Pride and Prejudice, a play by Mary Keith Medbery Mackaye Part 13

There was an informality in the terms of the will which gave me no hope from the law. Mr. Darcy's father had relied implicitly upon the honour of his son.

ELIZABETH.

But--this is quite shocking. Mr. Darcy deserves to be publicly disgraced!

WICKHAM.

Sometime or other he will be, but not by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him.

ELIZABETH.

This feeling does you honour. But what can have induced Mr. Darcy to behave so cruelly?

WICKHAM.

I must attribute it in some measure to his jealousy. His father's uncommon attachment to me irritated him, but the fact is, Miss Elizabeth, as you can see, we are very different men, and he hates me.

ELIZABETH.

His disposition must be dreadful.

WICKHAM.

I will not trust myself on that subject.

ELIZABETH.

To treat in such a manner the G.o.dson--the friend--the favourite of his father! How abominable!

WICKHAM.

And yet, Miss Elizabeth, we must try to be just to him. Mr. Darcy has many good qualities. He can be both liberal and generous. He has also a brother's affection and pride which makes him a careful guardian of his sister.

ELIZABETH.

Oh, he has a sister?

WICKHAM.

Yes. You will hear him cried up as the most attentive and best of brothers. Oh, Mr. Darcy can please when he chooses. Among those who are his equals he is a very different man from what he is to the less prosperous.

ELIZABETH.

Contemptible!

COLONEL FORSTER.

[_Interrupting._] Wickham!

WICKHAM.

[_Starting._] Yes, Colonel Forster.

COLONEL FORSTER.

I fear we must be going.

WICKHAM.

[_Hurriedly to Elizabeth._] Thank you for listening to me. It is hard to be misjudged.

ELIZABETH.

Thank you for your confidence. It is well to know the truth.

COLONEL FORSTER.

Well, Miss Elizabeth, I hope we shall see you all at your aunt's on Wednesday. Good morning. [_To_ JANE.] Good morning, Miss Bennet. Thank you for the music. Please present my respects to Mrs. Bennet. I am sorry that we cannot wait longer.

WICKHAM.

[_Effusively._] Yes, Miss Bennet, be sure to give your mother my best regards. Good morning--[_All bow and curtsy. As he is leaving he speaks aside._] Oh, Miss Elizabeth, may I entreat----

ELIZABETH.

You may depend upon my sympathy.

WICKHAM.

[_Looking at her with an understanding smile._] I am most grateful.