will. You need
not. There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think
well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every
day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the
little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense.
I have met with two instances lately; one I will not mention; the other is
Charlotte's marriage. It is unaccountable! in every view it is unaccountable!«
    »My dear Lizzy, do not give way to such feelings as these. They will ruin
your happiness. You do not make allowance enough for difference of situation and
temper. Consider Mr. Collins's respectability, and Charlotte's prudent, steady
character. Remember that she is one of a large family; that as to fortune, it is
a most eligible match; and be ready to believe, for every body's sake, that she
may feel something like regard and esteem for our cousin.«
    »To oblige you, I would try to believe almost any thing, but no one else
could be benefited by such a belief as this; for were I persuaded that Charlotte
had any regard for him, I should only think worse of her understanding, than I
now do of her heart. My dear Jane, Mr. Collins is a conceited, pompous,
narrow-minded, silly man; you know he is, as well as I do; and you must feel, as
well as I do, that the woman who marries him, cannot have a proper way of
thinking. You shall not defend her, though it is Charlotte Lucas. You shall not,
for the sake of one individual, change the meaning of principle and integrity,
nor endeavour to persuade yourself or me, that selfishness is prudence, and
insensibility of danger, security for happiness.«
    »I must think your language too strong in speaking of both,« replied Jane,
»and I hope you will be convinced of it, by seeing them happy together. But
enough of this. You alluded to something else. You mentioned two instances. I
cannot misunderstand you, but I intreat you, dear Lizzy, not to pain me by
thinking that person to blame, and saying your opinion of him is sunk. We must
not be so ready to fancy ourselves intentionally injured. We must not expect a
lively young man to be always so guarded and circumspect. It is very often
nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Women fancy