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 and his easy address,while he claimed their relationship,would have delighted them all. Elizabeth had not before believed him quite equal to such assurance;but she sat down,resolving within herself to draw no limits in future to the impudence of an impudent man. She blushed,and Jane blushed;but the cheeks of the two who caused their confusion suffered no variation of colour.
“I thank you for my share of the favour,”said Elizabeth;“but I do not particularly like your way of getting husbands.”
“Oh! mamma, do the people hereabouts know I am married to-day? I was afraid they might not; and we overtook William Goulding in his curricle, so I was determined he should know it,and so I let down the side-glass next to him,and took off my glove,and let my hand just rest upon the window frame,so that he might see the ring,and then I bowed and smiled like anything.”