Who that knows what his misfortunes have been can help feeling an interest in him? You take an eager interest in that gentleman's concerns! How can you defend yourself on that subject? Long before it had taken place, my dislike of you was decided when I heard Mr Wickham's story of your dealings with him. Towards him I have been kinder than towards myself.īut it's not merely that on which my dislike of you is founded. I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, and I rejoice in my success.
Do you think any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining the happiness of a most beloved sister? Can you deny that you have done it? I'm sorry to cause pain to anyone, but it was most unconsciously done, and, I hope, will be of short duration.Īnd this is all the reply I am to expect? I might wonder why, with so little effort at civility, I am rejected.Īnd I might wonder why, with so evident a desire to offend and insult me you chose to tell me that you like me against your will, against your reason, and even against your character! Was this not some excuse for incivility if I was uncivil? I have every reason in the world to think ill of you. I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. In such cases as these, I believe the established mode is to express a sense of obligation. And I beg you, most fervently, to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife. Almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance I have come to feel for you a passionate admiration and regard, which despite of my struggles, has overcome every rational objection. Indeed as a rational man I cannot but regard it as such myself, but it cannot be helped. The relative situation of our families is such that any alliance between us must be regarded as a highly reprehensible connection. In declaring myself thus I'm fully aware that I will be going expressly against the wishes of my family, my friends, and, I hardly need add, my own better judgement. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. It will not do! My feelings will not be repressed.
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