Chapter 17 87
Chapter 17
Elizabeth related to Jane the next day what had passed between Mr . Wickham and herself . Jane listened with astonishment and concern ; she knew not how to believe that Mr . Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr . Bingley ' s regard ; and yet , it was not in her nature to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham . The possibility of his having endured such unkindness , was enough to interest all her tender feelings ; and nothing remained therefore to be done , but to think well of them both , to defend the conduct of each , and throw into the account of accident or mistake whatever could not be otherwise explained .
" They have both ," said she , " been deceived , I dare say , in some way or other , of which we can form no idea . Interested people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other . It is , in short , impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which may have alienated them , without actual blame on either side ."
" Very true , indeed ; and now , my dear Jane , what have you got to say on behalf of the interested people who have probably been concerned in the business ? Do clear them too , or we shall be obliged to think ill of somebody ."
" Laugh as much as you choose , but you will not laugh me out of my opinion . My dearest Lizzy , do but consider in what a disgraceful light it places Mr . Darcy , to be treating his father ' s favourite in such a manner , one whom his father had promised to provide for . It is impossible . No man of common humanity , no man who had any value for his character , could be capable of it . Can his most intimate friends be so excessively deceived in him ? Oh ! no ."
" I can much more easily believe Mr . Bingley ' s being imposed on , than that Mr . Wickham should invent such a history of himself as he gave me last night ; names , facts , everything mentioned without ceremony . If it be not so , let Mr . Darcy contradict it . Besides , there was truth in his looks ."