 what Mr. Darcy had described as the idleness and vice
of many years continuance. But no such recollection befriended her. She could
see him instantly before her, in every charm of air and address; but she could
remember no more substantial good than the general approbation of the
neighbourhood, and the regard which his social powers had gained him in the
mess. After pausing on this point a considerable while, she once more continued
to read. But, alas! the story which followed of his designs on Miss Darcy,
received some confirmation from what had passed between Colonel Fitzwilliam and
herself only the morning before; and at last she was referred for the truth of
every particular to Colonel Fitzwilliam himself - from whom she had previously
received the information of his near concern in all his cousin's affairs, and
whose character she had no reason to question. At one time she had almost
resolved on applying to him, but the idea was checked by the awkwardness of the
application, and at length wholly banished by the conviction that Mr. Darcy
would never have hazarded such a proposal, if he had not been well assured of
his cousin's corroboration.
    She perfectly remembered every thing that had passed in conversation between
Wickham and herself, in their first evening at Mr. Philips's. Many of his
expressions were still fresh in her memory. She was now struck with the
impropriety of such communications to a stranger, and wondered it had escaped
her before. She saw the indelicacy of putting himself forward as he had done,
and the inconsistency of his professions with his conduct. She remembered that
he had boasted of having no fear of seeing Mr. Darcy - that Mr. Darcy might
leave the country, but that he should stand his ground; yet he had avoided the
Netherfield ball the very next week. She remembered also, that till the
Netherfield family had quitted the country, he had told his story to no one but
herself; but that after their removal, it had been every where discussed; that
he had then no reserves, no scruples in sinking Mr. Darcy's character, though he
had assured her that respect for the father, would always prevent his exposing
the son.
    How differently did every thing now appear in which he was concerned! His
attentions to Miss King were now the consequence of views solely and hatefully
mercenary; and the mediocrity of her fortune proved no longer the moderation of
his wishes, but his eagerness to grasp at any thing. His behaviour to herself
could now have had no tolerable motive; he had either been deceived with regard
to her fortune,
