Jane Austen
her hand, with an affectionate smile, to Wickham, who followed his lady; and wished them
both joy with an alacrity which shewed no doubt of their happiness.
Their reception from Mr. Bennet, to whom they then turned, was not quite so cordial. His
countenance rather gained in austerity; and he scarcely opened his lips. The easy assurance
of the young couple, indeed, was enough to provoke him. Elizabeth was disgusted, and even
Miss Bennet was shocked. Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and
fearless. She turned from sister to sister, demanding their congratulations; and when at
length they all sat down, looked eagerly round the room, took notice of some little alteration
in it, and observed, with a laugh, that it was a great while since she had been there.
Wickham was not at all more distressed than herself, but his manners were always so
pleasing, that had his character and his marriage been exactly what they ought, his smiles
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