mind so occupied, she might have forgotten where she was. Reflection

must be reserved for solitary hours: whenever she was alone, she gave

way to it as the greatest relief; and not a day went by without a

solitary walk, in which she might indulge in all the delight of

unpleasant recollections.
Mr. Darcy’s letter she was in a fair way of soon knowing by heart. She

studied every sentence; and her feelings towards its writer were at

times widely different. When she remembered the style of his address,

she was still full of indignation: but when she considered how unjustly

she had condemned and upbraided him, her anger was turned against

herself; and his disappointed feelings became the object of compassion.

His attachment excited gratitude, his general character respect: but she

could not approve him; nor could she for a moment repent her refusal, or

feel the slightest inclination ever to see him again. In her own past

behaviour, there was a constant source of vexation and regret: and in

the unhappy defects of her family, a subject of yet heavier chagrin.

They were hopeless of remedy. Her father, contented with laughing at

them, would never exert himself to restrain the wild giddiness of his

youngest daughters; and her mother, with manners so far from right

herself, was entirely insensible of the evil. Elizabeth had frequently

united with Jane in an endeavour to check the imprudence of Catherine

and Lydia; but while they were supported by their mother’s indulgence,

what chance could there be of improvement? Catherine, weak-spirited,

irritable, and completely under Lydia’s guidance, had been always

affronted by their advice; and Lydia, self-willed and careless, would

scarcely give them a hearing. They were ignorant, idle, and vain.{266} While

there was an officer in Meryton, they would flirt with him; and while

Meryton was within a walk of Longbourn, they would be going there for

ever.