Chapter 24 135
" If it is designedly done, they cannot be justified; but I have no idea of there being so much design in the world as some persons imagine."
" I am far from attributing any part of Mr. Bingley ' s conduct to design," said Elizabeth; " but without scheming to do wrong, or to make others unhappy, there may be error, and there may be misery. Thoughtlessness, want of attention to other people ' s feelings, and want of resolution, will do the business."
" And do you impute it to either of those?"
" Yes; to the last. But if I go on, I shall displease you by saying what I think of persons you esteem. Stop me whilst you can."
" You persist, then, in supposing his sisters influence him?" " Yes, in conjunction with his friend."
" I cannot believe it. Why should they try to influence him? They can only wish his happiness; and if he is attached to me, no other woman can secure it."
" Your first position is false. They may wish many things besides his happiness; they may wish his increase of wealth and consequence; they may wish him to marry a girl who has all the importance of money, great connections, and pride."
" Beyond a doubt, they do wish him to choose Miss Darcy," replied Jane; " but this may be from better feelings than you are supposing. They have known her much longer than they have known me; no wonder if they love her better. But, whatever may be their own wishes, it is very unlikely they should have opposed their brother ' s. What sister would think herself at liberty to do it, unless there were something very objectionable? If they believed him attached to me, they would not try to part us; if he were so, they could not succeed. By supposing such an affection, you make everybody acting unnaturally and wrong, and me most unhappy. Do not