Part 6
[_Curtsying._] Good morning, Madam. [_All go out_, MR. COLLINS _showing servile attentions to_ LADY CATHERINE. ELIZABETH _watches them from the door_.] Really! I might have spared myself some of the mortifications I have felt for the shortcomings of my own family. The contrast is not such a violent one after all. [_Looking at the writing desk._] However, Lady Catherine can give good advice. I really ought to write to my poor, dear Jane.
[_She seats herself at the writing table--gets out her paper, etc. and begins her letter when the door-bell sounds._ ELIZABETH _starts and is putting away the writing materials, when the maid ushers in_ MR. DARCY, _who seems much excited_.]
DARCY.
I am here again, Miss Bennet. I saw Mr. and Mrs. Collins drive away with my aunt. I have something which I _must_ say to you. [_He walks excitedly up and down for a moment, while_ ELIZABETH _watches him in amazed silence. Then he suddenly goes up to her and begins to speak in an agitated manner._] Miss Bennet--in vain have I struggled! It will not do! My feelings will not be repressed! You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you!
ELIZABETH.
[_Is perfectly astounded. She stares, colours, doubts, and is silent._]
DARCY.
[_Taking her silence for encouragement._] Miss Bennet, I can well understand your own astonishment at this declaration, for I am amazed at myself! My feeling for you has taken possession of me against my will, my reason, and almost against my character!
ELIZABETH.
[_Starting in indignation._] Sir!
DARCY.
Oh, understand me, I beg of you! For yourself alone my admiration is only too natural. I share it with everyone who has the happiness of knowing you. But--pardon me--for it pains me to offend you--the defects of your nearest relations, the total lack of propriety so frequently betrayed by your family, has so opposed my judgment to my inclination, that it has required the utmost force of passion on my part to put them aside. But, my dear Miss Bennet, your triumph is complete. Your own loveliness stands out the fairer in its contrast to your surroundings, and I now hope that the strength of my love may have its reward in your acceptance of my hand.
ELIZABETH.
[_Who has gone through all sorts of emotions during this speech, speaks, in a constrained manner as if trying to control herself._] Mr. Darcy--in such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. If I could feel gratitude I would now thank you. But I cannot. I have never desired your good opinion, and _you_ have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly.
DARCY.
[_Leaning against the mantel-piece, hears her words with no less resentment than surprise. After a little he speaks in a voice of forced calmness._] And that is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting? I might perhaps wish to be informed why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small importance.
ELIZABETH.
I might as well inquire why, with so evident a design of insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your will, your reason, and even against your character! Was not this some excuse for incivility, if I was uncivil?
DARCY.
I very clearly explained that the objections which appealed to my reason applied entirely to your _family_, and in no respect to yourself.
ELIZABETH.
I am a part of my family, Mr. Darcy; and allow me to say that, since I have had the opportunity of comparing my relations with your own, the contrast is not so marked as I had been led to suppose. [DARCY _starts_.] But--aside from all questions of either feeling or family--do you think any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps forever, the happiness of a most beloved sister, and involving her in misery of the acutest kind? [DARCY _looks at her with a smile of incredulity._.] Can you deny that you have done this?
DARCY.
I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister. I did not, indeed, anticipate that I should involve either of them in "misery" of any kind. On your sister's side, at least, I was never able to discover any symptoms of peculiar regard for Mr. Bingley. While, for every reason, I must rejoice in my success with my friend; toward him I have been kinder than toward myself.
ELIZABETH.
[_With disdain._] Your arrogance in calmly deciding the extent of other people's sentiments does not surprise me. It is of a piece with your whole nature! But your interference in my sister's concerns is not all. Long before it had taken place, my opinion of you was decided. Your character was unfolded in the recital which I received months ago from Mr. Wickham. [DARCY _starts excitedly_.] What can you have to say on this subject? In what imaginary act of friendship can you here defend yourself?
DARCY.
[_In a tone of suppressed excitement, in marked contrast to his previous self-assured manner._] You take an eager interest in that gentleman.
ELIZABETH.
Who that knows what his misfortunes have been can help feeling an interest in him?
DARCY.
[_Contemptuously._] His misfortunes! Yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed!
ELIZABETH.
[_With energy._] And of your infliction! You have reduced him to his present state of poverty--comparative poverty; you have withheld the advantages which you must know to have been designed for him. You have done all this, and yet you can treat the mention of his misfortunes with contempt and ridicule!
DARCY.
[_Walking up and down the room with quick steps._] And this is your opinion of me? This is the estimation in which you hold me! I thank you for explaining it so fully. [_Stopping and looking at her._] Perhaps if I were to divulge the truth regarding Mr. Wickham, I might give _you_ as great a surprise as you have given _me_. [_After a slight pause._] I do not care to go into particulars, but in justice to myself, I must tell you that the man whom you consider a martyr is a profligate with the most vicious propensities. A man who should never have entered your home, for his presence there is a constant source of danger.
ELIZABETH.
[_In indignation._] Mr. Darcy!
DARCY.
[_With dignity._] I am ready to give you the full proofs of all I have said, Miss Bennet, whenever you may so desire, although I would gladly forget all the miserable circumstances myself, and no obligation less than the present should induce me to unfold them to any human being.
ELIZABETH.
[_Coldly._] Your judgment in the matter of my sister's happiness has given me a gauge by which I can measure your fairness to a man who has been so unfortunate as to offend you. My faith in Mr. Wickham is unshaken.
DARCY.
[_Looking at_ ELIZABETH _in indignation and by a great effort governing himself_.] I shall take what you have said, Miss Bennet, as a reflection on my _judgment_ alone; otherwise, my veracity would be at stake, and this, I am sure, you did not intend. Indeed I understand your whole position perfectly. I have erred in the manner of my declaration. Your bitter accusations might have been suppressed, had I concealed my struggles. It is my own fault. I have wounded your pride. I should have flattered you into the belief that I was impelled by inclination, by reason, by reflection, by everything! But disguise of every sort is my abhorrence. Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections?
ELIZABETH.
[_Angrily._] And do you expect _me_ to rejoice in your proposal that I ally myself to the conceit and impertinence of _yours_? No, Mr. Darcy! The manner of your declaration has affected me only in one way:--it has spared me the concern which I might otherwise have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more _gentlemanlike_ way. [DARCY _starts_.] You could not, however, have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it. [DARCY _looks at her with an expression of mortified amazement_.] I had not known you a month, before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed upon to marry.
DARCY.
You have said quite enough, Madam! I perfectly comprehend your feelings and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness. [DARCY _hastily leaves the room_.]
ELIZABETH.
[_Sinking into a chair, then getting up and walking excitedly about the room._] To insult my family! To think I was ready to fall on my knees, in gratitude for his condescension! To calmly dispose of Jane's happiness! [_Stopping in her walk and with a half-amused smile._] And yet really to be in love with me in spite of every obstacle. [_Throwing herself again into the chair, half laughing, half crying._] Oh, Jane, Jane! I wish you were here!
MARTHA.
[_Enters with a letter._] Here is a letter, Miss. The express has just brought it.
ELIZABETH.
A letter? For me?
MAID.
Yes, Miss--[_She gives_ ELIZABETH _the letter; curtsies and goes out_.]
ELIZABETH.
[_Looking at the letter._] Why, it is from Jane! What can be the matter? [_She opens the letter hurriedly and reads._] "Dearest Lizzy--I have bad news for you, and it cannot be delayed. An express came to us last night from Colonel Forster. He told us that Lydia had run away from Brighton with one of his officers:--to own the truth--with Wickham!"
ELIZABETH.
Oh! Wickham! [_Going on with the letter._] "He first thought they had gone to Scotland, but, oh, Lizzy, it is far worse than that! We now know that Wickham never intended to go there, or to marry Lydia at all!"
ELIZABETH.
Oh! [_Reading again._] "Colonel Forster has been here to-day. He says Wickham is not a man to be trusted! He has left Brighton terribly in debt, and his record is bad in every way. Oh, Lizzy, our distress is very great! My father is going to London with Colonel Forster instantly to try to discover the fugitives. It is hard to ask you to shorten your visit, but we are in such distress that----" [_Darting from her seat._] Oh where--where is the express? I must write. No--I must go. Oh, Lydia and Wickham! I must go at once! I must send someone for a carriage. [_She rushes to the garden door calling._] Martha, Martha! The express! [_Suddenly she calls again._] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam, is that you?
COLONEL FITZWILLIAM.
[_Appearing in the garden._] What is the matter, Miss Bennet?
ELIZABETH.
[_Wildly._] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam--the express--or can you get me a carriage? I have bad news from home. I must return at once and Mr. Collins is away. Will you be so kind? [_She falls, half-fainting, upon a chair near the door._]
COLONEL FITZWILLIAM.
[_With concern._] Certainly, my dear Miss Bennet--of course--but---- [_Calling off._] Darcy, don't wait for me. I can't join you now. Miss Bennet is in distress.
DARCY.
[_Entering._] Miss Bennet? Good God! What is the matter?
COLONEL FITZWILLIAM.
Miss Bennet has just had bad news from home. She wishes to return, and desires a carriage.
DARCY.
[_In a decided tone._] Do you go for the carriage, Fitzwilliam. Get one from the stables. [FITZWILLIAM _hesitates_.]
DARCY.
Go. I will remain with Miss Bennet.
[FITZWILLIAM _goes out_.]
DARCY.
[_To_ ELIZABETH _very gently_.] Shall I call the maid, Miss Bennet? A glass of wine? Shall I get it for you? You are very ill.
ELIZABETH.
[_Hardly able to speak._] No, I thank you: there is nothing the matter with me. I am quite well. I am only distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from Longbourn. [_She bursts into tears._]
DARCY.
[_Helplessly._] I am sorry, very indeed!
ELIZABETH.
[_After a short silence._] I have just had a letter from Jane with such _dreadful_ news! It cannot be concealed from anyone.
DARCY.
I am grieved, Miss Bennet. Grieved indeed!
ELIZABETH.
Oh, Mr. Darcy, you were right. If I had only believed you! You, and others! But I could not believe it. [_She sobs._]
DARCY.
[_Greatly moved._] What is it, my dear Miss Bennet? What has happened?
ELIZABETH.
[_Wildly._] Oh, I cannot tell it, and yet everyone must know! My sister Lydia--has--has eloped--has thrown herself into the power of--of _Mr. Wickham_! She has no money, nothing that can tempt him to--she is lost forever! [_She sobs again._]
DARCY.
Good God, Miss Bennet! Your sister and Wickham! Oh, this is _my_ fault. I should have realised this danger--I should have spoken. My own wretched experience with this man should have been told.
ELIZABETH.
[_Wonderingly._] Your experience!
DARCY.
Yes--I--you remember. I hinted it to you--to-day. But I should long ago have spoken boldly.
ELIZABETH.
What do you mean?
DARCY.
Mr. Wickham attempted this same plan with my own sister--two years ago. She was an ignorant, innocent, trusting girl of fifteen. Happily, his villainy was discovered and prevented. But oh, I should have told you! Had his character been known, this could not have happened.
ELIZABETH.
You tried to tell me, Mr. Darcy. Everybody has tried to warn me. But I could not believe it, and now--it is too late, too late!
DARCY.
Let us hope not. Is what you have told me certain--absolutely certain?
ELIZABETH.
Oh, yes. They left Brighton together on Sunday night. They are certainly not gone to Scotland.
DARCY.
And what has been done, or attempted, to recover your sister?
ELIZABETH.
My father has gone to London. He will beg my uncle Gardiner's assistance. But nothing can be done! I know very well that nothing _can_ be done. How is such a man to be worked on? How are they ever to be discovered? I have not the smallest hope. It is all horrible!
DARCY.
Miss Bennet, I have made a wretched mistake in all this. Would to Heaven that anything could be said or done on my part that might make you reparation, or offer consolation to such distress!
[ELIZABETH _sinks sobbing into a chair while_ DARCY _walks up and down in deep thought. In a moment a carriage is heard outside--then voices._]
DARCY.
[_Looking out._] Mr. and Mrs. Collins are returning. What would you wish me to do?
ELIZABETH.
Oh, I do not know! I do not know!
DARCY.
[_Returning to_ ELIZABETH, _speaks quickly and in deep concern_.] You really wish to return home at once?
ELIZABETH.
[_Rising from her chair._] Oh, yes, yes--at once. [_Reaching her hand to him appealingly._] Take me home, Mr. Darcy! Take me home!
[_At this instant_ MR. AND MRS. COLLINS _appear at the garden door, and, transfixed with astonishment, stand gazing at_ DARCY _and_ ELIZABETH.]
## ACT IV
_The Lawn and Shrubbery at Longbourn._ MRS. BENNET _is seated in a garden chair with pillows at her back. She has an umbrella over her head. Near her stands a table on which are bottles, dishes, etc. She wears a big cap, and is gowned in a widely-flowing, flowered chamber-robe, over which is fastened a shawl; across her knees is a lap-robe. Her entire get-up is grotesque and laughable. About her hover the housekeeper_, HILL _and_ JANE.
JANE.
Dear mamma, do try and take some of this nice gruel. You will be ill if you do not eat something.
HILL.
Yes, do, I beg of you, Madam. Now that you are once more in the air, if you will only take some food you will feel much better.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Fretfully._] How can I feel better? I must be ill. It is all very well for the rest of you, now that this disgrace has been brought upon me--but if I had been able to carry my point--if I could have gone to Brighton with all my family, this would never have happened. But poor dear Lydia had nobody to take care of her. Oh, that villainous Wickham! I am sure there was some great neglect or other somewhere, for Lydia is not the kind of girl to run away with a man. But no one would listen to me. I was overruled, as I always am. Poor Lydia! Poor dear child!
JANE.
[_Soothingly._] Oh, mamma, try to be calm.
HILL.
Yes, Madam, this excitement is so bad for you.
MRS. BENNET.
How can I help being excited? You have no feelings. Here is Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight that abominable Wickham and be killed. And then what is to become of us all? The Collinses will turn us out before Mr. Bennet is cold in his grave.
JANE.
Oh, mamma, do not have such terrific ideas.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Weeping._] If my brother Gardiner is not kind to me, I do not know what we shall do.
JANE.
Yes, yes. My Uncle Gardiner is very kind. He is doing everything in his power for us. He is helping my father now in London, you know. I hope he will find Lydia, and perhaps he may be able to arrange a marriage after all. You must not give up so, dear mamma.
HILL.
No indeed, Madam. You must not indeed.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Brightening._] Yes, Jane, that is true. My brother may be able to see that they are married. Write to him at once, Jane. Tell him to find them out wherever they may be, and if they are not married already, make them marry. Oh, I do think that Wickham is the wickedest young man in the world to so deceive my poor innocent Lydia. But, Jane, go and write my brother and tell him that Lydia need not wait for wedding clothes--don't let her even give directions till she has seen me, for she doesn't know which are the best warehouses. And oh, Jane, tell my brother to keep your father from fighting that hateful Wickham. Tell him what a dreadful state I am in.
JANE.
Yes, mamma. [_She is about to go._]
MRS. BENNET.
Where are you going?
JANE.
Why, to write the letter, mamma.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Fretfully._] Oh, not just this minute. Don't leave me alone. Where is Lizzy?
JANE.
She has gone down the road to meet the post. She hopes to bring you good news.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Lamenting._] She had better stay here and be of some help. She has only just got home and now she leaves me. But nobody thinks of me. Nobody knows what I suffer. I am frightened out of my wits. I have such tremblings and flutterings all over me--such spasms in my side--and pains in my head, and such beatings at my heart. Oh, I can get no rest by night or by day! [_To_ HILL.] You might try and do something, Hill. Where is my soothing draught?
HILL.
[_Looking._] Here, Madam. No, I must have left it in your room. I will run fetch it. [_She goes out quickly._]
JANE.
[_Who has been looking off toward the driveway during part of this tirade._] Oh, mamma--mamma! Lizzy's running up the drive. She is smiling! She has some good news, I am sure.
MRS. BENNET.
Take care, Jane. You are exciting me. Oh, my poor nerves.
[ELIZABETH _enters, breathless. She has a letter in her hand._]
ELIZABETH.
Oh, good news--good news, Jane!--mamma! They are married!
JANE.
Oh, Lizzy--Lizzy!
MRS. BENNET.
You are sure, Lizzy? Don't excite me. You are sure?
ELIZABETH.
[_Half laughing and half crying._] Oh, yes, 'tis certain. My dear Aunt Gardiner has written me all about it. They are really married! Oh, how good my uncle is! [_She kisses the letter._]
MRS. BENNET.
Oh, Jane--Oh, Lizzy! My dear, dear Lydia! She is really married! I shall see her again! Oh, my good, kind brother! But how did it happen, Lizzy?
JANE.
Yes, tell us all about it. Let me read it. [_She reaches for the letter._]
ELIZABETH.
[_Keeping the letter._] No, I will tell you. Well, my father and my uncle succeeded in finding Lydia. My aunt does not tell me just how it was done.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Triumphantly._] And your father found that they were married after all. I told him----
ELIZABETH.
No, mamma. They were not married, and they had no idea of being--but my father and uncle insisted upon it. They took Lydia away at once to my aunt's house and from there, they were married only yesterday at St. Clement's Church.
MRS. BENNET.
St. Clement's--fine!
ELIZABETH.
My dear good uncle has arranged to have all Mr. Wickham's debts paid and my father is to settle an allowance on Lydia.
JANE.
But where are they? What are they going to do?
ELIZABETH.
My father is coming home at once. He may be here at any moment. At first he would not consent to let Lydia and Wickham come to us, but my aunt and uncle urged it--and my father knew how anxious mamma would be--and so _they_ are coming here too.
JANE.
At once?
ELIZABETH.
Yes, directly, to-day.
MRS. BENNET.
Oh, my dear Lydia! How I long to see her, and to see my dear Wickham too. But the clothes, the wedding clothes! I must write to my Sister Gardiner about them directly.
[_She tries to get out of the chair._]
JANE.
Oh, mamma, there is plenty of time for that.
MRS. BENNET.
Well, perhaps so. My dear, dear Lydia! How merry we shall all be together! I am so happy! Lydia married. She is Mrs. Wickham. How well it sounds. My dear Jane, I must see about the clothes. We will settle with your father about the money later. Oh, I am in such a flutter! Here comes Hill. [HILL _enters with the bottle_.] My dear Hill, have you heard the news? Miss Lydia is married and is coming home directly.
HILL.
Indeed!
MRS. BENNET.
Yes, you shall all have a bowl of punch, to make merry for her wedding, and I am going into the house to write about the clothes. [_To_ JANE, _who is going with her_.] No, Jane, you stay where you are. I know what I am about. Come, Hill. Think of it--Mrs. Wickham!
[_She goes out leaning on_ HILL'S _arm, leaving_ JANE and ELIZABETH together.]
JANE.
Oh, Lizzy, how relieved and happy we should be. Is not it wonderful? [_Anxiously._] Are you sure it is true? Have you told us all?
ELIZABETH.
Yes, Jane, it is true. They are really married. And for this we are to be thankful. In spite of Lydia's folly and Wickham's wretched character, we are to rejoice. How strange it is! Heigh-ho!
JANE.
[_Putting out her hand for the letter which_ ELIZABETH _still carries_.] May not I read the letter, Lizzy?
ELIZABETH.
No, not now, dear. My aunt has some queer notions in her head. Later perhaps. [_After a pause._] I am very sorry now that in my agitation I told Mr. Darcy about this wretched affair. Now that it has come out so well, he need never have known anything about it, and it would have saved me a great deal of mortification.
JANE.
But how would you ever have explained things to Charlotte and Mr. Collins without his help? Mr. Darcy made everything so smooth and plausible for your sudden departure.
ELIZABETH.
Yes, that is true.
JANE.