Chapter 43 236
" Yes , sir , I know I am . If I were to go through the world , I could not meet with a better . But I have always observed , that they who are good-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 . " Can 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 interest her on no other point . She related 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 excessive commendation of her master , soon led again to the subject ; and she dwelt with energy on his many merits as they proceeded together up the great staircase .
" He is the best landlord , 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 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 place him !" thought Elizabeth .
" This fine account of him ," whispered her aunt as they walked , " is not quite consistent with his behaviour to our poor friend ."
" Perhaps we might be deceived ." " That is not very likely ; our authority was too good ."