“And my aunt Phillips is sure it would do me a great deal of good,”added Kitty.
“I am sure I shall break mine,”said Lydia.
“Good Heaven!what is to become of us?What are we to do?”would they often exclaim in the bitterness of woe.“How can you be smiling so,Lizzy?”
Mr. Bennet saw that her whole heart was in the subject, and affectionately taking her hand said in reply:
“I am sure,”said she,“I cried for two days together when Colonel Miller's regiment went away. I thought I should have broken my heart.”
Such were the kind of lamentations resounding perpetually through Longbourn House. Elizabeth tried to be diverted by them;but all sense of pleasure was lost in shame.She felt anew the justice of Mr. Darcy's objections; and never had she been so much disposed to pardon his interference in the views of his friend.
“I cannot see why Mrs. Forster should not ask me as well as Lydia,”said she,“Though I am not her particular friend.I have just as much right to be asked as she has,and more too,for I am two years older.”
“Already arisen?”repeated Mr. Bennet.“What, has she frightened away some of your lovers? Poor little Lizzy! But do not be cast down. Such squeamish youths as cannot bear to be connected with a little absurdity are not worth a regret.Come, let me see the list of pitiful fellows who have been kept aloof by Lydia's folly.”