat down on one of the benches and prepared to be happy;for the length of the letter vinced her that it did not tain a denial. Gracechurch street,Sept.6. “My dear Niece, “I have just received your letter, and shall devote this whole m to answering it,as I foresee that a little writing will notprise what I have to tell you.I must fess myself surprised by your application;I did not expect it from you.Don't think me angry,however,for I only mean to let you know that I had not imagined suquiries to be necessary on your side.If you do not choose to uand me,ive my impertinence.Your uncle is as much surprised as I am—and nothing but the belief of your being a party ed would have allowed him to act as he has do if you are really i and ignorant,I must be more explicit. “On the very day of mying home from Longbourn, your uncle had a most ued visitor. Mr. Darcy called, and was shut up with him several hours.It was all over before I arrived;so my curiosity was not so dreadfully racked as yours seems to have been.He came to tell Mr.Gardihat he had found out where your sister and Mr.Wickham were, and that he had seen and talked with them both;Wickham repeatedly, Lydia once. From what I collect,he left Derbyshire only one day after ourselves,and came to town with the resolution of hunting for them.The motive professed was his vi of its being owing to himself that Wickham's worthlessness had not been so well known as to make it impossible for any young woman of character to love or fide in him.He generously imputed the whole to his mistaken pride,and fessed that he had before thought it beh him toy his private as open to the world.His character was to speak for itself.He called it,therefore,his duty to step forward, and endeavour to remedy an evil which had been brought on by himself. If he had another motive, I am sure it would never disgrace him. He had been some days in town, before he was able to discover them;but he had something to direct his search, which was more than we had;and the sciousness of this was another reason for his resolving to follow us. “There is ady,it seems,a Mrs.Younge,who was some time ago govero Miss Dard was dismissed from her charge on some cause of disapprobation, though he did not say what. She then toe house in Edward-street, and has since maintained herself by letting lodgings.This Mrs.Younge was, he knew, intimately acquainted with Wickham; and he went to her for intelligence of him as soon as he got to town.But it was two or three days before he could get from her what he wanted. She would not betray her trust, I suppose, without bribery and corruption, for she really did know where her friend was to be found.Wickham indeed had goo her on their first arrival in London,and had she been able to receive them into her house, they would have taken up their abode with her. At length, however, our kind friend procured the wished-for dire. They were in—street.He saw Wickham,and afterwards insisted on seeing Lydia.His first object with her,he aowledged,had been to persuade her to quit her present disgraceful situation, aurn to her friends as soon as they could be prevailed on to receive her, his assistance,as far as it would go. But he found Lydia absolutely resolved on remaining where she was. She cared for none of her friends; she wanted no help of his; she would not hear of leaving Wickham. She was sure they should be married some time or other, and it did not much signify when.Since such were her feelings,it only remained,he thought,to secure and expedite a marriage,whi his very first versation with Wickham,he easily learnt had never been his design. He fessed himself obliged to leave the regiment, on ount of some debts of honour,which were very pressing;and scrupled not toy all the ill-sequences of Lydia's flight on her own folly alone.He meant tn hismission immediately;and as to his future situation,he could jecture very little about it. He must go somewhere,but he did not know where,and he knew he should have nothing to live on. “Mr. Darcy asked him why he had not married your sister at ohough Mr.Be was not imagio be very rich,he would have been able to do something for him,and his situation must have been beed by marriage.But he found,in reply to this question, that Wickham still cherished the hope of more effectually making his fortune by marriage in some other try. Under such circumstances,however,he was not likely to be proof against the temptation of immediate relief. “They met several times,for there was much to be discussed. Wickham of course wanted more than he could get;but at length was reduced to be reasonable. “Every thing beiled between them,Mr.Darcy's step was to make your uncle acquainted with it,and he first called in Gracechurch street the evening before I came home. But Mr. Gardiner could not be seen, and Mr. Darcy found, on further inquiry,that your father was still with him,but would quit town the m. He did not judge your father to be a person whom he could so properly sult as your uncle,and therefore readily postponed seeing him till after the departure of the former. He did not leave his name, and till the day it was only known that a gentleman had called on business. “On Saturday he came again.Your father was gone,your u home,and,as I said before,they had a great deal of talk together.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第120章 “They met again on Sunday,and then I saw him too.It was not all settled before Monday:as soon as it was,the express was sent off to Longbourn. But our visitor was very obstinate. I fancy, Lizzy,that obstinacy is the real defect of his character,after all. He has been used of many faults at different times,but this is the true ohing was to be dohat he did not do himself;though I am sure(and I do not speak it to be thaherefore say nothing about it),your uncle would most readily have settled the whole. “They battled it together for a long time,which was more thaher the gentleman ordy ed in it deserved.But atst your uncle was forced to yield, and instead of being allowed to be of use to his niece,was forced to put up with only having the probable credit of it,which went sorely against the grain;and I really believe your letter this m gave him great pleasure, because it required aion that would rob him of his borrowed feathers, and give the praise where it was due. But, Lizzy,this must go no farther than yourself,or Ja most. “You know pretty well,I suppose,what has been done for the young people.His debts are to be paid,amounting,I believe,to siderably more than a thousand pounds, ahousand in addition to her owled upon her, and hismission purchased.The reason why all this was to be done by him alone, was such as I have given above.It was owing to him,to his reserve and want of proper sideration, that Wickham's character had been so misuood,and sequently that he had been received and noticed as he erhaps there was some truth in this;though I doubt whether his reserve,or anybody's reserve, be answerable for the event.But in spite of all this fialking, my dear Lizzy, you may rest perfectly assured that your uncle would never have yielded, if we had not given him credit for another i in the affair. “When all this was resolved ourned again to his friends, who were still staying at Pemberley; but it was agreed that he should be in London once more when the wedding took ce, and all money matters were then to receive thest finish. “I believe I have now told you every thing.It is a rtion which you tell me is to give you great surprise;I hope at least it will not afford you any displeasure.Lydia came to us;and Wickham had stant admission to the house. He was exactly what he had been,when I knew him ifordshire;but I would not tell you how little I was satisfied with her behaviour while she stayed with us,if I had not perceived,by Jane's letterst Wednesday, that her duing home was exactly of a piece with it, and therefore what I now tell you give you no fresh pain. I talked to her repeatedly in the most serious manner,representing to her all the wiess of what she had done, and all the unhappiness she had brought on her family.If she heard me, it was by good luck, for I am sure she did not listen. I was sometimes quite provoked, but then I recollected my dear Elizabeth and Jane,and for their sakes had patieh her. “Mr.Darcy unctual in his return,and as Lydia informed you, attehe wedding. He dined with us the day, and was to leave town again on Wednesday or Thursday.Will you be very angry with me,my dear Lizzy,if I take this opportunity of saying (what I was never bold enough to say before) how much I like him. His behaviour to us has, in every respect, been as pleasing as when we were in Derbyshire. His uanding and opinions all please me; he wants nothing but a little more liveliness,and that,if he marry prudently,his wife may teach him. I thought him very sly;—he hardly ever mentioned your name. But slyness seems the fashion. “Pray ive me if I have been very presuming,or at least do not punish me so far as to exclude me from P. I shall never be quite happy till I have been all round the park.A low phaeton, with a tle pair of ponies,would be the very thing. “But I must write no more.The children have been wantihis half hour. “Yours,very sincerely, “M.GARDINER.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第121章 The tents of this letter threw Elizabeth into a flutter of spirits,in which it was difficult to determine whether pleasure or pain bore the greatest share.The vague and uled suspis whicertainty had produced of what Mr. Darcy might have been doing to forward her sister's match, which she had feared to ence as aion of goodoo great to be probable, and at the same time dreaded to be just, from the pain of obligation, were proved beyond their greatest extent to be true!He had followed them purposely to town,he had taken on himself all the trouble and mortification attendant on such a resear which supplication had been necessary to a woman whom he must abominate and despise,and where he was reduced to meet,frequently meet,reason with,persuade,and finally bribe, the man whom he always most wished to avoid,and whose very unishment to him to pronounce.He had done all this firl whom he could her regard eem. Her heart did whisper that he had do for her.But it e shortly checked by other siderations, and she soohat even her vanity was insuffit,when required to depend on his affe for her—for a woman who had already refused him—as able to ovee a se so natural as abhorrence against rtionship with Wickham. Brother-inw of Wickham! Every kind of pride must revolt from the e.He had,to be sure, done much. She was ashamed to think how much. But he had given a reason for his interference,which asked raordinary stretch of belief. It was reasohat he should feel he had been wrong;he had liberality,and he had the means of exerg it; and though she would not ce herself as his principal i,she could,perhaps,believe that remaining partiality for her might assist his endeavours in a cause where her peaind must be materially ed. It ainful, exceedingly painful,to know that they were under obligations to a person who could never receive a return.They owed the restoration of Lydia, her character,every thing,to him.Oh!how heartily did she grieve over every ungracious sensation she had ever enced,every saucy speech she had ever directed towards him.For herself she was humbled; but she roud of him. Proud that in a cause ofpassion and honour, he had been able to get the better of himself.She read over her aunt'smendation of him again and again.It was hardly enough;but it pleased her.She was even sensible of some pleasure,though mixed with regret,on finding how steadfastly both she and her uncle had been persuaded that affe and fidence subsisted between Mr.Dard herself. She was roused from her seat,and her refles,by some one's approad before she could strike into another path,she was overtaken by Wickham. “I am afraid I interrupt your solitary ramble,my dear sister?”said he,as he joined her. “You certainly do,”she replied with a smile;“but it does not follow that the interruption must be unwee.” “I should be sorry indeed, if it were. We were always good friends;and now we are better.” “True.Are the out?” “I do not know.Mrs.Be and Lydia are going in the carriage to Meryton.And so, my dear sister, I find, from our uncle and aunt,that you have actually seen Pemberley.” She replied in the affirmative. “I almost envy you the pleasure,a I believe it would be too mue,or else I could take it in my way to Newcastle. And you saw the old housekeeper,I suppose?Poor Reynolds,she was always very fond of me.But of course she did not mention my o you.” “Yes,she did.” “And what did she say?” “That you were goo the army,and she was afraid had—not turned out well.At such a distance as that,you know,things are strangely misrepresented.” “Certainly,”he replied,biting his lips.Elizabeth hoped she had silenced him;but he soon afterwards said: “I was surprised to see Dar townst month.We passed each other several times.I wonder what he be doing there.” “Perhaps preparing for his marriage with Miss de Bh,”said Elizabeth.“It must be something particr,to take him there at this time of year.” “Undoubtedly.Did you see him while you were at Lambton?I thought I uood from the Gardihat you had.” “Yes;he introduced us to his sister.” “And do you like her?” “Very much.” “I have heard,ihat she is umonly improved within this year or two.When Ist saw her,she was not very promising. I am very d you liked her.I hope she will turn out well.” “I dare say she will;she has got over the most trying age.” “Did you go by the vige of Kympton?” “I do not recollect that we did.” “I mention it,because it is the living which I ought to have had. A most delightful ce!—Excellent Parsonage House! It would have suited me in every respect.” “How should you have liked making sermons?” “Exceedingly well. I should have sidered it as part of my duty, and the exertion would soon have been nothing. One ought not to repine;—but,to be sure,it would have been such a thing for me!The quiet,the retirement of such a life would have answered all my ideas of happiness!But it was not to be.Did you ever hear Darcy mention the circumstance, when you were i?” “I have heard from authority, which I thought as good, that it was left you ditionally only,and at the will of the present patron.” “You have.Yes,there was something in that;I told you so from the first,you may remember.” “I did hear, too, that there was a time, when sermon-making was not so ptable to you as it seems to be at present;that you actually dered your resolution of aking orders,and that the business had beenpromised ly.” “You did! and it was not wholly without foundation.You may remember what I told you on that point,when first we talked of it.” They were now almost at the door of the house, for she had walked fast to get rid of him;and unwilling,for her sister's sake, to provoke him, she only said in reply, with a good-humoured smile: “r.Wickham,we are brother and sister,you know.Do not let us quarrel about the past. In future, I hope we shall be always of one mind.” She held out her hand;he kissed it with affeate gantry, though he hardly knew how to look,and they ehe house.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第122章 Mr.Wickham was so perfectly satisfied with this versation that he never again distressed himself,or provoked his dear sister Elizabeth,by introdug the subject of it;and she leased to find that she had said enough to keep him quiet. The day of his and Lydia's departure soon came,and Mrs.Be was forced to submit to a separation,which,as her husband by no meaered into her scheme of their all going to Newcastle,was likely to ti least a twelvemonth. “Oh!my dear Lydia,”she cried,“when shall we meet again?” “Oh,lord!I don't know.Not these two or three years,perhaps.” “Write to me very often,my dear.” “As often as I . But you know married women have never much time for writing.My sisters may write to me.They will have nothing else to do.” Mr.Wickham's adieus were much more affeate than his wife's.He smiled,looked handsome,and said many pretty things. “He is as fine a fellow,”said Mr.Be,as soon as they were out of the house,“as ever I saw. He simpers, and smirks, and makes love to us all.I am prodigiously proud of him.I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-inw.” The loss of her daughter made Mrs.Be very dull for several days. “I often think,”said she,“that there is nothing so bad as parting with one's friends.One seems so forlorn without them.” “This is the sequence, you see, Madam, of marrying a daughter,”said Elizabeth.“It must make you better satisfied that your other four are single.” “It is no such thing. Lydia does not leave me because she is married,but only because her husband's regiment happens to be so far off. If that had been nearer, she would not have gone so soon.” But the spiritless dition which this event threw her into was shortly relieved, and her mind opened again to the agitation of hope,by an article of news which then began to be in cir. The housekeeper at herfield had received orders to prepare for the arrival of her master,who wasing down in a day or two,to shoot there for several weeks.Mrs.Be was quite in the fidgets.She looked at Jane,and smiled and shook her head by turns. “Well,well,and so Mr.Bingley ising down,sister,”(for Mrs. Phillips first brought her the news).“Well, so much the better. Not that I care about it,though.He is nothing to us,you know, and I am sure I never want to see him again. But, however, he is very wee toe to herfield,if he likes it.And who knows what may happen? But that is nothing to us.You know, sister,we agreed long ago o mention a word about it.And so,is it quite certain he ising?” “You may depend on it,”replied the other,“for Mrs.Nicholls was ionst night; I saw her passing by, a out myself on purpose to know the truth of it;and she told me that it was certain true.Hees down on Thursday at thetest,very likely on Wednesday.She was going to the butcher's,she told me, on purpose to order in some meat on Wednesday,and she has got three couple of ducks just fit to be killed.” Miss Be had not been able to hear of hising without ging colour.It was many months since she had mentioned his o Elizabeth;but now,as soon as they were aloogether, she said: “I saw you look at me to-day, Lizzy, when my aunt told us of the prese;and I knoeared distressed.But don't imagi was from any silly cause.I was only fused for the moment,because I felt that I should be looked at.I do assure you that the news does not affect me either with pleasure or pain.I am d of ohing,that hees alone;because we shall see the less of him.Not that I am afraid of myself,but I dread other people's remarks.” Elizabeth did not know what to make of it.Had she not seen him in Derbyshire, she might have supposed him capable ofing there with no other view than what was aowledged;but she still thought him partial to Jane, and she wavered as to the greater probability of hising there with his friend's permission,or being bold enough toe without it. “Yet it is hard,”she sometimes thought,“that this poor man ote to a house which he has legally hired,without raising all this spe!I will leave him to himself.” In spite of what her sister dered,and really believed to be her feelings in the expectation of his arrival, Elizabeth could easily perceive that her spirits were affected by it.They were more disturbed,more unequal,than she had oftehem. The subject which had been so warmly vassed between their parents, about a twelvemonth ago, was nht fain. “As soon as ever Mr.Bingleyes,my dear,”said Mrs.Be,“you will wait on him of course.” “No,no.You forced me into visiting himst year,and promised, if I went to see him,he should marry one of my daughters.But it ended in nothing,and I will not be sent on a fool's errand again.” His wife represeo him how absolutely necessary su attention would be from all the neighb gentlemen,on his returning to herfield. “'Tis aiquette I despise,”said he.“If he wants our society,let him seek it.He knows where we live.I will not spend my hours in running after my neighbours every time they go away ande back again.'” “Well,all I know is,that it will be abominably rude if you do not wait on him.But,however,that shan't prevent my asking him to dine here,I am determined.We must have Mrs.Long and the Gouldings soon.That will make thirteen with ourselves,so there will be just room at table for him.” soled by this resolution,she was the better able to bear her husband's incivility;though it was very mortifying to know that her neighbours might all see Mr. Bingley, in sequence of it, before they did.As the day of his arrival drew near:笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第123章 “I begin to be sorry that hees at all,”said Jao her sister.“It would be nothing;I could see him with perfedifference, but I hardly bear to hear it thus perpetually talked of. My mother means well;but she does not know,no one know,how much I suffer from what she says.Happy shall I be,when his stay at herfield is over!” “I wish I could say anything tofort you,”replied Elizabeth;“but it is wholly out of my power.You must feel it;and the usual satisfa of preag patieo a sufferer is denied me, because you have always so much.” Mr. Bingley arrived. Mrs. Be, through the assistance of servants, trived to have the earliest tidings of it, that the period of ay and fretfulness on her side might be as long as it could.She ted the days that must intervene before their invitation could be sent;hopeless of seeing him before. But ohird m after his arrival ifordshire,she saw him, from her dressing-room window,ehe paddod ride towards the house. Her daughters were eagerly called to partake of her joy. Jane resolutely kept her ce at the table;but Elizabeth,to satisfy her mother,went to the window—she looked,—she saw Mr.Darcy with him,and sat down again by her sister. “There is a gentleman with him,mamma,”said Kitty;“who it be?” “Some acquaintance or other,my dear,I suppose;I am sure I do not know.” “La!”replied Kitty,“it looks just like that man that used to be with him before.Mr.what's-his-hat tall,proud man.” “Good gracious! Mr. Darcy!—and so it does, I vow.Well, any friend of Mr. Bingley's will always be wee here, to be sure;but else I must say that I hate the very sight of him.” Jane looked at Elizabeth with surprise and .She knew but little of their meeting in Derbyshire, and therefore felt for the awkwardness which must attend her sister, in seeing him almost for the first time after receiving his exnatory letter. Both sisters were ufortable enough.Each felt for the other, and of course for themselves; and their mother talked on, of her dislike of Mr. Darcy, and her resolution to be civil to him only as Mr. Bingley's friend, without being heard by either of them.But Elizabeth had sources of uneasiness which could not be suspected by Jao whom she had never yet had ce to shew Mrs. Gardiner's letter, or to rte her own ge of seowards him.To Jane,he could be only a man whose proposals she had refused,and whose merit she had undervalued;but to her own more extensive information, he was the person to whom the whole family were ied for the first of bes, and whom she regarded herself with an i,if not quite so te least as reasonable and just as what Ja for Bingley. Her astonishment at hising—at hising to herfield,to Longbourn,and voluntarily seeking her again,was almost equal to what she had known on first witnessing his altered behaviour in Derbyshire. The colour which had been driven from her face,returned for half a mih an additional glow,and a smile of delight added lustre to her eyes,as she thought for that space of time that his affe and wishes must still be unshaken.But she would not be secure. “Let me first see how he behaves,”said she;“it will then be early enough for expectation.” She sat ily at work,striving to beposed,and without daring to lift up her eyes,till anxious curiosity carried them to the face of her sister as the servant roag the door.Jane looked a little paler than usual,but more sedate than Elizabeth had expected.On the gentlemen's appearing,her colour increased;yet she received them with tolerable ease,and with a propriety of behaviour equally free from any symptom of rese or any unnecessaryisance. Elizabeth said as little to either as civility would allow,and sat down again to her work,with an eagerness which it did not oftenmand.She had ventured only one Darcy.He looked serious,as usual;and,she thought,more as he had beeo look ifordshire, than as she had seen him at Pemberley. But, perhaps he could not in her mother's presence be what he was before her uncle and aunt. It ainful, but not an improbable,jecture. Bingley,she had likewise seen for an instant,and in that short period saw him looking both pleased and embarrassed. He was received by Mrs. Be with a degree of civility which made her two daughters ashamed,especially when trasted with the cold and ceremonious politeness of her curtsey and address to his friend. Elizabeth, particrly, who khat her mother owed to thetter the preservation of her favourite daughter from irremediable infamy, was hurt and distressed to a most painful degree by a distin so ill applied.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第124章 Darcy, after inquiring of her how Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did, a question which she could not answer without fusion, said scarcely anything. He was not seated by her; perhaps that was the reason of his silence; but it had not been so in Derbyshire. There he had talked to her friends,when he could not to herself. But now several minutes psed without bringing the sound of his void when asionally,uo resist the impulse of curiosity,she raised her eyes to his face,she as often found him looking at Jane as at herself,and frequently on no object but the ground. More thoughtfulness and less ao please, thaheyst met,were inly expressed.She was disappointed, and angry with herself for being so. “Could I expect it to be otherwise!”said she.“Yet why did hee?” She was in no humour for versation with a himself;and to him she had hardly ce to speak. She inquired after his sister,but could do no more. “It is a long time,Mr.Bingley,since you went away,”said Mrs. Be. He readily agreed to it. “I began to be afraid you would nevere back again.People did say you meant to quit the tirely at Michaelmas;but, however, I hope it is not true.A great many ges have happened in the neighbourhood,since you went away.Miss Lucas is married aled.And one of my own daughters.I suppose you have heard of it;indeed,you must have seen it in the papers. It was iimes and The Courier,I know;though it was not put in as it ought to be.It was only said,'Lately,Ge Wickham, Esq.to Miss Lydia Be,'without there being a syble said of her father, or the ce where she lived, or anything. It was my brardiner's drawing up too,and I wonder how he came to make su awkward business of it.Did you see it?” Bingley replied that he did, and made his grattions. Elizabeth dared not lift up her eyes. How Mr. Darcy looked, therefore,she could not tell. “It is a delightful thing, to be sure, to have a daughter well married,”tinued her mother,“but at the same time, Mr.Bingley, it is very hard to have her taken such a way from me. They are gone down to Newcastle, a ce quite northward, it seems,and there they are to stay,I do not know how long.His regiment is there; for I suppose you have heard of his leaving the—shire, and of his being goo the regrs. Thank Heaven!he has some friends,though perhaps not so many as he deserves.” Elizabeth, who khis to be levelled at Mr. Darcy, was in such misery of shame,that she could hardly keep her seat.It drew from her,however,the exertion of speaking,whiothing else had so effectually done before;and she asked Bingley whether he meant to make any stay in the try at present.A few weeks,he believed. “When you have killed all your own birds, Mr. Bingley,”said her mother,“I beg you wille here,and shoot as many as you please on Mr.Be's manor.I am sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you,and will save all the best of the coveys for you.” Elizabeth's misery increased,at sunecessary,such officious attentiohe same fair prospect to arise at present as had ttered them a year ago,every thing,she ersuaded,would be hastening to the same vexatious clusion.At that instant, she felt that years of happiness could not make Jane or herself amends for moments of such painful fusion. “The first wish of my heart,”said she to herself,“is never more to be inpany with either of them.Their society afford no pleasure that will atone for such wretess as this!Let me never see either one or the ain!” Yet the misery, for which years of happiness were to offer ion, received soon afterwards material relief, from how much the beauty of her sister re-kihe admiration of her former lover.When first he came in, he had spoken to her but little; but every five minutes seemed to be giving her more of his attention. He found her as handsome as she had beenst year;as good natured,and as ued,though not quite so chatty.Jane was anxious that no difference should be perceived i all,and was really persuaded that she talked as much as ever.But her mind was so busily ehat she did not always know when she was silent. When the gentlemen rose to go away,Mrs.Be was mindful of her intended civility,and they were invited and eo di Longbourn in a few days time. “You are quite a visit in my debt,Mr.Bingley,”she added,“for when you went to townst winter,you promised to take a family dinner with us, as soon as you returned. I have not ot, you see;and I assure you,I was very much disappoihat you did note bad keep yagement.” Bingley looked a little silly at this refle,and said something of his at having beeed by busihey the away. Mrs. Be had been strongly ined to ask them to stay and dihere that day;but,though she always kept a very good table,she did not think anythihan two courses could be good enough for a man on whom she had suxious designs,or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a year.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第125章 As soon as they were gone,Elizabeth walked out to recover her spirits;or in other words,to dwell without interruption on those subjects that must deaden them more. Mr. Darcy's behaviour astonished and vexed her. “Why,if he came only to be silent,grave,and indifferent,”said she,“did hee at all?” She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure. “He could be still amiable,still pleasing,to my uncle and aunt, when he was in town; and why not to me? If he fears me, whye hither? If he no longer cares for me, why silent?Teasing, teasing,man!I will think no more about him.” Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by the approach of her sister,who joined her with a cheerful look,which showed her better satisfied with their visitors,than Elizabeth. “Now,”said she,“that this first meeting is over,I feel perfectly easy.I know my own strength,and I shall never be embarrassed again by hising. I am d he dines here on Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides, we meet only asmon and indifferent acquaintance.” “Yes,very indifferent indeed,”said Elizabethughingly.“Oh, Jaake care.” “My dear Lizzy,you ot think me so weak,as to be in danger now?” “I think you are in very great danger of making him as mu love with you as ever.” They did not see the gentlemen again till Tuesday; and Mrs. Be,in the meanwhile,was giving way to all the happy schemes, which the good humour andmon politeness of Bingley,in half an hour's visit,had revived. On Tuesday there was arge party assembled at Longbourn;and the tere most anxiously expected,to the credit of their punctuality as sportsmen, were in very good time.When they repaired to the dining-room, Elizabeth eagerly watched to see whether Bingley would take the ce,whi all their former parties,had beloo him, by her sister. Her prudent mother, upied by the same ideas,forbore to invite him to sit by herself. Oering the room, he seemed to hesitate;but Jane happeo look round,and happeo smile: it was decided. He ced himself by her. Elizabeth, with a triumphaion, looked towards his friend. He bore it with noble indifference, and she would have imagihat Bingley had received his san to be happy,had she not seen his eyes likewise turowards Mr.Darcy,with an expression of halfughing rm. His behaviour to her sister was such, during diime, as showed an admiration of her,which,though muarded than formerly,persuaded Elizabeth,that if left wholly to himself,Jane's happiness,and his own,would be speedily secured.Though she dared not depend upon the sequence,she yet received pleasure from his behaviour.It gave her all the animation that her spirits could boast;for she was in no cheerful humour.Mr.Darcy was almost as far from her as the table could divide them.He was on one side of her mother.She knew how little such a situation would give pleasure to either,or make either appear to advantage. She was not near enough to hear any of their discourse,but she could see how seldom they spoke to each other,and how formal and cold was their manner whehey did. Her mother's ungraciousness, made the sense of what they owed him more painful to Elizabeth's mind;and she would,at times,have given anything to be privileged to tell him that his kindness was her unknown nor u by the whole of the family. She was in hopes that the evening would afford some opportunity ing them together;that the whole of the visit would not pass away without enabling them to enter into something more of versation than the mere ceremonious salutation attending his entranxious and uneasy,the period which passed in the drawing-room, before the gentlemen came, was wearisome and dull to a degree that almost made her uncivil.She looked forward to their entrance as the point on which all her ce of pleasure for the evening must depend. “If he does o me,then,”said she,“I shall give him up for ever.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第126章 The gentlemen came;and she thought he looked as if he would have answered her hopes;but,s!thedies had crowded round the table, where Miss Be was making tea, and Elizabeth p out the coffee,in so close a federacy that there was not a single vaear her which would admit of a chair.And on the gentlemen's approag,one of the girls moved closer to her than ever,and said,in a whisper: “The men shan'te and part us,I am determined.We want none of them;do we?” Darcy had walked away to another part of the room. She followed him with her eyes,envied everyoo whom he spoke, had scarcely patienough to help anybody to coffee;and then was enraged against herself for being so silly! “A man who has once been refused!How could I ever be foolish enough to expect a renewal of his love?Is there one among the sex,who would not protest against such a weakness as a sed proposal to the same woman?There is no indignity so abhorrent to their feelings!” She was a little revived,however,by his bringing back his coffee cup himself;and she seized the opportunity of saying: “Is your sister at Pemberley still?” “Yes,she will remaiill Christmas.” “And quite alone?Have all her friends left her?” “Mrs.Annesley is with her.The others have been gone on to Scarbh,these three weeks.” She could think of nothing more to say; but if he wished to verse with her,he might have better sess.He stood by her, however,for some minutes,in silend,atst,on the youngdy's whispering to Elizabeth again,he walked away. Wheea-things were removed,and the card-tables ced, thedies all rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon joined by him,when all her views were overthrown by seeing him fall a victim to her mother's rapacity for whist yers,and in a few moments after seated with the rest of the party.She now lost every expectation of pleasure.They were fined for the evening at different tables,and she had nothing to hope,but that his eyes were so often turowards her side of the room, as to make him y as unsessfully as herself. Mrs. Be had desigo keep the two herfield gentlemen to supper; but their carriage was unluckily ordered before any of the others,and she had no opportunity of detaining them. “Well girls,”said she, as soon as they were left to themselves,“What say you to the day? I think every thing has passed off umonly well,I assure you.The dinner was as well dressed as any I ever saw.The venison was roasted to a turn—and everybody said they never saw so fat a haunch.The soup was fifty times better than what we had at the Lucases'st week;and even Mr. Darcy aowledged, that the partridges were remarkably well done; and I suppose he has two or three French cooks at least. And,my dear Jane,I never saw you look ier beauty.Mrs. Long said so too,for I asked her whether you did not.And what do you think she said besides? 'Ah! Mrs. Be, we shall have her at herfield atst.'She did indeed.I do think Mrs.Long is as good a creature as ever lived—and her nieces are very pretty behaved girls,and not at all handsome:I like them prodigiously.” Mrs. Be, in short, was in very great spirits; she had seen enough of Bingley's behaviour to Jao be vihat she would get him atst;and her expectations of advao her family,when in a happy humour,were so far beyond reason,that she was quite disappoi not seeing him there again the day,to make his proposals. “It has been a very agreeable day,”said Miss Be to Elizabeth.“The party seemed so well selected, so suitable oh the other.I hope we may ofte again.” Elizabeth smiled. “Lizzy,you must not do so. You must not suspect me.It mortifies me. I assure you that I have now learnt to enjoy his versation as an agreeable and sensible young man,without having a wish beyond it.I am perfectly satisfied,from what his manners now are,that he never had any design of engaging my affe.It is only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address,and a stronger desire of generally pleasing,than any other man.” “You are very cruel,”said her sister,“you will not let me smile, and are provokio it every moment.” “How hard it is in some cases to be believed!” “And how impossible in others!” “But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I aowledge?” “That is a question which I hardly know how to answer.We all love to instruct,though we tealy what is not worth knowing. ive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not make me your fidante.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第127章 A few days after this visit,Mr.Bingley called again,and alone. His friend had left him that m for London, but was to return home in ten days time.He sat with them above an hour, and was in remarkably good spirits. Mrs. Be invited him to dih them; but, with many expressions of , he fessed himself engaged elsewhere. “ime you call,”said she,“I hope we shall be more lucky.”He should be particrly happy at any time,etc.etd if she would give him leave,would take an early opportunity of waiting on them. “ youe to-morrow?” Yes, he had no e at all for to-morrow; and her invitation ted with crity. He came,and in such very good time that thedies were none of them dressed.In ran Mrs.Be to her daughter's room,in her dressing gown,and with her hair half finished,g out: “My dear Jane,make haste and hurry down.He ise—Mr. Bingley ise. He is, indeed. Make haste, make haste. Here, Sarahe to Miss Be this moment,and help her on with her gown.Never mind Miss Lizzy's hair.” “We will be down as soon as we ,”said Jane;“but I dare say Kitty is forwarder thaher of us,for she went upstairs half an ho.” “Oh!hang Kitty!what has she to do with it?e be quick,be quick!Where is your sash,my dear?” But when her mother was gone,Jane would not be prevailed on to go down without one of her sisters. The same ao get them by themselves was visible again in the evening.After tea, Mr. Be retired to the library, as was his ,and Mary went up stairs to her instrument.Two obstacles of the five being thus removed,Mrs.Be sat looking and winking at Elizabeth and Catherine for a siderable time, without making any impression on them. Elizabeth would not observe her;and when atst Kitty did,she very ily said,“What is the matter mamma?What do you keep winking at me for?What am I to do?” “Nothing child,nothing.I did not wink at you.”She then sat still five minutes longer; but uo waste such a precious asion,she suddenly got up,and saying to Kitty,“e here, my love,I want to speak to you,”took her out of the room.Jane instantly gave a look at Elizabeth which spoke her distress at such premeditation,and her ey that she would not give in to it. In a few minutes,Mrs.Be half-opehe door and called out: “Lizzy,my dear,I want to speak with you.” Elizabeth was forced to go. “We may as well leave them by themselves you know;”said her mother, as soon as she was in the hall.“Kitty and I are going upstairs to sit in my dressing-room.” Elizabeth made no attempt to reason with her mother, but remained quietly in the hall,till she and Kitty were out of sight, theurned into the drawing-room. Mrs. Be's schemes for this day were iual. Bingley was every thing that was charming, except the professed lover of her daughter.His ease and cheerfulness rendered him a most agreeable addition to their evening party;and he bore with the ill-judged officiousness of the mother,and heard all her silly remarks with a forbearandmand of tenance particrly grateful to the daughter. He scarcely needed an invitation to stay supper;and before he went away,an e was formed,chiefly through his own and Mrs.Be's means,for hisi m to shoot with her husband. After this day,Jane said no more of her indiffere a word passed between the sisters ing Bingley;but Elizabeth went to bed in the happy belief that all must speedily be cluded, unless Mr. Darcy returned withiated time. Seriously, however,she felt tolerably persuaded that all this must have takeh that gentleman's currence. Bingley unctual to his appoi; and he and Mr. Be spent the m together,as had been agreed oer was much mreeable than hispanion expected. There was nothing of presumption or folly in Bihat could provoke his ridicule,or disgust him into silend he was moremunicative,and less entric,thaher had ever seen him. Bingley of course returned with him to dinner; and in the evening Mrs.Be's iion was again at work to get every body away from him and her daughter.Elizabeth,who had a letter to write,went into the breakfast room for that purpose soon after tea;for as the others were all going to sit down to cards,she could not be wao teract her mother's schemes. But ourning to the drawing-room, when her letter was finished,she saw,to her infinite surprise,there was reason to fear that her mother had been too ingenious for her.On opening the door,she perceived her sister and Bianding together over the hearth,as if engaged in ear versation;and had this led to no suspi, the faces of both, as they hastily turned round and moved away from each other, would have told it all. Their situation was awkward enough; but hers she thought was still worse.Not a syble was uttered by either;and Elizabeth was on the point of going away again,when Bingley,who as well as the other had sat down,suddenly rose,and whispering a few words to her sister,ran out of the room. Jane could have no reserves from Elizabeth,where fidence would give pleasure;and instantly embrag her,aowledged, with the liveliest emotion,that she was the happiest creature in the world. “Tis too much!”she added,“by far too much.I do not deserve it.Oh!why is not everybody as happy?” Elizabeth's grattions were given with a siy, a warmth,a delight,which words could but poorly express.Every sentence of kindness was a fresh source of happio Ja she would not allow herself to stay with her sister,or say half that remaio be said for the present.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第128章 “I must go instantly to my mother;”she cried.“I would not on any ount trifle with her affeate solicitude;or allow her to hear it from a myself.He is goo my father already. Oh!Lizzy,to know that what I have to rte will give such pleasure to all my dear family!how shall I bear so much happiness!” She then hastened away to her mother, who had purposely broken up the card party,and was sitting up stairs with Kitty. Elizabeth, who was left by herself, now smiled at the rapidity and ease with whi affair was finally settled,that had given them so many previous months of suspense aion. “And this,”said she,“is the end of all his friend's anxious circumspe!of all his sister's falsehood and trivahe happiest,wisest,most reasonable end!” In a few minutes she was joined by Bingley,whose fereh her father had been short and to the purpose. “Where is your sister?”said he hastily,as he opehe door. “With my mother upstairs. She will be down in a moment, I dare say.” He then shut the door,anding up to her,imed the good wishes and affe of a sister. Elizabeth holy aily expressed her delight in the prospect of their rtionship. They shook hands with great cordiality;and then,till her sister came down, she had to listen to all he had to say of his oiness, and of Jane's perfes; and in spite of his being a lover,Elizabeth really believed all his expectations of felicity to be rationally founded, because they had for basis the excellent uanding, and super-excellent disposition of Jane, and a general simrity of feeling and taste between her and himself. It was an evening of nomon delight to them all; the satisfa of Miss Be's mind gave a glow of such sweet animation to her face, as made her look handsomer than ever. Kitty simpered and smiled,and hoped her turn wasing soon. Mrs.Be could not give her sent or speak her approbation in terms warm enough to satisfy her feelings,though she talked to Bingley of nothing else for half an hour;and when Mr.Be joihem at supper,his void manner inly showed how really happy he was. Not a word,however,passed his lips in allusion to it,till their visitor took his leave for the night;but as soon as he was gouro his daughter,and said: “Jane,I gratte you.You will be a very happy woman.” Jao him instantly,kissed him,and thanked him for his goodness. “You are a good girl;”he replied,“and I have great pleasure in thinking you will be so happily settled.I have not a doubt of your doing very well together.Your tempers are by no means unlike.You are each of you soplying,that nothing will ever be resolved on;so easy,that every servant will cheat you;and so generous,that you will always exceed your ie.” “I hope not so. Imprudence or thoughtlessness in money matters would be unpardonable in me.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第129章 “Exceed their ie!My dear Mr.Be,”cried his wife,“what are you talking of?Why,he has four or five thousand a year,and very likely more.”Then addressing her daughter,“Oh!my dear,dear Jane,I am so happy!I am sure I shan't get a wink of sleep all night.I knew how it would be.I always said it must be so,atst.I was sure you could not be so beautiful for nothing!I remember,as soon as ever I saw him,when he first came into Hertfordshirest year,I thought how likely it was that you shoulde together.Oh!he is the handsomest young man that ever was seen!” Wickham,Lydia,were all otten.Jane was beyoion her favourite child.At that moment,she cared for no other.Her younger sisters soon began to make i with her for objects of happiness which she might in future be able to dispense. Mary petitioned for the use of the library at herfield;and Kitty begged very hard for a few balls there every winter. Bingley,from this time,was of course a daily visitor at Longb frequently before breakfast,and always remaining till after supper;unless when some barbarous neighbour,who could not be enough detested,had given him an invitation to dinner which he thought himself obliged to ept. Elizabeth had now but little time for versation with her sister;for while he resent,Jane had no attention to bestow on anyone else;but she found herself siderably useful to both of them in those hours of separation that must sometimes ur. In the absence of Jane,he always attached himself to Elizabeth, for the pleasure of talking of her; and when Bingley was gone, Jane stantly sought the same means of relief. “He has made me so happy,”said she,one evening,“by tellihat he was totally ignorant of my being in townst spring!I had not believed it possible.” “I suspected as much,”replied Elizabeth.“But how did he ount for it?” “It must have been his sister's doing.They were certainly no friends to his acquaintah me,which I ot wo, since he might have chosen so much more advantageously in many respects.But when they see,as I trust they will,that their brother is happy with me,they will learn to be tented,and we shall be on good terms again; though we ever be what we once were to each other.” “That is the most univing speech,”said Elizabeth,“that I ever heard you utter.Good girl!It would vex me,io see you again the dupe of Miss Bingley's pretended regard.” “Would you believe it, Lizzy, that when he went to townst November,he really loved me,and nothing but a persuasion of my being indifferent would have prevented hising down again!” “He made a little mistake to be sure;but it is to the credit of his modesty.” This naturally introduced a panegyri Jane on his diffidence, and the little value he put on his own good qualities.Elizabeth leased to find that he had not betrayed the interference of his friend;for,though Jane had the most generous and ivi in the world,she k was a circumstance which must prejudice her against him. “I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!”cried Jane.“Oh!Lizzy,why am I thus singled from my family,and blessed above them all!If I could but see you as happy!If there were but suother man for you!” “If you were to give me forty such men, I never could be so happy as you.Till I have your disposition,yoodness,I never have your happiness. No, no, let me shift for myself; and, perhaps,if I have very good luck,I may meet with another Mr. Collins in time.” The situation of affairs in the Longbourn family could not be long a secret. Mrs. Be rivileged to whisper it to Mrs. Phillips, and she ventured, without any permission, to do the same by all her neighbours ion. The Bes were speedily pronouo be the luckiest family in the world,though only a few weeks before,when Lydia had first run away,they had been generally proved to be marked out for misfortune.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第130章 One m,about a week after Bingley's e with Jane had been formed,as he and the females of the family were sitting together in the dining-room,their attention was suddenly drawn to the window,by the sound of a carriage;and they perceived a chaise and four driving up thewn.It was too early in the m for visitors,and besides,the equipage did not ao that of any of their neighbours.The horses were post;aher the carriage, nor the livery of the servant who preceded it,were familiar to them. As it was certain,however,that somebody wasing,Bingley instantly prevailed on Miss Be to avoid the fi of su intrusion,and walk away with him into the shrubbery.They both set off,and the jectures of the remaining three tihough with little satisfa,till the door was thrown open and their visitor e was Lady Catherine de Bh. They were of course all intending to be surprised;but their astonishment was beyond their expectation;and on the part of Mrs. Be and Kitty, though she erfectly unknown to them, even inferior to what Elizabeth felt. She ehe room with an air more than usually ungraade no other reply to Elizabeth's salutation than a slight ination of the head, and sat down without saying a word.Elizabeth had mentioned her o her mother on herdyship's entrahough no request of introdu had been made. Mrs.Be,all amazement,though ttered by having a guest of such high importance,received her with the utmost politeness. After sitting for a moment in silence, she said very stiffly to Elizabeth, “I hope you are well,Miss Be.Thatdy,I suppose,is your mother.” Elizabeth replied very cisely that she was. “And that I suppose is one of your sisters.” “Yes, madam,”said Mrs. Be, delighted to speak to Lady Catherine.“She is my you girl but one.My you of all istely married,and my eldest is somewhere about the grounds, walking with a young man who,I believe,will soon be a part of the family.” “You have a very small park here,”returned Lady Catherier a short silence. “It is nothing inparison of Rosings,mydy,I dare say;but I assure you it is muchrger than Sir William Lucas's.” “This must be a most inve sitting room for the evening, in summer;the windows are full west.” Mrs.Be assured her that they never sat there after dinner, and then added: “May I take the liberty of asking yourdyship whether you left Mr.and Mrs.Collins well.” “Yes,very well.I saw them the night beforest.” Elizabeth now expected that she would produce a letter for her from Charlotte, as it seemed the only probable motive for her calling.But er appeared,and she letely puzzled. Mrs. Be, with great civility, begged herdyship to take some refreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not very politely,deed eating anything;and then,rising up,said to Elizabeth, “Miss Be, there seemed to be a prettyish kind of a little wilderness on one side of yourwn. I should be d to take a turn in it,if you will favour me with yourpany.” “Go, my dear,”cried her mother,“and show herdyship about the different walks. I think she will be pleased with the hermitage.” Elizabeth obeyed, and running into her own room for her parasol, attended her noble guest downstairs.As they passed through the hall, Lady Catherine opehe doors into the dining-parlour and drawing-room,and pronoung them,after a short survey,to be det looking rooms,walked on. Her carriage remai the door, and Elizabeth saw that her waiting-woman was in it.They proceeded in silence along the gravel walk that led to the copse; Elizabeth was determio make no effort for versation with a woman who was now more than usually i and disagreeable. “How could I ever think her like her nephew?”said she,as she looked in her face. As soon as they ehe copse, Lady Catherine began in the following manner:— “You be at no loss,Miss Be, to uand the reason of my journey hither.Your ow,your own sce, must tell you why Ie.” Elizabeth looked with ued astonishment. “Indeed,you are mistaken,Madam.I have not been at all able to ount for the honour of seeing you here.” “Miss Be,”replied herdyship, in an angry tone,“you ought to know, that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere you may choose to be, you shall not find me so. My character has ever been celebrated for its siy and frankness, and in a cause of suent as this,I shall certainly not depart from it.A report of a m nature reached me two days ago.I was told that not only your sister was on the point of being most advantageously married,but that you,that Miss Elizabeth Be,would,in all likelihood,be soon afterwards uo my nephew,my own nephew,Mr.Darcy.Though I know it must be a sdalous falsehood,though I would not injure him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible,I instantly resolved oing off for this ce,that I might make my ses known to you.” “If you believed it impossible to be true,”said Elizabeth, c with astonishment and disdain,“I wonder you took the trouble ofing so far.What could yourdyship propose by it?” “At oo insist upon having such a report universally tradicted.” “Y to Longbourn, to see me and my family,”said Elizabeth coolly,“will be rather a firmation of it; if, indeed, such a report is ience.” “If!Do you theend to be ignorant of it?Has it not been industriously circted by yourselves?Do you not know that such a report is spread abroad?” “I never heard that it was.” “And you likewise dere,that there is no foundation for it?” “I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with yourdyship. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第131章 “This is not to be borne.Miss Be,I insist on being satisfied. Has he,has my nephew,made you an offer of marriage?” “Yourdyship has dered it to be impossible.” “It ought to be so; it must be so, while he retains the use of his reason. But your arts and allurements may, in a moment of infatuation,have made him et what he owes to himself and to all his family.You may have drawn him in.” “If I have,I shall be thest person to fess it.” “Miss Be, do you know who I am? I have not been ustomed to suguage as this. I am almost the rtion he has in the world, and am entitled to know all his dearest s.” “But you are led to know mine;nor will such behaviour as this,ever induce me to be explicit.” “Let me be rightly uood.This match,to which you have the presumption to aspire,ever take o,never.Mr. Darcy is eo my daughter.Now what have you to say?” “Only this;that if he is so,you have no reason to suppose he will make an offer to me.” Lady Catheriated for a moment,and then replied: “The e between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother, as well as of hers.While in their cradles, we he union: and now, at the moment when the wishes of both sisters would be omplished is their marriage,to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth,of no importan the world, and wholly unallied to the family! Do you pay nard to the wishes of his friends?To his tacit e with Miss de Bh?Are you lost to every feeling of propriety and delicacy?Have you not heard me say that from his earliest hours he was destined for his cousin?” “Yes, and I had heard it before. But what is that to me? If there is no other obje to my marrying your nephew,I shall certainly not be kept from it by knowing that his mother and aunt wished him to marry Miss de Bh.You both did as much as you could in nning the marriage.Itspletion depended on others.If Mr.Darcy is her by honour nor ination fio his cousin,why is not he to make another choid if I am that choice,why may not I ept him?” “Because honour, de, prudenay, i, forbid it. Yes, Miss Be, i; for do not expect to be noticed by his family or friends, if you wilfully act against the inations of all.You will be sured,slighted,and despised,by everyone ected with him.Your alliance will be a disgrace;your name will never even be mentioned by any of us.” “These are heavy misfortunes,”replied Elizabeth.“But the wife of Mr.Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to her situation, that she could, upon the whole,have no cause to repine.” “Obstinate,headstrong girl!I am ashamed of you!Is this yratitude for my attentions to youst spring?Is nothing due to me on that score?Let us sit down.You are to uand,Miss Be, that I came here with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose;nor will I be dissuaded from it.I have not beeo submit to any person's whims.I have not been in the habit of brooking disappoi.” “That will make yourdyship's situation at present more pitiable;but it will have no effee.” “I will not be interrupted.Hear me in silence.My daughter and my nephew are formed for each other.They are desded,oernal side,from the same noble line;and,oher's,from respectable,honourable,and ahough untitled—families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid.They are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their respective houses;and what is to divide them?The upstart pretensions of a young woman without family,es,or fortune.Is this to be endured!But it must not,shall not be.If you were sensible of your own good,you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up.” “In marrying your nephew, I should not sider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter;so far we are equal.” “True.You are a gentleman's daughter.But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts?Do not imagine me ignorant of their dition.” “Whatever my eay be,”said Elizabeth,“if your nephew does not object to them,they be nothing to you.” “Tell me once for all,are you eo him?”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第132章 Though Elizabeth would not,for the mere purpose of obliging Lady Catherine,have answered this question,she could not but say,after a moment's deliberation: “I am not.” Lady Catherine seemed pleased. “And will you promise me,o enter into su e?” “I will make no promise of the kind.” “Miss Be I am shocked and astonished.I expected to find a more reasonable young woman.But do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede.I shall not go away till you have givehe assurance I require.” “And I certainly never shall give it.I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable.Yourdyship wants Mr. Dararry your daughter; but would my giving you the wished-for promise make their marriage at all more probable? Supposing him to be attached to me,would my refusing to ept his hand make him wish to bestow it on his cousin?Allow me to say,Lady Catherihat the arguments with which you have supported this extraordinary application have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged.You have widely mistaken my character,if you think I be worked on by such persuasions as these.How far your nephew might approve of your interferen his affairs, I ot tell; but you have certainly nht to yourself in mine.I must beg,therefore,to be importuned no farther on the subject.” “Not so hasty,if you please.I have by no means doo all the objes I have already urged,I have still ao add.I am ner to the particrs of your you sister's infamous elopement.I know it all;that the young man's marrying her atched-up business,at the expence of your father and uncles. And is such a girl to be my nephew's sister?Is her husband,is the son of histe father's steward, to be his brother? Heaven ah!—of what are you thinking?Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?” “You ow have nothing further to say,”she resentfully answered.“You have insulted me in every possible method.I must beg to return to the house.” And she rose as she spoke.Lady Catherine rose also,and they turned back.Herdyship was highly insed. “You have nard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not sider that a e with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?” “Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say.You know my ses.” “You are then resolved to have him?” “I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to a that manner,which will,in my own opinion,stitute my happiness, without refereo you,or to any person so wholly unected with me.” “It is well.You refuse,then,to oblige me.You refuse to obey the ims of duty,honour,and gratitude.You are determio ruin him in the opinion of all his friends,and make him the pt of the world.” “her duty,nor honour,nratitude,”replied Elizabeth,“have any possible im on me,in the present instano principle of either would be vited by my marriage with Mr.Dard with regard to the rese of his family,or the indignation of the world,if the former were excited by his marryi would not give me one moment's —and the world in general would have too much seo join in the s.” “And this is your real opinion!This is your final resolve!Very well.I shall now know how to act.Do not imagine,Miss Be, that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reaso,depend upon it,I will carry my point.” In this manner Lady Catherialked on,till they were at the door of the carriage,when,turning hastily round,she added, “I take no leave of you,Miss Be.I send nopliments to your mother.You deserve no such attention.I am most seriously displeased.” Elizabeth made no answer;and without attempting to persuade herdyship to return into the house,walked quietly into it herself. She heard the carriage drive away as she proceeded up stairs.Her mother impatiently met her at the door of the dressing-room,to ask why Lady Catherine would note in again a herself. “She did not choose it,”said her daughter,“she would go.” “She is a very fine-looking woman! and her calling here rodigiously civil! for she only came, I suppose, to tell us the Collinses were well.She is on her road somewhere,I dare say,and so, passing through Meryton, thought she might as well call on you.I suppose she had nothing particr to say to you,Lizzy?” Elizabeth was forced to give into a little falsehood here;for to aowledge the substance of their versation was impossible.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第133章 The diposure of spirits which this extraordinary visit threw Elizabeth into, could not be easily ovee; nor could she,for many hours,learn to think of it less than incessantly.Lady Catheri appeared, had actually takerouble of this journey from Rosings, for the sole purpose of breaking off her supposed e with Mr.Darcy.It was a rational scheme, to be sure!but from what the report of their e could inate,Elizabeth was at a loss to imagiill she recollected that his being the intimate friend of Bingley, and her being the sister of Jane,was enough,at a time when the expectation of one wedding made everybody eager for ao supply the idea. She had not herself otten to feel that the marriage of her sister must bring them more frequently together.And her neighbours at Lucas Lodge,therefore(for through theirmunication with the Collihe report,she cluded,had reached Lady Catherine), had only set that down as almost certain and immediate,which she had looked forward to as possible at some future time. In revolving Lady Catherine's expressions,however,she could not help feeling some uneasiness as to the possible sequence of her persisting in this interference.From what she had said of her resolution to prevent their marriage,it urred to Elizabeth that she must meditate an application to her nephew; and how he might take a simr representation of the evils attached to a e with her, she dared not pronounce. She knew not the exact degree of his affe for his aunt,or his dependen her judgment,but it was natural to suppose that he thought much higher of herdyship than she could do;and it was certain that,in eing the miseries of a marriage with one,whose immediate es were so unequal to his own, his aunt would address him on his weakest side. With his notions of dignity, he would probably feel that the arguments, which to Elizabeth had appeared weak and ridiculous, tained much good sense and solid reasoning. If he had been wavering before as to what he should do,which had often seemed likely, the advid ey of so near a rtion might settle every doubt, aermine him at oo be as happy as dignity unblemished could make him.In that case he would return no more.Lady Catherine might see him in her way through town;and his e to Bingley ofing again to herfield must give way. “If, therefore, an excuse for not keeping his promise shoulde to his friend within a few days,”she added,“I shall know how to uand it. I shall then give over every expectation, every wish of his stancy.If he is satisfied with only regretting me,when he might have obtained my affes and hand,I shall soon cease tret him at all.” The surprise of the rest of the family,on hearing who their visitor had been, was very great; but they obligingly satisfied it, with the same kind of supposition which had appeased Mrs.Be's curiosity; and Elizabeth ared from much teasing on the subject. The m,as she was going downstairs,she was met by her father,who came out of his library with a letter in his hand. “Lizzy,”said he,“I was going to look for you;e into my room.” She followed him thither; and her curiosity to know what he had to tell her was heightened by the supposition of its being in some manner ected with the letter he held. It suddenly struck her that it might be from Lady Catherine; and she anticipated with dismay all the sequeions. She followed her father to the fire ce, and they both sat dowhen said, “I have received a letter this m that has astonished me exceedingly.As it principally s yourself,you ought to know its tents. I did not know before, that I had two daughters on the brink of matrimony. Let me gratte you on a very important quest.” The colour now rushed into Elizabeth's cheeks in the instantaneous vi of its being a letter from the nephew,instead of the aunt;and she was uermined whether most to be pleased that he exined himself at all, or offehat his letter was not rather addressed to herself;when her father tinued: “You look scious.Youngdies have great pration in such matters as these;but I think I may defy even yacity, to discover the name of your admirer.This letter is from Mr. Collins.” “From Mr.Collins!and what he have to say?”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第134章 “Something very much to the purpose of course. He begins with grattions on the approag nuptials of my eldest daughter, of which, it seems, he has been told by some of the good-natured, gossiping Lucases. I shall not sport with your impatience,by reading what he says on that point.What rtes to yourself, is as follows: 'Having thus offered you the sincere grattions of Mrs.Collins and myself on this happy event, let me now add a short hint on the subject of another;of which we have been advertised by the same authority.Your daughter Elizabeth,it is presumed,will not lohe name of Be, after her elder sister has resig,and the chosen partner of her fate may be reasonably looked up to as one of the most illustrious personages in thisnd.' “ you possibly guess, Lizzy, who is meant by this?”'This youleman is blessed, in a peculiar way, with every thing the heart of mortal most desire, —splendid property,noble kindred, aeronage. Yet in spite of all these temptations, let me warn my cousin Elizabeth, and yourself, of what evils you may incur by a precipitate closure with this gentleman's proposals, which, of course, you will be ined to take immediate advantage of.' “Have you any idea, Lizzy, who this gentleman is? But now ites out: “'My motive for cautioning you is as follows.We have reason to imagihat his aunt,Lady Catherine de Bh,does not look och with a friendly eye.' “Mr. Darcy, you see, is the man! Now, Lizzy, I think I have surprised you.Could he,or the Lucases,have pitched on any man within the circle of our acquaintance, whose name would have given the lie more effectually to what they rted? Mr. Darcy, who never looks at any woman but to see a blemish, and who probably never looked at you in his life!It is admirable!” Elizabeth tried to join in her father's pleasantry,but could only forost relut smile.Never had his wit been directed in a manner so little agreeable to her. “Are you not diverted?” “Oh!yes.Pray read on.” “'After mentioning the likelihood of this marriage to herdyshipst night,she immediately,with her usual dession,expressed what she felt on the asio became apparent,that on the score of some family objes on the part of my cousin,she would never give her sent to what she termed so disgraceful a match.I thought it my duty to give the speediest intelligence of this to my cousin,that she and her noble admirer may be aware of what they are about,and not run hastily into a marriage which has not been properly saned.'Mr.Collins moreover adds,'I am truly rejoiced that my cousin Lydia's sad business has been so well hushed up,and am only ed that their living together before the marriage took ce should be so generally known.I must not, however,he duties of my station,or refrain from dering my amazement at hearing that you received the young couple into your house as soon as they were married.It was an encement of vice; and had I been the rector of Longbourn, I should very strenuously have opposed it.You ought certainly to ive them, as a Christian, but o admit them in yht, or allow their o be mentioned in your hearing.'That is his notion of Christian ivehe rest of his letter is only about his dear Charlotte's situation,and his expectation of a young olive-branch. But,Lizzy,you look as if you did not enjoy it.You are not going to be missish,I hope,and pretend to be affro an idle report. For what do we live,but to make sport for our neighbours,andugh at them in our turn?” “Oh!”cried Elizabeth,“I am excessively diverted. But it is se!” “Yes—that is what makes it amusing. Had they fixed on any other man it would have been nothing;but his perfedifference, and your pointed dislike, make it so delightfully absurd! Much as I abominate writing, I would not give up Mr. Collins's correspondence for any sideration.Nay,when I read a letter of his,I ot help giving him the preference even over Wickham, much as I value the impudend hypocrisy of my son-inray,Lizzy,what said Lady Catherine about this report?Did she call to refuse her sent?”To this question his daughter replied only with augh; and as it had been asked without the least suspi, she was not distressed by his repeating it. Elizabeth had never been more at a loss to make her feelings appear what they were not.It was necessary tough,when she would rather have cried.Her father had most cruelly mortified her, by what he said of Mr. Darcy's indifferend she could do nothing but wo such a want of pration,or fear that perhaps,instead of his seeing too little, she might have faoo much.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第135章 Instead of receiving any such letter of excuse from his friend, as Elizabeth half expected Mr.Bio do,he was able t Darcy with him to Longbourn before many days had passed after Lady Catherine's visit.The gentlemen arrived early;and,before Mrs.Be had time to tell him of their having seen his aunt, of which her daughter sat in momentary dread, Bingley, who wao be aloh Jane,proposed their all walking out.It was agreed to.Mrs.Be was not in the habit of walking;Mary could never spare time; but the remaining five set off together. Bingley and Jane, however, soon allowed the others to outstrip them.Theygged behind,while Elizabeth,Kitty,and Darcy were to eain each other.Very little was said by either;Kitty was too much afraid of him to talk;Elizabeth was secretly f a desperate resolution;and perhaps he might be doing the same. They walked towards the Lucases, because Kitty wished to call upon Maria; and as Elizabeth saw no asion for making it a general , when Kitty left them she went boldly on with him alone. Now was the moment for her resolution to be executed,and,while her ce was high,she immediately said:“Mr. Darcy, I am a very selfish creature; and, for the sake of giving relief to my own feelings, care not how much I may be wounding yours. I o longer help thanking you for your unexampled kio my poor sister.Ever since I have known it,I have been most anxious to aowledge to you how gratefully I feel it.Were it known to the rest of my family,I should not have merely my own gratitude to express.” “I am sorry, exceedingly sorry,”replied Darcy, in a tone of surprise aion,“that you have ever been informed of what may, in a mistaken light, have given you uneasiness. I did not think Mrs.Gardiner was so little to be trusted.” “You must not me my aunt. Lydia's thoughtlessness first betrayed to me that you had been ed iter;and,of course,I could not rest till I khe particrs.Let me thank you again and again,in the name of all my family,for that generouspassion whiduced you to take so much trouble,and bear so many mortifications,for the sake of disc them.” “If you will thank me,”he replied,“let it be for yourself alohat the wish of giving happio you might add force to the other is which led me on,I shall not attempt to deny.But your family owe me nothing.Much as I respect them,I believe I thought only of you.” Elizabeth was too much embarrassed to say a word.After a short pause,herpanion added,“You are too generous to trifle with me.If your feelings are still what they werest April,tell me so at once.My affes and wishes are unged,but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.” Elizabeth, feeling all the more thanmon awkwardness and ay of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to uand that her ses had undergone so material a ge,sihe period to which he alluded,as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurahe happiness which this reply produced,was such as he had probably never felt before;and he expressed himself on the asion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love be supposed to do.Had Elizabeth been able to enter his eye,she might have seen how well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, became him;but,though she could not look,she could listen,aold her of feelings,whi proving of what importance she was to him,made his affe every moment more valuable. They walked on, without knowing in what dire.There was too much to be thought, a, and said, for attention to any other objects. She soo that they were ied for their present good uanding to the efforts of his aunt,who did call on him in her return through London, and there rte her jouro Longbourn, its motive, and the substance of her versation with Elizabeth;dwelling emphatically on every expression of thetter which, in herdyship's apprehension, peculiarly denoted her perverseness and assurance; in the belief that such a rtion must assist her endeavours to obtain that promise from her nephew which she had refused to give.But,unluckily for herdyship,its effect had beely trariwise. “It taught me to hope,”said he,“as I had scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before.I knew enough of your disposition to be certain that,had you been absolutely,irrevocably decided against me,you would have aowledged it to Lady Catherine,frankly and openly.” Elizabeth coloured andughed as she replied,“Yes,you know enough of my frao believe me capable of that. After abusing you so abominably to your face,I could have no scruple in abusing you to all your rtions.” “What did you say of me,that I did not deserve?For,though your usations were ill-founded,formed on mistaken premises, my behaviour to you at the time had merited the severest reproof. It was unpardonable.I ot think of it without abhorrence.” “We will not quarrel for the greater share of me ao that evening,”said Elizabeth.“The duct of her,if strictly examined,will be irreproachable;but sihen,we have both,I hope,improved in civility.” “I ot be so easily reciled to myself.The recolle of what I then said,of my duct,my manners,my expressions during the whole of it, is now, and has been many months, inexpressibly painful to me.Your reproof,so well applied,I shall :'had you behaved in a mentlemanlike manner.' Those were your words.You know not,you scarcely ceive, how they have tortured me;—though it was some time,I fess, before I was reasonable enough to allow their justice.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第136章 “I was certainly very far from expeg them to make s an impression.I had not the smallest idea of their being ever felt in such a way.” “I easily believe it.You thought me then devoid of every proper feeling,I am sure you did.The turn of your tenance I shall ,as you said that I could not have addressed you in any possible way that would induce you to ept me.” “Oh! do not repeat what I then said.These recolles will not do at all. I assure you that I have long been most heartily ashamed of it.” Darcy mentioned his letter.“Did it,”said he,“did it soon make you thier of me?Did you,on reading it,give any credit to its tents?” She exined what its effe her had been, and how gradually all her former prejudices had been removed. “I knew,”said he,“that what I wrote must give you pain, but it was necessary. I hope you have destroyed the letter.There was one part especially,the opening of it,which I should dread your having the power of reading again. I remember some expressions which might justly make you hate me.” “The letter shall certainly be burnt,if you believe it essential to the preservation of my regard;but,though we have both reason to think my opinions irely unalterable, they are not, I hope,quite so easily ged as that implies.” “When I wrote that letter,”replied Darcy,“I believed myself perfectly calm and cool, but I am since vihat it was written in a dreadful bitterness of spirit.” “The letter,perhaps,began in bitterness,but it did not end so. The adieu is charity itself.But think no more of the letter.The feelings of the person who wrote,and the person who received it, are now so widely different from what they were then,that every unpleasant circumstaending it ought to be otten.You must learn some of my philosophy.Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.” “I ot give you credit for any philosophy of the kind.Your retrospeust be so totally void of reproach, that the te arising from them is not of philosophy, but, what is much better, of innoce. But with me, it is not so. Painful recolles will intrude which ot,which ought not,to be repelled.I have been a selfish being all my life,in practice,though not in principle.As a child I was taught what was right,but I was not taught to correct my temper.I was given good principles,but left to follow them in pride and ceit. Unfortunately an only son (for many years an only child), I oilt by my parents, who,though good themselves(my father,particrly,all that was benevolent and amiable),allowed,enced,almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing; to care for none beyond my own family circle;to think meanly of all the rest of the world;to wish at least to think meanly of their sense and worthpared with my own. Such I was, from eight to eight and twenty; and such I might still have been but for you,dearest,loveliest Elizabeth! What do I not owe you!You taught me a lesson,hard i first, but most advantageous. By you, I roperly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception.You showed me how insuffit were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.” “Had you then persuaded yourself that I should?” “Indeed I had.What will you think of my vanity?I believed you to be wishing,expeg my addresses.” “My manners must have been in fault,but not iionally,I assure you.I never meant to deceive you,but my spirits might often lead me wrong.How you must have hated me after that evening?” “Hate you! I was angry perhaps at first, but my anger soon began to take a proper dire.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第137章 “I am almost afraid of asking what you thought of me,whe at Pemberley.You med me f?” “No indeed;I felt nothing but surprise.” “Your surprise could not be greater than mine in being noticed by you.My se that I deserved raordinary politeness, and I fess that I did not expect to receive more than my due.” “My object then,”replied Darcy,“was to show you, by every civility in my power,that I was not so mean as to resent the past;and I hoped to obtain your iveo lessen your ill opinion, by letting you see that your reproofs had been atteo.How soon any other wishes introduced themselves I hardly tell,but I believe in about half an hour after I had seen you.” He then told her of Giana's delight in her acquaintand of her disappoi at its sudden interruption;whiaturally leading to the cause of that interruption,she soo that his resolution of following her from Derbyshire i of her sister had been formed before he quitted the inn,and that his gravity and thoughtfulhere had arisen from no other struggles than what such a purpose mustprehend. She expressed her gratitude again, but it was too painful a subject to each,to be dwelt on farther. After walking several miles in a leisurely manner,and too busy to know anything about it,they found atst,on examining their watches,that it was time to be at home. “What could be of Mr. Bingley and Jane!”was a wonder whitroduced the discussion of their affairs. Darcy was delighted with their e; his friend had given him the earliest information of it. “I must ask whether you were surprised?”said Elizabeth. “Not at all. When I went away, I felt that it would soon happen.” “That is to say, you had given your permission. I guessed as much.”And though he eximed at the term,she found that it had beey much the case. “On the evening before my going to London,”said he,“I made a fession to him,which I believe I ought to have made long ago. I told him of all that had urred to make my former interferen his affairs absurd and imperti. His surprise was great.He had never had the slightest suspi.I told him, moreover,that I believed myself mistaken in supposing,as I had dohat your sister was indifferent to him;and as I could easily perceive that his attat to her was unabated,I felt no doubt of their happiogether.” Elizabeth could not help smiling at his easy manner of direg his friend. “Did you speak from your own observation,”said she,“when you told him that my sister loved him, or merely from my informationst spring?” “From the former.I had narrowly observed her during the two visits which I hadtely made here;and I was vinced of her affe.” “And your assurance of it,I suppose,carried immediate vi to him.” “It did. Bingley is most uedly modest. His diffidence had prevented his depending on his own judgment in so anxious a case, but his relianine made every thing easy. I was obliged to fess ohing,which for a time,and not unjustly, offended him.I could not allow myself to ceal that your sister had been in town three monthsst wihat I had known it, and purposely kept it from him. He was angry. But his anger, I am persuadedsted no lohan he remained in any doubt of your sister's ses.He has heartily iven me now.” Elizabeth loo observe that Mr.Bingley had been a most delightful friend;so easily guided that his worth was invaluable;but she checked herself. She remembered that he had yet to learn to beughed at, and it was rather too early to begin. In anticipating the happiness of Bingley,which of course was to be inferior only to his own,he tihe versation till they reached the house.In the hall they parted.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第138章 “My dear Lizzy, where you have been walking to?”was a question which Elizabeth received from Jane as soon as she eheir room,and from all the others when they sat down to table. She had only to say in reply, that they had wandered about, till she was beyond her own knowledge. She coloured as she spoke; but her that, nor anything else, awakened a suspi of the truth. The evening passed quietly,unmarked by anythiraordinary. The aowledged lovers talked andughed,the unaowledged were silent. Darcy was not of a disposition in which happiness overflows in mirth;and Elizabeth,agitated and fused,rather khat she was happy tha herself to be so;for,besides the immediate embarrassment,there were other evils before her.She anticipated what would be felt in the family when her situation became known;she was aware that no one liked him but Jane;and even feared that with the others it was a dislike whiot all his fortune and sequence might do away. At night she opened her heart to Jahough suspi was very far from Miss Be's general habits, she was absolutely incredulous here. “You are joking,Lizzy.This ot be!—eo Mr.Daro,no,you shall not deceive me.I know it to be impossible.” “This is a wretched beginning indeed!My sole dependence was on you;and I am sure nobody else will believe me,if you do not. Yet,indeed,I am in ear.I speak nothing but the truth.He still loves me,and we are engaged.” Jane looked at her doubtingly.“Oh,Lizzy!it ot be.I know how much you dislike him.” “You know nothing of the matter. That is all to be ot. Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now.But in such cases as these,a good memory is unpardohis is thest time I shall ever remember it myself.” Miss Be still looked all amazement. Elizabeth again, and more seriously assured her of its truth. “Good Heaven! it be really so!Yet now I must believe you,”cried Jane.“My dear,dear Lizzy,I would—I do gratte you—but are you certaihe question—are you quite certain that you be happy with him?” “There be no doubt of that.It is settled between us already, that we are to be the happiest couple in the world.But are you pleased,Jane?Shall you like to have such a brother?” “Very,very muothing could give either Bingley or myself more delight.But we sidered it,we talked of it as impossible. And do you really love him quite well enough? Oh, Lizzy! do anything rather than marry without affe.Are you quite sure that you feel what you ought to do?” “Oh, yes!You will only think I feel more than I ought to do, when I tell you all.” “What do you mean?” “Why,I must fess that I love him better than I do Bingley.I am afraid you will be angry.” “My dearest sister,now be serious.I want to talk very seriously. Let me know every thing that I am to know,without dy.Will you tell me how long you have loved him?” “It has beening on so gradually,that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.” Another ey that she would be serious,however,produced the desired effect; and she soon satisfied Jane by her solemn assurances of attat.When vinced on that article,Miss Be had nothing further to wish. “Now I am quite happy,”said she,“for you will be as happy as myself.I always had a value for him.Were it for nothing but his love of you, I must always have esteemed him; but now, as Bingley's friend and your husband,there be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me.But Lizzy,you have been very sly,very reserved with me. How little did you tell me of assed at Pemberley and Lambton!I owe all that I know of it to another, not to you.” Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy. She had been unwilling to mention Bingley;and the uled state of her own feelings had made her equally avoid the name of his friend.But now she would no longer ceal from her his share in Lydia's marriage. All was aowledged, and half the night spent in versation. “Good gracious!”cried Mrs.Be,as she stood at a window the m,“if that disagreeable Mr.Darcy is noting here again with our dear Bingley!What he mean by being so tiresome as to be alwaysing here?I had no notion but he would go a-shooting, or something or other, and not disturb us with hispany.What shall we do with him? Lizzy, you must walk out with him again,that he may not be in Bingley's way.” Elizabeth could hardly helpughing at so ve a proposal;yet was really vexed that her mother should be always giving him su epithet. As soon as they entered,Bingley looked at her so expressively, and shook hands with such warmth,as left no doubt of his good information; and he soon afterwards said aloud,“Mrs. Be, have you no morenes hereabouts in which Lizzy may lose her way again to-day?” “I advise Mr.Dard Lizzy,and Kitty,”said Mrs.Be,“to walk to Oakham Mount this m.It is a nice long walk,and Mr.Darcy has never seen the view.” “It may do very well for the others,”replied Mr.Bingley;“but I am sure it will be too much for Kitty.Won't it,Kitty?” Kitty owhat she had rather stay at home.Darcy professed a great curiosity to see the view from the Mount,and Elizabeth silently sented.As she went upstairs to get ready,Mrs.Be followed her,saying: “I am quite sorry,Lizzy,that you should be forced to have that disagreeable man all to yourself, but I hope you will not mind it.It is all for Jane's sake,you know;and there is no asion for talking to him,except just now and then.So,do not put yourself to invenience.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第139章 During their walk, it was resolved that Mr. Be's sent should be asked in the course of the evening.Elizabeth reserved to herself the application for her mother's. She could not determine how her mother would take it; sometimes doubting whether all his wealth and grandeur would be enough to ovee her abhorrence of the man. But whether she were violently set against the match, or violently delighted with it, it was certain that her manner would be equally ill adapted to do credit to her sense; and she could no more bear that Mr. Darcy should hear the first raptures of her joy, than the first vehemence of her disapprobation. In the evening,soon after Mr.Be withdrew to the library, she saw Mr.Darcy rise also and follow him,and her agitation on seeing it was extreme.She did not fear her father's opposition,but he was going to be made unhappy;and that it should be through her means—that she, his favourite child, should be distressing him by her choice,should be filling him with fears as in disposing of her—was a wretched refle,and she sat in misery till Mr. Darcy appeared again, when, looking at him, she was a little relieved by his smile.In a few minutes he approached the table where she was sitting with Kitty;and,while pretending to admire her work,said in a whisper,“Go to your father,he wants you in the library.”She was gone directly. Her father was walking about the room, looking grave and anxious.“Lizzy,”said he,“what are you doing?Are you out of your seo be epting this man?Have not you always hated him?” How early did she then wish that her former opinions had been more reasonable,her expressions more moderate!It would have spared her from exnations and professions which it was exceedingly awkward to give; but they were now necessary, and she assured him,with some fusion,of her attat to Mr. Darcy. “Or,in other words,you are determio have him.He is rich, to be sure,and you may have more fine clothes and fine carriages than Ja will they make you happy?” “Have you any other obje,”said Elizabeth,“than your belief of my indifference?” “ all.We all know him to be a proud,unpleasant sort of man;but this would be nothing if you really liked him.” “I do,I do like him,”she replied,with tears in her eyes,“I love him.Indeed he has no improper pride.He is perfectly amiable. You do not know what he really is;then pray do not pain me by speaking of him in such terms.” “Lizzy,”said her father,“I have given him my sent. He is the kind of man, io whom I should never dare refuse anything,which he desded to ask.I now give it to you,if you are resolved on having him. But let me advise you to thier of it.I know your disposition,Lizzy.I know that you could be her happy nor respectable,unless you truly esteemed your husband; unless you looked up to him as a superior.Your lively talents would ce you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage.You could scarcely escape discredit and misery. My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you uo respect your partner in life.You know not what you are about.” Elizabeth, still more affected, was ear and solemn in her reply;and at length,by repeated assurahat Mr.Darcy was really the object of her choice,by exining the gradual ge which her estimation of him had underg her absolute certainty that his affe was not the work of a day, but had stood the test of many months' suspense, and eing with energy all his good qualities, she did quer her father's incredulity,and recile him to the match.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第140章 “Well,my dear,”said he,when she ceased speaking,“I have no more to say.If this be the case,he deserves you.I could not have parted with you,my Lizzy,to anyone less worthy.” Toplete the favourable impressiohen told him what Mr. Darcy had voluntarily done for Lydia. He heard her with astonishment. “This is an evening of wonders, indeed!And so, Darcy did every thing;made up the match,gave the money,paid the fellow's debts, and got him hismission! So much the better. It will save me a world of trouble and ey.Had it been your uncle's doing,I must and would have paid him;but these violent young lovers carry every thing their own way.I shall offer to pay him to-morrow;he will rant and storm about his love for you,and there will be an end of the matter.” He then recollected her embarrassment a few days before,on his reading Mr. Collins's letter; and afterughing at her some time,allowed her atst to go—saying,as she quitted the room,“If any young mene for Mary or Kitty,send them in,for I am quite at leisure.” Elizabeth's mind was now relieved from a very heavy weight;and,after half an hour's quiet refle in her own room,she was able to joihers with tolerableposure.Every thing was too ret faiety,but the evening passed tranquilly away;there was no longer anything material to be dreaded,and thefort of ease and familiarity woulde in time. When her mother went up to her dressing-room at night,she followed her,and made the importantmunication.Its effect was most extraordinary;for on first hearing it,Mrs.Be sat quite still,and uo utter a syble.Nor was it under many, many mihat she couldprehend what she heard;though not in general backward to credit what was for the advantage of her family, or that came in the shape of a lover to any of them. She began at length to recover, to fidget about in her chair, get up, sit down again,wonder,and bless herself. “Good gracious! Lord bless me!only think!dear me! Mr. Darcy! Who would have thought it! And is it really true?Oh! my sweetest Lizzy! how rid how great you will be!in-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have!Jane's is nothing to it—nothing at all.I am so pleased—so happy. Such a charming man!—so handsome! so tall!—Oh,my dear Lizzy! pray apologise for my having disliked him so much before. I hope he will overlook it. Dear, dear Lizzy.A house in towhing that is charming!Three daughters married!Ten thousand a year!Oh,Lord!What will be of me.I shall go distracted.” This was enough to prove that her approbation need not be doubted;and Elizabeth,rejoig that su effusion was heard only by herself, soo away. But before she had been three minutes in her own room,her mother followed her. “My dearest child,”she cried,“I think of nothing else!Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! 'Tis as good as a Lord! And a special liust and shall be married by a special lice. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particrly fond of,that I may have it to-morrow.” This was a sad omen of what her mother's behaviour to the gentleman himself might be;and Elizabeth found that,though in the certain possession of his warmest affe,and secure of her rtions'sent,there was still something to be wished for.But the morrow passed off much better than she expected;for Mrs. Be luckily stood in such awe of her intended son-inw that she ventured not to speak to him,unless it was in her power to offer him any attention,or mark her deference for his opinion. Elizabeth had the satisfa of seeing her father taking pains to get acquainted with him;and Mr.Be soon assured her that he was rising every hour in his esteem. “I admire all my three sons-inw highly,”said he.“Wickham, perhaps, is my favourite; but I think I shall like your husband quite as well as Jane's.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第141章 Elizabeth's spirits soon rising to yfulness again,she wanted Mr.Darcy to ount for his having ever fallen in love with her.“How could you begin?”said she.“I prehend yoing on charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could set you off in the first ce?” “I ot fix on the hour,or the spot,or the look,or the words, whichid the foundation.It is too long ago.I was in the middle before I khat I had begun.” “My beauty you had early withstood,and as for my manners—my behaviour to you was at least always b on the uncivil,and I never spoke to you without rather wishing to give you pain than not.Now be sincere;did you admire me for my impertinence?” “For the liveliness of your mind,I did.” “You may as well call it imperti o was very little less.The fact is, that you were sick of civility, of deference, of officious attention.You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking,and looking,and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused, and ied you, because I was so uhem. Had you not been really amiable, you would have hated me for it;but in spite of the pains you took to disguise yourself, your feelings were always noble and just;and in your heart,you thhly despised the persons who so assiduously courted you.There—I have saved you the trouble of ounting for it;and really, all things sidered, I begin to think it perfectly reasoo be sure, you knew no actual good of me—but nobody thinks of that when they fall in love.” “Was there no good in your affeate behaviour to Jane while she was ill at herfield?” “Dearest Jane! who could have done less for her? But make a virtue of it by all means. My good qualities are under your prote,and you are to exaggerate them as much as possible;and,iurn,it belongs to me to find asions for teasing and quarrelling with you as often as may be;and I shall begin directly by asking you what made you so unwilling toe to the point atst?What made you so shy of me,when you first called,and afterwards dined here?Why,especially,when you called,did you look as if you did not care about me?” “Because you were grave and silent,and gave me no encement.” “But I was embarrassed.” “And so was I.” “You might have talked to me more when you came to dinner.” “A man who had felt less,might.” “How unlucky that you should have a reasonable ao give, and that I should be so reasonable as to admit it!But I wonder how long you would have gone on,if you had beeo yourself. I wonder when you would have spoken, if I had not asked you! My resolution of thanking you for your kio Lydia had certainly great effeuch,I am afraid;for what bes of the moral,if ourfort springs from a breach of promise?for I ought not to have mentiohe subject.This will never do.” “You need not distress yourself.The moral will be perfectly fair. Lady Catherine's unjustifiable endeavours to separate us were the means of removing all my doubts. I am not ied for my present happio yer desire of expressing yratitude.I was not in a humour to wait for any opening of yours. My aunt's intelligence had given me hope,and I was determi oo know every thing.” “Lady Catherine has been of infinite use,which ought to make her happy, for she loves to be of use.But tell me,what did youe down to herfield for?Was it merely to ride to Longbourn and be embarrassed? or had you intended any more serious sequence?” “My real purpose was to see you, and to judge, if I could, whether I might ever hope to make you love me.My avowed one, or what I avowed to myself,was to see whether your sister were still partial to Bingley,and if she were,to make the fession to him which I have since made.” “Shall you ever have ce to annouo Lady Catherine what is to befall her?” “I am more likely to want more time than ce,Elizabeth. But it ought to be done,and if you will give me a sheet of paper,it shall be done directly.” “And if I had not a letter to write myself,I might sit by you and admire the evenness of your writing,as another youngdy once did.But I have an aunt,too,who must not be llected.” From an unwillio fess how much her intimacy with Mr.Darcy had been over-rated,Elizabeth had never yet answered Mrs.Gardiner's loer;but now,having that tomunicate which she knew would be most wee,she was almost ashamed to find that her uncle and aunt had already lost three days of happiness,and immediately wrote as follows: “I would have thanked you before,my dear aunt,as I ought to have done,for your long,kind,satisfactory,detail of particrs;but to say the truth,I was too cross to write.You supposed more than really existed. But now suppose as much as you choose;give a loose rein to your fandulge your imagination in every possible flight which the subject will afford,and unless you believe me actually married,you ot greatly err.You must write again very soon,and praise him a great deal more than you did in yourst. I thank you, again and again, for not going to the Lakes. How could I be so silly as to wish it!Your idea of the ponies is delightful.We will go round the Park every day.I am the happiest creature in the world.Perhaps other people have said so before, but no oh such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles,Iugh.Mr.Darcy sends you all the love in the world that he spare from me.You are all toe to Pemberley at Christmas.Yours,etc.” Mr. Darcy's letter to Lady Catherine was in a different style;and still different from either was what Mr.Be sent to Mr. Collins,in reply to hisst. “Dear Sir, “I must trouble you once more for grattions. Elizabeth will soohe wife of Mr. Darcy. sole Lady Catherine as well as you .But,if I were you,I would stand by the nephew. He has more to give. “Yours sincerely,etc.”笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第142章 Miss Bingley's grattions to her brother,on his approag marriage,were all that was affeate and insincere.She wrote even to Jane on the asion,to express her delight,a all her former professions ard.Jane was not deceived,but she was affected;and though feeling no relian her,could not help writing her a much kinder ahan she knew was deserved. The joy which Miss Darcy expressed on receiving simr information, was as sincere as her brother's in sending it. Four sides of paper were insuffit to tain all her delight,and all her ear desire of being loved by her sister. Before any answer could arrive from Mr. Collins, or any grattions to Elizabeth from his wife, the Longbourn family heard that the Collinses weree themselves to Lucas Lodge.The reason of this sudden removal was soon evident. Lady Catherine had been rendered so exceedingly angry by the tents of her nephew's letter, that Charlotte, really rejoig ich,was anxious to get away till the storm was blow such a moment, the arrival of her friend was a sincere pleasure to Elizabeth,though in the course of their meetings she must sometimes think the pleasure dearly bought,when she saw Mr. Darcy exposed to all the parading and obsequious civility of her husband. He bore it, however, with admirable ess. He could even listen to Sir William Lucas, when heplimented him on carrying away the brightest jewel of the try, and expressed his hopes of their all meeting frequently at St. James's, with very detposure. If he did shrug his shoulders, it was not till Sir William was out of sight. Mrs.Phillips's vulgarity was another,and perhaps,a greater tax on his forbearance; and though Mrs. Phillips, as well as her sister,stood in too much awe of him to speak with the familiarity which Bingley's good humour enced,yet, whenever she did speak,she must be vulgar.Nor was her respect for him,though it made her more quiet, at all likely to make her more elegant. Elizabeth did all she could to shield him from the frequent notice of either,and was ever anxious to keep him to herself,and to those of her family with whom he might verse without mortification;and though the ufortable feelings arising from all this took from the season of courtship much of its pleasure, it added to the hope of the future;and she looked forward with delight to the time when they should be removed from society so little pleasing to either,to all thefort and elegance of their family party at Pemberley. Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Be got rid of her two most deserving daughters.With what delighted pride she afterwards visited Mrs. Bingley, and talked of Mrs.Darcy,may be guessed.I wish I could say,for the sake of her family,that the omplishment of her ear desire iablishment of so many of her children produced so happy an effect as to make her a sensible,amiable,well-informed woman for the rest of her life;though perhaps it was lucky for her husband, who might not have relished domestic felicity in so unusual a form,that she still was asionally nervous and invariably silly. Mr. Be missed his sed daughter exceedingly; his affe for her drew him oftener from home than anything else could do.He delighted in going to Pemberley,especially when he was least expected. Mr.Bingley and Jane remai herfield only a twelvemonth. So near a viity to her mother aon rtions was not desirable even to his easy temper,or her affeate heart.The darling wish of his sisters was then gratified;he bought ae in a neighb ty to Derbyshire,and Jane and Elizabeth, in addition to every other source of happiness,were within thirty miles of each other. Kitty, to her very material advantage, spent the chief of her time with her two elder sisters. In society so superior to what she had generally known, her improvement was great. She was not of so ungoveremper as Lydia;and,removed from the influence of Lydia's example, she became, by proper attention and ma, less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid. From the further disadvantage of Lydia's society she was of course carefully kept,and though Mrs.Wickham frequently invited her toe and stay with her,with the promise of balls and young men,her father would never sent toing.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com 第143章 Mary was the only daughter who remai home; and she was necessarily drawn from the pursuit of omplishments by Mrs.Be's being quite uo sit alone.Mary was obliged to mix more with the world,but she could still moralize over every m visit;and as she was no longer mortified byparisoween her sisters' beauty and her own,it was suspected by her father that she submitted to the ge without much reluce. As for Wickham and Lydia,their characters suffered no revolution from the marriage of her sisters. He bore with philosophy the vi that Elizabeth must now be acquainted with whatever of his ingratitude and falsehood had before been unknown to her;and in spite of every thing,was not wholly without hope that Darcy might yet be prevailed on to make his fortuhe grattory letter which Elizabeth received from Lydia on her marriage,exio her that,by his wife at least,if not by himself,such a hope was cherished.The letter was to this effect: “My Dear Lizzy, “I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham,you must be very happy.It is a greatfort to have you so rid when you have nothing else to do,I hope you will think of us. I am sure Wickham would like a ce at court very mud I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help.Any ce would do,of about three or four hundred a year;but however,do not speak to Mr.Darcy about it,if you had rather not. “Yours,etc.” As it happehat Elizabeth had much rather not, she endeavoured in her ao put ao every ey and expectation of the kind.Such relief,however,as it was in her power to afford,by the practice of what might be called ey in her own private expences,she frequently sent them.It had always been evident to her that su ie as theirs,uhe dire of two persons so extravagant in their wants,and heedless of the future,must be very insuffit to their support;and whehey ged their quarters, either Jane or herself were sure of being applied to for some little assistaowards discharging their bills.Their manner of living,evehe restoration of peace dismissed them to a home,was uled ireme.They were always moving from ce to quest of a cheap situation,and always spending more than they ought.His affe for her soon sunk into indifference;herssted a little longer;and in spite of her youth and her manners,she retained all the ims to reputation which her marriage had given her. Though Darcy could never receive him at Pemberley, yet, for Elizabeth's sake,he assisted him further in his profession.Lydia was asionally a visitor there, when her husband was goo enjoy himself in London or Bath; and with the Bihey both of them frequently stayed so long,that even Bingley's good humour was ovee,and he proceeded so far as to talk of giving them a hint to be gone. Miss Bingley was very deeply mortified by Darcy's marriage;but as she thought it advisable to retain the right of visiting at Pemberley,she dropt all her rese;was fohan ever of Giana,almost as atteo Darcy as heretofore,and paid off every arrear of civility to Elizabeth. Pemberley was now Giana's home;and the attat of the sisters was exactly what Darcy had hoped to see.They were able to love each other even as well as they intended.Giana had the highest opinion in the world of Elizabeth;though at first she often listened with an astonishment b on rm at her lively,sportive manner of talking to her brother.He,who had always inspired in herself a respect which almost overcame her affe,she now saw the object of open pleasantry.Her mind received knowledge which had never before fallen in her way.By Elizabeth's instrus,she began toprehend that a woman may take liberties with her husband which a brother will not always allow in a sister more than ten years youhan himself. Lady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of her nephew; and as she gave way to all the genuine frankness of her character in her reply to the letter whinous arra, she sent himnguage so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth, that for some time all intercourse was at an end. But at length,by Elizabeth's persuasion,he revailed on to overlook the offend seek a reciliation;and,after a little further resistan the part of his aunt, her rese gave way,either to her affe for him,or her curiosity to see how his wife ducted herself; and she desded to wait o Pemberley,in spite of that pollution which its woods had received,not merely from the presence of such a mistress,but the visits of her uncle and aunt from the city. With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them.笔趣阁读书免费小说阅读_www.biqugedu.com