Chapter 40

           Elizabeth’simpatiencetoacquaintJanewithwhathadhappenedcouldnolongerbeovercome; andatlength,resolvingtosuppresseveryparticularinwhichhersisterwasconcerned,andpreparinghertobesurprised,sherelatedtoherthenextmorningthechiefofthescenebetweenMr.Darcyandherself. 

           MissBennet’sastonishmentwassoonlessenedbythestrongsisterlypartialitywhichmadeanyadmirationofElizabethappearperfectlynatural; andallsurprisewasshortlylostinotherfeelings. ShewassorrythatMr.Darcyshouldhavedeliveredhissentimentsinamannersolittlesuitedtorecommendthem; butstillmorewasshegrievedfortheunhappinesswhichhersister’srefusalmusthavegivenhim. 

           "Hisbeingsosureofsucceedingwaswrong,"saidshe,"andcertainlyoughtnottohaveappeared; butconsiderhowmuchitmustincreasehisdisappointment!" 

           "Indeed,"repliedElizabeth,"Iamheartilysorryforhim; buthehasotherfeelings,whichwillprobablysoondriveawayhisregardforme. Youdonotblameme,however,forrefusinghim?" 

           "Blameyou!Oh,no." 

           "ButyoublamemeforhavingspokensowarmlyofWickham?" 

           "No—Idonotknowthatyouwerewronginsayingwhatyoudid." 

           "Butyouwillknowit,whenItellyouwhathappenedtheverynextday." 

           Shethenspokeoftheletter,repeatingthewholeofitscontentsasfarastheyconcernedGeorgeWickham.