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CHAPTER XXVI . MRS . GARDINER’S caution to Elizabeth was punctually and kindly given on the first favourable opportunity of speaking to her alone : after honestly telling her what she thought , she thus went on : — “ You are too sensible a girl , Lizzy , to fall in love merely because you are warned against it ; and , therefore , I am not afraid of speaking openly . Seriously , I would have you be on your guard . Do not involve yourself , or endeavour to involve him , in an affection which the want of fortune would make so very imprudent . I have nothing to say against him : he is a most interesting young man ; and if he had the fortune he ought to have , I should think you could not do better . But as it is — you must not let your fancy run away with you . You have sense , and we all expect you to use it . Your father would depend on your resolution and good conduct , I am sure . You must not disappoint your father . ” “ My dear aunt , this is being serious indeed . ” “ Yes , and I hope to engage you to be serious likewise . ” “ Well , then , you need not be under any alarm . I will take care of myself , and of Mr . Wickham too . He shall not be in love with me , if I can prevent it . ” “ Elizabeth , you are not serious now . ” “ I beg your pardon . I will try again . At present I am not in love with Mr . Wickham ; no , I certainly am not . But he is , beyond all comparison , the most agreeable man I ever saw — and if he becomes really attached to me — I believe it will be better that he should not . I see the imprudence of it . Oh , that abominable Mr . Darcy ! My father’s opinion of me does me the greatest honour ; and I should be miserable to forfeit it . My father , however , is partial to Mr . Wickham . In short , my dear aunt , I should be very sorry to be the means of making any of you unhappy ; but since we see , every day , that where there is affection young people are seldom withheld , by immediate want of fortune , from entering into engagements with each other , how can I promise to be wiser than so many of my fellow - creatures , if I am tempted , or how am I even to know that it would be wiser to resist ? All that I can promise you , therefore , is not to be in a hurry . I will not be in a hurry to believe myself his first object . When I am in company with him , I will not be wishing . In short , I will do my best . ” “ Perhaps it will be as well if you discourage his coming here so very often . At least you should not remind your mother of inviting him . ” “ As I did the other day , ” said Elizabeth , with a conscious smile ; “ very true , it will be wise in me to refrain from that . But do not imagine that he is always here so often . It is on your account that he has been so frequently invited this week . You know my mother’s ideas as to the necessity of constant company for her friends . But really , and upon my honour , I will try to do what I think to be wisest ; and now I hope you are satisfied . ”
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