Chapter 52 308
finally bribe , the man whom he always most wished to avoid , and whose very name it was punishment to him to pronounce . He had done all this for a girl whom he could neither regard nor esteem . Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her . But it was a hope shortly checked by other considerations , and she soon felt that even her vanity was insufficient , when required to depend on his affection for her--for a woman who had already refused him--as able to overcome a sentiment so natural as abhorrence against relationship with Wickham . Brother-in-law of Wickham ! Every kind of pride must revolt from the connection . 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 no extraordinary stretch of belief . It was reasonable that he should feel he had been wrong ; he had liberality , and he had the means of exercising it ; and though she would not place herself as his principal inducement , she could , perhaps , believe that remaining partiality for her might assist his endeavours in a cause where her peace of mind must be materially concerned . It was painful , 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 encouraged , every saucy speech she had ever directed towards him . For herself she was humbled ; but she was proud of him . Proud that in a cause of compassion and honour , he had been able to get the better of himself . She read over her aunt ' s commendation 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 affection and confidence subsisted between Mr . Darcy and herself .
She was roused from her seat , and her reflections , by some one ' s approach ; and 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 .