“This fine account of him,”whispered her aunt as they walked,“is not quite consistent with his behaviour to our poor friend.”
“Yes, ma'am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like him―just as affable to the poor.”
“In what an amiable light does this place him!”thought Elizabeth.
“Yes,sir;but I do not know when that will be.I do not know who is good enough for him.”
“He is the best landlord,and the best master,”said she,“that ever lived; not like the wild young men nowadays, who think of nothing but themselves.There is not one of his tenants or servants but what will give him a good name. Some people call him proud;but I am sure I never saw anything of it.To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.”
Mr.and Mrs.Gardiner smiled.Elizabeth could not help saying,“It is very much to his credit,I am sure,that you should think so.”
On reaching the spacious lobby above they were shown into a very pretty sitting-room,lately fitted up with greater elegance and lightness than the apartments below;and were informed that it was but just done to give pleasure to Miss Darcy,who had taken a liking to the room when last at Pemberley.