Austen Pride tr.
de M Antonia Ibez
roman number instead of cardinal one
se aade una perfrases innecesaria
ne
chaise carroza
Michaelmas corresponds to September 29. It was
one of the four days used to divide the year into
quarters; the other three were Cristmas, Lady Day
(March 25) and Midsummer Day (June 24).
Pride and Prejudice
by
5 Jane Austen
Etext from Project Gutenberg Ebook
10
15
Chapter 1
It is a truth universally acknowledged,
that a single man in possession of a good
20 fortune, must be in want of a wife.
However little known the
feelings or views of such a m a n
may be on his first entering a
25 n e i g h b o u r h ood, this truth is so well
fixed in the minds of the surrounding
families, that he is considered the
rightful property of some one or
other of their daughters.
30
My dear Mr. Bennet, said his lady
to him one day, have you heard that
Netherfield Park is let at last?
35 Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.
But it is, returned she; for Mrs.
Long has just been here, and she told me
all about it.
40
M r. Bennet made no
answer.
Do you not want to know who has
45 taken it? cried his wife impatiently.
YOU want to tell me, and I have no
objection to hearing it.
50 This was invitation enough.
Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs.
Long says that Netherfield is taken by a
young man of large fortune from the north
55 of England; that he came down on
Monday in a chaise and four to see the X
place, and was so much delighted with it,
that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately;
that he is to take possession before Michaelmas*, X
60 a n d s o m e o f h i s s e r v a n t s a r e t o b e
in the house by the end of next
week.
What is his name?
65
1
Orgullo y Prejuicio
de
Jane Austen
tr de Mara Antonia Ibez,
Ctedra, Madrid, 1997
X Captulo I
Es una verdad mundialmente reconoci-
da que un hombre soltero, poseedor de una
gran fortuna, necesita una esposa.
Sin embargo, poco se sabe de los senti-
mientos u opiniones de un hombre de tales
condiciones cuando entra a formar parte de
X un vecindario. Esta verdad est tan arraiga-
da en las mentes de algunas de las familias
que lo rodean, que algunas le consideran de
su legtima propiedad y otras de la de sus
hijas.
Mi querido seor Bennet le dijo un
da su esposa, sabas que, por fin, se ha
alquilado Netherfield Park?
El seor Bennet respondi que no.
Pues as es insisti ella; la seo-
ra Long ha estado aqu hace un momento y
me lo ha contado todo.
El seor Bennet no hizo ademn de con-
X
testar.
No quieres saber quin lo ha alqui-
lado? se impacient su esposa.
Eres t la que quieres contrmelo, y
yo no tengo inconveniente en orlo.
Esta sugerencia le fue suficiente.
Pues sabrs, querido, que la se-
ora Long dice que Netherfield ha
sido alquilado por un joven muy rico
del norte de Inglaterra; que vino el lunes
en un land de cuatro caballos para ver el lugar;
y que se qued tan encantado con l que inmedia-
tamente lleg a un acuerdo con el seor Morris;
que antes de San Miguel vendr a ocu-
parlo; y que algunos de sus criados es-
tarn en la casa a finales de la semana
que viene.
Cmo se llama?
 Austen Pride
Bingley.
Is he married or single?
5 Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! X Oh!, soltero, querido, por supuesto.
A single man of large fortune; four or Un hombre soltero y de gran fortuna; cua-
five thousand a year. What a fine tro o cinco mil libras al ao. Qu buen par-
thing for our girls! tido para nuestras hijas!
10 How so? How can it affect them?
My dear Mr. Bennet, replied his
wife, how can you be so tiresome! You
must know that I am thinking of his
15 marrying one of them.
Is that his design in settling here?
Design! Nonsense, how can you
20 talk so! But it is very likely that he MAY
fall in love with one of them, and therefore
you must visit him as soon as he comes.
I see no occasion for that. You and
25 the girls may go, or you may send them
by themselves, which perhaps will be still
better, for as you are as handsome as any
of them, Mr. Bingley may like you the
best of the party.
30
My dear, you flatter me. I certainly
HAVE had my share of beauty, but I do
not pretend to be anything extraordinary
now. When a woman has five grown-up
35 daughters, she ought to give over
thinking of her own beauty.
In such cases, a woman has
not often much beauty to think
40 o f .
But, my dear, you must indeed go
and see Mr. Bingley when he comes into
the neighbourhood.
45
It is more than I engage for, I assure you.
But consider your daughters. Only
think what an establishment it would be
50 for one of them. Sir William and Lady
Lucas are determined to go, merely on
that account, for in general, you know,
they visit no newcomers. Indeed you
must go, for it will be impossible for US
55 to visit him if you do not.
You are over-scrupulous, surely.
I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very
glad to see you; and I will send a few
60 lines by you to assure him of my
hearty consent to his marrying
whichever he chooses of the girls;
though I must throw in a good word
for my little Lizzy.
65
2
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Bingley.
Est casado o soltero?
Y qu? En qu puede afectarles?
Mi querido seor Bennet contest
X su esposa, cmo puedes ser tan ingenuo?
Debes saber que estoy pensando en casarlo
con una de ellas.
Es ese el motivo que le ha trado?
Motivo! Tonteras, cmo puedes
X decir eso? Es muy posible que se enamore
de una de ellas, y por eso debes ir a visitarlo
tan pronto como llegue.
No veo la razn para ello. Pue-
des ir t con las muchachas o man-
darlas a ellas solas, que tal vez sea
mejor; como t eres tan guapa como
cualquiera de ellas, a lo mejor el se-
or Bingley te prefiere a ti.
Querido, me adulas. Es verdad que
en un tiempo no estuve nada mal, pero
ahora no puedo pretender ser nada fuera
de lo comn. Cuando una mujer tiene cin-
co hijas creciditas, debe dejar de pensar
en su propia belleza.
X En tales casos, a la mayora de las mujeres
no les queda mucha belleza en qu
pensar.
Bueno, querido, de verdad, tienes
que ir a visitar al seor Bingley en cuanto
se instale en el vecindario.
No te lo garantizo.
Pero piensa en tus hijas. Date
X cuenta del partido que sera para una
de ellas. Sir Willam y lady Lucas estn
decididos a ir, y slo con ese propsi-
to. Ya sabes que normalmente no visi-
tan a los nuevos vecinos. De veras, de-
bes ir, porque para nosotras ser impo-
sible visitarlo si t no lo haces.
Eres demasiado comedida.
Estoy seguro de que el seor Bingley se ale-
grar mucho de veros; y t le llevars unas
lneas de mi parte para asegurarle que cuenta
con mi ms sincero consentimiento para que
contraiga matrimonio con una de ellas; aun-
que pondr alguna palabra en favor de mi
pequea Lizzy.
 Austen Pride
I desire you will do no such thing.
Lizzy is not a bit better than the others;
and I am sure she is not half so handsome
as Jane, nor half so good-humoured as
5 Lydia. But you are always giving HER
the preference.
They have none of them much to
recommend them, replied he; they are
10 all silly and ignorant like other girls; but
Lizzy has something more of quickness
than her sisters.
M r. B e n n e t , h o w C A N y o u
15 abuse your own children in such a way?
vex insultar, sacar de quicio You take delight in vexing me. You have
no compassion for my poor nerves.
You mistake me, my dear. I have a
20 high respect for your nerves. They are my
old friends. I have heard you mention
them with consideration these last twenty
years at least.
[ text in brackets no included in 25 [ Ah! You do n ot know what I suffer.
Gutenbergs etext ]
But I hope you will get over it, and live
to see many young men of four thousnad a
year como into the neighbourhood.
30
Itwill be no use to us, of twenty such
should come since you will not visit them.
Depend upon it , my diear, tat when
35 there are twenty, I will visit them all.]
Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of
quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve,
and caprice, that the experience of three-
40 and-twenty years had been insufficient to
make his wife understand his character.
HER mind was less difficult to develop.
She was a woman of mean understanding,
little information, and uncertain temper.
discontent descontento, disgustado, insatisfe- 45 When she was discontented, she fancied
cho, revoltoso, rebelde, disgusto, descon- herself nervous. The business of her life
formidad was to get her daughters married; its
solace was visiting and news.
50
55
Chapter 2
Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of
60 those who waited on Mr. Bingley. He had
always intended to visit him, though to
the last always assuring his wife that he
should not go; and till the evening after
the visit was paid she had no knowledge
65 of it. It was then disclosed in the
3
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Me niego a que hagas tal cosa.
Lizzy no es en nada mejor que las otras,
X ___________ no es ni la mitad de guapa
que Jane, ni la mitad de alegre
q u e Ly d i a . P e r o t s i e m p r e l a
prefieres a ella.
Ninguna de las tres es muy recomen-
dable le respondi. Son tan tontas e
ignorantes como las dems muchachas;
pero Lizzy tiene algo ms de agudeza que
sus hermanas.
Seor Bennet! C mo puedes
X hablar a s d e t u s h i j a s ? T e e n c a n -
ta disgustarme. No tienes
c o m pasin de mis pobres nervios.
Te equivocas, querida. Les tengo
mucho respeto a tus nervios. Son viejos
amigos mos. Hace por lo menos veinte
aos que te oigo mencionarlos con mucha
consideracin.
No sabes cunto sufro!
Pero te pondrs bien y vivirs para
ver venir a este lugar a muchos jvenes de
esos de cuatro mil libras al ao.
No servira de nada si viniesen esos
veinte jvenes y no fueras a visitarlos.
Si depende de eso, querida, en cuan-
to estn aqu los veinte, los visitar a todos.
El seor Bennet era una mezcla tan
rara entre ocurrente, sarcstico, reserva-
do y caprichoso, que la experiencia de
veintitrs aos no haban sido suficientes
para que su esposa entendiese su carc-
X ter. Sin embargo, el de ella era menos di-
fcil, era una mujer de poca inteligencia,
ms bien inculta y de temperamento desigual.
_________ ______ __________ ______
X ____________ ____ S u m e t a e n l a
v i d a e r a c a s a r a s u s h i j a s ; su
consuelo, las visitas y el cotilleo.
Captulo II
El seor Bennet fue uno de los pri-
meros en presentar sus respetos al seor
Bingley. Siempre tuvo la intencin de vi-
sitarlo, aunque, al final, siempre le ase-
guraba a su esposa que no lo hara; y has-
ta la tarde despus de su visita, su mujer
no se enter de nada. La cosa se lleg a
 Austen Pride
following manner. Observing his second
daughter employed in trimming a hat, he
suddenly addressed her with:
5 I hope Mr. Bingley will like it,
Lizzy.
We are not in a way to know WHAT
se cambia la estructura interrogativa por afirmativa Mr. Bingley likes, said her mother X seor Bingley dijo su esposa resentida
10 resentfully, since we are not to visit. si todava no hemos ido a visitarlo?
But you forget, mamma, said
Elizabeth, that we shall meet him at the
assemblies, and that Mrs. Long promised
15 to introduce him.
I do not believe Mrs. Long will
do any such thing. She has two nieces
of her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical
20 woman, and I have no opinion of her.
No more have I, said Mr. Bennet;
and I am glad to find that you do not
depend on her serving you.
25
Mrs. Bennet deigned not to make any
reply, but, unable to contain herself,
began scolding one of her daughters.
30 Dont keep coughing so, Kitty, for
Heavens sake! Have a little compassion
on my nerves. You tear them to pieces.
Kitty has no discretion in her
35 coughs, said her father; she times them
ill.
I do not cough for my own
fretfully de mal humor amusement, replied Kitty fretfully.
40
When is your next ball to be, Lizzy?
To-morrow fortnight.
45 Aye, so it is, cried her mother, and
Mrs. Long does not come back till the
day before; so it will be impossible for
her to introduce him, for she will not
know him herself.
50
Then, my dear, you may have the
advantage of your friend, and introduce
Mr. Bingley to HER.
55 Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible,
when I am not acquainted with him
cmo puedes ser tan burln? myself; how can you be so teasing?
I honour your circumspection. A
60 fortnights acquaintance is certainly
very little. One cannot know what a
man really is by the end of a
fortnight. But if WE do not venture
somebody else will; and after all,
65 Mrs. Long and her daughters must
4
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
saber de la siguiente manera: observan-
do el seor Bennet cmo su hija se colo-
caba un sombrero, dijo:
Espero que al seor Bingley le gus-
te, Lizzy.
Cmo podemos saber qu le gusta al
Olvidas, mam dijo
Elizabeth que lo veremos en las
fiestas, y que la seora Long ha pro-
metido presentrnoslo.
No creo que la seora Long haga
semejante cosa. Ella tiene dos sobrinas
en quienes pensar; es egosta e hipcri-
ta y no merece mi confianza.
Ni la ma tampoco dijo el seor
Bennet y me alegro de saber que no de-
pendes de sus servicios.
La seora Bennet no se dign contes-
tar; pero incapaz de contenerse empe-
z a reprender a una de sus hijas.
Por el amor de Dios, Kitty no sigas
tosiendo as! Ten compasin de mis nervios.
Me los ests destrozando.
Kitty no es nada discreta tosiendo
dijo su padre. Siempre lo hace en momen-
to inoportuno.
A m no me divierte toser replic
X Kitty quejndose.
Cundo es tu prximo baile, Lizzy?
De maana en quince das.
S, as es exclam la madre.
Y la seora Long no volver hasta un
da antes; as que le ser imposible pre-
X sentarnos al seor Bingley, porque to-
dava no le conocer.
X Entonces, seora Bennet, puedes
tomarle la delantera a tu amiga y presen-
trselo t a ella.
Imposible, seor Bennet, impo-
sible, cuando yo tampoco le conozco.
X Por qu te burlas?
Celebro tu discrecin. Una amistad de
quince das es verdaderamente muy poco.
En realidad, al cabo de slo dos semanas
no se puede saber muy bien qu clase de
hombre es. Pero si no nos arriesgamos noso-
tros, lo harn otros. Al fin y al cabo, la se-
X ora Long y sus sobrinas pueden esperar a

actually sale una docena de veces y
nunca se traduce especficamente
actually totalmente, realmente, de veras, en
realidad, verdadero, de hecho, en serio
35 visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance
actual adjetivo real, verdadero, efectivo, con-
creto, autntico, mismo (very): give me an
actual example, dame un ejemplo concreto
he has no actual job, no tiene trabajo propia-
mente dicho
Actual subraya el hecho de que algo es real o
genuino y solo se puede colocar delante de
un sustantivo: Everybody believed I would
win but the actual result was very different.
Todos pensaban que iba a ganar pero el re-
sultado final (real) fue muy distinto.
actual (En) 1 existing in fact; real (often as
distinct from ideal). 2 existing now; current.
Usage Redundant use, as in tell me the ac-
tual facts, is disp., but common.
En Castellano ACTUAL se traduce por present
o current: The current economic crisis will
cause us many problems. La actual crisis eco-
nmica nos causar muchos problemas
acquaintance amistad
xtasis
Austen Pride
stand their chance; and, therefore,
as she will think it an act of
kindness, if you decline the office,
I will take it on myself.
5
The girls stared at their
f a t h e r. M r s . B e n n e t s a i d o n l y,
Nonsense, nonsense!
10 What can be the meaning of that
emphatic exclamation? cried he. Do
you consider the forms of introduction,
and the stress that is laid on them, as
nonsense? I cannot quite agree with you
15 THERE. What say you, Mary? For you
are a young lady of deep reflection, I
know, and read great books and make
extracts.
20 Mary wished to say something
sensible, but knew not how.
While Mary is adjusting her ideas,
he continued, let us return to Mr.
25 Bingley.
I am sick of Mr. Bingley, cried his
wife.
30 I am sorry to hear THAT; but why
did not you tell me that before? If I had
known as much this morning I certainly
would not have called on him. It is very
unlucky; but as I have actually paid the
now.
The astonishment of the ladies was
just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet
40 perhaps surpassing the rest; though, when
the first tumult of joy was over, she
began to declare that it was what she had
expected all the while.
45 How good it was in you, my dear
Mr. B e n n e t ! B u t I k n e w I s h o u l d
persuade you at last. I was sure you
loved your girls too well to neglect such
an acquaintance. Well, how pleased I
50 am! and it is such a good joke, too, that
you should have gone this morning and
never said a word about it till now.
Now, Kitty, you may cough as much
55 as you choose, said Mr. Bennet; and, as
he spoke, he left the room, fatigued with
the raptures of his wife.
What an excellent father you have,
60 girls! said she, when the door was shut.
I do not know how you will ever make
him amends for his kindness; or me,
either, for that matter. At our time of life
it is not so pleasant, I can tell you, to be
65 making new acquaintances every day; but
5
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
que se les presente su oportunidad; pero, no
obstante, como creer que es un acto de de-
licadeza por su parte el declinar la atencin,
ser yo el que os lo presente.
Las muchachas miraron a su padre fija-
mente. La seora Bennet se limit a decir:
Tonteras, tonteras!
Qu significa esa enftica ex-
clamacin? pregunt el seor
Bennet. Consideras las frmulas de
presentacin como tonteras, con la
importancia que tienen? No estoy de
acuerdo contigo en eso. Qu dices t,
Mary? Que yo s que eres una joven
muy reflexiva, y que lees grandes li-
bros y los resumes.
Mary quiso decir algo
s e n s a t o , p e r o n o s u p o c m o .
Mientras Mary aclara sus ideas
continu l, volvamos al seor
Bingley.
Estoy harta del seor Bingley!
grit su esposa.
Siento mucho or eso; por
qu no me lo dijiste antes? Si lo
hubiese sabido esta maana, no
habra ido a su casa. Mala suer-
te! Pero como ya le he visitado,
no podemos renunciar a su amis-
tad ahora.
El asombro de las seoras fue precisa-
mente el que l deseaba; quizs el de la
seora Bennet sobrepasara al resto; aun-
X que una vez acabado el alboroto que
produjo la alegra, declar que en el fondo
era lo que ella siempre haba figurado.
Mi querido seor Bennet, que bue-
no eres! Pero saba que al final te con-
vencera. Estaba segura de que quieres
lo bastante a tus hijas como para no des-
X cuidar este asunto. Qu c o n t e n t a e s -
toy! Y qu broma tan graciosa, que
hayas ido esta maana y no nos
h a yas dicho nada hasta ahora!
Ahora, Kitty, ya puedes toser
cuanto quieras dijo el seor
Bennet; y sali del cuarto fatigado
por el entusiasmo de su mujer.
Qu padre ms excelente tenis,
hijas! dijo ella una vez cerrada la puer-
ta. No s cmo podris agradecerle al-
guna vez su amabilidad, ni yo tampoco,
en lo que a esto se refiere. A estas altu-
ras, os aseguro que no es agradable ha-
cer nuevas amistades todos los das. Pero
 Austen Pride
for your sakes, we would do anything.
Lydia, my love, though you ARE the
youngest, I dare say Mr. Bingley will
dance with you at the next ball.
5
Oh! said Lydia stoutly, I am not afraid;
for though I AM the youngest, Im
the tallest.
10 The rest of the evening was spent
in conjecturing how soon he would
r e t u r n M r . B e n n e t s v i s i t , a n d
determining when they should ask
him to dinner.
15
20
Chapter 3
25 Not all that Mrs. Bennet, however,
with the assistance of her five daughters,
could ask on the subject, was sufficient to
draw from her husband any satisfactory
description of Mr. Bingley. They attacked
descarada 30 him in various wayswith barefaced X
questions, ingenious suppositions, and
distant surmises; but he eluded the skill
of them all, and they were at last obliged
to accept the second-hand intelligence of
informe 35 their neighbour, Lady Lucas. Her report X
was highly favourable. Sir William had
been delighted with him. He was quite
young , wonderfully handsome, X
extremely agreeable, and, to crown the
40 whole, he meant to be at the next
assembly with a large party. Nothing
could be more delightful! To be fond of
dancing was a certain step towards falling
in love; and very lively hopes of Mr.
45 Bingleys heart were entertained.
If I can but see one of my daughters
happily settled at Netherfield, said
Mrs. Bennet to her husband, and all the
50 others equally well married, I shall have
nothing to wish for.
In a few days Mr. Bingley returned
Mr. Bennets visit, and sat about ten
55 minutes with him in his library. He had
entertained hopes of being admitted to
a sight of the young ladies, of whose
beauty he had heard much; but he saw
o n l y t h e f a t h e r. T h e l a d i e s w e r e
60 somewhat more fortunate, for they had
the advantage of ascertaining from an
upper window that he wore a blue coat,
and rode a black horse.
65 An invitation to dinner was soon
6
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
por vosotras haramos cualquier cosa.
Lydia, cario, aunque eres la ms joven,
apostara a que el seor Bingley bailar
contigo en el prximo baile.
X Estoy tranquila dijo Lydia firme-
mente, porque aunque soy la ms joven,
soy la ms alta.
El resto de la tarde se lo pasaron ha-
ciendo conjeturas sobre si el seor Bingley
devolvera pronto su visita al seor
Bennet, y determinando cundo podran
invitarle a cenar.
Captulo III
Por ms que la seora Bennet, con la
ayuda de sus hijas, preguntase sobre el
tema, no consegua sacarle a su marido
ninguna descripcin satisfactoria del se-
or Bingley. Le atacaron de varias ma-
neras: con preguntas clarsimas, suposi-
ciones ingeniosas, y con indirectas; pero
por muy hbiles que fueran, l las eluda
todas. Y al final se vieron obligadas a
aceptar la informacin de segunda mano
de su vecina lady Lucas. Su impresin
era muy favorable, sir William haba
quedado encantado con l. Era joven
____, guapsimo, extremadamente agra-
dable y para colmo pensaba asistir al
prximo baile con un grupo de amigos.
No poda haber nada mejor. El que fuese
aficionado al baile era verdaderamente
una ventaja a la hora de enamorarse; y
as se despertaron vivas esperanzas para
conseguir el corazn del seor Bingley.
Si pudiera ver a una de mis hijas
viviendo felizmente en Netherfield, y
a las otras igual de bien casadas, ya
no deseara ms en la vida le dijo
la seora Bennet a su marido.
Pocos das despus, el seor Bingley le
devolvi la visita al seor Bennet y pas con
l diez minutos en su biblioteca. l haba
abrigado la esperanza de que se le permi-
tiese ver a las muchachas de cuya belleza
haba odo hablar mucho; pero no vio ms
que al padre. Las seoras fueron un poco
ms afortunadas, porque tuvieron la venta-
ja de poder comprobar desde una ventana
alta que el seor Bingley llevaba un abrigo
azul y montaba un caballo negro.
Poco despus le enviaron una invitacin
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

afterwards dispatched; and already had
Mrs. Bennet planned the courses that
were to do credit to her housekeeping, when
posponer, aplazar, retrasar an answer arrived which deferred it all. X
5 Mr. Bingley w a s o b l i g e d t o b e i n
t o w n t h e f o l l o w i n g d a y, a n d ,
consequently, unable to accept the
honour of their invitation, etc. Mrs.
Bennet was quite disconcerted. She
10 could not imagine what business he
could have in town so soon after his
arrival in Hertfordshire; and she
began to fear that he might be
always flying about from one place
15 t o a n o t h e r, a n d n e v e r s e t t l e d a t
Netherfield as he ought to be. Lady
Lucas quieted her fears a little by starting
the idea of his being gone to London
onl y t o g e t a l a r g e p a r t y f o r t h e
20 ball; and a report soon followed
that Mr. Bingley was to bring twelve ladies and
seven gentlemen with him to the assembly.
The girls grieved over such a number of
ladies, but were comforted the day before
25 the ball by hearing, that instead of twelve
he brought only six with him from
Londonhis five sisters and a cousin. And
X ____ slo a seis, cinco hermanas y una prima.
when the party entered the assembly room
it consisted of only five altogether
30 Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, the husband
of the eldest, and another young man.
para que fuese a cenar. Y cuando la seora
Bennet tena ya planeados los manjares que da-
ran crdito de su buen hacer de ama de casa,
recibieron una respuesta que echaba todo a perder.
El seor Bingley se vea obligado a ir
a la ciudad al da siguiente, y en con-
secuencia no poda aceptar el honor de
su invitacin. La seora Bennet se que-
d bastante desconcertada. No poda
imaginar qu asuntos le reclamaban en
la ciudad tan poco tiempo despus de
su llegada a Hertfordshire; y empez a
temer que iba a andar siempre revolo-
teando de un lado para otro sin esta-
blecerse definitivamente y como es de-
bido en Netherfield. Lady Lucas apa-
cigu un poco sus temores llegando a
la conclusin de que slo ira a Lon-
dres para reunir a un grupo de amigos
para la fiesta. Y pronto corri el rumor
de que ___ Bingley iba a traer a doce
damas y a siete caballeros para el bai-
le. Las muchachas se afligieron por se-
mejante nmero de damas; pero el da
antes del baile se consolaron al or que
en vez de doce haba trado ________
Y cuando el da del baile entraron en
el saln, s l o e r a n c i n c o e n t o t a l :
el seor Bingley, sus dos hermanas, el marido
de la mayor y otro joven.

35
40
45
50
dusgust es asco, repugnancia, aversin, mien-
tras que disgusto traduce displeasure,
misfortune, argument, minor quarrel,
trouble, sorrow; el adjetivo disgusted es 55
hastiado, asqueado, indignado, mientras que
disgustado es annoyed, displeased, angry.
60
Mr. Bingley was good-looking and
gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant
countenance, and easy, unaffected
manners. His sisters were fine women,
with an air of decided fashion. His
b r o t h e r - i n - l a w, M r. H u r s t , m e r e l y
looked the gentleman; but his friend
Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of
the room by his fine, tall person,
handsome features, noble mien, and
the report which was in general
circulation within five minutes after
his entrance, of his having ten
t h o u s a n d a y e a r. T h e g e n t l e m e n
pronounced him to be a fine figure of
a man, the ladies declared he was much
handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he
was looked at with great admiration
for about half the evening, till his
manners gave a disgust which turned
the ti d e o f h i s p o p u l a r i t y ; f o r h e
was discovered to be proud; to be
a b o v e h i s c o m p a n y, a n d a b o v e
being pleased; and not all his
l a r g e estate in Derbyshire could then save
him from having a most forbidding,
disagreeable countenance, and being
unworthy to be compared with his friend.
El seor Bingley era apuesto, tena
aspecto de caballero, semblante agra-
dable y modales sencillos y poco afec-
tados. Sus hermanas eran mujeres her-
mosas y de indudable elegancia. Su cu-
ado, el seor Hurst, casi no tena as-
pecto de caballero; pero fue su amigo
el seor Darcy el que pronto centr la
atencin del saln por su distinguida per-
sonalidad, era un hombre alto, de bonitas
facciones y de porte aristocrtico. Pocos
minutos despus de su entrada ya cir-
culaba el rumor de que su renta era
de diez mil libras al ao. Los seores
declaraban que era un hombre que te-
na mucha clase; las seoras decan que era
mucho ms guapo que __ Bingley, siendo
admirado durante casi la mitad de la vela-
da, hasta que sus modales causaron tal
X disgusto que hicieron cambiar el curso de su bue-
na fama; se descubri que era un hombre orgu-
lloso, que pretenda estar por encima de todos
los dems y demostraba su insatisfaccin con
el ambiente que le rodeaba; ni siquiera sus
e x t e n s a s p o s e s i o n e s e n D e r b y s h i re p o -
d a n s a l v a r l e y a d e p a recer odioso y des-
agradable y de que se considerase que no
vala nada comparado con su amigo.

Mr. Bingley had soon made himself El seor Bingley enseguida

acquainted with all the principal people trab amistad con las principales
in the room; he was lively and personas del saln; era vivo y
65 u n r e s e r v e d , d a n c e d e v e r y d a n c e , f r a n c o , n o s e perdi ni un solo baile,

7

violent y violento se usan para agresivo, forza-
do, fuerte, brusco, bruto, irascible, irrefrena-
ble, pero violento conlleva adems la 10
denotacin de difficult, embarrased ,
awkward [desagradable, incmodo],
unnatural / forced [postural, heavy [ejerci-
cio] y, en sentido figurado, false, twisted /
distorted [tergiversado], a1 aplicarlo a tex-
tos, discursos, etc. Violentar traduce to for- 15
ce, break open / break in [un lugar], infuriate
I make furious, offend, distort I twist [tergi-
versar].
slight v.tr. 1 treat or speak of (a person etc.)
as not worth attention, fail in courtesy or 20
respect towards, markedly neglect. 2 hist.
make militarily useless, raze (a
fortification etc.). Desairar, ofender, in-
sultar
fastidious adj. delicado/fino, esmerado, 45
refinado, matemtico, exigente, melin-
droso, quisquilloso. 1 very careful in
matters of choice or taste; fussy. 2
easily disgusted; squeamish [sin los ma-
tices peyorativos que tiene el cognado cas-
tellano]. 50 you see uncommonly pretty.
Austen Pride
was angry that the ball closed so early,
and talked of giving one himself at
Netherfield. Such amiable qualities must
speak for themselves. What a contrast
5 between him and his friend! Mr. Darcy
danced only once with Mrs. Hurst and
once with Miss Bingley, declined being
introduced to any other lady, and spent
the rest of the evening in walking about
the room, speaking occasionally to one
of his own party. His character was
decided. He was the proudest, most
disagreeable man in the world, and
everybody hoped that he would never
come there again. Amongst the most
violent against him was Mrs. Bennet,
whose dislike of his general behaviour
was sharpened into particular
resentment by his having slighted one
of her daughters.
Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged,
by the scarcity of gentlemen, to sit down
for two dances; and during part of that
25 time, Mr. Darcy had been standing near
enough for her to hear a conversation
between him and Mr. Bingley, who came
from the dance for a few minutes, to press
his friend to join it.
30
Come, Darcy, said he, I must have
you dance. I hate to see you standing
about by yourself in this stupid manner.
You had much better dance.
35
I certainly shall not. You know how
I detest it, unless I am particularly
acquainted with my partner. At such an
assembly as this it would be
40 insupportable. Your sisters are engaged,
and there is not another woman in the
room whom it would not be a punishment
to me to stand up with.
I would not be so fastidious as you are,
cried Mr. Bingley, for a kingdom! Upon
my honour, I never met with so many
pleasant girls in my life as I have this
evening; and there are several of them
YOU are dancing with the only
handsome girl in the room, said Mr.
Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet.
55
Oh! She is the most beautiful
creature I ever beheld! But there is one
of her sisters sitting down just behind
you, who is very pretty, and I dare say
60 very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner
to introduce you.
Which do you mean? and turning
round he looked for a moment at
65 Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he
8
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
lament que la fiesta acabase tan tempra-
no y habl de dar una l en Netherfield.
Tan agradables cualidades hablaban por
s solas. Qu diferencia entre l y su ami-
go! El seor Dar c y b a i l s l o u n a v e z
con la seora Hurst y otra con la
seorita Bingley, se neg a que le pre- 
sentasen a ninguna otra dama y se pas el
resto de la noche deambulando por el saln
y hablando de vez en cuando con alguno
de sus acompaantes. Su carcter esta-
ba definitivamente juzgado. Era el hom-
bre ms orgulloso y ms antiptico del
mundo y todos esperaban que no v o l -
v i e s e m s p o r a l l . E n t r e l o s ms
ofendidos con Darcy estaba la seora Bennet, 
cuyo disgusto por su comportamiento se ha-
ba agudizado convirtindose en una ofensa
personal por haber despreciado a una de
sus hijas.
Haba tan pocos caballeros que
Elizabeth Bennet se haba visto obligada a
sentarse durante dos bailes; en ese tiempo
___ Darcy estuvo lo bastante cerca de ella
X
para que la muchacha pudiese or una con-
versacin entre l y el seor Bingley, que
dej el baile unos minutos para convencer
a su amigo de que se uniese a ellos.
Ven, Darcy le dijo, tienes
que bailar. No soporto verte ah de
pie, solo y con esa estpida actitud.
Es mejor que bailes.
No pienso hacerlo. Sabes cmo
lo detesto, a no ser que conozca per-
sonalmente a mi pareja. En una fiesta
como sta me sera imposible. Tus
hermanas estn comprometidas, y bai-
lar con cualquier otra mujer de las
que hay en este saln sera como un
castigo para m.
X No deberas ser tan exigente y quisquilloso
se quej Bingley. __________ ___
X Por lo que ms quieras! Palabra de honor,
nunca haba visto a tantas muchachas tan
encantadoras como esta noche; y hay algu-
nas que son especialmente bonitas.
T ests bailando con la nica chi-
ca guapa del saln dijo el seor Darcy
mirando a la mayor de las Bennet.
Oh! Ella es la criatura ms hermo-
sa que he visto en mi vida! Pero justo de-
trs de ti est sentada una de sus hermanas
que es muy guapa y apostara que muy
agradable. Deja que le pida a mi pareja que
te la presente.
Qu dices? y, volvindose,
mir por un momento a Elizabeth, hasta
que sus miradas se cruzaron, l apart in-
 Austen Pride
withdrew his own and coldly said: She
tolerable aceptable, soportable, fairly good, is tolerable, but not handsome enough
mediocre, pasable to tempt ME; I am in no humour at
present to give consequence to young
slight v.tr. 1 treat or speak of (a person etc.) 5 ladies who are slighted by other men.
as not worth attention, fail in courtesy or You had better return to your partner and
respect towards, markedly neglect. 2 hist. enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your
make militarily useless, raze (a
time with me.
fortification etc.). Desairar, ofender, in-
sultar
10 Mr. Bingley followed his advice.
Mr. Darcy walked off; and Elizabeth
remained with no very cordial feelings
t o w a r d h i m . S h e t o l d t h e s t o r y,
spirit coincide con espritu en las ideas de alma, however, with great spirit among her
nima, espectro, fantasma, aparecido, valor, 15 friends; for she had a lively, playful
nimo, bro, sentido / intencin [de la ley]. disposition, which delighted in
Spirit tiene mltiples usos y recalca las ideas
de alegra, vivacidad, bro, actitud, disposi-
anything ridiculous.
cin, humor, ganas, vigor, temple, entereza,
carcter, civismo, voluntad, ambiente, alco- The evening altogether passed off
hol [de beber o del alumbrado].
20 pleasantly to the whole family. Mrs.
Bennet had seen her eldest daughter
much admired by the Netherfield party.
Mr. Bingley had danced with her twice,
and she had been distinguished by his
25 sisters. Jane was as much gratified by this
as her mother could be, though in a
quieter way. Elizabeth felt Janes
pleasure. Mary had heard herself
mentioned to Miss Bingley as the most
30 accomplished girl in the neighbourhood;
and Catherine and Lydia had been
fortunate enough never to be without
partners, which was all that they had yet
learnt to care for at a ball. They returned,
35 therefore, in good spirits to Longbourn,
the village where they lived, and of which
they were the principal inhabitants. They
found Mr. Bennet still up. With a book
he was regardless of time; and on the
40 present occasion he had a good deal of
curiosity as to the events of an evening
actually totalmente, realmente, de veras, en which had raised such splendid
realidad, verdadero, de hecho, en serio
actual adjetivo real, verdadero, efectivo, con-
expectations. He had rather hoped that
creto, autntico, mismo (very): give me an his wifes views on the stranger would
actual example, dame un ejemplo concreto 45 be disappointed; but he soon found out
he has no actual job, no tiene trabajo propia- that he had a different story to hear.
mente dicho
Actual subraya el hecho de que algo es real o
genuino y solo se puede colocar delante de
Oh! my dear Mr. Bennet, as she
un sustantivo: Everybody believed I would entered the room, we have had a
win but the actual result was very different. 50 m o s t d e l i g h t f u l e v e n i n g , a m o s t
Todos pensaban que iba a ganar pero el re- excellent ball. I wish you had been
sultado final (real) fue muy distinto. there. Jane was so admired, nothing
actual (En) 1 existing in fact; real (often as
distinct from ideal). 2 existing now; current.
could be like it. Everybody said how
Usage Redundant use, as in tell me the ac- well she looked; and Mr. Bingley
tual facts, is disp., but common. 55 thought her quite beautiful, and
danced with her twice! Only think of
En Castellano ACTUAL se traduce por present THAT, my dear; he actually danced
o current: The current economic crisis will
cause us many problems. La actual crisis eco-
with her twice! and she was the only creature
nmica nos causar muchos problemas in the room that he asked a second time. First
vexed angered, irrit 60 of all, he asked Miss Lucas. I was so vexed
to see him stand up with her! But, however,
estructura cambiada he did not admire her at all; indeed, nobody
can, you know; and he seemed quite struck
with Jane as she was going down the dance.
65 So he inquired who she was, and got
9
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
mediatamente la suya y dijo framente:
X No est mal, aunque no es lo bastante
guapa como para tentarme; y no estoy de
humor para hacer caso a las jvenes que
X han dado de lado otros. Es mejor que
vuelvas con tu pareja y disfrutes de sus
sonrisas porque ests malgastando el
tiempo conmigo.
El seor Bingley sigui su consejo. El
seor Darcy se alej; y Elizabeth se que-
d all con sus no muy cordiales senti-
mientos hacia l. Sin embargo, cont la
historia a sus amigas con mucho humor
porque era graciosa y muy alegre, y tena
cierta disposicin a hacer divertidas las
cosas ridculas.
En resumidas cuentas, la velada trans-
X
curri agradablemente para toda la fami-
lia. La seora Bennet vio cmo su hija
mayor haba sido admirada por los de
Netherfield. El seor Bingley haba baila-
do con ella dos veces, y sus hermanas es-
tuvieron muy atentas con ella. Jane estaba
tan satisfecha o ms que su madre, pero se
lo guardaba para ella. Elizabeth se alegra-
ba por Jane. Mary haba odo cmo la se-
orita Bingley deca de ella que era la mu-
chacha ms culta del vecindario. Y
Catherine y Lydia haban tenido la suerte
de no quedarse nunca sin pareja, que, como
les haban enseado, era de lo nico que
deban preocuparse en los bailes. As que
volvieron contentas a Longbourn, el pue-
blo donde vivan y del que eran los princi-
pales habitantes. Encontraron al seor
Bennet an levantado; con un libro delan-
te perda la nocin del tiempo; y en esta
ocasin senta gran curiosidad por los
acontecimientos de la noche que haba des-
pertado tanta expectacin. Lleg a creer
que la opinin de su esposa sobre el foras-
tero pudiera ser desfavorable; pero pronto
se dio cuenta de que lo que iba a or era
todo lo contrario.
Oh!, mi querido seor Bennet dijo
su esposa al entrar en la habitacin. He-
mos tenido una velada encantadora, el baile
fue esplndido. Me habra gustado que
hubieses estado all. Jane despert tal
admiracin, nunca se haba visto nada
igual. Todos comentaban lo guapa que es-
taba, y el seor Bingley la encontr bell-
sima y bail con ella dos veces. Fjate,
querido; bail ___ con ella dos veces. Fue
X
a la nica de todo el saln a la que sac a
bailar por segunda vez. La primera a quien
X sac fue a la seorita Lucas. Me contrari
bastante verlo bailar con ella, pero a l
no le gust nada. A quin puede gustar-
X le?, no crees? Sin embargo pareci que-
darse prendado de Jane cuando la vio bailar.
As es que pregunt quin era, se la
 Austen Pride
introduced, and asked her for the two next.
Then the two third he danced with Miss
King, and the two fourth with Maria Lucas,
and the two fifth with Jane again, and the
5 two sixth with Lizzy, and the
BOULANGER
If he had had any compassion for
ME, cried her husband impatiently, he
10 would not have danced half so much! For
Gods sake, say no more of his partners.
sprain hacerse un esguince O that he had sprained his ankle in the
first place!
15 Oh! my dear, I am quite delighted
with him. He is so excessively handsome!
And his sisters are charming women. I
never in my life saw anything more
elegant than their dresses. I dare say the
20 lace upon Mrs. Hursts gown
Here she was interrupted again. Mr.
Bennet protested against any description
finery ornament, show of finery. She was therefore obliged to
25 seek another branch of the subject, and
related, with much bitterness of spirit and
some exaggeration, the shocking
rudeness of Mr. Darcy.
30 But I can assure you, she added,
that Lizzy does not lose much by not
suiting HIS fancy; for he is a most
disagreeable, horrid man, not at all worth
pleasing. So high and so conceited that
35 there was no endurin g h i m ! H e X
w a l k e d h e r e , a n d h e w a l k e d there,
fancying himself so very great! Not
handsome enough to dance with! I wish X
you had been there, my dear, to have
40 given him one of your set-downs. I quite
detest the man.
45
50 Chapter 4
When Jane and Elizabeth were alone,
the former, who had been cautious in her
praise of Mr. Bingley before, expressed
55 to her sister just how very much she
admired him.
He is just what a young man ought
to be, said she, sensible, good-
60 humoured, lively; and I never saw such
happy manners!so much ease, with
such perfect good breeding!
He is also handsome, replied
65 Elizabeth, which a young man ought
10
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
presentaron y le pidi el siguiente
baile. Entonces bail el tercero con
la seorita King, el cuarto con Ma-
ra Lucas, el quinto otra vez con
Jane, el sexto con Lizzy y el
boulanger...
Si hubiese tenido alguna compa-
sin de m grit el marido impacien-
X te no habra gastado tanto! Por el
amor de Dios, no me hables ms de sus
parejas! Ojal se hubiese torcido un to-
billo en el primer baile!
Oh, querido mo! Me tiene fas-
cinada, es increblemente guapo, y
sus hermanas son encantadoras. Lle-
vaban los vestidos ms elegantes que
he visto en mi vida. El encaje del de
la seora Hurst...
Aqu fue interrumpida de nuevo. El
seor Bennet protest contra toda des-
X cripcin de atuendos. Por lo tanto ella se
vio obligada a pasar a otro captulo del
relato, y cont, con gran amargura y algo
de exageracin, la escandalosa rudeza del
seor Darcy.
Pero puedo asegurarte aadi que
Lizzy no pierde gran cosa con no ser su tipo,
porque es el hombre ms desagradable y ho-
rrible que existe, y no merece las simpatas
de nadie. Es tan estirado y tan e n g r e d o
q u e no hay forma de so p o r t a r l e .
No haca ms que pasearse de un lado para
X
otro como un pavo real. Ni siquiera es lo
bastante guapo para que merezca la pena
bailar con l. Me habra gustado que hubie-
ses estado all y que le hubieses dado una
buena leccin. Le detesto.
Captulo IV
Cuando Jane y Elizabeth se quedaron
solas, la primera, que haba sido caute-
losa a la hora de elogiar al seor Bingley,
expres a su hermana lo mucho que lo
admiraba.
Es todo lo que un hombre joven de-
bera ser dijo ella, sensato, alegre, con
sentido del humor; nunca haba visto mo-
dales tan desenfadados, tanta naturalidad
con una educacin tan perfecta.
Y tambin es guapo replic
Elizabeth, lo cual nunca est de
 Austen Pride
likewise to be, if he possibly can. His
character is thereby complete.
I was very much flattered by his
5 asking me to dance a second time. I did
not expect such a compliment.
Did not you? I did for you. But that
is one great difference between us.
10 Compliments always take YOU by
surprise, and ME never. W h a t c o u l d
estructura cambiada
be more natural than his asking
y o u a g a i n ? He could not help seeing
that you were about five times as pretty
15 as every other woman in the room. No
gallant adj. 1 brave, chivalrous. 2 a (of a ship, horse, thanks to his gallantry for that. Well, he
etc.) grand, fine, stately. b archaic finely dressed. 3 a
markedly attentive to women. b concerned with sexual certainly is very agreeable, and I give you
love; amatory. n. 1 a ladies man; a lover or paramour. leave to like him. You have liked many a
2 archaic a man of fashion; a fine gentleman. v. 1 stupider person.
tr. flirt with. 2 tr. escort; act as a cavalier to (a lady). 3
intr. a play the gallant. b (foll. by with) flirt. 20
gallant 1 valiente, gallardo 2 corts, galante. Dear Lizzy!
El vocablo suguiere corts en ambas lenguas, pero
en cada una aade matices nuevos: gallant parece
recalcar la idea de valenta, como valiente, gallardo, Oh! you are a great deal too apt, you
esplndido mientras que galante da ms peso a con- know, to like people in general. You
notaciones de cortesa y elegancia en castellano; en 25 never see a fault in anybody. All the world
ingls los flirteos se convierten en favores sexuales
hasta el punto de ser un eufemismo por prostitucin. are good and agreeable in your eyes. I
never heard you speak ill of a human
being in your life.
hasty precipitado 30 I would not wish to be hasty in
censuring anyone; but I always speak
what I think.
I know you do; and it is THAT which
35 makes the wonder. With YOUR good
sense, to be so honestly blind to the
follies and nonsense of others!
Affectation of candour [franqueza] is X
common enoughone meets with it
candid franco, sincero, abierto, justo, impar- 40 everywhere. But to be candid without X
cial: shes been very candid about the ostentation or designto take the good
difficulties, ha sido muy honesta al exponer of everybodys character and make it still
las dificultades
candid camera cmara indiscreta
better, and say nothing of the bad
belongs to you alone. And so you like this
45 mans sisters, too, do you? Their manners
are not equal to his.
Certainly notat first. But they
are very pleasing women when you
50 converse with them. Miss Bingley is
to live with her brother, and keep his
house; and I am much mistaken if we
shall not find a very charming
neighbour in her.
55
Elizabeth listened in silence, but was
falta precisin y rigor not convinced; their behaviour at the
assembly had not been calculated to
please in general; and with more
60 quickness of observation and less pliancy
of temper than her sister, and with a
judgement too unassailed by any
attention to herself, she was very little
disposed to approve them. They were in fact
65 very fine ladies; not deficient in good humour
11
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ms en un joven. De modo que es un
hombre completo.
Me sent muy adulada cuando me
sac a bailar por segunda vez. No es-
peraba semejante cumplido.
No te lo esperabas? Yo s. sa es
la gran diferencia entre nosotras. A ti
los cumplidos siempre te cogen de sor-
presa, a m, nunca. Era lo ms natural
X que te sacase a bailar por segunda vez.
No pudo pasarle inadvertido que eras
cinco veces ms guapa que todas las de-
ms mujeres que haba en el saln. No
agradezcas su galantera por eso. Bien,
X
la verdad es que es muy agradable,
apruebo que te guste. Te han gustado
muchas personas estpidas.
Lizzy, querida!
Oh! Sabes perfectamente que tienes
cierta tendencia a que te guste toda la gen-
te. Nunca ves un defecto en nadie. Todo el
mundo es bueno y agradable a tus ojos.
Nunca te he odo hablar mal de un ser hu-
mano en mi vida.
X No quisiera ser imprudente al
censurar a alguien; pero siempre digo
lo que pienso.
Ya l o s ; y e s e s o l o q u e l o
hace asombroso. Estar tan ciega
para las locuras y tonteras de los
dems, con el buen sentido que tie-
nes. Fingir candor es algo bastan-
te corriente, se ve en todas partes.
P e r o s e r cndido sin ostentacin ni
premeditacin, quedarse con lo bue-
no de cada uno, mejorarlo aun, y no
decir nada de lo malo, eso slo lo
haces t. Y tambin te gustan sus her-
manas, no es as? Sus modales no
se parecen en nada a los de l.
Al principio desde luego que no,
pero cuando charlas con ellas son muy
amables. La seorita Bingley va a venir a
vivir con su hermano y ocuparse de su casa.
X Y, o mucho me equivoco, o estoy segura
de que encontraremos en ella una vecina
encantadora.
Elizabeth escuchaba en silencio, pero
no estaba convencida. El comportamien-
to de las hermanas de Bingley no haba
sido a propsito para agradar a nadie.
Mejor observadora que su hermana, con
un temperamento menos flexible y un jui-
cio menos propenso a dejarse influir por
los halagos, Elizabeth estaba poco dispuesta a
aprobar a las Bingley. Eran, en efecto, unas
seoras muy finas , bastante alegres

openness franqueza, sinceridad
Austen Pride
when they were pleased, nor in the power
of making themselves agreeable when
they chose it, but proud and conceited.
They were rather handsome, had been
5 educated in one of the first private
seminaries in town, had a fortune of
twenty thousand pounds, were in the
habit of spending more than they
ought, and of associating with people
10 of rank, and were therefore in every
respect entitled to think well of
themselves, and meanly of others. They
were of a respectable family in the north
of England; a circumstance more deeply
15 impressed on their memories than that
their brothers fortune and their own
had been acquired by trade.
Mr. Bingley inherited property to the
20 amount of nearly a hundred thousand
pounds from his father, who had intended
to purchase an estate, but did not live
t o d o i t . M r. B i n g l e y i n t e n d e d i t
likewise, and sometimes made choice
25 of his county; but as he was now provided
with a good house and the liberty of a
manor, it was doubtful to many of those
who best knew the easiness of his temper,
whether he might not spend the remainder
30 of his days at Netherfield, and leave the
next generation to purchase.
His sisters were anxious for his
having an estate of his own; but, though
35 he was now only established as a tenant,
Miss Bingley was by no means unwilling
to preside at his tablenor was Mrs.
Hurst, who had married a man of more
fashion than fortune, less disposed to
40 consider his house as her home when it
suited her. Mr. Bingley had not been of
age two years, when he was tempted by
an accidental recommendation to l o o k
at Netherfield House. He did look
45 at it, and into it for half-an-hourwas
pleased with the situation and the
principal rooms, satisfied with what the
owner said in its praise, and took it
immediately.
50
Between him and Darcy there was a
very steady friendship, in spite of great
opposition of character. Bingley was
endeared to Darcy by the easiness,
55 openness, and ductility of his temper, X
though no disposition could offer a
greater contrast to his own, and though
with his own he never appeared
dissatisfied. On the strength of Darcys
60 regard, Bingley had the firmest reliance,
and of his judgement the highest
opinion. In understanding, Darcy was X
the superior. Bingley was by n o m e a n s
deficient, but Darcy was clever. X
65 He was at the same time haughty,
12
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
cuando no se las contrariaba y, cuan -
d o e l l a s q ue r a n , m u y a g r a d a b l e s ;
p e r o o rg u l l o s a s y e n g r e d a s . E r a n
bastante bonitas; haban sido edu-
cadas en uno de los mejores cole-
gios de la capital y posean una
fortuna de veinte mil libras; esta-
ban acostumbradas a gastar ms
de la cuenta y a relacionarse con
g e n t e d e r a n g o , por lo que se crean con
el derecho de tener una buena opinin de s mis-
mas y una pobre opinin de los dems. Pertene-
can a una honorable familia del norte de In-
glaterra, circunstancia que estaba ms pro-
fundamente grabada en su memoria que la de que
tanto su fortuna como la de su hermano
haba sido hecha en el comercio.
El seor Bingley hered casi cien
mil libras de su padre, quien ya haba
tenido la intencin de comprar una
X mansin pero no vivi para hacerlo. El
seor Bingley pensaba de la misma for-
ma y a veces pareca decidido a hacer la
eleccin dentro de su condado; pero
como ahora dispona de una buena casa
y de la libertad de un propietario, los que
conocan bien su carcter tranquilo du-
daban el que no pasase el resto de sus
das en Netherfield y dejase la compra
para la generacin venidera.
Sus hermanas estaban ansiosas de que l tu-
viera una mansin de su propiedad. Pero aunque
en la actualidad no fuese ms que arrendatario,
la seorita Bingley no dejaba por eso de estar
deseosa de presidir su mesa; ni la seora Hurst,
que se haba casado con un hombre ms elegan-
te que rico, estaba menos dispuesta a considerar
la casa de su hermano como la suya propia siem-
pre que le conviniese. A los dos aos escasos de
haber llegado el seor Bingley a su mayora de
edad, una casual recomendacin le indujo a
visitar la posesin de Netherfield. La vio por
dentro y por fuera durante media hora, ____
________________________ ______ ___
X __________ y se dio por satisfecho con
las ponderaciones del propietario,
alquilndola inmediatamente.
Ente l y Darcy exista una firme
amistad a pesar de tener caracteres tan
opuestos. Bingley haba ganado la sim-
pata de Darcy por su temperamento
abierto y dcil y por su naturalidad,
aunque no hubiese una forma de ser
q ue ofreciese mayor contraste a la
suya y aunque l pareca estar muy sa-
tisfecho de su carcter. Bingley saba
el respeto que Darcy le tena, por lo
que confiaba plenamente en l, as
como en su buen criterio. Entenda a
Darcy como nadie. Bingley no era nada
tonto, pero Darcy era mucho ms inteligente.
Era al mismo tiempo arrogante, reserva-
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

reserved, and fastidious, and his
manners, though well-bred, were not
inviting. In that respect his friend had
greatly the advantage. Bingley was
5 sure of being liked wherever he
appeared, Darcy was continually
giving offense.
do y quisquilloso, y aunque era muy edu-
cado, sus modales no le hacan nada
atractivo. En lo que a esto respecta su
amigo tena toda la ventaja, Bingley es-
taba seguro de caer bien dondequiera que
fuese, sin embargo Darcy era siempre
ofensivo.

The manner in which they spoke of El mejor ejemplo es la forma en la que

10 the Meryton assembly was sufficiently
characteristic. Bingley had never met
with more pleasant people or prettier
girls in his life; everybody had been most
kind and attentive to him; there had been
15 no formality, no stiffness; he had soon
felt acquainted with all the room; and, as
to Miss Bennet, he could not conceive
an angel more beautiful. Darcy, on the
collection grupo contrary, had seen a collection of people X
20 in whom there was little beauty and no
fashion, for none of whom he had felt the
smallest interest, and from none received
either attention or pleasure. Miss Bennet
he acknowledged to be pretty, but she
25 smiled too much.
hablaron de la fiesta de Meryton. Bingley
nunca haba conocido a gente ms encan-
tadora ni a chicas ms guapas en su vida;
todo el mundo haba sido de lo ms ama-
ble y atento con l, no haba habido for-
malidades ni rigidez, y pronto se hizo ami-
go de todo el saln; y en cuanto a la seo-
rita Bennet, no poda concebir un ngel que
fuese ms bonito. Por el contrario, Darcy
haba visto una coleccin de gente en quie-
nes haba poca belleza y ninguna elegan-
cia, por ninguno de ellos haba sentido el
ms mnimo inters y de ninguno haba
recibido atencin o placer alguno. Reco-
noci que la seorita Bennet era hermosa,
pero sonrea demasiado.

Mrs. Hurst and her sister allowed
it to be sobut still they admired her
and liked her, and pronounced her to
30 be a sweet girl, and one whom they
would not o bject to know more of.
Miss Bennet was therefore established as a
sweet girl, and their brother felt authorized
commendation elogio, recomendacin by such commendation to think of her X
35 as he chose.
La seora Hurst y su hermana lo admitie-
ron, pero aun as les gustaba y la admiraban,
dijeron de ella que era una muchacha muy dul-
ce y que no pondran inconveniente en cono-
cerla mejor. Qued establecido, pues, que la
seorita Bennet era una muchacha muy dulce y
por esto el hermano se senta con autorizacin
_________ _____ para pensar en ella como
y cuando quisiera.

40

45
tolerable aceptable, soportable, fairly good, 50
mediocre, pasable
dusgust el sustantivo disgust es asco, repug- 55
nancia, aversin, mientras que disgusto tra-
duce displeasure, misfortune, argument,
minor quarrel, trouble, sorrow; el adjetivo
disgusted es hastiado, asqueado, indignado,
mientras que disgustado es annoyed,
displeased, angry. 60
65
Chapter 5
Within a short walk of Longbourn
lived a family with whom the Bennets
were particularly intimate. Sir William
Lucas had been formerly in trade in
Meryton, where he had made a tolerable
fortune, and risen to the honour of
knighthood by an address to the king
during his mayoralty. The distinction had
perhaps been felt too strongly. It had
given him a disgust to his business, and
to his residence in a small market town;
and, in quitting them both, he had
removed with his family to a house about
a mile from Meryton, denominated from
that period Lucas Lodge, where he could
think with pleasure of his own
importance, and, unshackl e d b y
business, occupy himself solely in
being civil to all the world. For, though
elated [eufrico] by his rank, it did not
Captulo V
A poca distancia de Longbourn viva
una familia con la que los Bennet tenan
especial amistad. Sir William Lucas ha-
ba tenido con anterioridad negocios en
Meryton, donde haba hecho una regular
fortuna y se haba elevado a la catego-
ra de caballero por peticin al rey du-
rante su alcalda. Esta distincin se le ha-
ba subido un poco a la cabeza y empe-
X z a no soportar tener que dedicarse a
los negocios y vivir en una pequea ciu-
dad comercial; as que dejando ambos
se mud con su familia a una casa a una
milla de Meryton, denominada desde en-
tonces Lucas Lodge, donde pudo dedi-
carse a pensar con placer en su propia
importancia, y desvinculado de sus ne-
gocios, ocuparse solamente de ser ama-
ble con todo el mundo. Porque aunque
estaba orgulloso de su rango, no se ha-

13
 Austen Pride
supercilious Arrogante. Feeling or showing render him supercilious; on the contrary,
haughty disdain. Synonyms: haughty, he was all attention to everybody. By
prideful, sniffy, swaggering, lordly, nature inoffensive, friendly, and obliging,
disdainful Usage: Her face beamed with his presentation at St. Jamess had made
satisfaction when the guest eyed the
5 him courteous.
appointments with a supercilious glance.
supercilious 1 sneering, snide; expressive of
contempt; curled his lip in a supercilious Lady Lucas was a very good kind of
smile; spoke in a sneering jeering woman, not too clever to be a valuable
manner; makes many a sharp comparison neighbour to Mrs. Bennet. They had several
but never a mean or snide one 2 disdainful,
10 children. The eldest of them, a sensible,
haughty, lordly, prideful, sniffy, swaggering:
having or showing arrogant superiority to intelligent young woman, about twenty-seven,
and disdain of those one views as unworthy; was Elizabeths intimate friend.
some economists are disdainful of their
colleagues in other social disciplines; That the Miss Lucases and the Miss
haughty aristocrats; his lordly manners
15 Bennets should meet to talk over a ball
were offensive;
was absolutely necessary; and the
snide 1 sneering; slyly
derogatory; insinuating. 2
morning after the assembly brought the
counterfeit; bogus. 3 US former to Longbourn to hear and to
mean; underhand. Insidio- communicate.
so, bajo, sarcstico, vil, 20
socarrn, YOU began the evening well,
Charlotte, said Mrs. Bennet with
civil self-command to Miss Lucas.
absolute es un adjetivo de moda en EEUU que no solo tra- Y O U w e r e M r . B i n g l e y s f i r s t
duce absoluto [independiente, decisivo, ilimitado, ter- 25 c h o i c e .
minante, categrico], sino otros conceptos ms o menos
similares, como total, completo, verdadero, pleno, per- Yes; but he seemed to like his
fecto, rotundo, incondicional, indiscutible, autntico. El
adverbio absolutely es absolutamente, y sigue los pa-
second better.
sos del adjetivo en frecuencia y en significados.
An absolute idiot = un perfecto idiota. 30 Oh! you mean Jane, I suppose,
An absolute goddess = toda una diosa. because he danced with her twice. To
Absolute nonsense = pura tontera. be sure that DID seem as if he admired
This cathedral is an absolute jewel. = Esta catedral es una
herindeed I rather believe he DIDI
verdadera joya.
The newlyweds enjoy absolute happiness. = Los recin heard something about itbut I hardly
casados gozan de completa felicidad. 35 k n o w w h a t s o m e t h i n g a b o u t M r.
You can rely on my absolute support. = Cuenta con mi Robinson.
apoyo incondicional.
Hes an absolute coward. = Es un perfecto cobarde.
Perhaps you mean what I overheard
between him and Mr. Robinson; did not
40 I mention it to you? Mr. Robinsons
asking him how he liked our Meryton
assemblies, and whether he did not think
there were a great many pretty women in
the room, and WHICH he thought the
45 prettiest? and his answering immediately
to the last question: Oh! the eldest Miss
Bennet, beyond a doubt; there cannot be
two opinions on that point.
50 Upon my word! Well, that is very
decided indeedthat does seem as if
but, however, it may all come to nothing,
you know.
MY overhearings were more to the
55
purpose than YOURS, Eliza , said
Charlotte. Mr. Darcy is not so well
worth listening to as his friend, is he?
poor Eliza!to be only just
tolerable aceptable, soportable, fairly good, 60 TOLERABLE.
mediocre, pasable
I beg you would not put it into
Lizzys head to be vexed [angered] by
his ill-treatment, for he is such a
65 disagreeable man, that it would be quite
14
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ba vuelto engredo; por el contrario,
era todo atenciones para con todo el
mundo. De naturaleza inofensivo, socia-
ble y servicial, su presentacin en St.
James le haba hecho adems, corts.
La seora Lucas era una buena mujer
aunque no lo bastante inteligente para que la
seora Bennet la considerase una vecina va-
liosa. Tenan varios hijos. La mayor, una jo-
X ven inteligente y sensata de unos veinte aos,
era la amiga ntima de Elizabeth.
Que las Lucas y las Bennet se re-
uniesen para charlar despus de un bai-
le, era algo absolutamente necesario,
y la maana despus de la fiesta, las
Lucas fueron a Longbourn para cam-
biar impresiones.
T empezaste bien la noche,
Charlotte dijo la seora Bennet fingien-
do toda amabilidad posible hacia la seo-
rita Lucas. Fuiste la primera que eligi
el seor Bingley.
S, pero pareci gustarle ms la se-
gunda.
Oh! Te refieres a Jane, supon-
go, porque bail con ella dos veces.
S , parece que le gus-
t ; s , c r e o q u e s .
X
O a l g o , n o s ,
a l g o s o b r e e l se o r
Robinson.
Quiz se refiera a lo que o en-
tre l y el seor Robinson, no se lo
he contado? El seor Robinson le pre-
gunt si l e g u s t a b a n l a s f i e s t a s d e
Meryton, si no crea que haba mu-
chachas muy hermosas en el saln
y cul le pareca la ms bonita de
todas. Su respuesta a esta ltima pre-
gunta fue inmediata: La mayor de las
Bennet, sin duda. No puede haber ms que
una opinin sobre ese particular.
No me digas! Parece deci-
dido a... Es como si... Pero, en
fin, todo puede acabar en nada
_________.
X Lo que yo o fue mejor que lo
que oste t, verdad, Elizabeth?
dijo Charlotte. Merece ms la
pena or al seor Bingley que al se-
or Darcy, no crees? Pobre Eliza!
Decir slo: No est mal.
Te s u p l i c o q u e n o l e m e t a s e n
X l a c a b e z a a L i z z y q u e se disguste
p o r D a r c y. E s u n h o m b r e t a n
desagradable que la desgracia se-
 Austen Pride
a misfortune to be liked by him. Mrs.
Long told me last night that he sat close
to her for half-an-hour without once
opening his lips.
5
Are you quite sure, maam?is not
there a little mistake? said Jane. I
certainly saw Mr. Darcy speaking to her.
10 Ay e b e c a u s e s h e a s k e d h i m
at last how he liked Netherfield,
and he could not help answering
her; but she said he seemed quite
angry at being spoke to.
15
Miss Bingley told me, said Jane,
that he never speaks much, unless
among his intimate acquaintances. With
THEM he is remarkably agreeable.
20
I do not believe a word of it, my dear.
If he had been so very agreeable, he
would have talked to Mrs. Long. But I
can guess how it was; everybody says that
25 he is eat up with pride, and I dare say he
had heard somehow that Mrs. Long does
not keep a carriage, and had come to the
ball in a hack chaise.
30 I do not mind his not
talking to Mrs. Long, said
Miss Lucas, but I wish he
had danced with Eliza.
35 Another time, Lizzy, said her
mother, I would not dance with HIM,
if I were you.
I believe, maam, I may safely promise
40 you NEVER to dance with him.
His pride, said Miss Lucas,
does not offend ME so much as pride
often does, because there is an excuse
45 for it. One cannot wonder that so very
fine a young man, with family, fortune,
everything in his favour, should think
highly of himself. If I may so express it,
he has a RIGHT to be proud.
50
That is very true, replied Elizabeth,
and I could easily forgive HIS pride, if
he had not mortified MINE.
55 Pride, observed Mary, who piqued
herself upon the solidity of her
reflections, is a very common failing, I
believe. By all that I have ever read, I
am convinced that it is very common
60 indeed; that human nature is particularly
prone to it, and that there are very few
of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-
complacency on the score of some quality
or other, real or imaginary. Vanity and
65 pride are different things, though the
15
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ra gustarle. La seora Long me
dijo que haba estado sentado a
su lado y que no haba despega-
do los labios.
Ests segura, mam?
X N o t e e q u i v o c a s ? ______ Yo v i a l
seor Darcy hablar con ella.
S, claro; porque ella al final le pre-
gunt si le gustaba Netherfield, y l no
tuvo ms remedio que contestar; pero la
seora Long dijo que a l no le hizo ningu-
na gracia que le dirigiese la palabra.
La seorita Bingley me dijo co-
ment Jane que l no sola hablar mu-
cho, a no ser con sus amigos ntimos. Con
ellos es increblemente agradable.
No me creo una palabra, queri-
da. Si fuese tan agradable habra ha-
blado con la seora Long. Pero ya me
imagino qu pas. Todo el mundo
dice que el orgullo no le cabe en el
cuerpo, y apostara a que oy que la
seora Long no tiene coche y que fue
al baile en uno de alquiler.
A m no me importa que no haya ha-
blado con la seora Long dijo la seorita
Lucas, pero deseara que hubiese baila-
do con Eliza.
Yo que t, Lizzy agreg la
madre, no bailara con l nunca ms
X __________.
Creo, mam, que puedo prome-
terte que nunca bailar con l.
El orgullo dijo la seorita Lucas
ofende siempre, pero a m el suyo no me
resulta tan ofensivo _____ ________ ___ __
X ___ . l tiene disculpa. Es natural que un
hombre atractivo, con familia, fortuna y
todo a su favor tenga un alto concepto
de s mismo. Por decirlo de algn modo,
tiene derecho a ser orgulloso.
Es muy cierto replic Elizabeth
, podra perdonarle fcilmente su orgullo
si no hubiese mortificado el mo.
El orgullo observ Mary, que se
preciaba mucho de la solidez de sus re-
flexiones, es un defecto muy comn
X _______. Por todo lo que he ledo, estoy
convencida de que en realidad es muy
frecuente que la naturaleza humana sea
especialmente propensa a l, hay muy
pocos que no abriguen un sentimiento de
autosuficiencia por una u otra razn, ya
sea real o imaginaria. La vanidad y el or-
gullo son cosas distintas, aunque muchas
 Austen Pride
words are often used synonymously. A
person may be proud without being vain.
Pride relates more to our
opinion of ourselves, vanity to
5 what we would have others
think of us.
If I were as rich as Mr. Darcy,
cried a young Lucas, who came
10 w i t h h i s s i s t e r s , I s h o u l d n o t c a r e
how proud I was. I would keep a
pack of foxhounds, and drink a
b o t t l e o f w i n e a d a y.
15 Then you would drink a great deal
more than you ought, said Mrs. Bennet;
and if I were to see you at it, I should
take away your bottle directly.
20 The boy protested that she should not;
she continued to declare that she would,
and the argument ended only with the
visit.
25
30
Chapter 6
The ladies of Longbourn soon
waited on those of Netherfield.
35 The visit was soon returned in due
form. Miss Bennets pleasing manners
grew on the goodwill of Mrs. Hurst and
Miss Bingley; and though the mother
was found to be intolerable, and the
40 younger sisters not worth speaking to,
a wish of being better acquainted with
THEM was expressed towards the two
eldest. By Jane, this attention was
received with the greatest pleasure, but
45 Elizabeth still saw superciliousness in
their treatment of everybody, hardly
excepting even her sister, and could not
like them; though their kindness to
Jane, such as it was, had a value as
50 arising in all probability from the
influence of their brother s admiration.
It was generally evident whenever
they met, that he DID admire her and
to HER it was equally evident that
55 Jane was yielding to the preference
which she had begun to entertain for
him from the first, and was in a way
to be very much in love; but she
considered with pleasure that it was
60 not likely to be discovered by the
world in general, since Jane united,
with great strength of feeling, a
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- composure of temper a nd a uniform
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero cheerfulness of manner which would
compostura es tambin repair, mending, 65 guard her from the suspicions of the
tidiness, agreement
16
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
veces se usen como sinnimos. __ _
X _ _ _ _ __ __________________ ______
El orgullo est relacionado con la opi-
nin que tenemos de nosotros mismos;
la vanidad, con lo que quisiramos que
los dems pensaran de nosotros.
Si yo fuese tan rico como el seor
Darcy, exclam un joven Lucas que haba
venido con sus hermanas, no me impor-
tara ser orgulloso. Tendra una jaura de
perros de caza, y bebera una botella de
vino al da.
Pues beberas mucho ms de lo
debido dijo la seora Bennet y
si yo te viese te quitara la botella
inmediatamente.
El nio dijo que no se atrevera,
ella que s, y as siguieron discu-
tiendo hasta que se dio por finali-
zada la visita.
Captulo VI
Las seoras de Longbourn
no tardaron en ir a visitar a las de Netherfield,
y stas devolvieron la visita como es cos-
tumbre. El encanto de la seorita Bennet
aument la estima que la seora Hurst y la
seorita Bingley sentan por ella; y aunque
encontraron que la madre era intolerable y que
no vala la pena dirigir la palabra a las her-
manas menores, expresaron el deseo de
profundizar las relaciones con ellas en
atencin a las dos mayores. Esta atencin
fue recibida por Jane con agrado, pero
Elizabeth segua viendo arrogancia en
su trato con todo el mundo, excep-
tuando, con reparos, a su hermana;
no podan gustarle. Aunque valora-
ba su amabilidad con Jane, saba que
probablemente se deba a la influen-
cia de la admiracin que el hermano
senta por ella. Era evidente, donde-
quiera que se encontrasen, que
Bingley admiraba a Jane; y para
Elizabeth t a m b i n e r a e v i d e n t e q u e
en su hermana aumentaba la incli-
nacin que desde el principio sin-
ti por l, lo que la predispona a
enamorarse de l; pero se daba
cuenta, con gran satisfaccin, de
que la gente no podra notarlo,
puesto que Jane unira a la fuerza de
sus sentimientos moderacin y una
constante jovialidad, que ahuyentara
las sospechas de los impertinentes. As

disposition y disposicin significan arreglo,
orden, ley, mandato, pero disposition se re-
fiere adems a temperamento, genio, na- 35
tural, forma de ser, carcter.
dispositions condiciones
partial Los adjetivos partial y parcial com-
parten la idea de incompleto y, en sentido
tico, injusto, prejuiciado, pero partial se usa 40 of her. But, though Bingley and Jane meet
adems para aficionado, af f e c t i o n a t e ,
fond, kind, attached.
Austen Pride
impertinent. She mentioned this to her friend
Miss Lucas.
It may perhaps be pleasant, replied
5 Charlotte, to be able to impose on the
public in such a case; but it is sometimes
a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If
a woman conceals her affection with the
same skill from the object of it, she may
10 lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it
will then be but poor consolation to
believe the world equally in the dark.
There is so much of gratitude or vanity
in almost every attachment, that it is not
15 safe to leave any to itself. We can all
BEGIN freelya slight preference is
natural enough; but there are very few of
us who have heart enough to be really in
love without encouragement. In nine
20 cases out of ten a women had better show
MORE affection than she feels. Bingley
likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may
never do more than like her, if she does
not help him on.
25
But she does help him on, as much
a s h e r n a t u r e w i l l a l l o w. I f I c a n
perceive her regard for him, he must
be a simpleton, indeed, not to
30 discover it too.
Remember, Eliza, that he does not
know Janes disposition as you do.
But if a woman is partial to a
m a n, and does not endeavour to
conceal it, he must find it out.
Perhaps he must, if he sees enough
tolerably often, it is never for many hours
together; and, as they always see each
other in large mixed parties, it is
impossible that every moment should be
45 employed in conversing together. Jane
should therefore make the most of every
half-hour in which she can command his
attention. When she is secure of him,
there will be more leisure for falling in
50 love as much as she chooses.
Your plan is a good one, replied
Eliza b e t h , w h e r e n o t h i n g i s i n
question but the desire of being well
55 married, and if I were determined to
get a rich husband, or any husband,
I dare say I should adopt it. But
these are not Janes feelings; she is
n o t a c t i n g by design. As yet, she
60 cannot even be certain of the degree of
her own regard nor of its reasonableness.
She has known him only a fortnight. She
danced four dances with him at Meryton;
she saw him one morning at his own house,
65 and has since dined with him in company
17
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
se lo coment a su amiga, la seorita
Lucas.
Tal vez sea mejor en este caso
replic Charlotte poder escapar a la cu-
riosidad de la gente; pero a veces es malo
ser tan reservada. Si una mujer disimula
su afecto al objeto del mismo, puede per-
der la oportunidad de conquistarle; y en-
tonces es un pobre consuelo pensar que
los dems estn en la misma ignorancia.
Hay tanto de gratitud y vanidad en casi
todos, los carios, que no es nada conve-
niente dejarlos a la deriva. Normalmente
todos empezamos por una ligera preferen-
cia, y eso s puede ser simplemente por-
que s, sin motivo; pero hay muy pocos
que tengan tanto corazn como para ena-
morarse sin haber sido estimulados. En
nueve de cada diez casos, una mujer debe
mostrar ms cario del que siente. A
Bingley le gusta tu hermana, indudable-
mente; pero si ella no le ayuda, la cosa no
pasar de ah.
Ella le ayuda tanto como se lo
permite su forma de ser. Si yo pue-
do notar su cario hacia l, l, des-
de luego, sera tonto si no lo des-
cubriese.
Recuerda, Eliza, que l no conoce el
carcter de Jane como t.
Pero si una mujer est interesada por
un hombre y no trata de ocultarlo, l tendr
que acabar por descubrirlo.
Ta l v e z s , s i l l a v e l o b a s -
tante. Pero aunque Bingley y Jane
_______ e s t n j u n t o s a m e n u d o ,
nunca es por mucho tiempo; y
adems como slo se ven en
fiestas con mucha gente, no pue-
d e n h a b l a r a s o l a s . A s que Jane
d ebera aprovechar al mximo cada
minuto en el q u e p u e d a l l a m a r s u
atencin. Y cuando lo tenga seguro,
ya tendr tiempo para enamorarse de
l todo lo que quiera.
Tu plan es bueno contest
Elizabeth, cuando la cuestin se tra-
ta slo de casarse bien; y si yo estu-
viese decidida a conseguir un marido
rico, o cualquier marido, casi puedo
decir que lo llevara a cabo. Pero esos
no son los sentimientos de Jane, ella
X no acta con premeditacin. To d a v a
no puede estar segura de hasta
X qu punto le gusta, ni el porqu.
Slo hace quince das que le conoce.
Bail cuatro veces con l en Meryton;
le vio una maana en su casa, y desde
entonces ha cenado en su compaa
 Austen Pride
four times. This is not quite enough to make
her understand his character.
Not as you represent it. Had she
5 merely DINED with him, she might only
have discovered whether he had a good
appetite; but you must remember that
four evenings have also been spent
togetherand four evenings may do a
10 great deal.
Yes; these four evenings have
enabled them to ascertain that they both
like Vingt-un better than Commerce; but
15 with respect to any other leading
characteristic, I do not imagine that much
has been unfolded.
Well, said Charlotte, I wish Jane
20 success with all my heart; and if she were
married to him to-morrow, I should think
she had as good a chance of happiness
as if she were to be studying his character
for a twelvemonth. Happiness in
25 marriage is entirely a matter of chance.
disposition y disposicin significan arreglo, If the dispositions of the parties are ever
orden, ley, mandato, pero disposition se re-
fiere adems a temperamento, genio, na- so well known to each other or ever so X
tural, forma de ser, carcter. similar beforehand, it does not advance
dispositions condiciones their felicity in the least. They always
30 continue to grow sufficiently unlike
afterwards to have their share of
vexation; and it is better to know as little
as possible of the defects of the person X
with whom you are to pass your life.
35
You make me laugh, Charlotte; but
it is not sound. You know it is not sound,
and that you would never act in this way
yourself.
40
Occupied in observing Mr. Bingleys
attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was far
from suspecting that she was herself
becoming an object of some interest in
45 the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy had at
first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he
had looked at her without admiration at
the ball; and when they next met, he
looked at her only to criticise. But no
50 sooner had he made it clear to himself
and his friends that she hardly had a good
feature in her face, than he began to find
render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen- it was rendered uncommonly intelligent
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en-
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter by the beautiful expression of her dark
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered 55 eyes. To this discovery succeeded some
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.),
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks; others equally mortifying. Though he had
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give detected with a critical eye more than one
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4 failure of perfect symmetry in her form,
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.). he was forced to acknowledge her figure
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc.
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.) 60 to be light and pleasing; and in spite of
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c his asserting that her manners were not
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt those of the fashionable world, he was
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting. caught by their easy playfulness. Of this
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up, she was perfectly unaware; to her he
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are 65 was only the man who made himself
Caesars). b show (obedience).
18
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
cuatro veces. Esto no es suficiente
para que ella conozca su carcter.
No tal y como t lo planteas. Si
solamente hubiese cenado con l no
habra descubierto otra cosa que si tie-
ne buen apetito o no; pero no debes
olvidar que pasaron cuatro veladas
juntos; y cuatro veladas pueden signi-
ficar bastante.
S; en esas cuatro veladas lo ni-
co que pudieron hacer es averiguar qu
clase de bailes les gustaba a cada uno,
pero no creo que hayan podido descu-
brir las cosas realmente importantes de
su carcter.
Bueno dijo Charlotte. Deseo
de todo corazn que a Jane le salgan las
cosas bien; y si se casase con l maana,
creo que tendra ms posibilidades de ser
feliz que si se dedica a estudiar su carc-
ter durante doce meses. La felicidad en
el matrimonio es slo cuestin de suerte.
El que una pareja crea que son
iguales o se conozcan bien de
antemano, no les va a traer la
felicidad en absoluto. Las di-
ferencias se van acentuando
cada vez ms hasta hacerse
i n s o p o r t a b l e s ; siempre es mejor saber lo
menos posible ______ de la persona con
la que vas a compartir tu vida.
M e h a c e s r e r, C h a r l o t t e ; n o
tiene sentido. Sabes que no tiene
sentido; adems t nunca actuaras
de esa forma.
Ocupada en observar las atenciones de
Bingley para con su hermana, Elizabeth es-
taba lejos de sospechar que tambin esta-
ba siendo objeto de inters a los ojos del
amigo de Bingley. Al principio, el seor Darcy
apenas se dign admitir que era bonita; no ha-
ba demostrado ninguna admiracin por ella en
el baile; y la siguiente vez que se vieron, l slo
se fij en ella para criticarla. Pero tan pronto
como dej claro ante s mismo y ante sus ami-
gos que los rasgos de su cara apenas le gusta-
ban, empez a darse cuenta de que la bella ex-
presin de sus ojos oscuros le daban un aire 
de extraordinaria inteligencia. A este descu-
brimiento siguieron otros igualmente
mortificantes. Aunque detect con ojo
crtico ms de un fallo en la perfecta
simetra de sus formas, tuvo que re-
conocer que su figura era grcil y es-
belta; y a pesar de que afirmaba que
sus maneras no eran las de la gente
refinada, se senta atrado por su na-
turalidad y alegra. De este asunto ella
no tena la ms remota idea. Para ella Darcy
era el hombre que se haca antiptico donde-
 Austen Pride
agreeable nowhere, and who had not
thought her handsome enough to
dance with.
5 He began to wish to know more of
her, and as a step towards conversing
with her himself, attended to her
conversation with others. His doing so
drew her notice. It was at Sir William
10 Lucass, where a large party were
assembled.
W h a t d o e s M r. D a r c y m e a n ,
said she to Charlotte, by listening
15 t o m y c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h C o l o n e l
Forster?
That is a question which Mr. Darcy
only can answer.
20
But if he does it any more I shall
certainly let him know that I see what he
is about. He has a very satirical eye, and
if I do not begin by being impertinent
25 myself, I shall soon grow afraid of him.
On his approaching them soon
afterwards, though without seeming to
have any intention of speaking, Miss
30 Lucas defied her friend to mention such
a subject to him; which immediately
provoking Elizabeth to do it, she turned
to him and said:
35 Did you not think, Mr. Darcy, that I
expressed myself uncommonly well just
now, when I was teasing Colonel Forster
to give us a ball at Meryton?
40 With great energy; but it is always a
subject which makes a lady energetic.
You are severe on us.
45 It will be HER turn soon to be
teased, said Miss Lucas. I am going to
open the instrument, Eliza, and you know
what follows.
50 You are a very strange creature by
way of a friend!always wanting me to
play and sing before anybody and
everybody! If my vanity had taken a
musical turn, you would have been
invaluable inapreciable 55 invaluable; but as it is, I would really
rather not sit down before those who must
be in the habit of hearing the very best
performers. On Miss Lucass
persevering, however, she added, Very
60 well, if it must be so, it must. And
gravely glancing at Mr. Darcy, There is
a fine old saying, which everybody here
is of course familiar with: Keep your
breath to cool your porridge; and I shall
65 keep mine to swell my song.
19
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
quiera que fuese y el hombre que no la ha-
ba considerado lo bastante hermosa como
para sacarla a bailar.
Darcy empez a querer conocerla me-
jor. Como paso previo para hablar con ella,
se dedic a escucharla hablar con los de-
ms. Este hecho llam la atencin de
Elizabeth. Ocurri un da en casa de sir
Lucas donde se haba reunido un amplio
grupo de gente.
Qu querr el seor Darcy le
dijo ella a Charlotte, que ha estado es-
cuchando mi conversacin con el coro-
nel Forster?
sa es una pregunta que slo el seor
Darcy puede contestar.
Si lo vuelve a hacer le dar
a entender que s lo que preten-
de. Es muy satrico, y si no em-
piezo siendo impertinente yo,
acabar por tenerle miedo.
Poco despus se les volvi a
a c e r c a r, y a u n q u e n o p a r e c a t e n e r
i n t e n c i n d e h a b l a r, l a s e o r i t a
Lucas des afi a s u amiga p a r a q u e
le mencionase el tema, lo que in-
mediatamente provoc a Elizabeth,
que se volvi a l y le dijo:
No cree usted, seor Darcy, que me
X expres ________ muy bien hace un mo-
mento, cuando le insista al coronel Forster
para que nos diese un baile en Meryton?
Con gran energa; pero se es un tema
que siempre llena de energa a las mujeres.
Es usted severo con nosotras.
Ahora nos toca insistirte a
ti dijo la seorita Lucas.
Vo y a a b r i r e l p i a n o y y a s a b e s
lo que sigue, Eliza.
Q u c l a s e d e a m i g a
eres? Siempre quieres que
cante y que toque delante de todo el
mundo. Si me hubiese llamado Dios
por el camino de la msica, seras una
amiga de i n c a l c u l a b l e v a l o r ; p e r o
como no es as, preferira no tocar de-
lante de gente que debe estar acostum-
brada a escuchar a los mejores msi-
cos pero como la seorita Lucas insis-
ta, aadi: Muy bien, si as debe ser
ser y mirando framente a ____ Darcy
dijo: Hay un viejo refrn que aqu
todo el mundo conoce muy bien, gur-
date el aire para enfriar la sopa, y yo
lo guardar para mi cancin.
 Austen Pride
performance 1 rendimiento, resultado, 2 Her performance was pleasing,
actuacin, ejecucin 3 funcin, sesin, re- though by no means capital. After a song
presentacin or two, and before she could reply to the
5 entreaties of several that she would sing
again, she was eagerly succeeded at the
instrument by her sister Mary, who
having, in consequence of being the only
plain one in the family, worked hard for
10 knowledge and accomplishments, was
always impatient for display.
Mary had neither genius nor taste; and
though vanity had given her application,
15 it had given her likewise a pedantic air
and conceited manner, which would have
injured a higher degree of excellence than
she had reached. Elizabeth, easy and
unaffected, had been listened to with
20 much more pleasure, though not playing
half so well; and Mary, at the end of a
long concerto, was glad to purchase
praise and gratitude by Scotch and Irish
airs, at the request of her younger sisters,
25 who, with some of the Lucases, and two
or three officers, joined eagerly in
dancing at one end of the room.
Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent
30 indignation at such a mode of passing the
evening, to the exclusion of all
conversation, and was too much
engrossed by his thoughts to perceive that
Sir William Lucas was his neighbour, till
35 Sir William thus began:
What a charming amusement for
young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There
is nothing like dancing after all. I
40 consider it as one of the first refinements
polished refinadas of polished society.
Certainly, sir; and it has the
advantage also of being in vogue amongst
45 the less polished societies of the world.
Every savage can dance.
Sir William only smiled. Your
f r i e n d p e r f o r m s d e l i g h t f u l l y, h e
50 continued after a pause, on seeing
Bingley join the group; and I doubt not
adept hbil,experto en, diestro, perito, versado that you are an adept in the science
yourself, Mr. Darcy.
55 You saw me dance at Meryton, I
believe, sir.
Yes, indeed, and received no
inconsiderable pleasure from the sight. Do
60 you often dance at St. Jamess?
Never, sir.
Do you not think it would be a proper
65 compliment to the place?
20
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
El concierto de Elizabeth fue agrada-
ble, pero no extraordinario. Despus de una
o dos canciones y antes de que pudiese com-
placer las peticiones de algunos que que-
ran que cantase otra vez, fue reemplazada
al piano por su hermana Mary, que como
era la menos brillante de la familia, trabaja-
ba duramente para adquirir conocimientos
y habilidades que siempre estaba impacien-
te por demostrar.
Mary no tena ni talento ni gusto; y
aunque la vanidad la haba hecho aplica-
da, tambin le haba dado un aire pedante
y modales afectados que desluciran cual-
quier brillantez superior a la que ella ha-
ba alcanzado. A Elizabeth, aunque haba
tocado la mitad de bien, la haban escu-
chado con ms agrado por su soltura y sen-
cillez; Mary, al final de su largo concier-
to, no obtuvo ms que unos cuantos elo-
gios por las melodas escocesas e irlan-
desas que haba tocado a ruegos de sus
hermanas menores que, con alguna de las
Lucas y dos o tres oficiales, bailaban ale-
gremente en un extremo del saln.
Darcy, a quien indignaba aquel
modo de pasar la velada, estaba calla-
do y sin humor para hablar; se hallaba
tan embebido en sus propios pensa-
mientos que no se fij en que sir
William Lucas estaba a su lado, hasta
que ste se dirigi a l.
Qu encantadora diversin para la
X juventud, seor Darcy! Mirndolo bien, no
hay nada como el baile. Lo considero como
uno de los mejores refinamientos de las so-
ciedades ms distinguidas.
Ciertamente, seor, y tambin tiene
la ventaja de estar de moda entre las so-
ciedades menos distinguidas del mundo;
todos los salvajes bailan.
Sir William esboz una sonrisa.
Su amigo baila maravillosamente
continu despus de una pausa al ver a
Bingley unirse al grupo y no dudo, seor
Darcy, que usted mismo sea un experto en 
la materia.
Me vio bailar en Meryton, creo, se-
or.
Desde luego que s, y me caus
un gran placer verle. Baila usted a
menudo en Saint James?
Nunca, seor.
No cree que sera un cumplido
para con ese lugar?

gallant adj. 1 brave, chivalrous. 2 a (of a
ship, horse, etc.) grand, fine, stately. b 20 and called out to her:
archaic finely dressed. 3 a markedly
attentive to women. b concerned with sexual
love; amatory. n. 1 a ladies man; a lover
or paramour. 2 archaic a man of fashion; a
fine gentleman. v. 1 tr. flirt with. 2 tr.
escort; act as a cavalier to (a lady). 3 intr. a 25 you as a very desirable partner. You
play the gallant. b (foll. by with) flirt.
gallant 1 valiente, gallardo 2 corts, galante.
El vocablo suguiere corts en ambas len-
guas, pero en cada una aade matices nue-
vos: gallant parece recalcar la idea de va- 30 t h o u g h e x t r e m e l y s u r p r i s e d , w a s
lenta, como valiente, gallardo, esplndido
mientras que galante da ms peso a conno-
taciones de cortesa y elegancia en caste-
llano; en ingls los flirteos se convierten en
favores sexuales hasta el punto de ser un
eufemismo por prostitucin.
Austen Pride
It is a compliment which I never pay
to any place if I can avoid it.
5 You have a house in town, I conclude?
Mr. Darcy bowed.
I had once had some thought of
10 fixing in town myselffor I am fond of
superior society; but I did not feel quite
certain that the air of London would
agree with Lady Lucas.
15He paused in hopes of an answer;
but his companion was not disposed to
make any; and Elizabeth at that instant
moving towards them, he was struck with
the action of doing a very gallant thing,
My dear Miss Eliza, why are you
not dancing? Mr. Darcy, you must
allow me to present this young lady to
cannot refuse to dance, I am sure when
so much beauty is before you.
A nd, taking her hand, he would
h a v e g i v e n i t t o M r. D a r c y w h o ,
not unwilling to receive it, when
she instantly drew back, and
said with some discomposure to
S i r Wi l l i a m :
35
Indeed, sir, I have not the least
intention of dancing. I entreat you not
to suppose that I moved this way in order
to beg for a partner.
40
Mr. Darcy, with grave propriety,
requested to be allowed the honour of her
hand, but in vain. Elizabeth was
determined; nor did Sir William at all
45 shake her purpose by his attempt at
persuasion.
You excel so much in the dance,
Miss Eliza, that it is cruel to deny me
50 t h e h a p p i n e s s o f s e e i n g y o u ; a n d
though this gentleman dislikes the
amusement in general, he can have no
objection, I am sure, to oblige us for
one half-hour.
55
M r. D a r c y i s a l l p o l i t e n e s s ,
said Elizabeth, smiling.
He is, indeed; but,
60 c o n s i d e r i n g t h e i n d u c e m e n t , m y
dear Miss Eliza, we cannot
wonder at his complaisancefor
who would object to such a
partner?
65
21
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Es un cumplido que nunca concedo
en ningn lugar, si puedo evitarlo.
X Creo que tiene una casa en la capital _____.
El seor Darcy asinti con la cabeza.
Pens algunas veces en fijar mi
residencia en la ciudad, porque me
encanta la alta sociedad; pero no es-
taba seguro de que el aire de Londres
le sentase bien a lady Lucas.
Sir William hizo una pausa con la espe-
ranza de una respuesta, pero su compaa
no estaba dispuesto a hacer ninguna. Al ver
que Elizabeth se les acercaba, se le ocurri
X hacer algo que le pareci muy galante de
su parte y la llam.
Mi querida seorita Eliza, por
qu no est bailando? Seor Darcy,
permtame que le presente a esta jo-
ven que puede ser una excelente pareja.
Estoy seguro de que no puede negarse a
bailar cuando tiene ante usted tanta belleza.
To m a E l i z a b e t h d e l a m a n o
con la intencin de pasrsela a
Darcy; quien, aunque extremada-
mente sorprendido, no iba a re-
chazarla; pero Elizabeth le volvi
l a e s p a l d a y l e d i j o a s i r Wi l l i a m
un tanto desconcertada:
De veras, seor, no tena la me-
nor intencin de bailar. Le ruego que
no suponga que he venido hasta aqu
para buscar pareja.
El seor Darcy, con toda correccin
le pidi que le concediese el honor de
bailar con l, pero fue en vano.
Elizabeth estaba decidida, y ni siquie-
ra sir William, con todos sus argumen-
tos, pudo persuadirla.
Usted es excelente en el baile, seo-
rita Eliza, y es muy cruel por su parte ne-
garme la satisfaccin de verla; y aunque a
este caballero no le guste este entreteni-
X miento, _____ estoy seguro de que no ten-
dra inconveniente en complacernos duran-
te media hora.
El seor Darcy es muy educado
dijo Elizabeth sonriendo.
Lo es, en efecto; pero consi-
derando lo que le induce, queri-
da Eliza, no podemos dudar de su
cortesa; porque, quin podra
rechazar una pareja tan encanta-
dora?

archly with playful slyness or roguishness,
con malicia, picaruelamente, con mali-
cia, con sacarronera
60 herself in this manner; and as his
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi-
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero
compostura es tambin repair, mending,
tidiness, agreement
Austen Pride
Elizabeth looked archly, and turned
away. Her resistance had not injured
her with the gentleman, and he was
thinking of her with some
5 complacency, when thus accosted by
Miss Bingley:
I can guess the subject of your
reverie.
10
I should imagine not.
You are considering how
insupportable it would be to pass many
15 evenings in this mannerin such society;
and indeed I am quite of your opinion. I
was never more annoyed! The insipidity,
and yet the noisethe nothingness, and
yet the self-importance of all those
20 people! What would I give to hear your
strictures on them!
You conjecture is totally wrong, I
assure you. My mind was more agreeably
25 engaged. I have been meditating on the
very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes
in the face of a pretty woman can bestow
[grant, conceder].
30 Miss Bingley immediately fixed her
eyes on his face, and desired he would
tell her what lady had the credit of
inspiring such reflections. Mr. Darcy
replied with great intrepidity:
35
Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet! repeated
Miss Bingley. I am all astonishment.
40 How long has she been such a favourite?
an d p r a y , w h e n a m I t o w i s h
you joy?
That is exactly the question which
45 I e x p e c t e d y o u t o a s k . A l a d y s
imagination is very rapid; it jumps from
admiration to love, from love to
matrimony, in a moment. I knew you
would be wishing me joy.
50
Nay, if you are serious about it, I
shall consider the matter is absolutely
settled. You will be having a charming
mother-in-law, indeed; and, of course,
55 she will always be at Pemberley with
you.
He listened to her with perfect
indifference while she chose to entertain
com p o s u re [ c a l m n e s s ] c o n v i n c e d
her that all was safe, her wit flowed
long.
65
22
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Elizabeth les mir con coquetera
y se retir. Su resistencia no le haba
perjudicado nada a los ojos del caba-
X
llero, que estaba pensando en ella con
satisfaccin cuando fue abordado por
la seorita Bingley.
Adivino por qu est tan
X pensativo.
Creo que no.
Est pensando en lo insoportable
que le sera pasar ms veladas de esta
forma, en una sociedad como sta; y
por supuesto, soy de su misma opinin.
Nunca he estado ms enojada. Qu
gente tan inspida y qu alboroto ar-
man! Con lo insignificantes que son y
qu importancia se dan. Dara algo por
or sus crticas sobre ellos.
Sus conjeturas son totalmente equivocadas
X _________ . Mi mente estaba ocupada
en cosas ms agradables. Estaba medi-
tando sobre el gran placer que pueden
X causar un par de ojos bonitos en el ros-
tro de una mujer hermosa.
La seorita Bingley le mir
fijamente deseando que le dije-
se qu dama haba inspirado ta-
les pensamientos. El seor
D a r c y, i n t r p i d o , c o n t e s t :
La seorita Elizabeth Bennet.
L a s e o r i t a B e n n e t ! ______
______ M e d e j a a t n i t a . D e s -
d e c u n d o e s s u f a v o r i t a?
Y dgame, cundo tendr que
darle la enhorabuena?
sa es exactamente la pregunta que
esperaba que me hiciese. La imaginacin
de una dama va muy rpido y salta de la
admiracin al amor y del amor al matri-
monio en un momento. Saba que me da-
ra la enhorabuena.
Si lo toma tan en serio, cree-
r q u e e s y a c o s a h e c h a . Te n d r
usted una suegra encantadora, de
veras, y ni que decir tiene que es-
tar siempre en Pemberley con us-
tedes.
l la escuchaba con perfecta indife-
rencia, mientras ella segua disfrutando
con las cosas que le deca; y al ver, por
la actitud de Darcy, que todo estaba a sal-
vo, dej correr su ingenio durante largo
tiempo.
 Austen Pride
5 Chapter 7
Mr. Bennets property consisted
almost entirely in an estate of two
thousand a year, which, unfortunately for
10 his daughters, was entailed, in default of
heirs male, on a distant relation; and their
mothers fortune, though ample for her
situation in life, could but ill supply the
deficiency of his. Her father had been an
15 attorney in Meryton, and had left her four
thousand pounds.
She had a sister married to a
M r. P h i l l i p s , w h o h a d b e e n a c l e r k
20 t o t h e i r f a t h e r a n d s u c c e e d e d h i m
in the business, and a brother
settled in London in a respectable
line of trade.
25 The village of Longbourn was only
one mile from Meryton; a most
convenient distance for the young ladies,
who were usually tempted thither three
or four times a week, to pay their duty to
30 their aunt and to a milliners shop just
over the way. The two youngest of the
family, Catherine and Lydia, were
particularly frequent in these attentions;
their minds were more vacant than their
35 sisters, and when nothing better offered,
a walk to Meryton was necessary to
amuse their morning hours and furnish
conversation for the evening; and
however bare of news the country in
40 general might be, they always contrived
to learn some from their aunt. At present,
indeed, they were well supplied both with
news and happiness by the recent arrival
of a militia regiment in the
45 neighbourhood; it was to remain the
whole winter, and Meryton was the
headquarters.
Their visits to Mrs. Phillips were
50 n o w productive of the most
interesting intelligence. Every day
added something to their knowledge
of the officers names and
connections. Their lodgings were not
55 long a secret, and at length they began
to know the officers themselves. Mr.
Phillips visited them all, and this
opened to his nieces a store of felicity
unknown before. They could talk of
60 nothing but officers; and Mr. Bingleys
large fortune, the mention of which gave
animation to their mother, was worthless
in their eyes when opposed to the
regimentals of an ensign.
65
23
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Captulo VII
La propiedad del seor Bennet consis-
ta casi enteramente en una hacienda de
dos mil libras al ao, la cual, desafortuna-
damente para sus hijas, estaba destinada,
por falta de herederos varones, a un pa-
riente lejano; y la fortuna de la madre, aun-
que abundante para su posicin, difcilmen-
te poda suplir a la de su marido. Su padre
haba sido abogado en Meryton y le haba
dejado cuatro mil libras.
La seora Bennet tena una hermana
casada con un tal seor Phillips que haba
sido empleado de su padre y le haba suce-
dido en los negocios, y un hermano en Lon-
dres que ocupaba un respetable lugar en el
comercio.
El pueblo de Longbourn estaba slo
a una milla de Meryton, distancia muy con-
veniente para las seoritas, que normal-
mente tenan la tentacin de ir por all tres
o cuatro veces a la semana para visitar a su
ta y, de paso, detenerse en una sombrere-
ra que haba cerca de su casa. Las que
ms frecuentaban Meryton eran las dos
menores, Catherine y Lydia, que solan
estar ms ociosas que sus hermanas, y
cuando no se les ofreca nada mejor, de-
X cidan que un paseto a la ciudad era
necesario para pasar bien la maana y
as tener conversacin para la tarde;
porque, aunque las noticias no solan
abundar en el campo, su ta siempre
tena algo que c o n t a r. D e m o m e n -
to estaban bien provistas de
X c hismes y de alegra ante la recien-
te llegada de un regimiento militar
X _____ ______________q ue iba a que-
darse todo el invierno y tena en
Meryton su cuartel general.
Ahora las visitas a la seora Phillips
proporcionaban una informacin de lo
ms interesante. Cada da aadan algo
ms a lo que ya saban acerca de los
nombres y las familias de los oficiales.
El lugar donde se alojaban ya no era
un secreto y pronto empezaron a cono-
cer a los oficiales en persona. El seor
X Phillips los conoca a todos, lo que
constitua para sus sobrinas una fuente
de satisfaccin insospechada. No habla-
ba de otra cosa que no fuera de oficiales.
La gran fortuna del seor Bingley, de
la que tanto le gustaba hablar a su ma-
dre, ya no vala la pena comparada con
X el uniforme de un alfrez.
 Austen Pride
After listening one morning to their
effusions on this subject, Mr. Bennet
coolly observed:
5 From all that I can collect by your
manner of talking, you must be two of
the silliest girls in the country. I have
suspected it some time, but I am now
convinced.
10
Catherine was disconcerted, and
made no answer; but Lydia, with perfect X
indifference, continued to express her
admiration of Captain Carter, and her
15 hope of seeing him in the course of the
day, as he was going the next morning to
London.
I am astonished, my dear, said Mrs.
20 Bennet, that you should be so ready to
think your own children silly. If I wished
to think slightingly of anybodys children,
it should not be of my own,
h o w e v e r.
25
If my children are silly, I must hope
to be always sensible of it. X puedo hacer es reconocerlo.
Yesbut as it happens, they are all
30 of them very clever.
This is the only point, I flatter
myself, on which we do not agree. I had
hoped that our sentiments coincided in
35 every particular, but I must so far differ
from you as to think our two youngest
daughters uncommonly foolish.
My dear Mr. Bennet, you must not
40 expect such girls to have the sense of
their father and mother. When they get
to our age, I dare say they will not think
about officers any more than we do. I
remember the time when I liked a red
45 coat myself very welland, indeed, so X
I do still at my heart; and if a smart
young colonel, with five or six thousand
a year, should want one of my girls I
shall not say nay to him; and I thought
50 Colonel Forster looked very becoming
the other night at Sir Williams in his
regimentals.
Mamma, cried Lydia, my aunt
55 says that Colonel Forster and Captain
Carter do not go so often to Miss
Watsons as they did when they first
came; she sees them now very often
standing in Clarkes library.
60
Mrs. Bennet was prevented replying
by the entrance of the footman with a note
for Miss Bennet; it came from
Netherfield, and the servant waited for
65 an answer. Mrs. Bennets eyes sparkled
24
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Despus de or una maana el entusias-
mo con el que sus hijas hablaban del tema,
el seor Bennet observ framente:
Por todo lo que puedo sacar en limpio
de vuestra manera de hablar debis de ser las
muchachas ms tontas de todo el pas. Ya
haba tenido mis sospechas algunas veces,
pero ahora estoy convencido.
Catherine se qued desconcertada
y no contest.____ Lydia, con abso-
luta indiferencia, sigui expresando
su admiracin por el capitn Carter,
y dijo que esperaba verle aquel mis-
mo da, pues a la maana siguiente se
marchaba a Londres.
Me deja pasmada, querido
di jo la seora Bennet, lo dispuesto
que siempre ests a creer que tus hijas
X son tontas. Si yo despreciase a alguien,
sera a las hijas de los dems, no a
las mas.
Si mis hijas son tontas, lo menos que
S, pero ya ves, resulta que son
muy listas.
Presumo que ese es el nico pun-
to en el que no estamos de acuerdo.
X Siempre dese __________ c o i n c i d i r
contigo en todo, pero en esto di-
fiero, porque nuestras dos hijas
menores son tontas de remate.
Mi querido seor Bennet, no espe-
rars que estas nias . tengan tanto
sentido como sus padres. Cuando ten-
gan nuestra edad apostara a que pien-
san en oficiales tanto como nosotros.
Me acuerdo de una poca en la que
me gust mucho un casaca roja, y la
verdad es que todava lo llevo en mi
corazn. Y si un joven coronel con
cinco o seis mil libras anuales quisie-
ra a una de mis hijas, no le dira que
no. Encontr muy bien al coronel
Forster la otra noche en casa de sir
William.
M a m d i j o Ly d i a , l a t a
dice que el coronel Forster y el
capitn Carter ya no van tanto
a c a s a d e l o s Wa t s o n c o m o a n -
tes. Ahora los ve mucho en la
biblioteca de Clarke.
La seora Bennet no pudo contestar al
ser interrumpida por la entrada de un laca-
yo que traa una nota para la seorita
Bennet; vena de Netherfield y el criado es-
peraba respuesta. Los ojos de la seora Bennet
 Austen Pride
with pleasure, and she was eagerly
calling out, while her daughter read,
Well, Jane, who is it from? What is
5 it about? What does he say? Well, Jane,
make haste and tell us; make haste, my
love.
It is from Miss Bingley, said Jane,
10 and then read it aloud.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
If you are not so compassionate as
15 to dine to-day with Louisa and me, we
shall be in danger of hating each other
for the rest of our lives, for a whole days
tete-a-tete between two women can never
end without a quarrel. Come as soon as
20 you can on receipt of this. My brother
and the gentlemen are to dine with the
officers.Yours ever,
CAROLINE BINGLEY
25
With the officers! cried Lydia. I
wonder my aunt did not tell us of THAT.
Dining out, said Mrs. Bennet, that
30 is very unlucky.
Can I have the carriage? said Jane.
No, my dear, you had better go on
35 horseback, because it seems likely to
rain; and then you must stay all night.
That would be a good scheme, said
Elizabeth, if you were sure that they
40 would not offer to send her home.
Oh! but the gentlemen will have Mr.
Bingleys chaise to go to Meryton, and
the Hursts have no horses to theirs.
45
I had much rather go in the coach.
But, my dear, your father cannot
spare the horses, I am sure. They are
50 wanted in the farm, Mr. Bennet, are they
not?
They are wanted in the farm much
oftener than I can get them.
55
But if you have got them to-day,
said Elizabeth, my mothers purpose
will be answered.
60 She did at last extort from her father
an acknowledgment that the horses
were engaged. Jane was therefore
obliged to go on horseback, and her
mother attended her to the door with
65 many cheerful prognostics of a bad day.
25
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
brillaban de alegra y estaba impaciente
______ por que su hija acabase de leer.
Bien, Jane, de quin es?,
de qu se trata?, qu dice?
Date prisa y dinos, date prisa,
cario.
Es de la seorita Bingley dijo Jane,
y entonces ley en voz alta:
Mi querida amiga:
Si tienes compasin de nosotras, ven a
cenar hoy con Louisa y conmigo, si no, es-
taremos en peligro de odiarnos la una a la
otra el resto de nuestras vidas, porque dos
mujeres juntas todo el da no pueden aca-
bar sin pelearse. Ven tan pronto como te sea
posible, despus de recibir esta nota. Mi
hermano y los otros seores cenarn con los
oficiales. Saludos,
Caroline Bingley.
Con los oficiales! exclam Lydia
. Qu raro que la ta no nos lo haya dicho!
Cenar fuera! dijo la seora
Bennet. Qu mala suerte!
Puedo llevar el carruaje? pregunt Jane.
No, querida; es mejor que vayas a ca-
ballo, porque parece que va a llover y as
tendrs que quedarte a pasar la noche.
Sera un buen plan dijo
Elizabeth, si estuvieras segura de que
no se van a ofrecer para traerla a casa.
Oh, los seores llevarn el lan-
d del seor Bingley a Meryton y los
Hurst no tienen caballos propios.
Preferira ir en el carruaje.
Pero querida, tu padre no pue-
de prestarte los caballos. Me consta.
Se necesitan en la granja. No es as,
seor Bennet?
Se necesitan ms en la granja de lo
que yo puedo ofrecerlos.
Si puedes ofrecerlos hoy dijo
Elizabeth, los deseos de mi madre se ve-
rn cumplidos.
Al final anim al padre para que
admitiese que los caballos estaban
ocupados. Y, por fin, Jane se vio obli-
gada a ir a caballo. Su madre la acom-
pa hasta la puerta pronosticando
muy contenta un da psimo.
 Austen Pride
Her hopes were answered; Jane had not
been gone long before it rained hard.
Her sisters were uneasy for her, but her
mother was delighted. The rain
5 continued the whole evening without
intermission; Jane certainly could not
come back.
7 This was a lucky idea of mine,
10 indeed! said Mrs. Bennet more than
once, as if the credit of making it rain
were all her own. Till the next morning,
however, she was not aware of all the
felicity of her contrivance. Breakfast was
15 scarcely over when a servant from
Netherfield brought the following note
for Elizabeth:
MY DEAREST LIZZY,
20
I find myself very unwell this
morning, which, I suppose, is to be
imputed to my getting wet through
yesterday. My kind friends will not hear
25 of my returning till I am better. They
insist also on my seeing Mr. Jones
therefore do not be alarmed if you should
hear of his having been to meand,
excepting a sore throat and headache,
30 there is not much the matter with me.
Yours, etc.
Well, my dear, said Mr. Bennet,
when Elizabeth had read the note aloud,
35 if your daughter should have a
dangerous fit of illnessif she should
die, it would be a comfort to know that it
was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and
under your orders.
40
Oh! I am not afraid of her dying.
People do not die of little trifling colds.
She will be taken good care of. As long
as she stays there, it is all very well. I
45 would go an see her if I could have the
carriage.
Elizabeth, feeling really anxious, was
determined to go to her, though the
50 carriage was not to be had; and as she
was no horsewoman, walking was her
resolution comparte con resolucin el con- only alternative. She declared her
cepto de tesn, firmeza, decisin ; (= resolution.
determination) resolucin f, determina-
cin f; to show resolution mostrarse re- 55 How can you be so silly, cried her
suelto or determinado.
mother, as to think of such a thing, in
Adems resolution significa propsito, de-
t e r m i n a c i n [ c a r c t e r ] ; N e w Ye a r all this dirt! You will not be fit to be seen
resolutions buenos propsitos para el when you get there.
Ao Nuevo
(Parl) acuerdo m; to pass a resolution to- 60 I shall be very fit to see Janewhich
mar un acuerdo
is all I want.
(Comput & TV) definicin de pantalla
En cambio resolucin sugiere solution,
completion, decisiveness [ser decisivo]. Is this a hint to me, Lizzy, said her
Resolver es to resolve [decidir] y ade- father, to send for the horses?
ms to solve [solucionar], clear up 65
26
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Sus esperanzas se cumplieron; no haca
mucho que se haba ido Jane, cuando em-
pez a llover a cntaros. Las hermanas se
quedaron intranquilas por ella, pero su ma-
dre estaba encantada. No par de llover en
toda la tarde; era obvio que Jane no podra
volver...
Verdaderamente, tuve una idea muy
acertada repeta la seora Bennet.
___________ ______ __________
X
________ Sin embargo, hasta la maa-
na siguiente no supo nada del resulta-
do de su oportuna estratagema. Apenas
haba acabado de desayunar cuando un
criado de Netherfield trajo la siguiente
nota para Elizabeth:
X Mi querida Lizzy:
No me encuentro muy bien esta ma-
ana, lo que, supongo, se debe a que
ayer llegue calada hasta los huesos.
Mis amables amigas no quieren ni or-
me hablar de volver a casa hasta que
no est mejor. Insisten en que me vea
el seor Jones; por lo tanto, no os alar-
mis si os enteris de que ha venido a
visitarme. No tengo nada ms que do-
lor de garganta y dolor de cabeza.
X Tuya siempre, Jane.
Bien, querida dijo el seor
Bennet una vez Elizabeth hubo ledo
la nota en alto, si Jane contrajera
una enfermedad peligrosa o se murie-
se sera un consuelo saber que todo
fue por conseguir al seor Bingley y
bajo tus rdenes.
Oh! No tengo miedo de que se mue-
ra. La gente no se muere por pequeos res-
friados sin importancia. Tendr buenos
cuidados. Mientras est all todo ir de
maravilla. Ira a verla, si pudiese dispo-
ner del coche.
Elizabeth, que estaba verdaderamen-
te preocupada, tom la determinacin de
ir a verla. Como no poda disponer del
carruaje y no era buena amazona, cami-
nar era su nica alternativa. Y declar
su decisin.
Cmo puedes ser tan tonta? exclam
su madre. Cmo se te puede ocurrir tal
cosa? Con el barro que hay! Llegaras he-
X cha una facha, no estaras presentable!
Estara presentable para ver a Jane que
es todo lo que yo deseo.
Es una indirecta para que mande a bus-
car los caballos, Lizzy? dijo su padre.

inconvenience no es inconveniencia, sino mo-
lestia, estorbo, inconveniente, incomodidad,
mientras que inconveniencia es impropriety,
inadvisability, unsuitability, rude remark [dis-
parate], impoliteness. Como adjetivo,
inconvenient traduce molesto, incmodo / dif- 60
cil, inoportuno / ma1 escogido [tiempo], poco
prctico [arreglo], mientras que inconveniente es
unsuitable, improper / impolite, inadvisable,
rude / coarse [grosero]; por otra parte, inconve-
niente es un sustantivo para objection,
disadvange, obstacle / difficulty I trouble.
El verbo to inconvenience es molestar, estor-
bar.
Austen Pride
No, indeed, I do not wish to avoid
the walk. The distance is nothing when
one has a motive; only three miles. I shall
be back by dinner.
5
I admire the activity of your
benevolence, observed Mary, but every
impulse of feeling should be guided by
reason; and, in my opinion, exertion
10 should always be in proportion to what
is required.
We will go as far as Meryton with
you, said Catherine and Lydia. Elizabeth
15 accepted their company, and the three
young ladies set off together.
If we make haste, said Lydia, as
they walked along, perhaps we may see
20 something of Captain Carter before he
goes.
In Meryton they parted; the two
youngest repaired to the lodgings of one
25 of the officers wives, and Elizabeth
continued her walk alone, crossing field
after field at a quick pace, jumping over
stiles and springing over puddles with
impatient activity, and finding herself at
30 last within view of the house, with weary
ankles, dirty stockings, and a face
glowing with the warmth of exercise.
She was shown into the breakfast-
35 parlour, where all but Jane were
assembled, and where her appearance
created a great deal of surprise. That she
should have walked three miles so early
in the day, in such dirty weather, and by
40 herself, was almost incredible to Mrs.
Hurst and Miss Bingley; and Elizabeth
was convinced that they held her in
contempt for it. She was received,
however, very politely by them; and in
45 their brother s manners there was
something better than politeness; there
was good humour and kindness. Mr.
Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst
nothing at all. The former was divided
50 between admiration of the brilliancy
which exercise had given to her
complexion, a n d d o u b t a s t o t h e
o c c a s i o n s j u s t i f y i n g h e r c o m i n g
so far alone. The latter was
55 t h i n k i n g only of his breakfast.
Her inquiries after her sister were
not very favourably answered. Miss
Bennet had slept ill, and though up, was
very feverish, and not well enough to
leave her room. Elizabeth was glad to
be taken to her immediately; and Jane,
who had only been withheld by the fear
of giving alarm or inconvenience from
65 expressing in her note how much she
27
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
No, en absoluto. No me importa ca-
minar. No hay distancias cuando se tiene
un motivo. Son slo tres millas. Estar de
vuelta a la hora de cenar.
Admiro la actividad de tu bene-
volencia observ Mary; pero todo
impulso del sentimiento debe estar di-
rigido por la razn, y a mi juicio, el
esfuerzo debe ser proporcional a lo
que se pretende.
Iremos contigo hasta Meryton
d i j e r o n C a t h e r i n e y Ly d i a .
Elizabeth acept su compaa y las
tres jvenes salieron juntas.
Si nos damos prisa dijo
Ly d i a m i e n t r a s c a m i n a b a , t a l
vez podamos ver al capitn Carter
antes de que se vaya.
En Meryton se separaron; las dos
menores se dirigieron a casa de la es-
posa de uno de los oficiales y
Elizabeth continu su camino sola.
Cruz campo tras campo a paso lige-
ro, salt cercas y sorte charcos con
impaciencia hasta que por fin se en-
contr ante la casa, con los tobillos
empapados, las medias sucias y el
rostro encendido por el ejercicio.
La pasaron al comedor donde es-
taban todos reunidos menos Jane, y
d o n d e s u p r e s e n c i a c a u s g r a n s o r-
presa. A la seora Hurst y a la se-
orita Bingley les pareca increble
que hubiese caminado tres millas
sola, tan temprano y con un tiempo
tan espantoso. Elizabeth qued
convencida de que la hicieron de
menos por ello. No obstante, la re-
c i b i e r o n c o n m u c h a c o r t e s a , pero
en la actitud del hermano haba
algo ms que cortesa: haba buen
humor y amabilidad. El seor Darcy
habl poco y el seor Hurst nada de
nada. El primero fluctuaba entre la
admiracin por la luminosidad q u e
el ejercicio le haba dado a su
ro s t ro y l a d u d a d e s i l a o c a s i n
justificaba el que hubiese venido
sola desde tan lejos. El segundo
slo pensaba en su desayuno.
Las preguntas que Elizabeth hizo acerca de su her-
mana no fueron contestadas favorablemente. La seo-
rita Bennet haba dormido mal, y, aunque se haba le-
vantado, tena mucha fiebre y no estaba en condicio-
nes de salir de su habitacin. Elizabeth se alegr de
que la llevasen a verla inmediatamente; y Jane, que
se haba contenido de expresar en su nota cmo de-
seaba esa visita, por miedo a ser inconveniente o
a alarma r l o s , s e a l e g r m u c h s i mo
 Austen Pride
longed for such a visit, was delighted
be no equal estar a la altura de at her entrance. She was not equal,
however, to much conversation, and
when Miss Bingley left them together,
5 could attempt little besides expressions
of gratitude for the extraordinary
kindness she was treated with.
Elizabeth silently attended her.
10 When breakfast was over they
were joined by the sisters; and X
Elizabeth began to like them herself,
when she saw how much affection and
solicitude traduce solicitud, como cuidado, solicitude they showed for Jane. The
afn, ansiedad, pero solicitud es la voz co- 15 apothecary came, and having examined
mn para request, application [para traba-
his patient, said, as might be supposed,
jos, cheques], y solicitous traduce solcito,
como diligente, deseoso, gustoso, pero a that she had caught a violent cold, and
veces rebaja su significado a inquieto, apren- that they must endeavour to get the
sivo, receloso, molesto. better of it; advised her to return to bed,
solicitous ansioso, aprensivo, atento, esmera- 20 and promised her some draughts. Th e
do, receloso, solcito=diligente, cuidadoso, a d v i c e w a s f o l l o w e d r e a d i l y, f o rX
diligente [pronto, presto, activo], cuidado-
so, gustoso, inquieto, aprensivo, receloso the feverish symptoms increased,
solicitude n. 1 the state of being solicitous; a n d h e r h e a d a c h e d a c u t e l y.
solicitous behaviour. 2 anxiety or concern. Elizabeth did not quit her room for
Cuidado, afn, ansiedad, solicitousness, a 25 a m o m e n t ; n o r w e r e t h e o t h e r
feeling of excessive concern, preocupacin, ladies often absent; the gentlemen
ansiedad, atencin
being out, they had, in fact,
nothing to do elsewhere.
30 When the clock struck three,
Elizabeth felt that she must go, and
very unwillingly said so. Miss
Bingley offered her the carriage, and
she only wanted a little pressing to
35 accept it, when Jane testified such
concern in parting with her, that Miss
Bingley was obliged to convert the
offer of the chaise to an invitation to
remain at Netherfield for the present.
40 Elizabeth most thankfully consented,
and a servant was dispatched to
Longbourn to acquaint the family
with her stay and bring back a supply
of clothes.
45
50
Chapter 8
At five oclock the two ladies retired
to dress, and at half-past six Elizabeth
55 was summoned to dinner. To the civil
inquiries which then poured in, and X
amongst which she had the pleasure of
solicitude traduce solicitud, como cuidado,
afn, ansiedad, pero solicitud es la voz co- distinguishing the much superior
mn para request, application [para traba- solicitude of Mr. Bingleys, she could not
jos, cheques], y solicitous traduce solcito, 60 make a very favourable answer. Jane was
como diligente, deseoso, gustoso, pero a by no means better. The sisters, on
veces rebaja su significado a inquieto, apren- hearing this, repeated three or four times
sivo, receloso, molesto.
solicitude n. 1 the state of being solicitous; how much they were grieved, how
solicitous behaviour. 2 anxiety or concern. shocking it was to have a bad cold, and
Cuidado, afn, ansiedad, solicitousness, a 65 how excessively they disliked being ill
feeling of excessive concern, preocupacin,
ansiedad, atencin 28
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
a l v e r l a e n t r a r . A pesar de
X todo no tena nimo para mu-
c h a c o n v e r s a c i n . C u a n d o la
seorita Bingley las dej solas, no
pudo formular ms que gratitud por
la extraordinaria amabilidad con
que la trataban en aquella casa.
Elizabeth la atendi en silencio.
Cuando acab el desayuno, las
hermanas Bingley se reunieron con
ellas; y a Elizabeth empezaron a pare-
cerle simpticas al ver el afecto y el
inters que mostraban por Jane. Vino
el mdico y examin a la paciente, decla-
X
rando, como era de suponer, que haba co-
gido un fuerte resfriado y que deban ha-
cer todo lo posible por cuidarla. Le reco-
mend que se metiese otra vez en la cama
y le recet algunas medicinas. Siguieron
las instrucciones del mdico al pie de la
letra, ya que la fiebre haba aumentado y
el dolor de cabeza era ms agudo.
Elizabeth no abandon la habitacin ni un
solo instante y las otras seoras tampoco
se ausentaban por mucho tiempo. Los se-
ores estaban fuera porque en realidad
nada tenan que hacer all.
Cuando dieron las tres, Elizabeth com-
prendi que deba marcharse, y, aunque
muy en contra de su voluntad, as lo ex-
pres. La seorita Bingley le ofreci el
carruaje; Elizabeth slo estaba esperan-
do que insistiese un poco ms para acep-
tarlo, cuando Jane comunic su deseo de
marcharse con ella; por lo que la seorita
Bingley se vio obligada a convertir el ofre-
cimiento del land en una invitacin para
que se quedase en Netherfield. Elizabeth
acept muy agradecida, y mandaron un
criado a Longbourn para hacer saber a la
familia que se quedaba y para que le en-
viasen ropa.
Captulo VIII
A las cinco las seoras se retiraron
para vestirse y a las seis y media lla-
maron a Elizabeth para que bajara a
cenar. sta no pudo contestar favora-
blemente a las atentas preguntas que le
hicieron y en las cuales tuvo la satis-
faccin de distinguir el inters espe-
cial del seor Bingley. Jane no haba
mejorado nada; al orlo, las hermanas
repitieron tres o cuatro veces cunto lo
lamentaban, lo horrible que era tener
un mal resfriado y lo que a ellas les mo-
lestaba estar enfermas. Despus ya no

scamper escabullirse; to scamper in/out entrar/
salir corriendo; to scamper along ir corrien- 45 because her sister had a cold? Her hair,
do, corretear
v.intr. (usu. foll. by about, through) run and
skip impulsively or playfully.
Austen Pride
themselves; and then thought no more of
the matter: and their indifference towards
Jane when not immediately before them
restored Elizabeth to the enjoyment of all
5 her former dislike.
Their brother, indeed, was the only
one of the party whom she could regard
with any complacency. His anxiety for
10 Jane was evident, and his attentions to
herself most pleasing, and they prevented
her feeling herself so much an intruder
as she believed she was considered by
the others. She had very little notice from
15 any but him. Miss Bingley was engrossed
by Mr. Darcy, her sister scarcely less so;
and as fo r M r. H u r s t , b y w h o m
Elizabeth sat, he was an indolent man,
who lived only to eat, drink, and play
20 at cards; who, when he found her to
prefer a plain dish to a ragout, had
nothing to say to her.
W h e n d i n n e r w a s o v e r, s h e
25 r e t u r n e d d i r e c t l y t o J a n e , a n d
Miss Bingley began abusing her
as soon as she was out of the
room. Her manners were p r o n o u n c e d
t o b e v e r y b a d i n d e e d , a mixture
30 of pride and i m p e r t i n e n c e ; s h e
had no conversation, no style,
no beauty. Mrs. Hurst
t h o u g h t t h e same, and added:
35 She has nothing, in short, to
recommend her, but being an excellent
walker. I shall never forget her
appearance this morning. She really
looked almost wild.
40
She did, indeed, Louisa. I could
hardly keep my countenance. Very
nonsensical to come at all! Why must
SHE be scampering about the country,
so untidy, so blowsy!
Yes, and her petticoat; I hope you
saw her petticoat, six inches deep in mud,
50 I am absolutely certain; and the gown
which had been let down to hide it not
doing its office.
Your picture may be very exact,
55 Louisa, said Bingley; but this was
all lost upon me. I thought Miss
Elizabeth Bennet looked remarkably
well when she came into the room this
morning. Her dirty petticoat quite
60 escaped my notice.
YOU observed it, Mr. Darcy, I am
sure, said Miss Bingley; and I am inclined
to think that you would not wish to see YOUR
65 sister make such an exhibition.
29
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
se ocuparon ms del asunto. Y su indi-
ferencia hacia Jane, en cuanto no la te-
nan delante, volvi a despertar en
Elizabeth la antipata que en principio
haba sentido por ellas.
En realidad, era a Bingley al ni-
co del grupo que ella vea con agra-
do. Su preocupacin por Jane era evi-
dente, y las atenciones que tena con
E l i z abeth eran lo que evitaba que se sin-
tiese como una intrusa, que era como los
dems la consideraban. Slo l pareca
darse cuenta de su presencia. La seorita
Bingley estaba absorta con el seor Darcy;
su hermana, ms o menos, lo mismo; en
cuanto al seor Hurst, que estaba sentado al
lado de Elizabeth, era un hombre indolente que
no viva ms que para comer, beber y jugar
a las cartas. Cuando supo que Elizabeth
prefera un plato sencillo a un ragout, ya
no tuvo nada de qu hablar con ella.
Cuando acab la cena, Elizabeth vol-
vi inmediatamente junto a Jane.
Nada ms salir del comedor, la seo-
rita Bingley empez a c r i t i c a r l a .
Sus modales eran, en efecto, p-
s i m o s , u n a m e z c l a d e o rg u l l o e
impertinencia; no tena
X conversacin, ni estilo, ni gusto,
ni belleza. La seora Hurst opi-
naba lo mismo y aadi:
En resumen, lo nico que se pue-
de decir de ella es que es una excelen-
te caminante. Jams olvidar cmo
apareci esta maana. Realmente pa-
reca medio salvaje.
En efecto, Louisa. Cuando la vi, casi
no pude contenerme. Qu insensatez ve-
nir hasta aqu! Qu necesidad haba de que
corriese por los campos slo porque su her-
mana tiene un resfriado? Cmo traa los ca-
bellos, tan despeinados, tan desaliados!
X S. Y las enaguas! Si las hu-
bieseis visto! Con ms de una cuarta
de barro. Y el abrigo que se haba
puesto para taparlas, desde luego, no
cumpla su cometido.
Tu retrato puede que sea muy exacto,
Louisa dijo Bingley, pero todo eso a m
me pas inadvertido. Creo que la seorita
Elizabeth Bennet tena un aspecto inmejora-
ble al entrar en el saln esta maana. Casi no
me di cuenta de que llevaba las faldas s u -
cias.
Estoy segura de que usted s que se fij, se-
or Darcy dijo la seorita Bingley; y me figuro
q u e n o l e g u s t a r a q u e s u h e r-
m a n a d i e s e s e mejante espectculo.
 Austen Pride
Certainly not.
To walk three miles, or four miles,
5 or five miles, or whatever it is, above her
ankles in dirt, and alone, quite alone!
What could she mean by it? It seems to
me to show an abominable sort of
conceited independence, a most country-
10 town indifference to decorum.
It shows an affection for her sister
that is very pleasing, said Bingley.
15 I am afraid, Mr. Darcy, observed
Miss Bingley in a half whisper, that this
adventure has rather affected your
admiration of her fine eyes.
20 Not at all, he replied;
they were brightened by the
exercise. A short pause
followed this speech, and Mrs.
Hurst began again:
25
I have a excessive regard for Miss
Jane Bennet, she is really a very sweet girl,
and I wish with all my heart she were well
settled. But with such a father and mother,
30 and such low connections, I am afraid
there is no chance of it.
I think I have heard you say that their
uncle is an attorney on Meryton.
35
Yes; and they have another, who
lives somewhere near Cheapside.
That is capital, added her sister, and
40 they both laughed heartily.
If they had uncles enough to fill ALL
Cheapside, cried Bingley, it would not
make them one jot less agreeable.
45
But it must very materially lessen
their chance of marrying men of any
consideration in the world, replied
Darcy.
50
To this speech Bingley made no
answer; but his sisters gave it their hearty
assent, and indulged their mirth for some
time at the expense of their dear friends
55 vulgar relations.
With a renewal of tenderness,
however, they returned to her room on
leaving the dining-parlour, and sat with
60 her till summoned to coffee. She was still
very poorly, and Elizabeth would not quit
her at all, till late in the evening, when
she had the comfort of seeing her sleep,
and when it seemed to her rather right
65 than pleasant that she should go
30
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Claro que no.
Caminar tres millas, o cuatro, o cin-
co _____, o las que sean, con el barro hasta
los tobillos y sola, completamente sola!
Qu querra dar a entender? Para m, eso
demuestra una abominable independencia
y presuncin, y una indiferencia por el de-
coro propio de la gente del campo.
Lo que demuestra es un apreciable
cario por su hermana dijo Bingley.
Me temo, seor Darcy observ la
seorita Bingley a media voz, que esta
aventura habr afectado bastante la admira-
cin que senta usted por sus bellos ojos.
En absoluto respondi Darcy
; con el ejercicio se le pusieron aun
ms brillantes. A esta intervencin si-
gui una breve pausa, y la seora
Hurst empez de nuevo.
Le tengo gran estima a Jane Bennet,
es en verdad una muchacha encantadora, y
deseara con todo mi corazn que tuviese
mucha suerte. Pero con semejantes padres y
con parientes de tan poca clase, me temo que
no va a tener muchas oportunidades.
Creo que te he odo decir que su to
es abogado en Meryton.
S, y tiene otro que vive en algn sitio
cerca de Cheapside.
Colosal! aadi su hermana. Y las
dos se echaron a rer a carcajadas.
Aunque todo Cheapside estuviese lleno de
tos suyos exclam Bingley, no por ello se-
ran las Bennet menos agradables.
Pero les disminuir las posi-
bilidades de casarse con hombres
que figuren algo en el mundo
r e s p o n d i D a r c y.
Bingley no hizo ningn comentario a
esta observacin de Darcy. Pero sus herma-
nas asintieron encantadas, y estuvieron un
rato divirtindose a costa de los vulgares
parientes de su querida amiga.
Sin embargo, en un acto de renovada
bondad, al salir del comedor pasaron al cuarto
de la enferma y se sentaron con ella has-
ta que las llamaron para el caf. Jane
se encontraba todava muy mal, y
Elizabeth no la dejara hasta ms tar-
de, cuando se qued tranquila al ver
que estaba dormida, y entonces le pa-
reci que deba ir abajo, aunque no le
 Austen Pride
downstairs herself. On entering the
drawing-room she found the whole party
at loo, and was immediately invited to
join them; but suspecting them to be
5 playing high she declined it, and making
her sister the excuse, said she would
amuse herself for the short time she could
stay below, with a book. Mr. Hurst looked
at her with astonishment.
10
Do you prefer reading to cards?
said he; that is rather singular.
Miss Eliza Bennet, said Miss
15 Bingley, despises cards. She is a great
reader, and has no pleasure in anything
else.
I deserve neither such praise nor
20 such censure, cried Elizabeth; I am
NOT a great reader, and I have pleasure
in many things.
In nursing your sister I am sure you
25 have pleasure, said Bingley; and I hope
it will be soon increased by seeing her
quite well.
Elizabeth thanked him from her heart,
30 and then walked towards the table where
a few books were lying. He immediately
offered to fetch her othersall that his
library afforded.
35 And I wish my collection were
larger for your benefit and my own
credit; but I am an idle fellow, and
though I have not many, I have more
than I ever looked into.
40
Elizabeth assured him that she could
suit herself perfectly with those in the
room.
45 I am astonished, said Miss Bingley,
that my father should have left so small
a collection of books. What a delightful
library you have at Pemberley, Mr.
Darcy!
50
It ought to be good, he replied, it
has been the work of many generations.
And then you have added so much
55 to it yourself, you are always buying
books.
I cannot comprehend the
neglect of a family library in such
60 d a y s a s t h e s e .
Neglect! I am sure you neglect
nothing that can add to the
beauties of that noble place.
65 C h a r l e s , w h e n y o u b u i l d YOUR
31
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
apeteciese nada. Al entrar en el saln los
encontr a todos jugando al loo, e inme-
diatamente la invitaron a que les acom-
paase. Pero ella, temiendo que estuvie-
sen jugando fuerte, no acept, y, utilizan-
do a su hermana como excusa, dijo que se
entretendra con un libro durante el poco
tiempo que podra permanecer abajo. El
seor Hurst la mir con asombro.
Prefieres leer a jugar?le
dijo. Es muy extrao.
La seorita Elizabeth Bennet dijo
la seorita Bingley desprecia las cartas.
Es una gran lectora y no encuentra placer
en nada ms.
No merezco ni ese elogio ni
esa censura exclam Elizabeth.
No soy una gran lectora y encuen-
tro placer en muchas cosas.
X Como, por ejemplo, en cuidar a su
hermana intervino Bingley, y espero
que ese placer aumente cuando la vea com-
pletamente repuesta.
Elizabeth se lo agradeci de cora-
zn y se dirigi a una mesa donde ha-
ba varios libros. l se ofreci al ins-
tante para ir a buscar otros, todos los
que hubiese en su biblioteca.
Deseara que mi coleccin fuese ma-
yor para beneficio suyo y para mi propio
prestigio; pero soy un hombre perezoso, y
aunque no tengo muchos libros, tengo ms
de los que pueda llegar a leer.
Elizabeth le asegur que con los
que haba en la habitacin tena de
sobra.
Me extraa dijo la seorita
Bingley que mi padre haya dejado una
coleccin de libros tan pequea. Qu es-
tupenda biblioteca tiene usted en Pember-
ley, seor Darcy!
Tiene que ser buena contest
; es obra de muchas generaciones.
Y adems usted la ha aumentado
considerablemente; siempre est compran-
do libros.
No puedo comprender que se descui-
de la biblioteca de una familia en tiempos
como stos.
Descuidar! Estoy segura de que
usted no descuida nada que se refiera a
aumentar la belleza de ese noble lugar.
Charles, cuando construyas tu casa, me
 Austen Pride
house, I wish it may be half as
d e l i g h t f u l a s P e m b e r l e y.
I wish it may.
5
But I would really advise you to
make your purchase in that
neighbourhood, and take Pemberley for
a kind of model. There is not a finer
10 county in England than Derbyshire.
With all my heart; I will buy
Pemberley itself if Darcy will sell it.
15 I am talking of possibilities,
Charles.
Upon my word, Caroline, I should
think it more possible to get Pemberley
20 by purchase than by imitation.
Elizabeth was so much caught with
what passed, as to leave her very little
attention for her book; and soon laying
25 it wholly aside, she drew near the card-
table, and stationed herself between Mr.
Bingley and his eldest sister, to observe
the game.
30 Is Miss Darcy much grown since the
spring? said Miss Bingley; will she be
as tall as I am?
I think she will. She is now about
performance 1 rendimiento, resultado, 2 35 Miss Elizabeth Bennets height, or rather
actuacin, ejecucin 3 funcin, sesin, re- taller.
presentacin
How I long to see her again! I never
exquisite traduce exquisito, como perfecto, delica- met with anybody who delighted me so
do, primoroso, fino y, adems, agudo, vivo, in- 40 much. Such a countenance, such
tenso [dolor, placer]. Por otra parte, exquisito se
puede referir al gusto, y en este caso traduce manners! And so extremely accomplished
delicious. Exquisiteness es exquisitez [excelen- for her age! Her performance on the
cia, delicadeza, primor] y, adems, intensidad,
agudeza [de dolor, placer]. pianoforte is exquisite.
exquisite 1 extremely beautiful or delicate. 2 acute;
keenly felt (exquisite pleasure). 3 keen; highly
sensitive or discriminating (exquisite taste). 45 It is amazing to me, said
n. a person of refined (esp. affected) tastes. Bingley, how young ladies can have
accomplished expert patience to be so very accomplished
as they all are.
50 All young ladies accomplished! My
dear Charles, what do you mean?
Yes, all of them, I think. They all
cover screen visillos paint tables, cover screens, and net
55 purses. I scarcely know anyone who
cannot do all this, and I am sure I never
heard a young lady spoken of for the first
time, without being informed that she was
very accomplished.
60
Your list of the common extent of
accomplishments, said Darcy, has too
much truth. The word is applied to many
a woman who deserves it no otherwise
65 than by netting a purse or c o v e r i n g
32
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
conformara con que fuese la mitad de bo-
nita que Pemberley.
Ojal pueda.
Pero yo te aconsejara que
comprases el terreno cerca de
Pemberley y que lo tomases como
modelo. No hay condado ms bonito
en Inglaterra que Derbyshire.
Ya lo creo que lo hara. Y comprara el
mismo Pemberley si Darcy lo vendiera.
Hablo de posibilidades,
Charles.
Sinceramente, Caroline, prefe-
rira conseguir Pemberley comprn-
dolo que imitndolo.
Elizabeth estaba demasiado absor-
ta en lo que ocurra para poder pres-
tar la menor atencin a su libro; no
tard en abandonarlo, se acerc a la
mesa de juego y se coloc entre
Bingley y su hermana mayor para ob-
servar la partida.
Ha crecido la seorita Darcy desde
la primavera? pregunt la seorita
Bingley. Ser ya tan alta como yo?
Creo que s. Ahora ser de la es-
tatura de la seorita Elizabeth Bennet,
o ms alta.
Qu ganas tengo de volver
a verla! Nunca he conocido a na-
die que me guste tanto. Qu fi-
gura, qu modales y qu talento
p a r a s u e d a d ! To c a e l p i a n o d e u n
modo exquisito.
Me asombra dijo Bingley que las
jvenes tengan tanta paciencia para apren-
X der tanto, y lleguen a ser tan perfectas
como lo son todas.
Todas las jvenes perfectas! Mi que-
rido Charles, qu dices?
S , t o d a s . To d a s p i n t a n
X _____, f o r r a n b i o m b o s y h a c e n
X b o lsitas de malla. No conozco a nin-
guna que no sepa hacer todas estas
cosas, y nunca he odo hablar de una
damita por primera vez sin que se me
X informara de que era perfecta .
Tu lista de lo que abarcan comn-
mente esas perfecciones dijo Darcy
tiene mucho de verdad. El adjetivo se apli-
ca a mujeres cuyos conocimientos no son
otros que hacer bolsos de malla o forrar
 Austen Pride
a screen. But I am very far from agreeing
with you in your estimation of ladies in
general. I cannot boast of knowing more
than half-a-dozen, in the whole range of
5 my acquaintance, that are really
accomplished.
Nor I, I am sure, said Miss
Bingley.
10
Then, observed Elizabeth, you
must comprehend a great deal in your
idea of an accomplished woman.
15 Yes, I do comprehend a great deal in it.
Oh! certainly, cried his faithful
assistant, no one can be really esteemed
accomplished who does not greatly
20 surpass what is usually met with. A
woman must have a thorough knowledge
of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and
the modern languages, to deserve the
word; and besides all this, she must X
25 possess a certain something in her air and
manner of walking, the tone of her voice,
her address and expressions, or the word
will be but half-deserved.
30 All this she must possess, added
Darcy, and to all this she must yet add
something more substantial, in the
improvement of her mind by extensive
reading.
35
I am no longer surprised at your
accomplished expert knowing ONLY six accomplished
women. I rather wonder now at your
knowing ANY.
40
Are you so severe upon your own sex
as to doubt the possibility of all this?
I never saw such a woman. I never
45 saw such capacity, and taste, and
application, and elegance, as you
describe united.
Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley both cried
50 out against the injustice of her implied doubt,
and were both protesting tha t t h e y k n e w
many women who answered this
d e s c r i p t i o n , w h e n M r. H u r s t c a l l e d
them to order, with bitter
55 complaints of their inattention to what
was going forward. As all conversation
was thereby at an end, Elizabeth soon
afterwards left the room.
60 Elizabeth Bennet, said Miss
Bingley, when the door was closed on
her, is one of those young ladies who
seek to recommend themselves to the
other sex by undervaluing their own; and
65 with many men, I dare say, it succeeds.
33
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
biombos. Pero disto mucho de estar de
acuerdo contigo en lo que se refiere a tu
estimacin de las damas en general. De
todas las que he conocido, no puedo alar-
dear de conocer ms que a una media do-
cena que sean realmente perfectas.
Ni yo, desde luego dijo la seo-
rita Bingley.
Entonces observ Elizabeth
debe ser que su concepto de la mu-
jer perfecta es muy exigente.
S, es muy exigente.
Oh, desde luego! exclam su fiel
colaboradora. Nadie puede estimar-
se realmente perfecto si no sobrepasa en
mucho lo que se encuentra normalmen-
te. Una mujer debe tener un conocimien-
to profundo de msica, canto, dibujo,
baile y lenguas modernas _________ _ _
_ ___. Y adems de todo esto, debe poseer
un algo especial en su aire y manera de an-
dar, en el tono de su voz, en su trato y modo
de expresarse; pues de lo contrario no mere-
cera el calificativo ms que a medias.
Debe poseer todo esto agre-
g Darcy, y a ello hay que aadir
algo ms sustancial en el desarrollo
de su inteligencia por medio de abun-
dantes lecturas.
No me sorprende ahora que co-
X nozca slo a seis mujeres perfectas.
Lo que me extraa es que c o n o z c a
a alguna.
Tan severa es usted con su propio
sexo que duda de que esto sea posible?
Yo nunca he visto una mujer as.
Nunca he visto tanta capacidad, tanto
gusto, tanta aplicacin y tanta elegan-
cia juntas como usted describe.
La seora Hurst y la seorita Bingley
protestaron contra la injusticia de su im-
X plcita duda, afirmando que conocan
muchas mujeres que respondan a
dicha descripcin, cuando el seor
Hurst las llam al orden quejndo-
se amargamente de que no prestasen
atencin al juego. Como la conversacin
pareca haber terminado, Elizabeth no
tard en abandonar el saln.
Elizabeth______ dijo la seo-
rita Bingley cuando la puerta se hubo
cerrado tras ella es una de esas mu-
chachas que tratan de hacerse agrada-
bles al sexo opuesto desacreditando al
suyo propio; no dir que no d resulta-
 Austen Pride
But, in my opinion, it is a
paltry msero, mean mezquino paltry device, a very mean art.
Undoubtedly, replied Darcy, to
5 whom this remark was chiefly addressed,
there is a meanness in ALL the arts
which ladies sometimes condescend to
employ for captivation. Whatever bears
affinity to cunning is despicable.
10
Miss Bingley was not so entirely
satisfied with this reply as to continue the
subject.
15 Elizabeth joined them again only to
say that her sister was worse, and that
she could not leave her. Bingley urged
Mr. Jones being sent for immediately;
while his sisters, convinced that no
20 country advice could be of any service,
recommended an express to town for
one of the most eminent physicians. This
she would not hear of; but she was not
so unwilling to comply with their
25 brothers proposal; and it was settled
that Mr. Jones should be sent for early
in the morning, if Miss Bennet were not
decidedly better. Bingley was quite
uncomfortable; his sisters declared that
30 they were miserable. They solaced their
wretchedness, however, by duets after
supper, while he could find no better
relief to his feelings than by giving his
housekeeper directions that every
35 attention might be paid to the sick lady
and her sister.
40
Chapter 9
45
Elizabeth passed the chief of the
night in her sisters room, and in the
morning had the pleasure of being able
tolerable aceptable, soportable, fairly good, to send a tolerable answer to the
mediocre, pasable
50 inquiries which she very early received
from Mr. Bingley by a housemaid, and
some time afterwards from the two
elegant ladies who waited on his sisters.
In spite of this amendment, however,
55 she requested to have a note sent to
Longbourn, desiring her mother to visit
Jane, and form her own judgement of
her situation. The note was immediately
dispatched, and its contents as quickly
60 c o m p l i e d with. Mrs. Bennet,
accompanied by her two youngest girls,
reached Netherfield soon after the
family breakfast.
65 Had she found Jane in any
34
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
do con muchos hombres, pero en mi opi-
nin es un truco vil, una mala maa.
Indudablemente respondi Darcy, a
quien iba dirigida principalmente esta obser-
vacin hay vileza en todas las artes que las
damas a veces se rebajan a emplear para cau-
tivar a los hombres. Todo lo que tenga algo
que ver con la astucia es despreciable.
La seorita Bingley no qued lo bastan-
te satisfecha con la respuesta como para
continuar con el tema.
Elizabeth se reuni de nuevo con ellos
slo para decirles que su hermana estaba
peor y que no poda dejarla. Bingley deci-
di enviar a alguien a buscar inmediatamen-
te al doctor Jones; mientras que sus herma-
nas, convencidas de que la asistencia mdi-
ca en el campo no serva para nada, propu-
sieron enviar a alguien a la capital para que
trajese a uno de los ms eminentes docto-
res. Elizabeth no quiso ni or hablar de esto
ltimo, pero no se opona a que se hiciese
lo que deca el hermano. De manera que se
acord mandar a buscar al doctor Jones tem-
prano a la maana siguiente si Jane no se
encontraba mejor. Bingley estaba bastante
preocupado y sus hermanas estaban muy
afligidas. Sin embargo, ms tarde se conso-
laron cantando unos dos, mientras Bingley
no poda encontrar mejor alivio a su pre-
ocupacin que dar rdenes a su ama de lla-
ves para que se prestase toda atencin posi-
ble a la enferma y a su hermana.
Captulo IX
Elizabeth pas la mayor parte de la no-
che en la habitacin de su hermana, y por la
maana tuvo el placer de poder enviar una
respuesta satisfactoria a las mltiples pre-
guntas que ya muy temprano vena recibien-
do, a travs de una sirvienta de Bingley; y
tambin a las que ms tarde reciba de las
dos elegantes damas de compaa de las her-
manas. A pesar de la mejora, Elizabeth pi-
di que se mandase una nota a Longbourn,
pues quera que su madre viniese a visitar a
Jane para que ella misma juzgase la situa-
cin. La nota fue despachada inmediatamen-
te y la respuesta a su contenido fue cumpli-
mentada con la misma rapidez. La seora
Bennet, acompaada de sus dos hijas me-
nores, lleg a Netherfield poco despus del
desayuno de la familia.
Si hubiese encontrado a Jane en peli-

apparent 1 evident, manifest, patent, plain
clearly apparent or obvious to the mind or
senses; the effects of the drought are
apparent to anyone who sees the parched
fields; evident hostility; manifest
disapproval; patent advantages; made
his meaning plain; it is plain that he is no
reactionary 2 ostensible, seeming(a)
appearing as such but not necessarily so;
for all his apparent wealth he had no
money to pay the rent; the committee
investigated some apparent
discrepancies; the ostensible truth of
their theories; his seeming honesty 3
readily apparent to the eye; angry for no
apparent reason; had no visible means
of support
Austen Pride
apparent danger, Mrs. Bennet would have
been very miserable; but being satisfied on
seeing her that her illness was not alarming,
she had no wish of her recovering immediately,
5 as her restoration to health would probably
remove her from Netherfield. She would
not listen, therefore, to her daughters
proposal of being carried home; neither
did the apothecary, who arrived about
10 the same time, think it at all advisable.
After sitting a little while with
J a n e , o n M i s s B i n g l e y s appearance
and invitation, the mother and three
daughter all attended her into the
15 breakfast parlour. Bingley met them
with hopes that Mrs. Bennet had not
found Miss Bennet worse than she
expected.
20 I n d e e d I h a v e , s i r, w a s h e r
a n s w e r. S h e i s a g r e a t d e a l t o o
ill to be moved. Mr. Jones says
we must not think of moving her.
We m u s t t r e s p a s s a l i t t l e l o n g e r
25 o n y o u r k i n d n e s s .
R e m o v e d ! c r i e d B i n g l e y. I t
m u s t n o t b e t h o u g h t o f . M y s i s t e r,
I am sure, will not hear of her
30 removal.
You may depend upon it, Madam,
said Miss Bingley, with cold civility,
that Miss Bennet will receive every
35 possible attention while she remains
with us.
Mrs. Bennet was profuse in her
acknowledgments.
40
I am sure, she added, if it was not
for such good friends I do not know what
would become of her, for she is very ill
indeed, and suffers a vast deal, though
45 with the greatest patience in the world,
which is always the way with her, for she
has, without exception, the sweetest
temper I have ever met with. I often tell
my other girls they are nothing to HER.
50 You have a sweet room here, Mr. Bingley,
and a charming prospect over the gravel
walk. I do not know a place in the country
that is equal to Netherfield. You will not
think of quitting it in a hurry, I hope,
55 though you have but a short lease.
Whatever I do is done in a hurry,
replied he; and therefore if I should
resolve to quit Netherfield, I should
60 probably be off in five minutes. At
present, however, I consider myself as
quite fixed here.
That is exactly what I should have
65 supposed of you, said Elizabeth.
35
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
gro aparente, la seora Bennet se habra
disgustado mucho; pero quedndose sa-
tisfecha al ver que la enfermedad no era
alarmante, no tena ningn deseo de que
se recobrase pronto, ya que su cura sig-
nificara marcharse de Netherfield. Por
este motivo se neg a atender la peticin
de su hija de que se la llevase a casa, cosa
que el mdico, que haba llegado casi al
mismo tiempo, tampoco juzg prudente.
Despus de estar sentadas un rato con
Jane, apareci la seorita Bingley y las
invit a pasar al comedor. La madre y las
tres hijas la siguieron _______ ______
X ____________. Bingley las recibi y les
pregunt por Jane con la esperanza de que
la seora Bennet no hubiese encontrado a
su hija peor de lo que esperaba.
Pues verdaderamente, la he encontra-
do muy mal respondi la seora Bennet
. Tan mal que no es posible llevarla a casa.
El doctor Jones dice que no debemos pen-
X sar en trasladarla. Tendremos que abusar
un poco ms de su amabilidad.
Trasladarla! exclam Bingley.
Ni pensarlo! Estoy seguro de que mi her-
mana tambin se opondr a que se vaya a
casa.
Puede usted confiar, seora re-
puso la seorita Bingley con fra cor-
tesa, en que a la seorita Bennet no
le ha de faltar nada mientras est con
nosotros.
____ _____ _____ ________ ___ __
__ _ __ ___
X
Estoy segura aadi de que,
a no ser por tan buenos amigos, no s
qu habra sido de ella, porque est
muy enferma y sufre mucho; aunque
eso s, con la mayor paciencia del
mundo, como hace siempre, porque
X tiene _________ ____el carcter ms
dulce que conozco. Muchas veces les digo
a mis otras hijas que no valen nada a su lado.
Qu bonita habitacin es sta, seor Bingley,
y qu encantadora vista tiene a los senderos
X de jardn! Nunca he visto un lugar en todo
el pas comparable a Netherfield. Espero que
no pensar dejarlo repentinamente, aunque lo
haya alquilado por poco tiempo.
Yo t o d o l o h a g o r e p e n t i n a -
mente respondi Bingley. As
que si decidiese dejar Netherfield,
probablemente me ira en cinco mi-
nutos. Pero, por ahora, me encuen-
tro bien aqu.
Eso es exactamente lo que yo me es-
peraba de usted dijo Elizabeth.
 Austen Pride
Yo u b e g i n t o c o m p r e h e n d m e ,
do you? cried he, turning
t o w a r d s h e r.
5
Oh! yesI understand you
perfectly.
I wish I might take this for a
10 compliment; but to be so easily seen
through I am afraid is pitiful.
That is as it happens. It does not
follow that a deep, intricate character is
15 more or less estimable than such a one
as yours.
L i z z y, c r i e d h e r m o t h e r,
remember where you are, and do not
20 run on in the wild manner that you are
suffered to do at home.
I did not know before ,
continued Bingley immediately, that
25 your were a studier of character. It
must be an amusing study.
Yes, but intricate characters are
the MOST amusing. They have at least
30 that advantage.
The country, said Darcy, can in
general supply but a few subjects for such
a study. In a country neighbourhood you
35 move in a very confined and unvarying
society.
But people themselves alter so much,
that there is something new to be
40 observed in them for ever.
Yes, indeed, cried Mrs. Bennet,
offended by his manner of mentioning a
country neighbourhood. I assure you
45 there is quite as much of THAT going on
in the country as in town.
Everybody was surprised, and Darcy,
after looking at her for a moment, turned
50 silently away. Mrs. Bennet, who fancied
she had gained a complete victory over
him, continued her triumph.
I cannot see that London has any
55 great advantage over the country, for my
part, except the shops and public places.
The country is a vast deal pleasanter, is
it not, Mr. Bingley?
60 When I am in the country, he
replied, I never wish to leave it; and
when I am in town it is pretty much the
same. They have each their advantages,
and I can be equally happy in either.
65
36
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Empieza usted a comprenderme, no
es as? exclam Bingley volvindose ha-
cia ella.
Oh, s! Le comprendo perfectamen-
te.
Deseara tomarlo como un cumplido;
pero me temo que el que se me conozca f-
cilmente es lamentable.
Es como es. Ello no significa nece-
sariamente que un carcter profundo y
complejo sea ms o menos estimable que
el suyo.
Lizzy exclam su madre, re-
cuerda dnde ests y deja de comportarte
con esa conducta intolerable a la que nos 
tienes acostumbrados en casa.
No saba que se dedicase usted a es-
tudiar el carcter de las personas pro- 
sigui Bingley inmediatamente. Debe ser
un estudio apasionante.
S; y los caracteres complejos son los
ms apasionantes de todos. Por lo menos,
tienen esa ventaja.
El campo dijo Darcy no
puede proporcionar muchos sujetos
para tal estudio. En un pueblo se mue-
ve uno en una sociedad invariable y
muy limitada.
Pero la gente cambia tanto,
que siempre hay en ellos algo nue-
vo que observar.
Ya lo creo que s exclam la se-
ora Bennet, ofendida por la manera en
la que haba hablado de la gente del cam-
po; le aseguro que eso ocurre lo mismo
en el campo que en la ciudad.
Todo el mundo se qued sorprendido.
Darcy la mir un momento y luego se vol-
vi sin decir nada. La seora Bennet crey
que haba obtenido una victoria aplastante
sobre l y continu triunfante:
Por mi parte no creo que Londres
tenga ninguna ventaja sobre el campo, a
no ser por las tiendas y los lugares pbli-
cos. El campo es mucho ms agradable.
No es as, seor Bingley?
Cuando estoy en el campo con-
test no deseo irme, y cuando estoy
en la ciudad me pasa lo mismo. Cada uno
tiene sus ventajas y yo me encuentro
igualmente a gusto en los dos sitios.
 Austen Pride
Ayethat is because you have the
right disposition. But that gentleman,
looking at Darcy, seemed to think the
country was nothing at all.
5
Indeed, Mamma, you are mistaken,
said Elizabeth, blushing for her mother.
You quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only
meant that there was not such a variety
10 of people to be met with in the country
as in the town, which you must
acknowledge to be true.
Certainly, my dear, nobody said
15 there were; but as to not meeting with
many people in this neighbourhood, I
believe there are few neighbourhoods
larger. I know we dine with four-and-
twenty families.
20
Nothing but concern for Elizabeth
could enable Bingley to keep his
countenance. His sister was less delicate,
and directed her eyes towards Mr. Darcy
25 with a very expressive smile. Elizabeth,
for the sake of saying something that
might turn her mothers thoughts, now
asked her if Charlotte Lucas had been at
Longbourn since HER coming away.
30
Yes, she called yesterday with her
father. What an agreeable man Sir
William is, Mr. Bingley, is not he? So
much the man of fashion! So genteel and
35 easy! He had always something to say to
everybody. THAT is my idea of good
breeding; and those persons who fancy
themselves very important, and never
open their mouths, quite mistake the
40 matter.
Did Charlotte dine with you?
No, she would go home. I fancy she
45 was wanted about the mince-pies. For my
part, Mr. Bingley, I always keep servants
that can do their own work; MY
daughters are brought up very differently.
But everybody is to judge for themselves,
50 and the Lucases are a very good sort of
girls, I assure you. It is a pity they are
not handsome! Not that I think Charlotte
plain poco atractiva so VERY plainbut then she is our
particular friend.
55
She seems a very pleasant young
woman.
Oh! dear, yes; but you must own she
60 is very plain. Lady Lucas herself has
often said so, and envied me Janes
beauty. I do not like to boast of my own
child, but to be sure, Janeone does not
often see anybody better looking. It is
65 what everybody says. I do not trust my
37
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Claro, porque usted tiene muy buen
carcter. En cambio ese caballero dijo
mirando a Darcy no parece que tenga muy
buena opinin del campo.
Mam, ests muy equivocada
X intervino Elizabeth sonrojndose por la
X imprudencia de su madre, interpretas
mal al seor Darcy. l slo quera decir
que en el campo no se encuentra tanta va-
riedad de gente como en la ciudad. Lo que
debes reconocer que es cierto.
Ciertamente, querida, nadie dijo
lo contrario, pero eso de que no hay
mucha gente en esta vecindad, creo que
X hay pocas tan grandes como la nuestra.
Yo he llegado a cenar con veinticuatro
familias.
Nada, si no fuese su consideracin
por Elizabeth, podra haber hecho con-
tenerse a Bingley. Su hermana fue me-
nos delicada, y mir a Darcy con una
sonrisa muy expresiva. Elizabeth qui-
so decir algo para cambiar de conver-
sacin y le pregunt a su madre si
Charlotte Lucas haba estado en Longbourn
desde que ella se haba ido.
S, nos visit ayer con su padre.
Qu hombre tan agradable es sir
William! Verdad, seor Bingley? Tan
distinguido, tan gentil y tan sencillo!
Siempre tiene una palabra agradable para
todo el mundo. Esa es la idea que yo ten-
go de lo que es la buena educacin; esas
personas que se creen muy importantes
y nunca abren la boca, no tienen idea de
educacin.
Cen Charlotte con vosotros?
No, se fue a casa. Creo que la ne-
cesitaban para hacer el pastel de carne.
Lo que es yo, seor Bingley, siempre
tengo sirvientes que saben hacer su tra-
bajo. Mis hijas estn educadas de otro
modo. Pero cada cual que se juzgue a s
mismo. Las Lucas son muy buenas chi-
cas, se lo aseguro. Es una pena que no
sean bonitas! No es que crea que
X Charlotte sea muy fea; en fin, sea como
sea, es muy amiga nuestra.
Parece una joven muy agradable
X dijo Bingley.
Oh! s, pero debe admitir que es bas-
tante fecha. La misma lady Lucas lo dice
muchas veces, y me envidia por la belleza
de Jane. No me gusta alabar a mis propias
hijas, pero la verdad es que no se encuentra
a menudo a alguien tan guapa como Jane.
Yo no puedo ser imparcial, claro; pero es
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

own partiality. When she was only
fifteen, there was a man at my brother
Gardiners in town so much in love with
her that my sister-in-law was sure he
5 would make her an offer before we came
away. But, however, he did not. Perhaps
he thought her too young. However, he
wrote some verses on her, and very pretty
they were.
10
affection afecto, amor, sentimiento, cario And so ended his affection, said
Elizabeth impatiently. There has been
many a one, I fancy, overcome in the
same way. I wonder who first discovered
15 the efficacy of poetry in driving away
love!
que lo dice todo el mundo. Cuando slo te-
na quince aos, haba un caballero que vi-
va en casa de mi hermano Gardiner en la
ciudad, y que estaba tan enamorado de Jane
que mi cuada aseguraba que se declarara
antes de que nos furamos. Pero no lo hizo.
Probablemente pens que era demasiado
joven. Sin embargo, le escribi unos ver-
sos, y bien bonitos que eran.
Y as termin su amor dijo
Elizabeth con impaciencia. Creo que ha
habido muchos que lo vencieron de la mis-
ma forma. Me pregunto quin sera el pri-
mero en descubrir la eficacia de la poesa
para acabar con el amor.

I have been used to consider poetry Yo siempre he considerado que la poe-

as the FOOD of love, said Darcy.
20
Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may.
Everything nourishes what is strong
already. But if it be only a slight, thin
sort of inclination, I am convinced that
25 one good sonnet will starve it entirely
away.
sa es el alimento del amor dijo Darcy.
De un gran amor, slido y fuer-
te, puede. Todo nutre a lo que ya es
fuerte de por s. Pero si es solo una
inclinacin ligera, sin ninguna base,
un buen soneto la acabara matando
de hambre.

30
expose (to) y exponer se refieren a poner a la
vista, exhibir, mostrar, arriesgar, pero cada
voz aiiade matices nuevos: to expose recal-
ca la idea negativa de divulgar / revelar /
sacar a la luz [secretos, ideas], desenmas-
carar [fraude, delito], descubrir / demostrar 35
[falsedad, debilidad], mientras que exponer
es ms positivo para to explain / detail
[ideas]. Exposition es exposicin [exhibi-
cin, feria de muestras, explicacin], pero
oexposicin se aplica tambin a exposure [a1
sol, a1 aire, fotos], danger / risk [peligro], 40
expos Fechos, ideas]. Worlds fair es
exposicidn universal / mundial.
45
50
Darcy only smiled; and the general
pause which ensued made Elizabeth
tremble lest her mother should be
exposing herself again. She longed to
speak, but could think of nothing to say;
and after a short silence Mrs. Bennet
began repeating her thanks to Mr.
Bingley for his kindness to Jane, with
an apology for troubling him also with
Lizzy. Mr. Bingley was unaffectedly
civil in his answer, and forced his
younger sister to be civil also, and say
what the occasion required. She
performed her part indeed without much
graciousness, but Mrs. Bennet was
satisfied, and soon afterwards ordered
her carriage. Upon this signal, the
youngest of her daughters put herself
forward. The two girls had been
whispering to each other during the
whole visit, and the result of it was, that
the youngest should tax Mr. Bingley
with having promised on his first coming
into the country to give a ball at
Netherfield.
Darcy se limit a sonrer. Sigui un
silencio general que hizo temer a
Elizabeth que su madre volviese a ha-
X blar de nuevo. La seora Bennet lo de-
seaba, pero no saba qu decir, hasta que
despus de una pequea pausa empez
a reiterar su agradecimiento al seor
Bingley por su amabilidad con Jane y
se disculp por las molestias que tam-
bin pudiera estar causando Lizzy. El se-
or Bingley fue corts en su respuesta,
y oblig a su hermana menor a ser cor-
ts y a decir lo que la ocasin requera.
Ella hizo su papel, aunque con poca gra-
cia, pero la seora Bennet, qued
satisfecha y poco despus pidi su ca-
rruaje. Al or esto, la ms joven de sus
hijas se adelant para decir algo. Las
dos muchachitas haban estado cuchi-
cheando durante toda la visita, y el re-
sultado de ello fue que la ms joven
deba recordarle al seor Bingley que
cuando vino al campo por primera vez
haba prometido dar un baile en
Netherfield.

Ly d i a w a s a s t o u t , w e l l - g r o w n
55 g i r l of fifteen, with a fine
complexion and good-humoured
countenance; a favourite with her
mother, whose affection had brought
her into public at an early age. She
60 had high animal spirits, and a sort of
natural self-consequence, which the
attention of t h e o f f i c e r s , t o w h o m
h e r unc le s good dinners, and her own X
easy manners recommended her, had
65 increased into assurance. She was very
Ly d i a e r a f u e r t e , m u y c r e c i d a
para tener quince aos, tena bue-
n a figura y un carcter muy alegre.
Era la favorita de su madre que por el
amor que le tena la haba presentado en
sociedad a una edad muy temprana. Era
muy impulsiva y se daba mucha impor-
tancia, lo que haba aumentado con las
atenciones que reciba de los oficiales, a
lo que las cenas de su t a y s u s m o -
dales sencillos contribuan. Por
lo tanto, era la ms adecuada

38

50 in the evening Elizabeth joined their
loo 2 n. 1 a round card-game with penalties
paid to the pool. 2 this penalty.
loo table a kind of circular table.
55 the progress of his letter and repeatedly
Austen Pride
equal, therefore, to address Mr. Bingley
on the subject of the ball, and abruptly
reminded him of his promise; adding, that
it would be the most shameful thing in
5 the world if he did not keep it. His answer
to this sudden attack was delightful to
their mothers ear:
I am perfectly ready, I assure you,
10 to keep my engagement; and when your
sister is recovered, you shall, if you
please, name the very day of the ball. But
you would not wish to be dancing when
she is ill.
15
Lydia declared herself satisfied. Oh!
yesit would be much better to wait till
Jane was well, and by that time most
likely Captain Carter would be at
20 Meryton again. And when you have given
YOUR ball, she added, I shall insist
on their giving one also. I shall tell
Colonel Forster it will be quite a shame
if he does not.
25
Mrs. Bennet and her daughters then X
departed, and Elizabeth returned
instantly to Jane, leaving her own and
her relations behaviour to the remarks
30 of the two ladies and Mr. Darcy; the latter
of whom, however, could not be prevailed
on to join in their censure of HER, in
s p i t e o f a l l M i s s B in g l e y s
w i t t i c i s m s on F I N E E Y E S .
35
40
Chapter 10
45 The day passed much as the day
before had done. Mrs. Hurst and Miss
Bingley had spent some hours of the
morning with the in v a l i d , w h o
continued, though slowly, to mend; and
party in the drawing-room. T h e l o o
t a b l e , h o w e v e r, d i d n o t a p p e a r.
M r. D a r c y w a s w r i t i n g , a n d M i s s
Bingley, seated near him, was watching
calling off his attention by messages to
his sister. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley
were at piquet, and Mrs. Hurst
was observing their game.
60
Elizabeth took up some needlework,
and was sufficiently amused in attending
to what passed between Darcy and his
companion. The perpetual commendations
65 of the lady, either on his handwriting, or
39
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
p a r a d i r i g i r s e a B i n g l e y ______
X _________ _________ _________ _____
y recordarle su promesa; aadiendo que
sera una vergenza ante el mundo si
no lo mantena. Su respuesta a este
repentino ataque fue encantadora a los
odos de la seora Bennet.
Le aseguro que estoy dispuesto a
mantener mi compromiso, en cuanto su
hermana est bien; usted misma, si gus-
ta, podr sealar la fecha del baile: No
querr estar bailando mientras su her-
mana est enferma.
Lydia se dio por satisfecha:
Oh! s, ser mucho mejor esperar a
que Jane est bien; y para entonces lo ms
seguro es que el capitn Carter estar de
nuevo en Meryton. Y cuando usted haya
dado su baile agreg, insistir para
que den tambin uno ellos. Le dir al co-
ronel Forster que sera lamentable que no
lo hiciese.
Por fin la seora Bennet y sus hijas se
fueron, y Elizabeth volvi al instante con
Jane, dejando que las dos damas y el seor
Darcy hiciesen sus comentarios acerca de
su comportamiento y el de su familia. Sin
embargo, Darcy no pudo compartir con los
dems la censura hacia Elizabeth, a pesar
de la agudeza de la seorita Bingley al ha-
cer chistes sobre ojos bonitos.
Captulo X
El da pas lo mismo que el ante-
rior. La seora Hurst y la seorita
Bingley haban estado por la maana
unas horas al lado de la enferma , que
segua mejorando, aunque lentamen-
te. Por la tarde Elizabeth se reuni
con ellas en el saln. Pero no se dis-
puso la mesa de juego acostumbrada.
X
___ D a r c y e s c r i b a y l a s e o r i t a
B i n g l e y, s e n t a d a a s u l a d o , s e g u a
el curso de la carta, interrumpindo-
le repetidas veces con mensajes para
su hermana. El seor Hurst y Bingley
jugaban al piquet y la seora Hurst
contemplaba la partida.
Elizabeth se dedic a una labor de
aguja, y tena suficiente entretenimiento
con atender a lo que pasaba entre Darcy
y su compaa. Los constantes elogios de
sta a la caligrafa de Darcy, a la sime-
 Austen Pride
on the evenness of his lines, or on the
length of his letter, with the perfect
unconcern with which her praises were
received, formed a curious dialogue, and
5 was exactly in union with her opinion of
each.
How delighted Miss Darcy will be
to receive such a letter!
10
He made no answer.
You write uncommonly fast.
15 You are mistaken. I write rather
slowly.
How many letters you must have
occasion to write in the course of a year!
20 Letters of business, too! How odious I
should think them!
It is fortunate, then, that they fall to
my lot instead of yours.
25
Pray tell your sister that I long to see
her.
I have already told her so once, by
30 your desire.
I am afraid you do not like your pen.
Let me mend it for you. I mend pens
remarkably well.
35
Thank youbut I always mend my
own.
contrive v.tr. 1 devise; plan or make How can you contrive to write
resourcefully or with skill. 2 (often foll. by to 40 so even?
+ infin.) manage (contrived to make matters
worse).
contrive 1 inventar 2 efectuar, conseguir: He was silent.
she contrived a meeting with the president,
consigui una entrevista con el presidente
3 lograr hacer algo o ingenirselas para Tell your sister I am delighted to
hacer algo
45 hear of her improvement on the harp;
and pray let her know that I am quite in
raptures with her beautiful little design
for a table, and I think it infinitely
superior to Miss Grantleys.
50
Will you give me leave to defer your
raptures till I write again? At present I
have not room to do them justice.
55 Oh! it is of no consequence. I shall
see her in January. But do you always
write such charming long letters to her,
Mr. Darcy?
60 They are generally long; but whether
always charming it is not for me to
determine.
It is a rule with me, that a
65 person who can write a long letter
40
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
tra de sus renglones o a la extensin de
la carta, as como la absoluta indiferen-
cia con que eran recibidos, constituan
un curioso dilogo que estaba exacta-
mente de acuerdo con la opinin que
Elizabeth tena de cada uno de ellos.
Qu contenta se pondr la seorita
Darcy cuando reciba esta carta!
l no contest.
Escribe usted ms deprisa que nadie.
Se equivoca. Escribo muy des-
pacio.
Cuntas cartas tendr oca-
sin de escribir al cabo del ao!
Incluidas cartas de negocios.
Cmo las detesto!
Es una suerte, pues, que sea yo y no
usted, el que tenga que escribirlas.
Le ruego que le diga a su hermana
que deseo mucho verla.
Ya se lo he dicho una vez, por peti-
cin suya.
Me temo que su pluma no le va
bien. Djeme que se la afile, lo hago____
increblemente bien.
Gracias, pero yo siempre afilo mi
propia pluma.
Cmo puede lograr una escritura
tan uniforme?
Darcy no hizo ningn comentario.
Dgale a su hermana que me alegro de
saber que ha hecho muchos progresos con el
arpa; y le ruego que tambin le diga que es-
toy entusiasmada con el diseo de mesa que
hizo, y que creo que es infinitamente supe-
rior al de la seorita Grantley.
Me permite que aplace su entusias-
mo para otra carta? En la presente ya no
tengo espacio para ms elogios.
Oh!, no tiene importancia. La
ver en enero. Pero, siempre le es-
cribe cartas tan largas y encantado-
ras, seor Darcy?
Generalmente son largas; pero si
son encantadoras o no, no soy yo quien
debe juzgarlo.
Para m es como una norma, cuando
una persona escribe cartas tan largas con tanta
 Austen Pride
with ease, cannot write ill.
That will not do for a
c o m p l i m e n t t o D a r c y, C a r o l i n e ,
5 cried her brother, because he does
NOT write with ease. He studies too
much for words of four syllables.
Do not you, Darcy?
10 My style of writing is very different
from yours.
Oh! cried Miss Bingley, Charles
writes in the most careless way
15 imaginable. He leaves out half his words,
and blots the rest.
My ideas flow so rapidly that I have
not time to express themby which
20 means my letters sometimes convey no
ideas at all to my correspondents.
Yo u r h u m i l i t y, M r . B i n g l e y,
said Elizabeth, must disarm
25 r e p r o o f .
Nothing is more deceitful, said
D a r c y, t h a n t h e a p p e a r a n c e o f
humility. It is often only carelessness
30 o f o p i n i o n , a n d s o m e t i m e s a n
indirect boast.
And which of the two do you call
MY little recent piece of modesty?
35
The indirect boast; for
y o u are really proud of your
d e f e c t s in writing , b e c a u s e y o u
consider them as proceeding from a
40 rapidity of thought and carelessness
of execution, which, if not estimable,
you think at least highly interesting.
The power of doing anything with
quickness is always prized much by the
45 possessor, and often without any attention
performance 1 rendimiento, resultado, 2 to the imperfection of the performance.
actuacin, ejecucin 3 funcin, sesin, re- When you told Mrs. Bennet this morning ana le dijiste a la seora Bennet que
presentacin
that if you ever resolved upon quitting Netherfield
you should be gone in five minutes, you meant it to
50 be a sort of p a n e g y r i c , of compliment to
yourselfand yet what is there so very
laudable in a precipitance which must
leave very necessary business undone,
and can be of no real advantage to
55 yourself or anyone else?
Nay, cried Bingley, this is too
much, to remember at night all the foolish
things that were said in the morning. And
60 yet, upon my honour, I believe what I said
of myself to be true, and I believe it at
this moment. At least, therefore, I did not
assume the character of needless
precipitance merely to show off before
65 the ladies.
41
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
facilidad no puede escribir mal.
Ese cumplido no vale para Darcy,
Caroline interrumpi su hermano, por-
que no escribe con facilidad. Estudia dema-
siado las palabras. Siempre busca palabras
complicadas de ms de cuatro slabas, no
es as, Darcy?
Mi estilo es muy dis-
tinto al tuyo.
Oh! exclam la seorita
Bingley. Charles escribe sin ningn
cuidado. Se come la mitad de las pa-
labras y emborrona el resto.
Las ideas me vienen tan rpido que
no tengo tiempo de expresarlas; de ma-
nera que, a veces, mis cartas no comuni-
can ninguna idea al que las recibe.
Su humildad, seor Bingley inter-
vino Elizabeth, tiene que desarmar todos
los reproches.
Nada es ms engaoso dijo Darcy
que la apariencia de humildad. Normal-
mente no es otra cosa que falta de opinin,
y a veces es una forma indirecta de vana-
gloriarse.
Y cul de esos dos calificativos apli-
cas a mi reciente acto de modestia?
Una forma indirecta de vanaglo-
riarse; porque t, en realidad, ests or-
gulloso de tus defectos como escritor,
puesto que los atribuyes a tu rapidez
de pensamientos y a un descuido en la
ejecucin, cosa que consideras, si no
muy estimable, al menos muy interesan-
te. Siempre se aprecia mucho el poder
de hacer cualquier cosa con rapidez, y
no se presta atencin a la imperfeccin
con la que se hace. Cuando esta ma-
si alguna vez te decidas a dejar
Netherfield, te iras en cinco minutos,
fue una especie de elogio, de cumplido
hacia ti mismo; y, sin embargo, qu
tiene de elogiable marcharse precipi-
tadamente dejando, sin duda, asuntos
sin resolver, lo que no puede ser bene-
ficioso para ti ni para nadie?
No! exclam Bingley. Me
parece demasiado recordar por la noche
las tonteras que se dicen por la maa-
na. Y te doy mi palabra, estaba conven-
cido de que lo que deca de m mismo
era verdad, y lo sigo estando ahora. Por
lo menos, no adopt innecesariamente
un carcter precipitado para presumir
delante de las damas.
 Austen Pride
I dare say you believed it; but I am
by no means convinced that you would
be gone with such celerity. Your conduct
5 would be quite as dependent on chance
as that of any man I know; and if, as you
were mounting your horse, a friend were
to say, Bingley, you had better stay till
next week, you would probably do it,
10 you would probably not goand at
another word, might stay a month.
You have only proved by this, cried
Elizabeth, that Mr. Bingley did not do
15 justice to his own disposition. You have
shown him off now much more than he
did himself.
I am exceedingly gratified, said
20 Bingley, by your converting what my
friend says into a compliment on the
sweetness of my temper. But I am afraid
you are giving it a turn which that
gentleman did by no means intend; for
25 he would certainly think better of me,
if under such a circumstance I were
to give a flat denial, and ride off as
fast as I could.
30 Would Mr. Darcy then consider the
rashness of your original intentions as
atoned for by your obstinacy in adhering
to it?
35 Upon my word, I cannot exactly
explain the matter; Darcy must speak for
himself.
You expect me to account for
40 opinions which you choose to call mine,
but which I have never acknowledged.
Allowing the case, however, to stand
according to your representation, you X
must remember, Miss Bennet, that the
45 friend who is supposed to desire his
return to the house, and the delay of
his plan, has merely desired it, aske d
it without offering one argument
in favour of its propriety. X ____________ .
50
To yield readilyeasilyto the
PERSUASION of a friend is no merit
with you.
55 To yield without conviction is no
compliment to the understanding of
either.
You appear to me, Mr. Darcy, to
60 allow nothing for the influence of
friendship and affection. A regard for the
requester would often make one readily
yield to a request, without waiting for
arguments to reason one into it. I am not
65 particularly speaking of such a case as
42
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
S, creo que estabas convencido;
pero soy yo el que no est convencido de
que te fueses tan aceleradamente. Tu con-
ducta dependera de las circunstancias,
como la de cualquier persona. Y si, monta-
do ya en el caballo, un amigo te dijese:
Bingley, qudate hasta la prxima sema-
na, probablemente lo haras, probable-
mente no te iras, y bastara slo una pala-
bra ms para que te quedaras un mes.
Con esto slo ha probado dijo
Elizabeth que Bingley no hizo jus-
ticia a su temperamento. Lo ha favo-
recido usted ms ahora de lo que l lo
haba hecho.
Estoy enormemente agradecido
dijo Bingley por convertir lo que
dice mi amigo en un cumplido _______
X __________ ___________ . P e r o m e t e m o
que usted no lo interpreta de la
forma que mi amigo pretenda;
porque l tendra mejor opinin de
m si, en esa circunstancia, yo me
negase en rotundo y partiese tan
rpido como me fuese posible.
Considerara entonces el seor
Darcy reparada la imprudencia de su pri-
mera intencin con la obstinacin de
mantenerla?
_______________ N o s o y y o ,
X s i n o D a r c y, e l q u e d e b e e x p l i -
carlo.
Quieres que d cuenta de unas
opiniones que t me atribuyes, pero
que yo nunca he reconocido.
Vo l v i e n d o a l c a s o , _______ _______
_________ __________ ______ d e b e
r e c o r d a r, s e o r i t a B e n n e t , q u e
el supuesto amigo que desea
que se quede y que retrase su
plan, simplemente lo desea y se lo
pide sin ofrecer ningn argumento
El ceder pronto y fcilmente a la per-
suasin de un amigo, no tiene ningn mri-
to para usted.
El ceder sin conviccin dice
poco en favor de la inteligencia de
ambos.
Me da la sensacin, seor Darcy,
de que usted nunca permite que le in-
fluyan el afecto o la amistad. El res-
peto o la estima por el que pide puede
hacernos ceder a la peticin sin espe-
rar ninguna razn o argumento. No
estoy hablando del caso particular que
 Austen Pride
you have supposed about Mr. Bingley.
We may as well wait, perhaps, till the
circumstance occurs before we discuss
the discretion of his behaviour thereupon.
5 But in general and ordinary cases
between friend and friend, where one of
them is desired by the other to change a
resolution comparte con resolucin el con- resolution of no very great moment,
cepto de tesn, firmeza, decisin ; (= should you think ill of that person for
determination) resolucin f, determina- 10 complying with the desire, without
cin f; to show resolution mostrarse re-
waiting to be argued into it?
suelto or determinado.
Adems resolution significa propsito, de-
t e r m i n a c i n [ c a r c t e r ] ; N e w Ye a r Will it not be advisable, before we
resolutions buenos propsitos para el proceed on this subject, to arrange with
Ao Nuevo 15 rather more precision the degree of
(Parl) acuerdo m; to pass a resolution to-
importance which is to appertain to this
mar un acuerdo
(Comput & TV) definicin de pantalla request, as well as the degree of intimacy
En cambio resolucin sugiere solution, subsisting between the parties?
completion, decisiveness [ser decisivo].
Resolver es to resolve [decidir] y ade- 20 By all means, cried Bingley; let
ms to solve [solucionar], clear up
us hear all the particulars, not
[duda], settle [tramitar], dissolve [qu-
mica]. forgetting their comparative height
and size; for that will have more
weight in the argument, Miss Bennet,
25 than you may be aware of. I assure
you, that if Darcy were not such a great
tall fellow, in comparison with myself,
I should not pay him half so much
deference. I declare I do not know a
30 m o r e awful object than Darcy, on
particular occasions, and in particular
places; at his own house especially, and
of a Sunday evening, when he has
nothing to do.
35
Mr. Darcy smiled; but Elizabeth
thought she could perceive that he was
rather offended, and therefore checked
her laugh. Miss Bingley warmly resented
40 the indignity he had received, in an
expostulation with her brother for talking
such nonsense.
I see your design, Bingley, said his
45 friend. You dislike an argument, and
want to silence this.
Perhaps I do. Arguments are too
much like disputes. If you and Miss
50 Bennet will defer yours till I am out of
the room, I shall be very thankful; and
then you may say whatever you like of
me.
55 What you ask, said Elizabeth, is
no sacrifice on my side; and Mr. Darcy
had much better finish his letter.
Mr. Darcy took her advice, and did
60 finish his letter.
When that business was over, he
applied to Miss Bingley and Elizabeth
for an indulgence of some music.
65 M i s s B i n g l e y m o v e d w i t h s o m e
43
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ha supuesto sobre el seor Bingley.
Adems, deberamos, quiz, esperar a
que se diese la circunstancia para dis-
cutir entonces su comportamiento.
Pero en general y e n c a s o s n o r m a -
les entre amigos, cuando uno quie-
re que el otro cambie alguna deci-
X s i n , _________________________
vera usted mal que esa persona
complaciese ese deseo sin espe-
rar las razones del otro?
No sera aconsejable, antes
de proseguir con el tema, d e j a r
claro con ms precisin qu
X i m p o r t a n c i a t i e n e _________ l a
peticin y qu intimidad
X hay entre los amigos?
Perfectamente dijo Bingley
, fijmonos en todos los detalles
sin olvidarnos de comparar estatura
y tamao; porque eso, seorita
Bennet, puede tener ms peso en la
discusin de lo que parece. Le ase-
guro que si Darcy no fuera tan alto
comparado conmigo, no le tendra ni
la mitad del respeto que le tengo.
Confieso que no conozco nada ms
imponente que Darcy en determina-
das ocasiones y en determinados lu-
gares, especialmente en su casa y en
las tardes de domingo cuando no tie-
ne nada que hacer.
El seor Darcy sonri; pero
Elizabeth se dio cuenta de que se ha-
ba ofendido bastante y contuvo la
risa. La seorita Bingley se molest
mucho por la ofensa que le haba he-
cho a Darcy y censur a su hermano
por decir tales tonteras.
Conozco tu sistema, Bingley
dijo su amigo. No te gustan las dis-
cusiones y quieres acabar sta.
Quiz. Las discusiones se parecen
demasiado a las disputas. Si t y la seorita
Bennet posponis la vuestra para cuando yo
no est en la habitacin, estar muy agrade-
cido; adems, as podris decir todo lo que
queris de m.
Por mi parte dijo Elizabeth, no
hay objecin en hacer lo que pide, y es me-
jor que el seor Darcy acabe la carta.
____ D a r c y s i g u i s u c o n s e j o
y acab la carta.
Concluida la tarea, se dirigi a la seorita
Bingley y a Elizabeth para que les deleita-
sen con algo d7e msica. La seorita
Bingley se apresur al piano, pero antes de
 Austen Pride
alacrity to the pianoforte; and, after
a polite request that Elizabeth would
lead the way which the other as
politely and more earnestly
5 negatived, she seated herself.
Mrs. Hurst sang with her sister, and
while they were thus employed,
Elizabeth could not help observing,
10 as s h e t u r n e d o v e r s o m e m u s i c -
books that lay on the
i n s t r u m e n t , h o w f r e q u e n t l y M r.
Darcys eyes were fi xed on her. She
hardly knew how to suppose that she
15 could be an object of admiration to so
great a man; and yet that he should look at
her because he disliked her, was still more
strange. She could only imagine, however,
at last that she drew his notice because there
20 was something more wrong and
reprehensible, according to his ideas of right,
than in any other person present. The
supposition did not pain her. She liked him
too little to care for his approbation.
25
After playing some Italian songs,
Miss Bingley varied the charm by a lively
Scotch air; and soon afterwards Mr.
Darcy, drawing near Elizabeth, said to
30 her:
Do not you feel a great inclination,
Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity
reel danza tradicional escocesa of dancing a reel?
35
She smiled, but made no answer. He
repeated the question, with some surprise
at her silence.
40 Oh! said she, I heard you before,
but I could not immediately determine
what to say in reply. You wanted me, I
know, to say Yes, that you might have
the pleasure of despising my taste; but I
45 always delight in overthrowing those
kind of schemes, and cheating a person
of their premeditated contempt. I have,
therefore, made up my mind to tell you,
that I do not want to dance a reel at all
50 and now despise me if you dare.
Indeed I do not dare.
Elizabeth, having rather expected to
55 affront him, was amazed at his gallantry;
but there was a mixture of sweetness and
archness in her manner which made it
difficult for her to affront anybody; and
Darcy had never been so bewitched by
60 any woman as he was by her. He really
believed, that were it not for the
inferiority of her connections, he should
be in some danger.
65 Miss Bingley saw, or suspected
44
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
sentarse invit cortsmente a Elizabeth a
tocar en primer lugar; sta, con igual corte-
sa y con toda sinceridad rechaz la invita-
cin; entonces, la seorita Bingley se sent
y comenz el concierto.
La seora Hurst cant con su herma-
na, y, mientras se empleaban en esta acti-
vidad, Elizabeth no poda evitar darse
cuenta, cada vez que volva las pginas
de unos libros de msica que haba sobre
el piano, de la frecuencia con la que los
ojos de Darcy se fijaban en ella. Le era
dif c i l s u p o n e r q u e f u e s e o b j e t o d e
admiracin ante un homb r e d e t a l
categora; y aun sera ms extrao que la
mirase porque ella le desagradara.
Por fin, slo pudo imaginar que llamaba
su atencin porque haba algo en ella peor
y ms reprochable, segn su concepto de
la virtud, que en el resto de los presentes.
Esta suposicin no la apenaba. Le gusta-
ba tan poco, que la opinin que tuviese
sobre ella, no le preocupaba.
Despus de tocar algunas canciones ita-
lianas, la seorita Bingley vari el reper-
torio con un aire escocs ms alegre; y al
momento el seor Darcy se acerc a
Elizabeth y le dijo:
Le apetecera, seorita Bennet,
aprovechar esta oportunidad para bai-
lar un reel?
Ella sonri y no contest. l, algo
sorprendido por su silencio, repiti la
pregunta.
Oh! dijo ella, ya haba
odo la pregunta. Estaba meditando la
respuesta. S que usted querra que
contestase que s, y as habra tenido
el placer de criticar mis gustos; pero
a m me encanta echar por tierra esa
clase de trampas y defraudar a la gen-
te que est premeditando un desaire.
Por lo tanto, he decidido decirle que
X no deseo bailar _____ en absoluto. Y,
ahora, desireme si se atreve.
No me atrevo, se lo aseguro.
Ella, que crey haberle ofendido,
se qued asombrada de su galantera.
Pero haba tal mezcla de dulzura y
malicia en los modales de Elizabeth,
que era difcil que pudiese ofender a
nadie; y Darcy nunca haba estado tan
ensimismado con una mujer como lo
estaba con ella. Crea realmente que
si no fuera por la inferioridad de su
familia, se vera en peligro.
La seorita Bingley vio o sospech
 Austen Pride
enough to be jealous; and her great
anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend
Jane received some assistance from her
desire of getting rid of Elizabeth.
5
She often tried to provoke Darcy into
disliking her guest, by talking of their
supposed marriage, and planning his
happiness in such an alliance.
10
I hope, said she, as they were
walking together in the shrubbery the
next day, you will give your mother-in-
law a few hints, when this desirable event
15 takes place, as to the advantage of
holding her tongue; and if you can
compass it, do sure the younger girls
of running after officers. And, if I may
mention so delicate a subject,
20 endeavour to check that little something,
bordering on conceit and impertinence,
which your lady possesses.
Have you anything else to propose
25 for my domestic felicity?
Oh! yes. Do let the portraits of your
uncle and aunt Phillips be placed in the
gallery at Pemberley. Put them next to
30 your great-uncle the judge. They are in
the same profession, you know, only in X
different lines. As for your Elizabeths
picture, you must not have it taken, for
what painter could do justice to those
35 beautiful eyes?
It would not be easy, indeed, to catch
their expression, but their colour and
shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably
40 fine, might be copied.
At that moment they were met from
another walk by Mrs. Hurst and Elizabeth
herself.
45
I did not know that you intended to
walk, said Miss Bingley, in some
confusion, lest they had been overheard.
50 You used us abominably ill,
answered Mrs. Hurst, running away
without telling us that you were coming
out.
55 Then taking the disengaged arm of
Mr. Darcy, she left Elizabeth to walk by
herself. The path just admitted three. Mr.
Darcy felt their rudeness, and
immediately said:
60
Th i s w a l k i s n o t w i d e e n o u g h
for our party. We had better go into the avenue.
But Elizabeth, who had not the least
65 inclination to remain with them,
45
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
lo bastante para ponerse celosa, y su an-
siedad porque se restableciese su queri-
da amiga Jane se increment con el de-
seo de librarse de Elizabeth.
Intentaba provocar a Darcy para que se
X desilusionase de la joven, hablndole de
su supuesto matrimonio con ella y de la fe-
licidad que esa alianza le traera.
Espero le dijo al da siguien-
X te mientras paseaban por el jardn
que cuando ese deseado aconte-
cimiento tenga lugar, har usted a su
suegra unas cuantas advertencias
para que modere su lengua; y si pue-
de conseguirlo, evite que las hijas
menores anden detrs de los oficiales.
Y, si me permite mencionar un tema
tan delicado, procure refrenar ese
algo, rayando en la presuncin y en
la impertinencia, que su dama posee.
Tiene algo ms que proponerme
para mi felicidad domstica?
Oh, s! Deje que los retratos de sus
tos, los Phillips, sean colgados en la ga-
lera de Pemberley. Pngalos al lado del
to abuelo suyo, el juez. Son de la misma
profesin, ______ aunque de distinta ca-
tegora. En cuanto al retrato de su
Elizabeth, no debe permitir que se lo
hagan, porque qu pintor podra hacer
justicia a sus hermosos ojos?
Desde luego, no sera fcil
c a p t a r s u e x p r e s i n , p e r o e l c o l o r,
la forma y sus bonitas pestaas po-
dran ser reproducidos.
En ese momento, por otro sendero del
jardn, salieron a su paso la seora Hurst y
Elizabeth.
No saba que estabais paseando
dijo la seorita Bingley un poco confusa
al pensar que pudiesen haberles odo.
Os habis portado muy mal
con nosotras respondi la se-
ora Hurst al no decirnos que
i b a i s a s a l i r.
Y, tomando el brazo libre del seor
Darcy, dej que Elizabeth pasease sola. En
el camino slo caban tres. El seor Darcy
se dio cuenta de tal descortesa y dijo in-
mediatamente:
Este paseo no es lo bastante ancho
X para los cuatro, salgamos a la avenida.
Pero Elizabeth, que no tena la menor
intencin de continuar con ellos, contest
 Austen Pride
laughingly answered:
No, no; stay where you are. You are
charmingly grouped, and appear to
5 uncommon advantage. The picturesque
would be spoilt by admitting a fourth.
Good-bye.
She then ran gaily off, rejoicing as she
10 rambled about, in the hope of being at
home again in a day or two. Jane was
already so much recovered as to intend
leaving her room for a couple of hours
that evening.
15
20
Chapter 11
25 When the ladies removed after dinner,
Elizabeth ran up to her sister, and seeing
her well guarded from cold, attended her
into the drawing-room, where she was
welcomed by her two friends with many
30 professions of pleasure; and Elizabeth
had never seen them so agreeable as they
were during the hour which passed before
the gentlemen appeared. Their powers of
conversation were considerable. They X
35 could describe an entertainment with
accuracy, relate an anecdote with
humour, and laugh at their acquaintance
spirit coincide con espritu en las ideas de alma,
nima, espectro, fantasma, aparecido, valor,
with spirit.
nimo, bro, sentido / intencin [de la ley].
Spirit tiene mltiples usos y recalca las ideas 40 But when the gentlemen entered,
de alegra, vivacidad, bro, actitud, disposi- Jane was no longer the first object;
cin, humor, ganas, vigor, temple, entereza, Miss Bingleys eyes were instantly
carcter, civismo, voluntad, ambiente, alco-
hol [de beber o del alumbrado].
turned toward Darcy, and she had
something to say to him before he had
45 advanced many steps. He addressed
himself to Miss Bennet, with a polite
congratulation; Mr. Hurst also made her
a slight bow, and said he was very
glad; but diffuseness and warmth
50 remained for Bingleys salutation. He
was full of joy and attention. The first
half-hour was spent in piling up the
fire, lest she should suffer from the
change of room; and she removed at his
55 desire to the other side of the fireplace,
that she might be further from the door.
He then sat down by her, and talked
scarcely to anyone else. Elizabeth, at
work in the opposite corner, saw it all
60 with great delight.
When tea was over, Mr. Hurst
reminded his sister-in-law of the card-
tablebut in vain. She had obtained
65 private intelligence that Mr. Darcy did
46
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
muy sonriente:
No, no; qudense donde es-
tn. Forman un grupo encanta-
d o r, e s t m u c h o m e j o r a s . U n a
cuarta persona lo echara a per-
d e r. A d i s .
Se fue alegremente regocijndose al
pensar, mientras caminaba, que dentro de
uno o dos das ms estara en su casa. Jane
se encontraba ya tan bien, que aquella mis-
ma tarde tena la intencin de salir un par
de horas de su cuarto.
Captulo XI
Cuando las seoras se levantaron
de la mesa despus de cenar, Elizabeth
subi a visitar a su hermana y al ver
que estaba bien abrigada la acompa
al saln, donde sus amigas le dieron la
bienvenida con grandes demostraciones de
contento. Elizabeth nunca las haba visto
tan amables como en la hora que transcu-
rri hasta que llegaron los caballeros. H a -
b l a r o n d e t o d o . Describie-
ron la fiesta con todo detalle, con-
taron ancdotas con mucha gracia
y se burlaron de sus conocidos con
humor.
Pero en cuanto entraron los caballeros,
Jane dej de ser el primer objeto de aten-
cin. Los ojos de la seorita Bingley se vol-
vieron instantneamente hacia Darcy y no
haba dado cuatro pasos cuando ya tena
algo que decirle. El se dirigi directamente
a la seorita Bennet y la felicit cortsmen-
te. Tambin el seor Hurst le hizo una lige-
ra inclinacin de cabeza, dicindole que se
alegraba mucho; pero la efusin y el calor
quedaron reservados para el saludo de
Bingley, que estaba muy contento y lleno
de atenciones para con ella. La primera
media hora se la pas avivando el fuego para
que Jane no notase el cambio de un habita-
cin a la otra, y le rog que se pusiera al
lado de la chimenea, lo ms lejos posible
de la puerta. Luego se sent junto a ella y
ya casi no habl con nadie ms. Elizabeth,
enfrente, con su labor, contemplaba la es-
cena con satisfaccin.
Cuando terminaron de tomar el t, el
seor Hurst record a su cuada la mesa
de juego, pero fue en vano; ella intua
que a Darcy no le apeteca jugar, y el
 Austen Pride
not wish for cards; and Mr. Hurst soon
found even his open petition rejected.
She assured him that no one intended to
play, and the silence of the whole party
5 on the subject seemed to justify her. Mr.
Hurst had therefore nothing to do, but to
stretch himself on one of the sofas and
go to sleep. Darcy took up a book; Miss
Bingley did the same; and Mrs. Hurst,
10 principally occupied in playing with
her bracelets and rings, joined now
and then in her brother s conversation
with Miss Bennet.
15 Miss Bingleys attention was quite as
much engaged in watching Mr. Darcys
progress through HIS book, as in reading
her own; and she was perpetually either
making some inquiry, or looking at his
20 page. She could not win him, however,
to any conversation; he merely answered
her question, and read on. At length, quite
exhausted by the attempt to be amused
with her own book, which she had only
25 chosen because it was the second volume
of his, she gave a great yawn and said,
How pleasant it is to spend an evening
in this way! I declare after all there is no
enjoyment like reading! How much
30 sooner one tires of anything than of a
book! When I have a house of my own, I
shall be miserable if I have not an
excellent library.
35 No one made any reply. She then
yawned again, threw aside her book, and
cast her eyes round the room in quest for
some amusement; when hearing her
brother mentioning a ball to Miss Bennet,
40 she turned suddenly towards him and
said:
By the bye, Charles, are you really
serious in meditating a dance at
45 Netherfield? I would advise you, before
you determine on it, to consult the wishes
of the present party; I am much mistaken
if there are not some among us to whom
a ball would be rather a punishment than
50 a pleasure.
If you mean Darcy, cried her
brother, he may go to bed, if he chooses,
before it beginsbut as for the ball, it is
55 quite a settled thing; and as soon as
Nicholls has made white soup enough, I
shall send round my cards.
I should like balls infinitely better,
60 she replied, if they were carried on in a
different manner; but there is something
insufferably tedious in the usual process
of such a meeting. It would surely be
much more rational if conversation
65 instead of dancing were made the order
47
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
seor Hurst vio su peticin rechazada
inmediatamente. Le asegur que nadie
tena ganas de jugar; el silencio que si-
gui a su afirmacin pareci corrobo-
rarla. Por lo tanto, al seor H u r s t n o
l e q u e d a b a o t r a c o s a q u e h a c e r que
tumbarse en un sof y dormir. Dar c y
cogi un libro, la seorita
B i n g l e y cogi otro, y la seora Hurst,
ocupada principalmente en jugar con sus
pulseras y sortijas, se una, de vez en
cuando, a la conversacin de su herma-
no con la seorita Bennet.
La seorita Bingley prestaba ms
atencin a la lectura de Darcy que a
la suya propia. No paraba de hacerle
preguntas o mirar la pgina que l
tena delante. Sin embargo, no consi-
gui sacarle ninguna conversacin; se
limitaba a contestar y segua leyen-
do. Finalmente, angustiada con la idea
de tener que entretenerse con su libro
que haba elegido solamente porque era
el segundo tomo del que lea Darcy,
bostez largamente y exclam:
Qu agradable es pasar una vela-
da as! Bien mirado, creo que no hay
nada tan divertido como leer. Cualquier
otra cosa en seguida te cansa, pero un
libro, nunca. Cuando tenga una casa
propia ser desgraciadsima si no tengo
una gran biblioteca.
Nadie dijo nada. Entonces volvi a
bostezar, cerr el libro y pase la vista
alrededor de la habitacin buscando en
qu ocupar el tiempo; cuando al or a
su hermano mencionarle un baile a la
seorita Bennet, se volvi de repente
hacia l y dijo:
P i e n s a s s e r i a m e n t e e n d a r u n
baile en Netherfield, Charles? An-
tes de decidirte te aconsejara que
consultases con los presentes, pues
o mucho me engao o hay entre no-
sotros alguien a quien un baile le
parecera, ms que una diversin,
un castigo.
Si te refieres a Darcy le contes-
t su hermano, puede irse a la cama
antes de que empiece, si lo prefiere; pero
en cuanto al baile, es cosa hecha, y tan
pronto como Nicholls lo haya dispuesto
todo, enviar las invitaciones.
Los bailes me gustaran mucho
ms repuso su hermana si fuesen
de otro modo, pero esa clase de re-
uniones suelen ser tan pesadas qu e s e
hacen insufribles. Sera ms racio-
nal q u e l o p r i n c i p a l e n e l l a s
fuese la conversacin y no un
 Austen Pride
of the day.
Much more rational, my dear
Caroline, I dare say, but it would not be
5 near so much like a ball.
Miss Bingley made no answer, and
soon afterwards she got up and walked
about the room. Her figure was elegant,
10 and she walked well; but Darcy, at whom
it was all aimed, was still inflexibly
studious. In the desperation of her
feelings, she resolved on one effort more,
and, turning to Elizabeth, said:
15
Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade
you to follow my example, and take a turn
about the room. I assure you it is very
refreshing after sitting so long in one
20 attitude.
Elizabeth was surprised, but agreed
t o i t i m m e d i a t e l y. M i s s B i n g l e y
succeeded no less in the real object of
25 her civility; Mr. Darcy looked up. He
was as much awake to the novelty of
attention in that quarter as Elizabeth
herself could be, and unconsciously
closed his book. He was directly invited
30 to join their party, but he declined it,
observing that he could imagine but two
motives for their choosing to walk up and
down the room together, with either of which
motives his joining them would interfere.
35 W h a t c o u l d h e m e a n ? S h e w a s
d y i n g to know what could be his
meaning?and asked Elizabeth whether
she could at all understand him?
40 Not at all, was her answer; but
depend upon it, he means to be severe
on us, and our surest way of
disappointing him will be to ask nothing
about it.
45
Miss Bingley, however, was incapable
of disappointing Mr. Darcy in anything,
and persevered therefore in requiring an
explanation of his two motives.
50
I have not the smallest objection to
explaining them, said he, as soon as she
allowed him to speak. You either choose
this method of passing the evening
55 because you are in each other s
confidence, and have secret affairs to
discuss, or because you are conscious
that your figures appear to the greatest
advantage in walking; if the first, I would
60 be completely in your way, and if the
second, I can admire you much better as
I sit by the fire.
Oh! shocking! cried Miss Bingley.
65 I never heard anything so abominable.
48
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
baile.
Mucho ms racional s,
Caroline; pero entonces ya no se pa-
recera en nada a un baile.
La seorita Bingley no contest; se
levant poco despus y se puso a pa-
sear por el saln. Su figura era elegan-
te y sus andares airosos; pero Darcy, a
quien iba dirigido todo, sigui enfras-
cado en la lectura. Ella, desesperada,
decidi hacer un esfuerzo ms, y, vol-
vindose a Elizabeth, dijo:
Seorita Eliza Bennet, djeme que
la convenza para que siga mi ejemplo y d
una vuelta por el saln. Le aseguro que
viene muy bien despus de estar tanto tiem-
po sentada en la misma postura.
Elizabeth se qued sorprendida, pero
accedi inmediatamente. La seorita
Bingley logr lo que se haba propues-
to con su amabilidad; el seor Darcy le-
vant la vista. Estaba tan extraado de
la novedad de esta invitacin como po-
da estarlo la misma Elizabeth; incons-
cientemente, cerr su libro. Seguida-
mente, le invitaron a pasear con ellas, a
lo que se neg, explicando que slo
poda haber dos motivos para que pa-
seasen por el saln juntas, y si se
uniese a ellas interferira en los dos.
Qu querr decir? La seorita
Bingley se mora de ganas por saber cul
sera el significado y le pregunt a
Elizabeth si ella poda entenderlo.
En absoluto respondi;
pero, sea lo que sea, es seguro que
quiere dejarnos mal, y la mejor
forma de decepcionarle ser no
preguntarle nada.
Sin embargo, la seorita Bingley
era incapaz de decepcionar a Darcy, e
insisti, por lo tanto, en pedir que les
explicase los dos motivos.
No tengo el ms mnimo inconve-
niente en explicarlo dijo tan pronto
como ella le permiti hablar. Ustedes
eligen este modo de pasar el tiempo o
porque tienen que hacerse alguna con-
fidencia o para hablar de sus asuntos se-
cretos, o porque saben que paseando lu-
cen mejor su figura; si es por lo prime-
ro, al ir con ustedes no hara ms que
importunarlas; y si es por lo segundo,
las puedo admirar mucho mejor senta-
do junto al fuego.
Qu horror! grit la seorita
Bingley. Nunca he odo nada tan
 Austen Pride
How shall we punish him for such a
speech?
Nothing so easy, if you have but the
5 inclination, said Elizabeth. We can all
plague and punish one another. Tease
himlaugh at him. Intimate as you are,
you must know how it is to be done.
10 But upon my honour, I do NOT. I do
assure you that my intimacy has not yet
taught me THAT. Tease calmness of
manner and presence of mind! No, no
feel he may defy us there. And as to
15 laughter, we will not expose ourselves,
if you please, by attempting to laugh
without a subject. Mr. Darcy may hug
himself.
20 Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at!
cried Elizabeth. That is an uncommon
advantage, and uncommon I hope it will
continue, for it would be a great loss to
ME to have many such acquaintances. I
25 dearly love a laugh.
M i s s B i n g l e y, s a i d h e , h a s
gi ve n m e more credit than can be.
The wisest and the best of men
30 n a y, t h e w i s e s t a n d b e s t o f t h e i r
render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen- actionsmay be re n d e red
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en- ridiculous by a person whose first
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered object in life is a joke.
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.),
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks;
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give 35 Certainly, replied Elizabeth
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b there are such people, but I hope
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.). I am not one of THEM. I hope I
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc. never ridicule what is wise and
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.)
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c good. Follies and nonsense, whims
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the 40 and inconsistencies, DO d i v e r t
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting. m e , I own, and I laugh at them
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9 whenever I can. But these, I
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up,
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are suppose, are precisely what you are
Caesars). b show (obedience). without.
45
Perhaps that is not possible for
anyone. But it has been the study of my
life to avoid those weaknesses which
often expose a strong understanding to
50 ridicule.
Such as vanity and pride.
Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But
55 pridewhere there is a real superiority
of mind, pride will be always under good
regulation.
Elizabeth turned away to hide
60 a s m i l e .
Yo u r e x a m i n a t i o n o f M r .
D a r c y i s o v e r, I p r e s u m e , s a i d
Miss Bingley; and pray what is
65 t h e r e s u l t ?
49
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
abominable. Cmo podramos darle su
merecido?
Nada tan fcil, si est dispuesta a
ello dijo Elizabeth. Todos sabemos
fastidiar y mortificarnos unos a otros. Br-
lese, rase de l. Siendo tan ntima amiga
suya, sabr muy bien cmo hacerlo.
No s, le doy mi palabra. Le
aseguro que mi gran amistad con l
no me ha enseado cules son sus
puntos dbiles. Burlarse de una per-
sona flemtica, de tanta sangre fra!
Y en cuanto a rernos de l sin ms
mi ms, no debemos exponernos; po-
dra desafiarnos y tendramos noso-
tros las de perder.
Que no podemos rernos del
seor Darcy! exclam Elizabeth
. Es un privilegio muy extrao, y
espero que siga siendo extrao, no
me gustara tener muchos conocidos
as. Me encanta rerme.
La seorita Bingley respondi
Darcy me ha dado ms importancia de
la que merezco. El ms sabio y mejor de
los hombres o la ms sabia y mejor de las
X acciones, pueden ser ______ ridculos a
los ojos de una persona que no piensa en
esta vida ms que en rerse.
Estoy de acuerdo respondi
Elizabeth, hay gente as, pero creo que yo
no estoy entre ellos. Espero que nunca lle-
gue a ridiculizar lo que es bueno o sabio.
Las insensateces, las tonteras, los capri-
chos y las inconsecuencias son las cosas
que verdaderamente me divierten, lo con-
fieso, y me ro de ellas siempre que puedo.
Pero supongo que stas son las cosas de las
que usted carece.
Quiz no sea posible para nadie,
pero yo he pasado la vida esforzn-
dome para evitar estas debilidades
que exponen al ridculo a cualquier
persona inteligente.
Como la vanidad y el orgullo, por ejemplo.
S, en efecto, la vanidad es un
defecto. Pero el orgullo, en caso de
personas de inteligencia superior,
creo que es vlido.
Elizabeth tuvo que volverse para disi-
mular una sonrisa.
Supongo que habr acabado de exa-
minar al seor Darcy dijo la seorita
Bingley , y le ruego que me diga qu ha sa-
cado en conclusin.
 Austen Pride
I am perfectly convinced by it that
Mr. Darcy has no defect. He owns it
himself without disguise.
5
No, said Darcy, I have made no
such pretension. I have faults enough,
but they are not, I hope, of
understanding. My temper I dare not
10 vouch for. It is, I believe, too little
yieldingcertainly too little for the
convenience of the world. I cannot
forget the follies and vices of other so
soon as I ought, nor their offenses
15 against myself. My feelings are not
puffed about with every attempt to
move them. My temper would perhaps
be called resentful. My good opinion
once lost, is lost forever.
20
THAT is a failing indeed! cried
Elizabeth. Implacable resentment
IS a shade in a character. But you
have chosen your fault well. I really
25 cannot LAUGH at it. You are safe
from me.
There is, I believe, in every
disposition a tendency to some particular
30 evila natural defect, which not even the
best education can overcome.
And YOUR defect is to hate
everybody.
35
And yours, he replied with
a smile, is willfully to
misunderstand them.
40 Do let us have a little music,
c r i e d M i s s B i n g l e y, t i r e d o f a
conversation in which she had no
share. Louisa, you will not mind my
waking Mr. Hurst?
45
Her sister had not the smallest
objection, and the pianoforte was
opened; and Darcy, after a few moments
recollection, was not sorry for it. He
50 began to feel the danger of paying
Elizabeth too much attention.
55
Chapter 12
60 In consequence of an agreement X
between the sisters, Elizabeth wrote the
next morning to their mother, to beg
that the carriage might be sent for them
in the course of the day. But Mrs.
65 Bennet, who had calculated on her
50
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Estoy plenamente convencida de que
el seor Darcy no tiene defectos. l mismo
lo reconoce claramente.
No dijo Darcy, no he pretendi-
do decir eso. Tengo muchos defectos, pero
no tienen que ver con la inteligencia. De mi
carcter no me atrevo a responder; soy de-
masiado intransigente, en realidad, dema-
siado intransigente para lo que a la gente le
conviene. No puedo olvidar tan pronto como
debera las insensateces y los vicios ajenos,
ni las ofensas que contra m se hacen. Mis
sentimientos no se borran por muchos es-
fuerzos que se hagan para cambiarlos. Qui-
z se me pueda acusar de rencoroso. Cuan-
do pierdo la buena opinin que tengo sobre
alguien, es para siempre.
se es realmente un defecto repli-
c Elizabeth. El rencor implacable es
verdaderamente una sombra en un carcter.
Pero ha elegido usted muy bien su defecto.
No puedo rerme de l. Por mi parte, est
usted a salvo.
Creo que en todo individuo hay cier-
ta tendencia a un determinado mal, a un
defecto innato, que ni siquiera la mejor edu-
cacin puede vencer.
Y ese defecto es la propensin a odiar
a todo el mundo.
Y el suyo respondi l con una sonri-
sa es el interpretar mal a todo el mundo
intencionadamente.
Oigamos un poco de msica pro-
puso la seorita Bingley, cansada de una
conversacin en la que no tomaba parte.
Louisa, no te importar que despierte al
seor Hurst?
Su hermana no opuso la ms mni-
ma objecin, y abri el piano; a
Darcy, despus de unos momentos de
recogimiento, no le pes. Empezaba
a sentir el peligro de prestarle dema-
siada atencin a Elizabeth.
Captulo XII
De acuerdo _______ _____ con su
hermana, Elizabeth escribi a su madre
a la maana siguiente, pidindole que
les mandase el coche aquel mismo da.
Pero la seora Bennet haba calcula-
do que sus hijas estaran en

excited y excitado conllevan la idea de alegre,
entusiasta, pero excited tiene ms
denotaciones, como nervioso, agitado, aca-
lorado, emocionante. To excite y excitar se
refieren a estimular, entusiasmar, pero to ex- 30
cite significa adems emocionar / conmover,
poner nervioso / agitado, provocar [emocio-
nes], instigar [desrdenes], alborotar [gen-
te], y to get excited es acalorarse. A su vez,
excitar se usa para to raise [dudas], arouse
[curiosidad, apetito]. Excitedly significa agi-
tada- o acaloradamente.
Dont get excited = no te pongas nervioso.
Austen Pride
daughters remaining at Netherfield till
the following Tuesday, which would
exactly finish Janes week, could not
bring herself to receive them with
5 pleasure before. Her answer, therefore,
was not propitious, at least not to
E l i z a b e t h s w i s h e s , f o r s h e w a s
impatient to get home. Mrs. Bennet sent
them word that they could not possibly
10 have the carriage before Tuesday; and
in her postscript it was added, that if
Mr. Bingley and his sister pressed them
to stay longer, she could spare them
very well. Against staying longer,
15 however, Elizabeth was positively
resolvednor did she much expect it
would be asked; and fearful, on the
c o n t r a r y, a s b e i n g c o n s i d e r e d a s
intruding themselves needlessly long,
20 she urged Jane to borrow Mr. Bingleys
carriage immediately, and at length it
was settled that their original design of
leaving Netherfield that morning
should be mentioned, and the request
25 made.
The communication excited many
professions of concern; and enough was
said of wishing them to stay at least till
the following day to work on Jane; and
till the morrow their going was deferred.
Mi s s B i n g l e y w a s t h e n s o r r y t h a t
s h e h a d p r o p o s e d t h e d e l a y, f o r
her jealousy and dislike of one
35 sister much exceeded her
a f f e c t i o n f o r t h e o t h e r.
The master of the house heard with
real sorrow that they were to go so soon,
40 and repeatedly tried to persuade Miss
Bennet that it would not be safe for
herthat she was not enough recovered;
but Jane was firm where she felt herself
to be right.
45
To Mr. Darcy it was welcome
intelligenceElizabeth had been at
Netherfield long enough. She attracted
him more than he likedand Miss
50 Bingley was uncivil to HER, and more
teasing than usual to himself. He wisely
resolved to be particularly careful that no
sign of admiration should NOW escape
him, nothing that could elevate her with
55 the hope of influencing his felicity;
sensible that if such an idea had been
suggested, his behaviour during the last
day must have material weight in
confirming or crushing it. Steady to his
60 purpose, he scarcely spoke ten words to
her through the whole of Saturday, and
though they were at one time left by
themselves for half-an-hour, he adhered
most conscientiously to his book, and
65 would not even look at her.
51
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Netherfield hasta el martes en que ha-
ra una semana justa que Jane haba lle-
gado all, y no estaba dispuesta a que re-
gresara antes de la fecha citada. As, pues,
su respuesta no fue muy favorable o, por
lo menos, no fue la respuesta que Elizabeth
hubiera deseado, pues estaba impaciente
por volver a su casa. La seora Bennet les
contest que no le era posible enviarles el
coche antes del martes; en la posdata aa-
da que si el seor Bingley y su hermana
les insistan para que se quedasen ms
tiempo, no lo dudasen, pues poda pa-
sar muy bien sin ellas. Sin e m b a r g o ,
Elizabeth estaba dispuesta a no
seguir all por mucho que se lo pi-
dieran; temiendo, al contrario, re-
sultar molestas por quedarse ms
tiempo innecesariamente, rog a
Jane que le pidiese el coche a
B i n g l e y e n s e g u i d a ; y, p o r l t i m o ,
decidieron exponer su proyecto de
salir de Netherfield aquella mis-
ma maana y pedir que les pres-
tasen el coche.
La noticia provoc muchas manifesta-
ciones de preocupacin; les expresaron rei-
teradamente su deseo de que se quedasen
por los menos hasta el da siguiente, y no
hubo ms remedio que demorar la marcha
hasta entonces. A la seorita Bingley le pes
despus haber propuesto la demora, porque
los celos y la antipata que senta por una de
las hermanas era muy superior al afecto que
senta por la otra.
Al seor de la casa le caus mucha tris-
teza el saber que se iban a ir tan pronto, e
intent insistentemente convencer a Jane de
que no sera bueno para ella, porque toda-
va no estaba totalmente recuperada; pero
Jane era firme cuando saba que obraba
como deba.
A Darcy le pareci bien la noticia.
Elizabeth haba estado ya bastante tiem-
po en Netherfield. Le atraa ms de lo
que l quera y la seorita Bingley era
descorts con ella, y con l ms moles-
ta que nunca. Se propuso tener especial
cuidado en que no se le escapase ningu-
na seal de admiracin ni nada que pu-
diera hacer creer a Elizabeth que tuvie-
ra ninguna influencia en su felicidad.
Consciente de que poda haber
sugerido semejante idea, su compor-
tamiento durante el ltimo da deba
ser decisivo para confirmrsela o
quitrsela de la cabeza. Firme en su
propsito, apenas le dirigi diez pa-
labras en todo el sbado y, a pesar
de que los dejaron solos durante me-
dia hora, se meti de lleno en su li-
bro y ni siquiera la mir.
 Austen Pride
On Sunday, after morning service, the
separation, so agreeable to almost all,
took place. Miss Bingleys civility to
5 Elizabeth increased at last very rapidly,
as well as her affection for Jane; and
when they parted, after assuring the latter
of the pleasure it would always give her
to see her either at Longbourn or
10 Netherfield, and embracing her most
tenderly, she even shook hands with the
former. Elizabeth took leave of the whole
party in the liveliest of spirits.
15 They were not welcomed home very
cordially by their mother. Mrs. Bennet
wondered at their coming, and thought
them very wrong to give so much trouble,
and was sure Jane would have caught
20 cold again. But their father, though very
laconic in his expressions of pleasure,
was really glad to see them; he had felt
their importance in the family circle. The
evening conversation, when they were all
25 assembled, had lost much of its
animation, and almost all its sense by the
absence of Jane and Elizabeth.
They found Mary, as usual, deep in
30 the study of thorough-bass and human
nature; and had some extracts to admire,
and some new observations of threadbare
morality to listen to. Catherine and Lydia
had information for them of a different
35 sort. Much had been done and much had
been said in the regiment since the
preceding Wednesday; several of the
officers had dined lately with their uncle,
a private had been flogged, and it had
actually totalmente, realmente, de veras, en 40 actually been hinted that Colonel Forster
realidad, verdadero, de hecho, en serio was going to be married.
actual adjetivo real, verdadero, efectivo, con-
creto, autntico, mismo (very): give me an
actual example, dame un ejemplo concreto
he has no actual job, no tiene trabajo propia-
mente dicho 45
Actual subraya el hecho de que algo es real o
genuino y solo se puede colocar delante de
un sustantivo: Everybody believed I would
win but the actual result was very different.
Todos pensaban que iba a ganar pero el re-
sultado final (real) fue muy distinto. 50 Chapter 13
actual (En) 1 existing in fact; real (often as
distinct from ideal). 2 existing now; current.
I hope, my dear, said Mr. Bennet to
Usage Redundant use, as in tell me the ac-
tual facts, is disp., but common. his wife, as they were at breakfast the
next morning, that you have ordered a
En Castellano ACTUAL se traduce por present 55 good dinner to-day, because I have
o current: The current economic crisis will reason to expect an addition to our family
cause us many problems. La actual crisis eco-
party.
nmica nos causar muchos problemas
Who do you mean, my dear? I know
60 of nobody that is coming, I am sure,
unless Charlotte Lucas should happen to
call inand I hope MY dinners are good
enough for her. I do not believe she often
sees such at home.
65
52
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
El domingo, despus del oficio religio-
so de la maana, tuvo lugar la separacin
tan grata para casi todos. La cortesa de la
seorita Bingley con Elizabeth aument r-
pidamente en el ltimo momento, as como
su afecto por Jane. Al despedirse, despus
de asegurar a esta ltima el placer que siem-
pre le dara verla tanto en Longbourn como
en Netherfield y darle un tierno abrazo, a
la primera slo le dio la mano. Elizabeth
se despidi de todos con el espritu ms
alegre que nunca.
La madre no fue muy cordial al darles
la bienvenida. No entenda por qu haban
regresado tan pronto y les dijo que hacan
muy mal en ocasionarle semejante contra-
riedad, estaba segura de que Jane haba co-
gido fro otra vez. Pero el padre, aunque era
muy lacnico al expresar la alegra, estaba
verdaderamente contento de verlas. Se ha-
ba dado cuenta de la importancia que te-
nan en el crculo familiar. Las tertulias de
la noche, cuando se reunan todos, haban
perdido la animacin e incluso el sentido
con la ausencia de Jane y Elizabeth.
Hallaron a Mary, como de costumbre,
enfrascada en el estudio profundo de la na-
turaleza humana; tenan que admirar sus
nuevos resmenes y escuchar las observa-
ciones que haba hecho recientemente so-
bre una moral muy poco convincente. Lo
que Catherine y Lydia tenan que contarles
era muy distinto. Se haban hecho y dicho
muchas cosas en el regimiento desde el mir-
coles anterior; varios oficiales haban cena-
do recientemente con su to, un soldado ha-
ba sido azotado, y corra el rumor de que el
coronel Forster iba a casarse.
Captulo XIII
Espero, querida dijo el seor Bennet
a su esposa; mientras desayunaban a la ma-
ana siguiente, que hayas preparado una
buena comida, porque tengo motivos para
pensar que hoy se sumar uno ms a nues-
tra mesa.
A quin te refieres, querido? No ten-
go noticia de que venga nadie, a no ser que
a Charlotte Lucas se le ocurra visitarnos, y
me parece que mis comidas son lo bastante
buenas para ella. No creo que en su casa
sean mejores.
 Austen Pride
The person of whom I speak is a
gentleman, and a stranger.
M r s . B e n n e t s e y e s s p a r k l e d .
5 A gentleman and a stranger! It is
Mr. Bingley, I a m s u r e ! W e l l , I
am sure I shall be extremely
g l a d t o s e e M r. B i n g l e y. B u t
g o o d L o r d ! h o w u n l u c k y ! There
10 is not a bit of fish to be got to-day.
Lydia, my love, ring the bellI must
speak to Hill this moment.
It is NOT Mr. Bingley, said her
15 husband; it is a person whom I never
saw in the whole course of my life.
This roused a general astonishment;
and he had the pleasure of being eagerly
20 questioned by his wife and his five
daughters at once.
After amusing himself some time with
their curiosity, he thus explained:
25
About a month ago I received this
letter; and about a fortnight ago I
answered it, for I thought it a case of
some delicacy, and requiring early
30 attention. It is from my cousin, Mr.
Collins, who, when I am dead, may turn
you all out of this house as soon as he
pleases.
35 Oh! my dear, cried his wife, I
cannot bear to hear that mentioned. Pray
do not talk of that odious man. I do think
it is the hardest thing in the world, that
your estate should be entailed away from
40 your own children; and I am sure, if I had
been you, I should have tried long ago to
do something or other about it.
Jane and Elizabeth tried to explain to
45 her the nature of an entail. They had often
attempted to do it before, but it was a
subject on which Mrs. Bennet was
beyond the reach of reason, and she
continued to rail bitterly against the
50 cruelty of settling an estate away from a
family of five daughters, in favour of a
man whom nobody cared anything about.
It certainly is a most
iniquity n. 1 wickedness; unrighteousness. 55 iniquitous affair, said Mr. Bennet, and
2 a gross injustice. nothing can clear Mr. Collins from the
inicua 1. adj. Contrario a la equidad. 2. Mal- guilt of inheriting Longbourn. But if you
vado, impa, injusto.
will listen to his letter, you may perhaps
be a little softened by his manner of
60 expressing himself.
No, that I am sure I shall not; and I
think it is very impertinent of him to write
to you at all, and very hypocritical. I hate
65 such false friends. Why could he not keep
53
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
La persona de la que hablo es un ca-
ballero, y forastero.
Los ojos de la seora Bennet relucan como chispas.
Un caballero y forastero? Es el se-
or Bingley, no hay duda. Por qu nunca
X dices ni palabra de estas cosas, Jane? Qu
cuca eres! Bien, me alegrar mucho de ver-
lo. Pero, Dios mo, qu mala suerte! Hoy
no se puede conseguir ni un poco de pesca-
do. Lydia, cario, toca la campanilla; tengo
que hablar con Hill al instante.
No es el seor Bingley dijo su es-
poso; se trata de una persona que no he
visto en mi vida.
Estas palabras despertaron el asom-
bro general; y l tuvo el placer de ser in-
terrogado ansiosamente por su mujer y
sus cinco hijas a la vez.
Despus de divertirse un rato, excitan-
do su curiosidad, les explic:
Hace un mes recib esta carta, y
la contest hace unos quince das,
porque pens que se trataba de un
tema muy delicado y necesitaba tiem-
po para reflexionar. Es de mi primo,
el seor Collins, el que, cuando yo me
muera, puede echaros de esta casa en
cuanto le apetezca.
Oh, querido! se lament su es-
posa. No puedo soportar or hablar
del tema. No menciones a ese hombre
tan odioso. Es lo peor que te puede pa-
sar en el mundo, que tus bienes no los
puedan heredar tus hijas. De haber sido
t, hace mucho tiempo que yo habra
hecho algo al respecto.
Jane y Elizabeth intentaron explicarle
por qu no les perteneca la herencia. Lo
haban intentado muchas veces, pero era
un tema con el que su madre perda total-
mente la razn; y sigui quejndose amar-
gamente de la crueldad que significaba
desposeer de la herencia a una familia de
cinco hijas, en favor de un hombre que a
ninguno le importaba nada.
Ciertamente, es un asunto muy
injusto dijo el seor Bennet, y no
hay nada que pueda probar la culpa-
bilidad del seor Collins por heredar
Longbourn. Pero si escuchas su carta,
puede que su modo de expresarse te
tranquilice un poco.
No, no la escuchar; y, adems,
me parece una impertinencia que te es-
criba, y una hipocresa. No soporto a
esos falsos amigos. Por qu no conti-
 Austen Pride
on quarreling with you, as his father did
before him?
Why, indeed; he does seem to have
5 had some filial scruples on that head, as
you will hear.
Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent,
15th October.
10
Dear Sir,
The disagreement subsisting
between yourself and my late honoured
15 father always gave me much uneasiness,
and since I have had the misfortune to
lose him, I have frequently wished to heal
the breach; but for some time I was kept
back by my own doubts, fearing lest it
20 might seem disrespectful to his memory
for me to be on good terms with anyone
with whom it had always pleased him to
be at variance.There, Mrs. Bennet. poco tiempo despus de su muerte.
My mind, however, is now made up on
25 the subject, for having received
ordination at Easter, I have been so
fortunate as to be distinguished by the
patronage of the Right Honourable Lady
Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis
30 de Bour gh, whose bounty and
beneficence has preferred me to the
valuable rectory of this parish, where it
shall be my earnest endeavour to demean
myself with grateful respect towards her
35 ladyship, and be ever ready to perform
those rites and ceremonies which are
instituted by the Church of England. As
a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty
to promote and establish the blessing of
40 peace in all families within in the reach
of my influence; and on these grounds I
flatter myself that my present overtures
are highly commendable, and that the
circumstance of my being next in the
45 entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly
overlooked on your side, and not lead
you to reject the offered olive-branch. I
cannot be otherwise than concerned at
being the means of injuring your amiable
50 daughters, and beg leave to apologise for
it, as well as to assure you of my
readiness to make them every possible
amendsbut of this hereafter. If you
should have no objection to receive me
55 into your house, I propose myself the
satisfaction of waiting on you and your
family, Monday, November 18th, by four
oclock, and shall probably trespass on
your hospitality till the Saturday
60 seennight following, which I can do
without any inconvenience, as Lady
Catherine is far from objecting to my
occasional absence on a Sunday,
provided that some other clergyman is
65 engaged to do the duty of the day.I
54
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
na pleiteando contigo como ya lo hizo
su padre?
Porque parece tener algn
c a rg o d e c o n c i e n c i a , c o m o v a s
a or:
Hunsford, cerca de Westerham, Kent,
15 de octubre.
Estimado seor:
El desacuerdo subsistente entre us-
ted y mi padre, recientemente falleci-
do, siempre me ha hecho sentir cierta
inquietud, y desde que tuve la desgra-
cia de perderlo, he deseado zanjar el
asunto, pero durante algn tiempo me
retuvieron las dudas, temiendo ser
irrespetuoso a su memoria, al ponerme
en buenos trminos con alguien con el
que l siempre estaba en discordia, tan
Pero ahora ya he tomado una decisin
sobre el tema, por haber sido ordenado
en Pascua, ya que he tenido la suerte
de ser distinguido con el patronato de
la muy honorable lady Catherine de
Bourgh, viuda de sir Lewis de Bourgh,
cuya generosidad y beneficencia me ha
elegido a m para hacerme cargo de la
estimada rectora de su parroquia, don-
de mi ms firme propsito ser servir a
Su Seora con gratitud y respeto, y es-
tar siempre dispuesto a celebrar los ri-
tos y ceremonias instituidos por la Igle-
sia de Inglaterra. Por otra parte, como
sacerdote, creo que es mi deber promo-
ver y establecer la bendicin de la paz
en todas las familias a las que alcance
mi influencia; y basndome en esto es-
pero que mi presente propsito de bue-
na voluntad sea acogido de buen gra-
do, y que la circunstancia de que sea
yo el heredero de Longbourn sea ol-
vidada por su parte y no le lleve a
rechazar la rama de olivo que le
ofrezco. No puedo sino estar preocu-
pado por perjudicar a sus agradables
hijas, y suplico que se me disculpe
por ello, tambin quiero dar fe de mi
buena disposicin para hacer todas
las enmiendas posibles de ahora en
adelante. Si no se opone a recibirme
en su casa, espero tener la satisfac-
cin de visitarle a usted y a su fam i -
lia, el lunes 18 de noviembre a las
cuatro, y puede que abuse de su
hospitalidad hasta el sbado
________ siguiente, cosa que puedo hacer
sin ningn inconveniente, puesto que lady
Catherine de Bourgh no pondr objecin
y ni siquiera desaprobara que estuviese au-
sente fortuitamente el domingo, siempre que
hubiese algn otro sacerdote dispuesto para
 Austen Pride
remain, dear sir, with respectful
compliments to your lady and daughters,
your well-wisher and friend,
5 WILLIAM COLLINS
At four oclock, therefore, we may
expect this peace-making gentleman,
said Mr. Bennet, as he folded up the
10 letter. He seems to be a most
conscientious and polite young man,
upon my word, and I doubt not will prove
a valuable acquaintance, especially if
Lady Catherine should be so indulgent
15 as to let him come to us again.
There is some sense in what he says
about the girls, however, and if he is
disposed to make them any amends, I
20 shall not be the person to discourage
him.
Though it is difficult, said Jane, to
guess in what way he can mean to make
25 us the atonement he thinks our due, the
wish is certainly to his credit.
Elizabeth was chiefly struck by his
extraordinary deference for Lady
30 Catherine, and his kind intention of
christening, marrying, and burying his
parishioners whenever it were required.
He must be an oddity, I think, said
35 she. I cannot make him out.There is
something very pompous in his style.
And what can he mean by apologising for
entail n. Law 1 an entailed estate. 2 the being next in the entail?We cannot
succession to such an estate. suppose he would help it if he could.
40 Could he be a sensible man, sir?
No, my dear, I think not. I have great
hopes of finding him quite the reverse.
There is a mixture of servility and self-
45 importance in his letter, which promises
well. I am impatient to see him.
In point of composition, said Mary,
the letter does not seem defective. The
50 idea of the olive-branch perhaps is not
wholly new, yet I think it is well
expressed.
To Catherine and Lydia, neither the
55 letter nor its writer were in any degree
interesting. It was next to impossible that
their cousin should come in a scarlet coat,
and it was now some weeks since they
had received pleasure from the society
60 of a man in any other colour. As for their
mother, Mr. Collinss letter had done
away much of her ill-will, and she was
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- preparing to see him with a degree of
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero composure [calmness] which astonished
compostura es tambin repair, mending, 65 her husband and daughters.
tidiness, agreement
55
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
cumplir con las obligaciones de ese da. Le
envo afectuosos saludos para su esposa e
hijas, su amigo que le desea todo bien,
William Collins.
Por lo tanto, a las cuatro es po-
sible que aparezca este caballero
conciliador dijo el seor Bennet
mientras doblaba la carta. Parece
ser un joven educado y atento ; no
dudo de que su amistad nos ser va-
liosa, especialmente si lady
Catherine es tan indulgente como
para dejarlo venir a visitarnos.
Ya v e s , p a r e c e q u e t i e n e
sentido eso que dice sobre nues-
tras hijas. Si est dispuesto a en-
mendarse, no ser yo la que lo
desanime.
Aunque es difcil observ Jane
adivinar qu entiende l por esa repa-
racin que cree que nos merecemos, de-
bemos dar crdito a sus deseos.
A Elizabeth le impresion mucho
aquella extraordinaria deferencia hacia
lady Catherine y aquella sana intencin
de bautizar, casar y enterrar a sus feli-
greses siempre que fuese preciso.
Debe ser un poco raro dijo
. No puedo imaginrmelo. Su estilo
es algo pomposo. Y qu querr de-
cir con eso d e d i s c u l p a r s e p o r s e r
e l heredero de Longbourn? Supongo
que no tratara de evitarlo, si pudiese.
Pap, ser un hombre astuto?
No, querida, no lo creo. Tengo
grandes esperanzas de que sea lo con-
trario. Hay en su carta una mezcla de
servilismo y presuncin que lo afirma.
Estoy impaciente por verle.
En cuanto a la redaccin
dijo Mary, su carta no parece te-
ner defectos. Eso de la rama de oli-
vo no es muy original, pero, as y
todo, se expresa bien.
A Catherine y a Lydia, ni la carta
ni su autor les interesaban lo ms m-
nimo. Era prcticamente imposible
que su primo se presentase con casaca
escarlata, y haca ya unas cuantas se-
manas que no sentan agrado por nin-
gn hombre vestido de otro color. En
lo que a la madre respecta, la carta del
seor Collins haba extinguido su ren-
cor, y estaba preparada para recibirle
con tal moderacin que dejara per-
plejos a su marido y a sus hijas.
 Austen Pride
Mr. Collins was punctual to his time,
and was received with great politeness
by the whole family. Mr. Bennet indeed
5 said little; but the ladies were ready
enough to talk, and Mr. Collins seemed
neither in need of encouragement, nor
inclined to be silent himself. He was a
tall, heavy-looking young man of five-
10 and-twenty. His air was grave and stately,
and his manners were very formal. He
had not been long seated before he
complimented Mrs. Bennet on having so
fine a family of daughters; said he had
15 heard much of their beauty, but that in
this instance fame had fallen short of the
truth; and added, that he did not doubt
her seeing them all in due time disposed
of in marriage. This gallantry was not
20 much to the taste of some of his hearers;
but Mrs. Bennet, who quarreled with no
compliments, answered most readily.
Yo u a r e v e r y k i n d , I a m
25 s u r e ; a n d I w i s h w i t h a l l m y
heart it may prove so, for else
they will be destitute enough.
T h i n g s a r e s e t t l e d s o o d d l y.
30 You allude, perhaps, to the entail
of this estate.
Ah! sir, I do indeed. It is a grievous
a ff a i r t o m y p o o r g i r l s , y o u m u s t
35 confess. Not that I mean to find fault
with YOU, for such things I know are
all chance in this world. There is no
knowing how estates will go when once
they come to be entailed.
40
I am very sensible, madam, of the
hardship to my fair cousins, and could
say much on the subject, but that I am
cautious of appearing forward and
45 precipitate. But I can assure the young
ladies that I come prepared to admire
them. At present I will not say more; but,
perhaps, when we are better
acquainted
50
He was interrupted by a summons to
dinner; and the girls smiled on each
other. They were not the only objects of
Mr. Collinss admiration. The hall, the
55 dining-room, and all its furniture, were
examined and praised; and his
commendation of everything would have
touched Mrs. Bennets heart, but for the
mortifying supposition of his viewing it
60 all as his own future property. The
dinner too in its turn was highly
admired; and he begged to know to
which of his fair cousins the excellency
of its cooking was owing. But he was
65 set right there by Mrs. Bennet, who
56
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
El seor Collins lleg puntualmente
a la hora anunciada y fue acogido con
gran cortesa por toda la familia. El se-
or Bennet habl poco, pero las seoras
estaban muy dispuestas a hablar, y el se-
or Collins no pareca necesitar que le
animasen ni ser aficionado al silencio.
Era un hombre de veinticinco aos de
edad, alto, de mirada profunda, con un
aire grave y esttico y modales ceremo-
niosos. A poco de haberse sentado, feli-
cit a la seora Bennet por tener unas
hijas tan hermosas; dijo que haba odo
hablar mucho de su belleza, pero que la
fama se haba quedado corta en compa-
racin con la realidad; y aadi que no
dudaba que a todas las vera casadas a
su debido tiempo. La galantera no fue
muy del agrado de todas las oyentes; pero
la seora Bennet, que no se andaba con
cumplidos, contest en seguida:
Es usted muy amable y deseo de todo
corazn que sea como usted dice, pues de
otro modo quedaran las pobres bastante
desamparadas, en vista de la extraa mane-
ra en que estn dispuestas las cosas.
Alude usted, quiz, a la herencia de
esta propiedad?
Ah! En efecto, seor. No me negar
usted que es una cosa muy penosa para mis
hijas. No le culpo; ya sabe que en este mun-
do estas cosas son slo cuestin de suerte.
Nadie tiene nocin de qu va a pasar con
las propiedades una vez que tienen que ser
heredadas.
Siento mucho el infortunio
de sus lindas hijas; pero voy a ser
cauto, no quiero adelantarme y
parecer precipitado. Lo que s
puedo asegurar a estas jvenes, es
que he venido dispuesto a admi-
rarlas. De momento, no dir ms,
pero quiz, cuando nos conozca-
m o s m e j o r. . .
Le interrumpieron para invitarle a
pasar al comedor; y las muchachas se
sonrieron entre s. No slo ellas fueron
objeto de admiracin del seor Collins:
examin y elogi el vestbulo, el come-
dor y todo el mobiliario; y las pondera-
ciones que de todo haca, habran llega-
do al corazn de la seora Bennet, si no
fuese porque se mortificaba pensando
que Collins vea todo aquello como su
futura propiedad. Tambin elogi la
cena y suplic se le dijera a cul de sus
hermosas primas corresponda el mri-
to de haberla preparado. Pero aqu, la
seora Bennet le ataj sin miramiento
 Austen Pride
assured him with some asperity that they
were very well able to keep a good cook,
and that her daughters had nothing to do
in the kitchen. He begged pardon for
5 having displeased her. In a softened tone
she declared herself not at all offended;
but he continued to apologise for about
a quarter of an hour.
10
15
Chapter 14
During dinner, Mr. Bennet scarcely
spoke at all; but when the servants were
20 withdrawn, he thought it time to have
some conversation with his guest, and
therefore started a subject in which he
expected him to shine, by observing that
he seemed very fortunate in his patroness.
25 Lady Catherine de Bourghs attention to
his wishes, and consideration for his
comfort, appeared very remarkable. Mr.
Bennet could not have chosen better. Mr.
Collins was eloquent in her praise. The
30 subject elevated him to more than usual
solemnity of manner, and with a most
important aspect he protested that he
had never in his life witnessed such
behaviour in a person of ranksuch
35 affability and condescension, as he had
himself experienced from Lady
X
Catherine. She had been graciously
pl eased to approve of both of the
discourses which he had already had
40 the honour of preaching before her. She
had also asked him twice to dine at
Rosings, and had sent for him only the
Saturday before, to make up her pool
of quadrille in the evening. Lady
45 Catherine was reckoned proud by many
people he knew, but HE had never seen
anything but affability in her. She had
always spoken to him as she would to
any other gentleman; she made not the
50 smallest objection to his joining in the
society of the neighbourhood nor to his
leaving the parish occasionally for a
week or two, to visit his relations. She
had even condescended to advise him
55 to marry as soon as he could, provided
he chose with discretion; and had once
paid him a visit in his humble
parsonage, where she had perfectly
approved all the alterations he had been
60 making, and had even vouchsafed to
suggest some herselfsome shelves in
the closet upstairs.
That is all very proper and civil, I
65 am sure, said Mrs. Bennet, and I dare
57
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
dicindole que sus medios le permitan
tener una buena cocinera y que sus hi-
jas no tenan nada que hacer en la coci-
na. El se disculp por haberla molesta-
do y ella, en tono muy suave, le dijo que
no estaba nada ofendida. Pero Collins
continu excusndose casi durante un
cuarto de hora.
Captulo XIV
El seor Bennet apenas habl durante
la cena; pero cuando ya se haban retirado
los criados, crey que haba llegado el mo-
mento oportuno para conversar con su
husped. Comenz con un tema que crea
sera de su agrado, y le dijo que haba teni-
do mucha suerte con su patrona. La aten-
cin de lady Catherine de Bourgh a sus
deseos y su preocupacin por su bienestar
eran extraordinarios. El seor Bennet no
pudo haber elegido nada mejor. El seor
Collins hizo el elogio de lady Catherine con
gran elocuencia. El tema elev la solemni-
dad usual de sus maneras, y, dndose mu-
cha importancia, afirm que nunca haba
visto un comportamiento como el suyo en
una persona de su alcurnia ni tal afabili-
dad y condescendencia ______ _____
_________ ____________ ____ ______
______________. Se haba ________
dignado dar su aprobacin a los dos
sermones que ya haba tenido el honor
de pronunciar en su presencia; le haba in-
vitado a comer dos veces en Rosings, y el
mismo sbado anterior mand a buscarle
para que completase su partida de cuatrillo
durante la velada. Conoca a muchas perso-
nas que tenan a lady Catherine por orgullo-
sa, pero l no haba visto nunca en ella
ms que afabilidad. Siempre le ha-
bl como lo hara a cualquier otro
caballero; no se opona a que fre-
cuentase a las personas de la vecin-
dad, ni a que abandonase por una o
dos semanas la parroquia a fin de
ir a ver a sus parientes. Siempre
tuvo a bien recomendarle que se ca-
sara cuanto antes con tal de que
eligiese con prudencia, y le haba ido
a visitar a su humilde casa, donde
aprob todos los cambios que l ha-
ba hecho, llegando hasta sugerirle al-
guno ella misma, como, por ejemplo,
poner algunas repisas en los armarios de
las habitaciones de arriba.
Todo eso est muy bien y es muy cor-
ts por su parte coment la seora
 Austen Pride
say she is a very agreeable woman. It is
a pity that great ladies in general are not
more like her. Does she live near you,
sir?
5
The garden in which stands my
humble abode is separated only by a lane
from Rosings Park, her ladyships
residence.
10
I think you said she was a widow,
sir? Has she any family?
She has only one daughter, the
15 heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive
property.
Ah! said Mrs. Bennet, shaking her
head, then she is better off than many
20 girls. And what sort of young lady is she?
Is she handsome?
She is a most charming young lady
indeed. Lady Catherine herself says that,
25 in point of true beauty, Miss de Bourgh
is far superior to the handsomest of her
sex, because there is that in her features
which marks the young lady of
distinguished birth. She is unfortunately
30 of a sickly constitution, which has
prevented her from making that progress
in many accomplishments which she X
could not have otherwise failed of, as I
am informed by the lady who
35 superintended her education, and who
still resides with them. But she is
perfectly amiable, and often condescends
to drive by my humble abode in her little
phaeton and ponies. X o faetn y sus jacas.
40
Has she been presented? I do not
remember her name among the ladies at
court.
45 Her indifferent state of health
unhappily prevents her being in town;
and by that means, as I told Lady
Catherine one day, has deprived the
British court of its brightest ornaments.
50 Her ladyship seemed pleased with the
idea; and you may imagine that I am
happy on every occasion to offer those
little delicate compliments which are
always acceptable to ladies. I have more
55 than once observed to Lady Catherine,
that her charming daughter seemed born
to be a duchess, and that the most
elevated rank, instead of giving her
consequence, would be adorned by her.
60 These are the kind of little things which
please her ladyship, and it is a sort of
attention which I conceive myself
peculiarly bound to pay.
65 You judge very properly, said Mr.
58
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Bennet. Debe ser una mujer muy agrada-
ble. Es una pena que las grandes damas en
general no se parezcan mucho a ella. Vive
cerca de usted?
Rosings Park, residencia de Su Se-
ora, est slo separado por un camino de
la finca en la que est ubicada mi humilde
casa.
Creo que dijo usted que era viuda.
Tiene familia?
No tiene ms que una hija, la herede-
ra de Rosings y de otras propiedades
extenssimas.
Ay! suspir la seora Bennet mo-
viendo la cabeza. Est en mejor situacin
que muchas otras jvenes. Qu clase de
muchacha es? Es guapa?
Es realmente una joven encanta-
dora. La misma lady Catherine dice
que, haciendo honor a la verdad, en
cuanto a belleza se refiere, supera con
mucho a las ms hermosas de su sexo;
porque hay en sus facciones ese algo
que revela en una mujer su distinguida
cuna. Por desgracia es de constitucin
enfermiza, lo cual le ha impedido progre-
sar en ciertos aspectos de su educacin que,
a no ser por eso, seran muy notables,
segn me ha informado la seora que
dirigi su enseanza y que an vive
con ellas. Pero es muy amable y a
menudo tiene la bondad de pasar por
mi humilde residencia con su peque-
Ha sido ya presentada en sociedad?
No recuerdo haber odo su nombre entre las
damas de la corte.
El mal estado de su salud no le ha
permitido, desafortunadamente, ir a la ca-
pital, y por ello, como le dije un da a lady
Catherine, ha privado a la corte britnica
de su ornato ms radiante. Su Seora pa-
reci muy halagada con esta apreciacin;
y ya pueden ustedes comprender que me
complazco en dirigirles, siempre que ten-
go ocasin, estos pequeos y delicados
cumplidos que suelen ser gratos a las da-
mas. Ms de una vez le he hecho obser-
var a lady Catherine que su encantadora
hija pareca haber nacido para duquesa y
que el ms elevado rango, en vez de dar-
le importancia, quedara enaltecido por
ella. Esta clase de cosillas son las que
agradan a Su Seora y me considero
especialmente obligado a tener con ella
tales atenciones.
Juzga usted muy bien dijo el
 Austen Pride
Bennet, and it is happy for you that you
possess the talent of flattering with
delicacy. May I ask whether these
pleasing attentions proceed from the
5 impulse of the moment, or are the result
of previous study?
They arise chiefly from what is
passing at the time, and though I
10 sometimes amuse myself with suggesting
and arranging such little elegant
compliments as may be adapted to
ordinary occasions, I always wish to give
them as unstudied an air as possible.
15
Mr. Bennets expectations were fully
answered. His cousin was as absurd as
he had hoped, and he listened to him with
the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at the
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- 20 same time the most resolute composure
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero of countenance, and, except in an
compostura es tambin repair, mending, occasional glance at Elizabeth, requiring
tidiness, agreement
no partner in his pleasure.
25 By tea-time, however, the dose had
been enough, and Mr. Bennet was glad
to take his guest into the drawing-room
again, and, when tea was over, glad to
invite him to read aloud to the ladies. Mr.
30 Collins readily assented, and a book was
produced; but, on beholding it (for
everything announced it to be from a
circulating library), he started back, and
begging pardon, protested that he never
35 read novels. Kitty stared at him, and
Lydia exclaimed. Other books were
produced, and after some deliberation he
chose Fordyces Sermons. Lydia gaped
as he opened the volume, and before he
40 had, with very monotonous solemnity,
read three pages, she interrupted him
with:
Do you know, mamma, that my uncle
45 Phillips talks of turning away Richard;
and if he does, Colonel Forster will hire
him. My aunt told me so herself on
Saturday. I shall walk to Meryton to-
morrow to hear more about it, and to ask
50 when Mr. Denny comes back from town.
Lydia was bid by her two eldest sisters
to hold her tongue; but Mr. Collins, much
offended, laid aside his book, and said:
55
I have often observed how little
young ladies are interested by
books of a serious stamp, though
w r i t t e n s o l e l y f o r t h e i r b e n e f i t . It
60 amazes me, I confess; for, certainly, there
can be nothing so advantageous to them
as instruction. But I will no longer
importune my young cousin.
65 Then turning to Mr. Bennet, he
59
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
seor Bennet, y es una suerte que
tenga el talento de saber adular con de-
licadeza. Puedo preguntarle si esos
gratos cumplidos se le ocurren espon-
tneamente o si son el resultado de un
estudio previo?
Normalmente me salen en el mo-
mento, y aunque a veces me entreten-
go en meditar y preparar estos peque-
os y elegantes cumplidos para poder
adaptarlos en las ocasiones que se me
presenten, siempre procuro darles un
tono lo menos estudiado posible.
Las suposiciones del seor Bennet se
haban confirmado. Su primo era tan ab-
surdo como l crea. Le escuchaba con in-
tenso placer, conservando, no obstante, la
ms perfecta compostura; y, a no ser por
alguna mirada que le lanzaba de vez en
cuando a Elizabeth, no necesitaba que na-
die ms fuese partcipe de su gozo.
Sin embargo, a la hora del t ya haba
tenido bastante, y el seor Bennet tuvo el
placer de llevar a su husped de nuevo al
saln. Cuando el t hubo terminado, le in-
vit a que leyese algo en voz alta a las se-
oras. Collins accedi al punto y trajeron
un libro; pero en cuanto lo vio se notaba
en seguida que era de una biblioteca circu-
lante se detuvo, pidi que le perdonaran
y dijo que jams lea novelas. Kitty le mir
con extraeza y a Lydia se le escap una
exclamacin. Le trajeron otros volmenes
y tras algunas dudas eligi los sermones
de Fordyce. No hizo ms que abrir el libro
y ya Lydia empez a bostezar, y antes de
que Collins, con montona solemnidad, hu-
biese ledo tres pginas, la muchacha le in-
terrumpi diciendo:
Sabes, mam, que el to
Phillips habla de despedir a Richard?
Y si lo hace, lo contratar el coronel
Forster. Me lo dijo la ta el sbado.
Ir maana a Meryton para enterar-
me de ms y para preguntar cundo
viene de la ciudad el seor Denny.
Las dos hermanas mayores le roga-
ron a Lydia que se callase, pero Collins,
muy ofendido, dej el libro y exclam:
Con frecuencia he observado lo
poco que les interesan a las jvenes los
libros de temas serios, a pesar de que
fueron escritos por su bien. Confieso
que me asombra, pues no puede haber
nada tan ventajoso para ellas como la
instruccin. Pero no quiero seguir im-
portunando a mi primita.
Se dirigi al seor Bennet y le pro-
 Austen Pride
offered himself as his antagonist at
backgammon. Mr. Bennet accepted the
challenge, observing that he acted very
wisely in leaving the girls to their own
5 trifling amusements. Mrs. Bennet and her
daughters apologised most civilly for
Lydias interruption, and promised that
it should not occur again, if he would
resume his book; but Mr. Collins, after
10 assuring them that he bore his young
cousin no ill-will, and should never
resent [take offence at] her behaviour
as any affront, seated himself at another
table with Mr. Bennet, and prepared for
15 backgammon.
20
Chapter 15
25
Mr. Collins was not a sensible man,
and the deficiency of nature had been but
little assisted by education or society; the
greatest part of his life having been spent
30 under the guidance of an illiterate and
miserly father; and though he belonged
to one of the universities, he had merely
kept the necessary terms, without
forming at it any useful acquaintance.
35 The subjection in which his father had
brought him up had given him originally
great humility of manner; but it was now a
conceit vanidad, presuncin, engreimiento good deal counteracted by the self-conceit
of a weak head, living in retirement,
40 and the consequential feelings of
e a r l y a n d u ne x p e c t e d p r o s p e r i t y.
A fortunate chance had recommended him
to Lady Catherine de Bourgh when the
living of Hunsford was vacant; and the
45 respect which he felt for her high rank,
and his veneration for her as h i s
patroness, mingling with a very good
opinion of himself, of his authority as a
clergyman, and his right as a rector,
50 made him altogether a mixture of pride
obsequious servile obedient, aduln, zalame- and obsequiousness, self-importance
ro, lisonjero, adulador and humility.
obsequioso polite, obliging, helpful, courteous
Having now a good house and a very
55 sufficient income, he intended to marry;
and in seeking a reconciliation with the
Longbourn family he had a wife in view,
as he meant to choose one of the
daughters, if he found them as handsome
60 and amiable as they were represented by
common report. This was his plan of
amendsof atonementfor inheriting
their fathers estate; and he thought it an
excellent one, full of eligibility and
65 suitableness, and excessively generous
60
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
puso una partida de backgammon. El
seor Bennet acept el desafo y encon-
tr que obraba muy sabiamente al de-
jar que las muchachas se divirtiesen
con sus frivolidades. La seora Bennet
y sus hijas se deshicieron en disculpas
por la interrupcin de Lydia y le pro-
metieron que ya no volvera a suceder
si quera seguir leyendo. Pero Collins
les asegur que no estaba eno j a d o
con su prima y que nunca podra
interpretar lo que haba hecho como
una ofensa; y, sentndose en otra mesa
con el seor Bennet, se dispuso a jugar
al backgammon.
Captulo XV
El seor Collins no era un hombre in-
teligente, y a las deficiencias de su natu-
raleza no las haba ayudado nada ni su
educacin ni su vida social. Pas la ma-
yor parte de su vida bajo la autoridad de
un padre inculto y avaro; y aunque fue a la
universidad, slo permaneci en ella los
cursos meramente necesarios y no adqui-
ri ningn conocimiento verdaderamente
til. La sujecin con que le haba educado
su padre, le haba dado, en principio, gran
humildad a su carcter, pero ahora se vea
contrarrestada por una vanidad obtenida
gracias a su corta inteligencia, a su vida
retirada y a los sentimientos inherentes a
una repentina e inesperada prosperidad.
Una afortunada casualidad le haba colo-
cado bajo el patronato de lady Catherine
de Bourgh, cuando qued vacante la recto-
ra de Hunsford, y su respeto al alto rango
de la seora y la veneracin que le inspi-
raba por ser su patrona, unidos a un gran
concepto de s mismo, a su autoridad de
clrigo y a sus derechos de rector, le ha-
ban convertido en una mezcla de or-
gullo y servilismo , de presuncin y
modestia.
Puesto que ahora ya posea una buena
casa y unos ingresos ms que suficientes,
Collins estaba pensando en casarse. En su
reconciliacin con la familia de Longbourn,
buscaba la posibilidad de realizar su pro-
yecto, pues tena pensado escoger a una de
las hijas, en el caso de que resultasen tan
hermosas y agradables como se deca. ste
era su plan de enmienda, o reparacin, por
heredar las propiedades del padre, plan que
le pareca excelente, ya que era legtimo,
muy apropiado, a la par que muy generoso
 Austen Pride
and disinterested on his own part.
His plan did not vary on seeing
t h e m . M i s s B e n n e t s l o v e l y f a c e
5 confirmed his views, and established
all his strictest notions of what was due
to seniority; and for the first evening
SHE was his settled choice. The next
morning, however, made an alteration;
10 for in a quarter of an hours tete-a-tete
with Mrs. Bennet before breakfast, a
conversation beginning with his
parsonage-house, and leading naturally
to the avowal [confesin] of his hopes,
15 that a mistress might be found for it at
Longbourn, produced from her, amid
very complaisant smiles and general
encouragement, a caution against the
very Jane he had fixed on. As to her
20 YOUNGER daughters, she could not
take upon her to sayshe could not
positively answerbut she did not
KNOW of any prepossession; her
E L D E S T d a u g h t e r, s h e m u s t j u s t
25 mentionshe felt it incumbent on her
to hint, was likely to be very soon
engaged.
Mr. Collins had only to change from
30 Jane to Elizabethand it was soon
donedone while Mrs. Bennet was
stirring the fire. Elizabeth, equally next
to Jane in birth and beauty, succeeded her
of course.
35
Mrs. Bennet treasured up the hint,
and trusted that she might soon have
two daughters married; and the man
whom she could not bear to speak of
40 the day before was now high in her
good graces.
Lydias intention of walking to
Meryton was not forgotten; every sister
45 except Mary agreed to go with her; and
Mr. Collins was to attend them, at the
request of Mr. Bennet, who was most
anxious to get rid of him, and have his
library to himself; for thither Mr. Collins
50 had followed him after breakfast; and
there he would continue, nominally
engaged with one of the largest folios in
the collection, but really talking to Mr.
Bennet, with little cessation, of his house
55 and garden at Hunsford. Such doings
discomposed Mr. Bennet exceedingly. In
his library he had been always sure of
leisure and tranquillity; and though
prepared, as he told Elizabeth, to meet
60 with folly and conceit in every other
room of the house, he was used to be free
from them there; his civility, therefore,
was most prompt in inviting Mr. Collins
to join his daughters in their walk; and
65 Mr. Collins, being in fact much better
61
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
y desinteresado por su parte.
Su plan no vari en nada al verlas. El
rostro encantador de Jane le confirm sus
propsitos y corrobor todas sus estrictas
nociones sobre la preferencia que debe dar-
se a las hijas mayores; y as, durante la
primera velada, se decidi definitivamente
por ella. Sin embargo, a la maana siguien-
te tuvo que hacer una alteracin; pues antes
del desayuno, mantuvo una conversacin de
un cuarto de hora con la seora Bennet.
Empezaron hablando de su casa parroquial,
lo que le llev, naturalmente, a confesar sus
esperanzas de que pudiera encontrar en
Longbourn a la que haba de ser seora de
la misma. Entre complacientes sonrisas y
generales estmulos, la seora Bennet le hizo
una advertencia sobre Jane: En cuanto a
las hijas menores, no era ella quien deba
argumentarlo; no poda contestar positiva-
mente, aunque no saba que nadie les hu-
biese hecho proposiciones; pero en lo refe-
rente a Jane, deba prevenirle, aunque, al
fin y al cabo, era cosa que slo a ella le in-
cumba, de que posiblemente no tardara en
comprometerse.
Collins slo tena que sustituir a
Jane por Elizabeth; y, espoleado p o r
la seora Bennet, hizo el cambio
rpidamente. Elizabeth, que segua
a Jane en edad y en belleza, fue la
nueva candidata.
La seora Bennet se dio por entera-
da, y confiaba en que pronto tendra dos
hijas casadas. El hombre de quien el da
antes no quera ni or hablar, se convir-
ti de pronto en el objeto de su ms alta
estimacin.
El proyecto de Lydia de ir a Meryton
segua en pie. Todas las hermanas, me-
nos Mary, accedieron a ir con ella. El
seor Collins iba a acompaarlas a peti-
cin del seor Bennet, que tena ganas
de deshacerse de su pariente y tener la
biblioteca slo para l; pues all le haba
seguido el seor Collins despus del de-
sayuno y all continuara, aparentemente
ocupado con uno de los mayores folios
de la coleccin, aunque, en realidad, ha-
blando sin cesar al seor Bennet de su
casa y de su jardn de Hunsford. Tales
cosas le descomponan enormemente. La
biblioteca era para l el sitio donde sa-
ba que poda disfrutar de su tiempo li-
bre con tranquilidad. Estaba dispuesto,
como le dijo a Elizabeth, a soportar la
estupidez y el engreimiento en cualquier
otra habitacin de la casa, pero en la bi-
blioteca quera verse libre de todo eso.
As es que emple toda su cortesa en in-
vitar a Collins a acompaar a sus hijas
 Austen Pride
fitted for a walker than a reader, was
extremely pleased to close his large book,
and go.
5 In pompous nothings on his side, and
civil assents on that of his cousins, their
time passed till they entered Meryton.
The attention of the younger ones was
then no longer to be gained by him. Their
10 eyes were immediately wandering up in
the street in quest of the officers, and
nothing less than a very smart bonnet
indeed, or a really new muslin in a shop
window, could recall them.
15
But the attention of every lady was
soon caught by a young man, whom they
had never seen before, of most
gentlemanlike appearance, walking with
20 another officer on the other side of the
way. The officer was the very Mr. Denny
concerning whose return from London
Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as
they passed. All were struck with the
25 strangers air, all wondered who he could
be; and Kitty and Lydia, determined if
possible to find out, led the way across
the street, under pretense of wanting
something in an opposite shop, and
30 fortunately had just gained the pavement
when the two gentlemen, turning back,
had reached the same spot. Mr. Denny
addressed them directly, and entreated
[besought] permission to introduce his
35 friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned
with him the day before from town, and
he was happy to say had accepted a
commission in their corps. This was
exactly as it should be; for the young man
40 wanted only regimentals to make him
completely charming. His appearance
was greatly in his favour; he had all the
best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a
good figure, and very pleasing address.
45 The introduction was followed up on his
side by a happy readiness of
conversationa readiness at the same
unassuming adj. not pretentious or time perfectly correct and unassuming;
arrogant; modest. Modesto, sin pretensiones. and the whole party were still standing
50 and talking together very agreeably,
when the sound of horses drew their
notice, and Darcy and Bingley were
seen riding down the street. On
distinguishing the ladies of the group,
55 the two gentlemen came directly
towards them, and began the usual
civilities. Bingley was the principal
spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal
object. He was then, he said, on his way
60 to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after
her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with a bow,
and was beginning to determine not to fix
his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were
suddenly arrested by the sight of the
65 stranger, and Elizabeth happening to
62
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
en su paseo; y Collins, a quien se le daba
mucho mejor pasear que leer, vio el cie-
lo abierto. Cerr el libro y se fue.
Y entre pomposas e insulsas frases,
por su parte, y corteses asentimientos,
por la de sus primas, pas el tiempo
hasta llegar a Meryton. Desde enton-
ces, las hermanas menores ya no le
prestaron atencin. No tenan ojos ms
que para buscar oficiales por las calles.
Y a no ser un sombrero verdaderamen-
te elegante o una muselina realmente
nueva, nada poda distraerlas.
Pero la atencin de todas las damiselas
fue al instante acaparada por un joven al que
no haban visto antes, que tena aspecto de
ser todo un caballero, y que paseaba con un
oficial por el lado opuesto de la calle. El ofi-
cial era el seor Denny en persona, cuyo re-
greso de Londres haba venido Lydia a ave-
riguar, y que se inclin para saludarlas al
pasar. Todas se quedaron impresionadas con
el porte del forastero y se preguntaban quin
podra ser. Kitty y Lydia, decididas a in-
dagar, cruzaron la calle con el pretexto de
que queran comprar algo en la tienda de
enfrente, alcanzando la acera con tanta
fortuna que, en ese preciso momento, los
dos caballeros, de vuelta, llegaban exac-
tamente al mismo sitio. El seor Denny
se dirigi directamente a ellas y les pidi
que le permitiesen presentarles a su
amigo, el seor Wickham, que haba
venido de Londres con l el da ante-
rior, y ha b a t e n i d o l a b o n d a d d e
aceptar un destino en el Cuerpo.
Esto ya era el colmo, pues perte-
necer al regimiento era lo nico
que le faltaba para completar su
encanto. Su aspecto deca mucho
e n s u f a v o r, e r a g u a p o y e s b e l t o ,
de trato muy afable. Hecha la pre-
sentacin, el seor Wickham inici
una conversacin con mucha sol-
tura, con la ms absoluta correc-
c i n y s i n p re t e n s i o n e s . A n e s -
taban todos all de pie charlando
agradablemente, cuando un ruido
de caballos atrajo su atencin y
v i e r o n a Darcy y a Bingley que, en sus
cabalgaduras, venan calle abajo. Al
distinguir a las jvenes en el grupo, los
dos caballeros fueron hacia ellas y
e m p e z a r o n l o s s a l u d o s d e r i g o r.
Bingley habl ms que nadie y Jane era
el objeto principal de su conversacin.
En ese momento, dijo, iban de camino
a Longbourn para saber cmo se encon-
traba; Darcy lo corrobor con una in-
clinacin; y estaba procurando no fijar
su mirada en Elizabeth, cuando, de re-
pente, se quedaron paralizado s a l v e r
al forastero. A Elizabeth, que vio
 Austen Pride
see the countenance of both as they
looked at each other, was all
astonishment at the effect of the
meeting. Both changed colour, one
5 l o o k e d w h i t e , t h e o t h e r r e d . M r.
Wi c k h a m , a f t e r a f e w m o m e n t s ,
touched his hata salutation which Mr.
Darcy just deigned to return. What
could be the meaning of it? It was
10 i m p o s s i b l e t o i m a g i n e ; i t w a s
impossible not to long to know.
In another minute, Mr. Bingley, but
without seeming to have noticed what
15 passed, took leave and rode on with his
friend.
M r. D e n n y a n d M r. Wi c k h a m
walked with the young ladies to the
20 door of Mr. Phillips house, and then
made their bows, in spite of Miss
Lydias pressing entreaties that they
should come in, and even in spite of
M r s . P h i l l i p s s t h r o w i n g u p t h e
25 p a r l o u r window and loudly
seconding the invitation.
Mrs. Phillips was always glad to see
her nieces; and the two eldest, from their
30 recent absence, were particularly
welcome, and she was eagerly expressing
her surprise at their sudden return home,
which, as their own carriage had not
fetched them, she should have known
35 nothing about, if she had not happened
to see Mr. Joness shop-boy in the street,
who had told her that they were not to
send any more draughts to Netherfield
because the Miss Bennets were come
40 away, when her civility was claimed
towards Mr. Collins by Janes
introduction of him. She received him
with her very best politeness, which he
returned with as much more, apologising
45 for his intrusion, without any previous
acquaintance with her, which he could
not help flattering himself, however,
might be justified by his relationship to
the young ladies who introduced him to
50 her notice. Mrs. Phillips was quite awed
by such an excess of good breeding; but
her contemplation of one stranger was
soon put to an end by exclamations and
inquiries about the other; of whom,
55 however, she could only tell her nieces
what they already knew, that Mr. Denny
had brought him from London, and that
he was to have a lieutenants commission
in the shire. She had been watching
60 him the last hour, she said, as he walked
up and down the street, and had Mr.
Wickham appeared, Kitty and Lydia
would certainly have continued the
occupation, but unluckily no one passed
65 windows now except a few of the
63
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
el semblante de ambos al mirarse,
l e s o r prendi mucho el efecto que
les haba causado el encuentro. Los
dos cambiaron de calor, uno se puso p -
lido y el otro colorado. Despus
d e u n a pequea vacilacin, Wickham se
llev la mano al sombrero, a cuyo saludo
se dign corresponder Darcy. Qu podra
significar aquello? Era imposible imagi-
narlo, pero era tambin imposible no sen-
tir una gran curiosidad por saberlo.
Un momento despus, Bingley, que
pareci no haberse enterado de lo ocu-
rrido, se despidi y sigui adelante con
su amigo.
Denny y Wickham continuaron pasean-
do con las muchachas hasta llegar a la puer-
ta de la casa del seor Philips, donde hicie-
ron las correspondientes reverencias y se
fueron a pesar de los insistentes ruegos de
Lydia para que entrasen y a pesar tambin
de que la seora Philips abri la ventana del
vestbulo y se asom para secundar a voces
la invitacin.
La seora Philips siempre se alegraba
de ver a sus sobrinas. Las dos mayores fue-
ron especialmente bien recibidas debido a
su reciente ausencia. Les expres su sor-
presa por el rpido regreso a casa, del que
nada habra sabido, puesto que no volvie-
ron en su propio coche, a no haberse dado
la casualidad de encontrarse con el man-
cebo del doctor Jones, quien le dijo que
ya no tena que mandar ms medici-
nas a Netherfield porque las seori-
tas Bennet se haban ido. Entonces
Jane le present al seor Collins a
quien dedic toda su atencin. Le
acogi con la ms exquisita cortesa,
a la que Collins correspondi con
ms finura an, disculpndose por
haberse presentado en su casa sin
que ella hubiese sido advertida pre-
viamente, aunque l se senta orgu-
lloso de que fuese el parentesco con
sus sobrinas lo que justificaba dicha
intromisin. La seora Philips se que-
d totalmente abrumada con tal exceso
de buena educacin. Pero pronto tuvo
que dejar de lado a este forastero, por
las exclamaciones y preguntas relativas
al otro. La seora Philips no poda de-
cir a sus sobrinas ms de lo que ya sa-
ban: que el seor Denny lo haba tra-
do de Londres y que se iba a quedar en
la guarnicin del condado con el grado
de teniente. Agreg que lo haba esta-
do observando mientras paseaba por la
calle; y si el seor Wickham hubiese
aparecido entonces, tambin Kitty y
Lydia se habran acercado a la ventana
para contemplarlo, pero por desgracia,
 Austen Pride
officers, who, in comparison with the
stranger, were become stupid,
disagreeable fellows. Some of them
were to dine with the Phillipses the next
5 day, and their aunt promised to make her
husband call on Mr. Wickham, and give
him an invitation also, if the family from
Longbourn would come in the evening.
This was agreed to, and Mrs. Phillips
10 protested that they would have a nice
comfortable noisy game of lottery
tickets, and a little bit of hot supper
afterwards. The prospect of such delights
was very cheering, and they parted in
15 mutual good spirits. Mr. Collins repeated
his apologies in quitting the room, and
was assured with unwearying civility that
they were perfectly needless.
20 As they walked home, Elizabeth
related to Jane what she had seen pass
between the two gentlemen; but though
Jane would have defended either or both,
had they appeared to be in the wrong, she
25 could no more explain such behaviour
than her sister.
Mr. Collins on his return highly
gratified Mrs. Bennet by admiring Mrs.
30 Phillipss manners and politeness. He
protested that, except Lady Catherine
and her daughter, he had never seen a
more elegant woman; for she had not
only received him with the utmost
35 civility, but even pointedly included
him in her invitation for the next
evening, although utterly unknown to
her before. Something, he supposed,
might be attributed to his connection
40 with them, but yet he had never met
with so much attention in the whole
course of his life.
45
50
Chapter 16
As no objection was made to the
55 young peoples engagement with their
aunt, and all Mr. Collinss scruples of
leaving Mr. and Mrs. Bennet for a single
evening during his visit were most
steadily resisted, the coach conveyed him
60 and his five cousins at a suitable hour to
Meryton; and the girls had the pleasure
of hearing, as they entered the drawing-
room, that Mr. Wickham had accepted
their uncles invitation, and was then in
65 the house.
64
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
en aquellos momentos no pasaban ms
que unos cuantos oficiales que,
comparados con el forastero, resulta-
ban unos sujetos estpidos y desagra-
dables. Algunos de estos oficiales iban
a cenar al da siguiente con los Philips,
y la ta les prometi que le dira a su
marido que visitase a Wickham para
que lo invitase tambin a l, si la fami-
lia de Longbourn quera venir por la
noche. As lo acordaron, y la seora
Philips les ofreci jugar a la lotera y
tomar despus una cena caliente. La
perspectiva de semejantes delicias era
magnfica, y las chicas se fueron muy
contentas. Collins volvi a pedir dis-
culpas al salir, y se le asegur que no
eran necesarias.
De camino a casa, Elizabeth le
cont a Jane lo sucedido entre los
dos caballeros, y aunque Jane los
habra defendido de haber notado
algo raro, en este caso, al igual que
su hermana, no poda explicarse tal
comportamiento.
Collins halag a la seora Bennet
ponderndole los modales y la edu-
cacin de la seora Philips. Asegu-
r que aparte de lady Catherine y su
hija, nunca haba visto una mujer
ms elegante, pues no slo le reci-
bi con la ms extremada cortesa,
sino que, adems, le incluy en la
invitacin para la prxima velada,
a pesar de serle totalmente desco-
nocido. Claro que ya saba que de-
ba atribuirlo a su parentesco con
ellos, pero no obstante, en su vida
haba sido tratado con tanta amabi-
lidad.
Captulo XVI
Como no se puso ningn inconvenien-
te al compromiso de las jvenes con su
ta y los reparos del seor Collins por no
dejar a los seores Bennet ni una sola
velada durante su visita fueron firmemen-
te rechazados, a la hora adecuada el co-
che parti con l y sus cinco primas ha-
cia Meryton. Al entrar en el saln de los
Philips, las chicas tuvieron la satisfac-
cin de enterarse de que Wickham haba
aceptado la invitacin de su to y de que
estaba en la casa.
 Austen Pride
When this information was given, and
they had all taken their seats, Mr. Collins
was at leisure to look around him and
5 admire, and he was so much struck with
the size and furniture of the apartment,
that he declared he might almost have
supposed himself in the small summer
breakfast parlour at Rosings; a
10 comparison that did not at first convey
much gratification; but when Mrs.
Phillips understood from him what
Rosings was, and who was its
proprietorwhen she had listened to the
15 description of only one of Lady
Catherines drawing-rooms, and found
that the chimney-piece alone had cost
eight hundred pounds, she felt all the
force of the compliment, and would
20 hardly have resented a comparison with
the housekeepers room.
In describing to her all the grandeur
of Lady Catherine and her mansion, with
25 occasional digressions in praise of his
own humble abode, and the
improvements it was receiving, he was
happily employed until the gentlemen
joined them; and he found in Mrs.
30 Phillips a very attentive listener, whose
opinion of his consequence increased
with what she heard, and who was
resolving to retail it all among her
neighbours as soon as she could. To the
35 girls, who could not listen to their cousin,
and who had nothing to do but to wish
for an instrument, and examine their own
indifferent imitations of china on the
mantelpiece, the interval of waiting
40 appeared very long. It was over at last,
however. The gentlemen did approach,
and when Mr. Wickham walked into the
room, Elizabeth felt that she had neither
been seeing him before, nor thinking of
45 him since, with the smallest degree of
unreasonable admiration. The officers of
the shire were in general a very
creditable, gentlemanlike set, and the
best of them were of the present party;
50 but Mr. Wickham was as far beyond them
all in person, countenance, air, and walk,
as THEY were superior to the broad-
faced, stuffy uncle Phillips, breathing
port wine, who followed them into the
55 room.
Mr. Wickham was the happy man
towards whom almost every female eye
was turned, and Elizabeth was the happy
60 woman by whom he finally seated himself;
and the agreeable manner in which he
immediately fell into conversation,
tho u g h i t w a s o n l y o n i t s
being a wet night, made
65 h e r feel that the
65
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Despus de recibir esta informa-
cin, y cuando todos haban tomado
asiento, Collins pudo observar todo a
sus anchas; las dimensiones y el mobi-
liario de la pieza le causaron tal admi-
racin, que confes haber credo en-
contrarse en el comedorcito de verano
de Rosings. Esta comparacin no des-
pert ningn entusiasmo al principio;
pero cuando la seora Philips oy de
labios de Collins lo que era Rosings y
quin era su propietaria, cuando escu-
ch la descripcin de uno de los salo-
nes de lady Catherine y supo que slo
la chimenea haba costado ochocientas
libras, apreci todo el valor de aquel
cumplido y casi no le habra molesta-
do que hubiese comparado su saln con
la habitacin del ama de llaves de los
Bourgh.
Collins se entretuvo en contarle a la
seora Philips todas las grandezas de
lady Catherine y de su mansin, hacien-
do mencin de vez en cuando de su hu-
milde casa y de las mejoras que estaba
efectuando en ella, hasta que llegaron
los caballeros. Collins encontr en la se-
ora Philips una oyente atenta cuya bue-
na opinin del rector aumentaba por mo-
mentos con lo que l le iba explicando,
y ya estaba pensando en contrselo todo
a sus vecinas cuanto antes. A las mucha-
chas, que no podan soportar a su pri-
mo, y que no tenan otra cosa que hacer
que desear tener a mano un instrumento
de msica y examinar las imitaciones de
china de la repisa de la chimenea, se les
estaba haciendo demasiado larga la es-
pera. Pero por fin aparecieron los
caballeros. Cuando Wickham entr en
la estancia, Elizabeth not que ni antes
se haba fijado en l ni despus lo haba
recordado con la admiracin suficien-
te. Los oficiales de la guarnicin del
condado gozaban en general de un pres-
tigio extraordinario; eran muy apuestos
y los mejores se hallaban ahora en la
presente reunin. Pero Wickham, por su
gallarda, por su soltura y por su airoso
andar era tan superior a ellos, como ellos
lo eran al rechoncho to Philips, que
entr el ltimo en el saln apestando a
oporto.
El seor Wickham era el hombre afor-
tunado al que se tornaban casi todos los ojos
femeninos; y Elizabeth fue la mujer afortu-
nada a cuyo lado decidi l tomar asiento.
Wickham inici la conversacin de un modo
tan agradable, a pesar de que se limit a decir
que la noche era hmeda y que probable-
X mente llovera mucho durante toda la esta-
cin, que Elizabeth se dio cuenta de que los

render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen-
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en-
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.), 5
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks;
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.).
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc.
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.)
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c 10
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting.
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up,
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are
Caesars). b show (obedience).
Austen Pride
commonest, dullest, most threadbare
topic might be rendered interesting
by the skill of the speaker.
With such rivals for the notice of the
fair as Mr. Wickham and the officers, Mr.
Collins seemed to sink into
insignificance; to the young ladies he
certainly was nothing; but he had still at
intervals a kind listener in Mrs. Phillips,
and was by her watchfulness, most
abundantly supplied with coffee and
muffin. When the card-tables were
placed, he had the opportunity of
15 obliging her in turn, by sitting down to
whist.
I know little of the game at present,
said he, but I shall be glad to improve
20 myself, for in my situation in life
Mrs. Phillips was very glad for his
compliance, but could not wait for his
reason.
25 Mr. Wickham did not play at whist,
and with ready delight was he received
at the other table between Elizabeth
and Lydia. At first there seemed danger
of Lydias engrossing him entirely, for
30 she was a most determined talker; but
being likewise extremely fond of
lottery tickets, she soon grew too much
interested in the game, too eager in
making bets and exclaiming after prizes
35 to have attention for anyone in
particular. Allowing for the common
demands of the game, Mr. Wickham
was therefore at leisure to talk to
Elizabeth, and she was very willing to
40 hear him, though what she chiefly
wished to hear she could not hope to
be toldthe history of his acquaintance
with Mr. Darcy. She dared not even
mention that gentleman. Her curiosity,
45 however, was unexpectedly relieved.
M r. Wi c k h a m b e g a n t h e s u b j e c t
himself. He inquired how far
Netherfield was from Meryton; and,
after receiving her answer, asked in a
50 hesitating manner how long Mr. Darcy
had been staying there.
About a month, said Elizabeth; and
then, unwilling to let the subject drop,
55 added, H e i s a m a n o f v e r y l a r g e
property in Derbyshire, I
understand.
Yes, replied Mr. Wickham; his
60 estate there is a noble one. A clear ten
thousand per annum. You could not have
met with a person more capable of giving
you certain information on that head than
myself, for I have been connected with
65 his family in a particular manner from my
66
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
tpicos ms comunes, ms triviales y ms
manidos, pueden resultar interesantes si se
dicen con destreza.
Con unos rivales como Wickham y
los dems oficiales en acaparar la aten-
cin de las damas, Collins pareca hun-
dirse en su insignificancia. Para las
muchachas l no representaba nada.
Pero la seora Philips todava le escu-
chaba de vez en cuando y se cuidaba
de que no le faltase ni caf ni pastas.
Cuando se dispusieron las mesas de
juego, Collins vio una oportunidad para
devolverle sus atenciones, y se sent a
jugar con ella al whist.
Conozco poco este juego, ahora le
dijo, pero me gustara aprenderlo mejor,
debido a mi situacin en la vida.
La seora Philips le agradeci su con-
descendencia, pero no pudo entender aque-
llas razones.
Wickham no jugaba al whist y fue reci-
bido con verdadero entusiasmo en la otra
mesa, entre Elizabeth y Lydia. Al principio
pareci que haba peligro de que Lydia lo
absorbiese por completo, porque le gustaba
hablar por los codos, pero como tambin
era muy aficionada a la lotera, no tard en
centrar todo su inters en el juego y estaba
demasiado ocupada en apostar y lanzar ex-
clamaciones cuando tocaban los premios,
para que pudiera distraerse en cualquier otra
cosa. Como todo el mundo estaba concen-
trado en el juego, Wickham poda dedicar
el tiempo a hablar con Elizabeth, y ella es-
taba deseando escucharle, aunque no tena
ninguna esperanza de que le contase lo que
a ella ms le apeteca saber, la historia de su
relacin con Darcy. Ni siquiera se atrevi a
mencionar su nombre. Sin embargo, su cu-
riosidad qued satisfecha de un modo ines-
perado. Fue el mismo seor Wickham el que
empez el tema. Pregunt qu distancia ha-
ba de Meryton a Netherfield, y despus de
or la respuesta de Elizabeth y de unos se-
gundos de titubeo, quiso saber tambin
cunto tiempo haca que estaba all el seor
Darcy.
Un mes aproximadamente contes-
t Elizabeth. Y con ansia de que no acabase
ah el tema, aadi:
Creo que ese seor posee grandes pro-
piedades en Derbyshire.
S r e p u s o Wi c k h a m , s u
hacienda es importante, le propor-
ciona diez mil libras anuales. Nadie
mejor que yo podra darle a usted
informes autnticos acerca del seor
D a r c y, p u e s h e e s t a d o p a r t i c u l a r -
mente relacionado con su familia
 Austen Pride
infancy.
Elizabeth could not but look
surprised.
5
You may well be surprised, Miss
Bennet, at such an assertion, after seeing,
as you probably might, the very cold
manner of our meeting yesterday. Are you
10 much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?
As much as I ever wish to be, cried
Elizabeth very warmly. I have spent four
days in the same house with him, and I
15 think him very disagreeable.
I have no right to give MY opinion,
said Wickham, as to his being agreeable
or otherwise. I am not qualified to form
20 one. I have known him too long and too
well to be a fair judge. It is impossible
for ME to be impartial. But I believe your
opinion of him would in general
astonishand perhaps you would not
25 express it quite so strongly anywhere
else. Here you are in your own family.
Upon my word, I say no more HERE
than I might say in any house in the
30 neighbourhood, except Netherfield. He
dusgust el sustantivo disgust es asco, repug- is not at all liked in Hertfordshire.
nancia, aversin, mientras que disgusto tra- Everybody is disgusted with his pride.
duce displeasure, misfortune, argument,
minor quarrel, trouble, sorrow; el adjetivo You will not find him more favourably
disgusted es hastiado, asqueado, indignado, spoken of by anyone.
mientras que disgustado es annoyed, 35
displeased, angry. I cannot pretend to be sorry, said
Wickham, after a short interruption, that
he or that any man should not be
estimated beyond their deserts; but with
40 HIM I believe it does not often happen.
The world is blinded by his fortune and
consequence, or frightened by his high
and imposing manners, and sees him only
as he chooses to be seen.
45
I should take him, even on MY slight
acquaintance, to be an ill-tempered man.
Wickham only shook his head.
50 I wonder, said he, at the next
opportunity of speaking, whether he is
likely to be in this country much longer.
I do not at all know; but I HEARD
55 nothing of his going away when I was at
Netherfield. I hope your plans in favour
of the shire will not be affected by
his being in the neighbourhood.
60 Oh! noit is not for ME to be driven
away by Mr. Darcy. If HE wishes to avoid
seeing ME, he must go. We are not on
friendly terms, and it always gives me
pain to meet him, but I have no reason
65 for avoiding HIM but what I might
67
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
desde mi infancia.
Elizabeth no pudo evitar demostrar su
sorpresa.
Le extraar lo que digo, seori-
ta Bennet, despus de haber visto,
como vio usted probablemente, la frial-
dad de nuestro encuentro de ayer. Co-
noce usted mucho al seor Darcy?
Ms de lo que deseara contest
Elizabeth afectuosamente. He pasado
cuatro das en la misma casa que l y me
parece muy antiptico.
Yo no tengo derecho a decir si es o
no es antiptico continu el seor
Wickham. No soy el ms indicado para
ello. Le he conocido durante demasiado
tiempo y demasiado bien para ser un juez
justo. Me sera imposible ser imparcial. Pero
creo que la opinin que tiene de l sorpren-
dera a cualquiera y puede que no la expre-
sara tan categricamente en ninguna otra
parte. Aqu est usted entre los suyos.
Le doy mi palabra de que lo que
digo aqu lo dira en cualquier otra casa
de la vecindad, menos en Netherfield.
X ______________________________
D a r c y h a d i s g u s t a d o a todo el mun-
X
do con su orgullo. No encontrar a nadie
que hable mejor de l.
No puedo fingir que lo siento
dijo Wickham despus de una breve pau-
sa. No siento que l ni nadie sean es-
timados slo por sus mritos, pero con
Darcy no suele suceder as. La gente se
ciega con su fortuna y con su importan-
cia o le temen por sus distinguidos y so-
berbios modales, y le ven slo como a
l se le antoja que le vean.
Pues yo, a pesar de lo poco que le
conozco, le tengo por una mala persona.
Wickham se limit a mover la cabeza.
Luego agreg: Me pregun-
to si pensar quedarse en
este condado mucho tiempo.
No tengo ni idea; pero no o nada
de que se marchase mientras estuvo en
Netherfield. Espero que la presencia de
Darcy no alterar sus planes de perma-
necer en la guarnicin del condado.
Claro que no. No ser el que me vaya
por culpa del seor Darcy, ______________
X __________ _________________
_______ y s i e m p r e m e e n t r i s t e c e
verle, pero no tengo ms que una
razn para esquivarle y p u e d o
 Austen Pride
proclaim before all the world, a sense of
very great ill-usage, and most painful
regrets at his being what he is. His father,
Miss Bennet, the late Mr. Darcy, was one
5 of the best men that ever breathed, and X
the truest friend I ever had; and I can
never be in company with this Mr. Darcy X
without being grieved to the soul by a
thousand tender recollections. His behaviour
10 to myself has been scandalous; but I verily
believe I could forgive him anything
and everything, rather than his
disappointing the hopes and disgracing
the memory of his father.
15
Elizabeth found the interest of the
subject increase, and listened with all her
heart; but the delicacy of it prevented
further inquiry.
20
Mr. Wickham began to speak on more
general topics, Meryton, the
neighbourhood, the society, appearing
highly pleased with all that he had yet
25 seen, and speaking of the latter with
gentle but very intelligible gallantry.
It was the prospect of constant
society, and good society, he added,
30 which was my chief inducement to enter
the shire. I knew it to be a most
respectable, agreeable corps, and my
friend Denny tempted me further by his
account of their present quarters, and the
35 very great attentions and excellent
acquaintances Meryton had procured
them. Society, I own, is necessary to me.
I have been a disappointed man, and my
spirits will not bear solitude. I MUST
40 have employment and society. A military
life is not what I was intended for, but
circumstances have now made it eligible.
The church OUGHT to have been my
professionI was brought up for the
45 church, and I should at this time have
been in possession of a most valuable
living, had it pleased the gentleman we
were speaking of just now.
50 Indeed!
Yesthe late Mr. Darcy bequeathed
me the next presentation of the best living
in his gift. He was my godfather, and
55 excessively attached to me. I cannot do
justice to his kindness. He meant to
provide for me amply, and thought he had
done it; but when the living fell, it was
given elsewhere.
60
Good heavens! cried Elizabeth;
but how could THAT be? How could his
will be disregarded? Why did you not
seek legal redress?
65
68
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
p r o clamarla delante de todo el mun-
do: un doloroso pesar por su mal tra-
to y por ser como es. Su padre, seo-
rita Bennet, el ltimo seor Darcy, fue
el mejor de los hombres ________ y
mi m e j o r a m i g o ; n o p u e d o
hablar con Darcy sin que se me
parta el alma con mil tiernos re-
cuerdos. Su conducta conmigo ha
sido indecorosa; pero confieso
sinceramente que se lo perdonara
todo menos que haya frustrado las
esperanzas de su padre y haya des-
honrado su memoria.
Elizabeth encontraba que el inters iba
en aumento y escuchaba con sus cinco sen-
tidos, pero la ndole delicada del asunto le
impidi hacer ms preguntas.
Wickham empez a hablar de temas
ms generales: Meryton, la vecindad,
la sociedad; y pareca sumamente
complacido con lo que ya conoca, ha-
blando especialmente de lo ltimo con
X gentil pero comprensible galantera.
El principal incentivo de mi ingreso
en la guarnicin del condado continu
Wickham fue la esperanza de estar en
constante contacto con la sociedad, y gente
de la buena sociedad. Saba que era un Cuer-
po muy respetado y agradable, y mi amigo
Denny me tent, adems, describindome
su actual residencia y las grandes atencio-
nes y excelentes amistades que ha encon-
trado en Meryton. Confieso que me hace fal-
ta un poco de vida social. Soy un hombre
decepcionado y mi estado de nimo no so-
portara la soledad. Necesito ocupacin y
compaa. No era mi intencin incor-
porarme a la vida militar, pero las circuns-
tancias actuales me hicieron elegirla. La
Iglesia debi haber sido mi profesin; para
ella me educaron y hoy estara en posesin
de un valioso rectorado si no hubiese sido
por el caballero de quien estaba hablando
hace un momento.
De veras?
S; el ltimo seor Darcy dej dis-
puesto que se me presentase para ocupar el
mejor beneficio eclesistico de sus domi-
nios. Era mi padrino y me quera entraa-
blemente. Nunca podr hacer justicia a su
bondad. Quera dejarme bien situado, y cre-
y haberlo hecho; pero cuando el puesto
qued vacante, fue concedido a otro.
Dios mo! exclam Elizabeth.
Pero cmo pudo ser eso? Cmo pudieron
contradecir su testamento? Por qu no re-
curri usted a la justicia?

disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame;
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon-
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa
Austen Pride
There was just such an informality
in the terms of the bequest as to give
me no hope from law. A man of honour
could not have doubted the intention,
5 but Mr. Darcy chose to doubt itor
to treat it as a merely conditional
recommendation, and to assert that I
had forfeited all claim to it by
extravagance, imprudencein short
10 anything or nothing. Certain it is, that
the living became vacant two years
ago, exactly as I was of an age to hold
it, and that it was given to another
man; and no less certain is it, that I
15 cannot accuse myself of having really
done anything to deserve to lose it. I
have a warm, unguarded temper, and I
may have spoken my opinion OF him,
and TO him, too freely. I can recall
20 nothing worse. But the fact is, that we
are very different sort of men, and that
he hates me.
This is quite shocking! He deserves
25 to be publicly disgraced.
Some time or other he WILL
bebut it shall not be by ME. Till I
c a n f o r g e t h i s f a t h e r, I c a n n e v e r
30 defy or expose HIM.
Elizabeth honoured him for such
feelings, and thought him handsomer than
ever as he expressed them.
35
But what, said she, after a
pause, can have been his motive?
What can have induced him to
behave so cruelly?
40
A thorough, determined dislike of
mea dislike which I cannot but
attribute in some measure to jealousy.
Had the late Mr. Darcy liked me less,
45 his son might have borne with me better;
but his fathers uncommon attachment
to me irritated him, I believe, very early
in life. He had not a temper to bear the
sort of competition in which we stood
50 the sort of preference which was often
given me.
I had not thought Mr. Darcy so bad
as thisthough I have never liked him. I
55 had not thought so very ill of him. I had
supposed him to be despising his fellow-
creatures in general, but did not suspect
him of descending to such malicious
revenge, such injustice, such inhumanity
60 as this.
After a few minutes reflection,
however, she continued, I DO remember
his boasting one day, at Netherfield, of
65 the implacability of his resentments, of
69
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Haba tanta informalidad en los tr-
minos del legado, que la ley no me hubiese
dado ninguna esperanza. Un hombre de ho-
nor no habra puesto en duda la intencin
de dichos trminos; pero Darcy prefiri du-
darlo o tomarlo como una recomendacin
meramente condicional y afirm que yo
haba perdido todos mis derechos por mi
extravagancia e imprudencia; total que o
por uno o por otro, lo cierto es que la rec-
tora qued vacante hace dos aos, justo
cuando yo ya tena edad para ocuparla, y
se la dieron a otro; y no es menos cierto
que yo no puedo culparme de haber hecho
nada para merecer perderla. Tengo un
temperamento ardiente, soy indiscreto y
acaso haya manifestado mi opinin sobre
Darcy algunas veces, y hasta a l mismo,
con excesiva franqueza. No recuerdo nin-
guna otra cosa de la que se me pueda acu-
sar. Pero el hecho es que somos muy dife-
rentes y que l me odia.
Es vergonzoso! Merece ser
desacreditado en pblico. 
Un da u otro le llegar la hora, pero
no ser yo quien lo desacredite. Mientras
no pueda olvidar a su padre, nunca podr
desafiarle ni desenmascararlo.
Elizabeth le honr por tales sentimien-
tos y le pareci ms atractivo que nunca
mientras los expresaba.
Pero continu despus de una
pausa, cul puede ser el motivo?
Qu puede haberle inducido a obrar
con esa crueldad?
Una profunda y enrgica antipata
hacia m que no puedo atribuir hasta cierto
punto ms que a los celos. Si el ltimo se-
or Darcy no me hubiese querido tanto, su
hijo me habra soportado mejor. Pero el ex-
traordinario afecto que su padre senta por
m le irritaba, segn creo, desde su ms tier-
na infancia. No tena carcter para resistir
aquella especie de rivalidad en que nos ha-
llbamos, ni la preferencia que a menudo
me otorgaba su padre.
__ ____ ___ ___ ___ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ ___ ___ ___ __ __ __ __ _ ___ _ __
____ ___ ___ __ __ ___ _________ _ __
____ ___ __ ___ _ __ __ __ __ _ __ ___
X __ __ ___ ___ ___ __ __ __ __ _ ___ _
__ ____ ___ ___ __ __ ___ _________
_ __ ____ ___ __ ___ _ __ __ __ __ _ __
___ __
X ______________________________
____________________ R e c u e r d o
que un da, en Netherfield, se jactaba
de lo implacable de sus sentimientos
 Austen Pride
his having an unforgiving temper. His
disposition must be dreadful.
I will not trust myself on the
5 subject, replied Wickham; I can hardly
be just to him.
Elizabeth was again deep in
thought, and after a time exclaimed,
10 To treat in such a manner the godson,
the friend, the favourite of his father!
She could have added, A young
m a n , t o o , l i k e Y O U , w h os e v e r y
countenance may vouch for your being
15 amiablebut she contented herself with,
and one, too, who had probably been
his companion from childhood,
connected together, as I think you said,
in the closest manner!
20
We were born in the same parish,
within the same park; the greatest part of
our youth was passed together; inmates
of the same house, sharing the same
25 amusements, objects of the same parental
care. MY father began life in the
profession which your uncle, Mr.
Phillips, appears to do so much credit
tobut he gave up everything to be of
30 use to the late Mr. Darcy and devoted all
his time to the care of the Pemberley
property. He was most highly esteemed
by Mr. Darcy, a most intimate,
confidential friend. Mr. Darcy often
35 acknowledged himself to be under the
greatest obligations to my fathers active
superintendence, and when, immediately
before my fathers death, Mr. Darcy gave
him a voluntary promise of providing for
40 me, I am convinced that he felt it to be
as much a debt of gratitude to HIM, as
of his affection to myself.
How strange! cried Elizabeth.
45 How abominable! I wonder that the
very pride of this Mr. Darcy has not
made him just to you! If from no
better motive, that he should not
have been too proud to be
50 dishonest for dishonesty I must
call it.
It IS wonderful, replied Wickham,
for almost all his actions may be traced
55 to pride; and pride had often been his best
friend. It has connected him nearer with
virtue than with any other feeling. But
we are none of us consistent, and in his
behaviour to me there were stronger
60 impulses even than pride.
Can such abominable
pride as his have ever done
him good?
65
70
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
y de tener un carcter que no perdona.
Su modo de ser es espantoso.
N o debo hablar de e st e t e m a
r e p u s o Wi c k h a m ; m e r e s u l t a d i -
fcil ser justo con l.
Elizabeth reflexion de nuevo y al cabo
de unos momentos exclam:
Tratar de esa manera al ahijado, al
amigo, al favorito de su padre!
Poda haber aadido: A un joven,
adems, como usted, que slo su ros-
tro ofrece sobradas garantas de su
bondad. Pero se limit a decir:
A un hombre que fue segura-
mente el compaero de su niez y con
el que, segn creo que usted ha di-
cho, le unan estrechos lazos.
Nacimos en la misma parroquia,
dentro de la misma finca; la mayor parte
de nuestra juventud la pasamos juntos,
viviendo en la misma casa, compartiendo
juegos y siendo objeto de los mismos cui-
dados paternales. Mi padre empez con
la profesin en la que parece que su to,
el seor Philips, ha alcanzado tanto pres-
tigio; pero lo dej todo para servir al se-
or Darcy y consagr todo su tiempo a
administrar la propiedad de Pemberley.
El seor Darcy lo estimaba mucho y era
su hombre de confianza y su ms ntimo
amigo. El propio seor Darcy reconoca
a menudo que le deba mucho a la activa
superintendencia de mi padre, y cuando,
poco antes de que muriese, el seor
Darcy le prometi espontneamente en-
cargarse de m, estoy convencido de que
lo hizo por pagarle a mi padre una deuda
de gratitud a la vez que por el cario que
me tena.
Qu extrao! exclam Elizabeth
. Qu abominable! Me asombra que el
propio orgullo del seor Darcy no le haya
obligado a ser justo con usted. Porque, aun-
que slo fuese por ese motivo, es demasia-
do orgulloso para no ser honrado; y falta de
honradez es como debo llamar a lo que ha
hecho con usted.
Es curioso contest Wickham, por-
que casi todas sus acciones han sido guia-
das por el orgullo, que ha sido a menudo su
mejor consejero. Para l, est ms unido a
la virtud que ningn otro sentimiento. Pero
ninguno de los dos somos consecuentes; y
en su comportamiento hacia m, haba im-
pulsos incluso ms fuertes que el orgullo.
Es posible que un orgullo tan detes-
table como el suyo le haya inducido alguna
vez a hacer algn bien?
 Austen Pride
liberal 1 generoso, dadivoso, magnnimo 2
liberal 3 abundante 4 libre Yes. It has often led him to be
liberal and generous, to give his
liberal 1 a). Generoso, desprendido, desinteresado.
Tolerante. 1 b) Que ejerce una profesin liberal tra-
money freely, to display hospitality,
dicionalmente de las artes o profesiones que ante
todo requieren el ejercicio del entendimiento. to assist his tenants, and relieve the
p o o r. F a m i l y p r i d e , a n d F I L I A L
2. Favorable a las libertades intelectuales y 5
profesionables del individuo y a las polticas del Es-
pridefor he is very proud of what
tado y a las Humanidades.
his father washave done this. Not
(Nota: parece estarse perdiendo el primer significa-
do en favor del segundo.) to appear to disgrace his family, to
disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame; degenerate from the popular qualities,
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family). 10 or lose the influence of the Pemberley
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful House, is a powerful motive. He has
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus also BROTHERLY pride, which, with
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from SOME brotherly affection, makes him
a position of honour; dismiss from favour. a very kind and careful guardian of
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia, 15 h i s s i s t e r, a n d y o u w i l l h e a r h i m
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation; generally cried up as the most
out of favour. attentive and best of brothers.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon- What sort of girl is Miss
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada 20 D a r c y ?
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in- He shook his head. I wish I could
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin call her amiable. It gives me pain to
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual speak ill of a Darcy. But she is too
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado, 25 much like her brothervery, very
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es proud. As a child, she was affectionate
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve- and pleasing, and extremely fond of
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de me; and I have devoted hours and hours to
her amusement. But she is nothing to me now.
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar, 30 She is a handsome girl, about fifteen or
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que sixteen, and, I understand, highly
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li- accomplished. Since her fathers death, her
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa home has been London, where a lady lives
with her, and superintends her education.
35
After many pauses and many trials
of other subjects, Elizabeth could not
help reverting once more to the first, and
saying:
40
I am astonished at his intimacy
w i t h M r. B i n g l e y ! H o w c a n M r.
Bingley, who seems good humour
itself, and is, I really believe, truly
45 amiable, be in friendship with such a
man? How can they suit each other? Do
you know Mr. Bingley?
Not at all.
50
He is a sweet-tempered,
amiable, charming man. He cannot
k n o w w h a t M r. D a r c y i s .
55 Probably not; but Mr. Darcy can
please where he chooses. He does
not want abilities. He can be a
conversible companion if he thinks it
worth his while. Among those who are at
60 all his equals in consequence, he is a very
different man from what he is to the less
prosperous. His pride never deserts him;
but with the rich he is liberal-minded,
just, sincere, rational, honourable, and
65 perhaps agreeableallowing something
71
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
S; le ha llevado con frecuencia a ser
liberal y generoso, a dar su dinero a manos
llenas, a ser hospitalario, a ayudar a sus co-
lonos y a socorrer a los pobres. El orgullo
de familia, su orgullo de hijo, porque est
muy orgulloso de lo que era su padre, le ha
hecho actuar de este modo. El deseo de de-
mostrar que no desmereca de los suyos,
que no era menos querido que ellos y que
no echaba a perder la influencia de la casa
de Pemberley, fue para l un poderoso mo-
tivo. Tiene tambin un orgullo de hermano
que, unido a algo de afecto fraternal, le ha
convertido en un amabilsimo y solcito cus-
todio de la seorita Darcy, y oir decir mu-
chas veces que es considerado como el ms
atento y mejor de los hermanos.
Qu clase de muchacha es la seori-
ta Darcy?
Wickham hizo un gesto con la cabeza.
Quisiera poder decir que es encanta-
dora. Me da pena hablar mal de un Darcy.
Pero ahora se parece demasiado a su her-
mano, es muy orgullosa. De nia, era muy
cariosa y complaciente y me tena un gran
afecto. Las horas que he pasado entrete-
X nindola! Pero ahora me es indiferen-
te. Es una hermosa muchacha de quin-
ce o diecisis aos, creo que muy bien
educada. Desde la muerte de su padre
vive en Londres _______ _________
_______ ______ c o n u n a i n s t i t u t r i z .
X
Despus de muchas pausas y muchas
tentativas de hablar de otros temas,
Elizabeth no pudo evitar volver a lo prime-
ro, y dijo:
Lo que me asombra es su amistad con
el seor Bingley. Cmo puede el seor
Bingley, que es el buen humor personificado,
y es, estoy convencida, verdaderamente ama-
ble, tener algo que ver con un hombre como
el seor Darcy? Cmo podrn llevarse bien?
Conoce usted al seor Bingley?
No, no lo conozco.
Es un hombre encantador, amable, de
carcter dulce. No debe saber cmo es en
realidad el seor Darcy.
Probablemente no; pero el seor Darcy
sabe cmo agradar cuando le apetece. No ne-
cesita esforzarse. Puede ser una compaa de
amena conversacin si cree que le me-
rece la pena. Entre la gente de su posi-
cin es muy distinto de como es con
los inferiores. El orgullo no le abando-
na nunca, pero con los ricos adopta una
mentalidad liberal, es justo, sincero,
razonable, honrado y hasta quiz agra-
dable, debido en parte a su fortuna y a
 Austen Pride
for fortune and figure.
The whist party soon afterwards
breaking up, the players gathered round
5 the other table and Mr. Collins took his
station between his cousin Elizabeth and
Mrs. Phillips. The usual inquiries as to
his success was made by the latter. It had
not been very great; he had lost every
10 point; but when Mrs. Phillips began to
express her concern thereupon, he
assured her with much earnest gravity
that it was not of the least importance,
that he considered the money as a mere
15 trifle, and begged that she would not
make herself uneasy.
I know very well, madam, said he,
that when persons sit down to a card-
20 table, they must take their chances of
these things, and happily I am not in such
circumstances as to make five shillings
any object. There are undoubtedly many
who could not say the same, but thanks
25 to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I am
removed far beyond the necessity of
regarding little matters.
Mr. Wickhams attention was caught;
30 and after observing Mr. Collins for a few
moments, he asked Elizabeth in a low
voice whether her relation was very
intimately acquainted with the family of
de Bourgh.
35
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, she
replied, has very lately given him a
living. I hardly know how Mr. Collins
was first introduced to her notice, but he
40 certainly has not known her long.
You know of course that Lady
Catherine de Bourgh and Lady Anne
Darcy were sisters; consequently that she
45 is aunt to the present Mr. Darcy.
No, indeed, I did not. I knew nothing
at all of Lady Catherines connections. I
never heard of her existence till the day
50 before yesterday.
Her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, will
have a very large fortune, and it is
believed that she and her cousin will unite
55 the two estates.
This information made Elizabeth
smile, as she thought of poor Miss
Bingley. Vain indeed must be all her
60 attentions, vain and useless her affection
for his sister and her praise of himself,
if he were already self-destined for
another.
65 Mr. Collins, said she, speaks
72
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
su buena presencia.
Poco despus termin la partida de
whist y los jugadores se congregaron
alrededor de la otra mesa. Collins se
situ entre su prima Elizabeth y la se-
ora Philips. Esta ltima le hizo las pre-
guntas de rigor sobre el resultado de la
partida. No fue gran cosa; haba perdi-
do todos los puntos. Pero cuando la
seora Philips le empez a decir cun-
to lo senta, Collins le asegur con la
mayor gravedad que no tena ninguna
importancia y que para l el dinero era
lo de menos, rogndole que no se in-
quietase por ello.
S muy bien, seora le dijo
, que cuando uno se sienta a una mesa
de juego ha de someterse al azar, y
afortunadamente no estoy en circuns-
tancias de tener que preocuparme por
cinco chelines. Indudablemente habr
muchos que no puedan decir lo mis-
mo, pero gracias a lady Catherine de
Bourgh estoy lejos de tener que dar
importancia a tales pequeeces.
A Wickham le llam la atencin,
y despus de observar a Collins
durante unos minutos le pregunt
en voz baja a Elizabeth si su pa-
riente era amigo de la familia de
B o u rg h .
L a d y C a t h e r i n e d e B o u rg h l e h a
dado hace poco una rectora con-
tes t. N o s muy bien q u i n l o s
present, pero no hace mucho tiem-
po que la conoce.
Supongo que sabe que lady Catherine
de Bourgh y lady Anne Darcy eran herma-
nas, y que, por consiguiente, lady Catherine
es ta del actual seor Darcy.
No, ni idea; no saba nada de
la familia de lady Catherine. No te-
na nocin de su existencia hasta
hace dos das.
Su hija, la seorita de Bourgh,
heredar una enorme fortuna, y se
dice que ella y su primo unirn las
dos haciendas.
Esta noticia hizo sonrer a Elizabeth
al pensar en la pobre seorita Bingley.
En vano eran, pues, todas sus atencio-
nes, en vano e intil todo su afecto por
la hermana de Darcy y todos los elogios
que de l haca si ya estaba destinado a
otra.
El seor Collins dijo
 Austen Pride
highly both of Lady Catherine and her
daughter; but from some particulars that
he has related of her ladyship, I suspect
his gratitude misleads him, and that in
5 spite of her being his patroness, she is
an arrogant, conceited woman.
I believe her to be both in a great
degree, replied Wickham; I have not
10 seen her for many years, but I very well
remember that I never liked her, and that
her manners were dictatorial and
insolent. She has the reputation of being
remarkably sensible and clever; but I
15 rather believe she derives part of her
abilities from her rank and fortune, part
from her authoritative manner, and the
rest from the pride for her nephew, who
chooses that everyone connected with
20 him should have an understanding of the
first class.
Elizabeth allowed that he had given
a very rational account of it, and they
25 continued talking together, with mutual
satisfaction till supper put an end to
cards, and gave the rest of the ladies
their share of Mr. Wickhams attentions.
There could be no conversation in the
30 noise of Mrs. Phillipss supper party, but
his manners recommended him to
everybody. Whatever he said, was said
well; and whatever he did, done
gracefully. Elizabeth went away with her
35 head full of him. She could think of
nothing but of Mr. Wickham, and of
what he had told her, all the way home;
but there was not time for her even to
mention his name as they went, for
40 neither Lydia nor Mr. Collins were once
silent. Lydia talked incessantly of lottery
tickets, of the fish she had lost and the
fish she had won; and Mr. Collins in
describing the civility of Mr. and Mrs.
45 Phillips, protesting that he did not in the
l e a s t r e g a r d h i s l o s s e s a t whist ,
enumerating all the dishes at supper,
and repeatedly fearing that he crowded
his cousins, had more to say than he
50 could well manage before the carriage
stopped at Longbourn House.
55
60 Chapter 17
Elizabeth related to Jane the next day
what had passed between Mr. Wickham
and herself. Jane listened with
65 astonishment and concern; she knew not
73
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Elizabeth habla muy bien de lady
Catherine y de su hija; pero por algu-
nos detalles que ha contado de Su Se-
ora, sospecho que la gratitud le cie-
ga y que, a pesar de ser su protectora,
es una mujer arrogante y vanidosa.
Creo que es ambas cosas, y en
alto grado respondi Wickham.
Hace muchos aos que no la veo,
pero recuerdo que nunca me gust y
que sus modales eran autoritarios e
insolentes. Tiene fama de ser juicio-
sa e inteligente; pero me da la sen-
sacin de que parte de sus cualida-
des se derivan de su rango y su for-
tuna; otra parte, de su despotismo, y
el resto, del orgullo de su sobrino
que cree que todo el que est rela-
cionado con l tiene que poseer una
inteligencia superior.
Elizabeth reconoci que la haba re-
tratado muy bien, y siguieron charlan-
do juntos hasta que la cena puso fin al
juego y permiti a las otras seoras
participar de las atenciones de
Wickham. No se poda entablar una con-
versacin, por el ruido que armaban los
comensales del seor Philips; pero sus
modales encantaron a todo el mundo.
Todo lo que deca estaba bien dicho y
todo lo que haca estaba bien hecho.
Elizabeth se fue prendada de l. De
vuelta a casa no poda pensar ms que
en el seor Wickham y en todo lo que le
haba dicho; pero durante todo el cami-
no no le dieron oportunidad ni de men-
cionar su nombre, ya que ni Lydia ni el
seor Collins se callaron un segundo.
Lydia no paraba de hablar de la lotera,
de lo que haba perdido, de lo que haba
ganado; y Collins, con elogiar la hospi-
talidad de los Philips, asegurar que no le
haban importado nada sus prdidas en
el whist, enumerar todos los platos de la
cena y repetir constantemente que tema que
por su culpa sus primas fuesen apretadas,
tuvo ms que decir de lo que habra podido
antes de que el carruaje parase delante de la
casa de Longbourn.
Captulo XVII
Al da siguiente Elizabeth le cont
a Jane todo lo que haban hablado
Wickham y ella. Jane escuch con
asombro e inters. No poda creer que
 Austen Pride
how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be
so unworthy of Mr. Bingleys regard; and
yet, it was not in her nature to question
the veracity of a young man of such
5 amiable appearance as Wickham. The
possibility of his having endured such
unkindness, was enough to interest all her
tender feelings; and nothing remained
therefore to be done, but to think well of
10 them both, to defend the conduct of each,
and throw into the account of accident
or mistake whatever could not be
otherwise explained.
15 They have both, said she, been
deceived, I dare say, in some way or
other, of which we can form no idea.
Interested people have perhaps
misrepresented each to the other. It is, in
20 short, impossible for us to conjecture the
causes or circumstances which may have
alienated them, without actual blame on
either side.
25 Very true, indeed; and now, my dear
Jane, what have you got to say on behalf
of the interested people who have
probably been concerned in the business?
Do clear THEM too, or we shall be
30 obliged to think ill of somebody.
Laugh as much as you choose, but
you will not laugh me out of my opinion.
My dearest Lizzy, do but consider in what
disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame; 35 a disgraceful light it places Mr. Darcy,
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful to be treating his fathers favourite in
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus such a manner, one whom his father had
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or promised to provide for. It is impossible.
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from No man of common humanity, no man
a position of honour; dismiss from favour. 40 who had any value for his character,
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation; could be capable of it. Can his most
out of favour. intimate friends be so excessively
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen- deceived in him? Oh! no.
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon- 45 I can much more easily believe Mr.
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man- Bingleys being imposed on, than that Mr.
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in- Wickham should invent such a history of
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala himself as he gave me last night; names,
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin facts, everything mentioned without
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual 50 ceremony. If it be not so, let Mr. Darcy
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es contradict it. Besides, there was truth in
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve- his looks.
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de It is difficult indeedit is
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca- 55 distressing. One does not know what to
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que think.
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse]. I beg your pardon; one knows
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa exactly what to think.
60
But Jane could think with certainty
on only one pointthat Mr. Bingley,
if he HAD been imposed on, would
X ____ ___ ___ __ __ ___ _________ _ __
have much to suffer when the affair
65 became public.
74
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Darcy fuese tan indigno de la estima-
cin de Bingley; y, no obstante, no se
atreva a dudar de la veracidad de un
hombre de apariencia tan afable como
Wickham. La mera posibilidad de que
hubiese sufrido semejante crueldad era
suficiente para avivar sus ms tiernos
sentimientos; de modo que no tena ms
remedio que no pensar mal ni del uno
ni del otro, defender la conducta de
ambos y atribuir a la casualidad o al
error lo que de otro modo no poda ex-
plicarse.
Tengo la impresin deca de que
ambos han sido defraudados, son personas,
de algn modo decepcionadas por algo que
nosotras no podemos adivinar. Quiz haya
sido gente interesada en tergiversar las co-
sas la que los enfrent. En fin, no pode-
mos conjeturar las causas o las circunstan-
cias que los han separado sin que ni uno ni
otro sean culpables.
Tienes mucha razn; y dime, mi
querida Jane: Qu tienes que decir en
favor de esa gente interesada que proba-
blemente tuvo que ver en el asunto?
Defindelos tambin, si no nos veremos
obligadas a hablar mal de alguien.
Rete de m todo lo que quieras,
pero no me hars cambiar de opinin.
Querida Lizzy, ten en cuenta en qu
lugar tan deshonroso sita al seor
Darcy; tratar as al favorito de su pa-
dre, a alguien al que l haba prometi-
do darle un porvenir. Es imposible.
Nadie medianamente bueno, que apre-
cie algo el valor de su conducta, es ca-
paz de hacerlo. Es posible que sus
amigos ms ntimos estn tan engaa-
dos respecto a l? Oh, no!
Creo que es ms fcil que la amis-
tad del seor Bingley sea impuesta que
el seor Wickham haya inventado seme-
jante historia con nombres, hechos, y
que la cuente con tanta naturalidad. Y
si no es as, que sea el seor Darcy el
que lo niegue. Adems, haba sinceridad
en sus ojos.
Es realmente difcil, es
lamentable. Uno no sabe qu
p e n s a r.
Perdona; uno sabe exactamente
qu pensar.
__ ____ ___ ___ ___ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ ___ ___ ___ __ __ __ __ _ ___ _ __
____ ___ __ ___ _ __ __ __ __ _ __ _
__ ____ ___ __
 Austen Pride
The two young ladies were
summoned from the shrubbery, where
this conversation passed, by the arrival
5 of the very persons of whom they had
been speaking; Mr. Bingley and his
sisters came to give their personal
invitation for the long-expected ball at
Netherfield, which was fixed for the
10 following Tuesday. The two ladies were
delighted to see their dear friend
again, called it an age since they had
met, and repeatedly asked what she
had been doing with herself since
15 their separation. To the rest of the
family they paid little attention;
avoiding Mrs. Bennet as much as
possible, saying not much to
Elizabeth, and nothing at all to the
20 others. They were soon gone again,
rising from their seats with an activity
which took their brother by surprise,
and hurrying off as if eager to escape
from Mrs. Bennets civilities.
25
The prospect of the Netherfield ball
was extremely agreeable to every female
of the family. Mrs. Bennet chose to
consider it as given in compliment to her
30 eldest daughter, and was particularly
flattered by receiving the invitation from
Mr. Bingley himself, instead of a
ceremonious card. Jane pictured to
herself a happy evening in the society of
35 her two friends, and the attentions of her
brother; and Elizabeth thought with
pleasure of dancing a great deal with Mr.
Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation
of everything in Mr. Darcys look and
40 behavior. The happiness anticipated by
Catherine and Lydia depended less on
any single event, or any particular person,
for though they each, like Elizabeth,
meant to dance half the evening with Mr.
45 Wickham, he was by no means the only
partner who could satisfy them, and a ball
was, at any rate, a ball. And even Mary
could assure her family that she had no
disinclination for it.
50
While I can have my mornings to
myself, said she, it is enoughI think
it is no sacrifice to join occasionally in
evening engagements. Society has
55 claims on us all; and I profess myself
one of those who consider intervals of
recreation and amusement as desirable
for everybody.
60 Elizabeths spirits were so high on
this occasion, that though she did not
often speak unnecessarily to Mr. Collins,
she could not help asking him whether
he intended to accept Mr. Bingleys
65 invitation, and if he did, whether he
75
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Las dos jvenes charlaban en el
jardn cuando fueron a avisarles de
la llegada de algunas de las perso-
nas de las que estaban justamente
hablando. El seor Bingley y sus her-
manas venan para invitarlos perso-
nalmente al tan esperado baile de
Netherfield que haba sido fijado para
el martes siguiente. Las Bingley se ale-
graron mucho de ver a su querida amiga,
les pareca que haba pasado un siglo desde
que haban estado juntas y continuamente
le preguntaban qu haba sido de ella desde
su separacin. Al resto de la familia les pres-
taron poca atencin, a la seora Bennet la
evitaron todo lo que les fue posible, con
Elizabeth hablaron muy poco y a las dems
ni siquiera les dirigieron la palabra. Se fue-
ron en seguida, levantndose de sus asien-
tos con una rapidez que dej pasmado a su
hermano, salieron con tanta prisa que pare-
can estar impacientes por escapar de las
atenciones de la seora Bennet.
La perspectiva del baile de Netherfield
resultaba extraordinariamente apetecible a
todos los miembros femeninos de la fami-
lia. La seora Bennet lo tom como un cum-
plido dedicado a su hija mayor y se senta
particularmente halagada por haber recibi-
do la invitacin del seor Bingley en perso-
na y no a travs de una ceremoniosa tarjeta.
Jane se imaginaba una feliz velada en com-
paa de sus dos amigas y con las atencio-
nes del hermano, y Elizabeth pensaba con
deleite en bailar todo el tiempo con el seor
Wickham y en ver confirmada toda la his-
toria en las miradas y el comportamiento del
seor Darcy. La felicidad que Catherine y
Lydia anticipaban dependa menos de un
simple hecho o de una persona en particu-
lar, porque, aunque las dos, como Elizabeth,
pensaban bailar la mitad de la noche con
Wickham, no era ni mucho menos la nica
pareja que poda satisfacerlas, y, al fin y al
cabo, un baile era un baile. Incluso Mary
lleg a asegurar a su familia que tampoco a
ella le disgustaba la idea de ir.
Mientras pueda tener las maanas
para m dijo, me basta. No me supone
ningn sacrificio aceptar ocasionalmente
compromisos para la noche. Todos nos de-
bemos a la sociedad, y confieso que soy de
los que consideran que los intervalos de re-
creo y esparcimiento son recomendables
para todo el mundo.
Elizabeth estaba tan animada por la
ocasin, que a pesar de que no sola
hablarle a Collins ms que cuando era
necesario, no pudo evitar preguntarle
si tena intencin de aceptar la invita-
cin del seor Bingley y si as lo ha-
 Austen Pride
would think it proper to join in the
evenings amusement; and she was rather
surprised to find that he entertained no
scruple whatever on that head, and was
5 very far from dreading a rebuke either
from the Archbishop, or Lady Catherine
de Bourgh, by venturing to dance.
I am by no means of the opinion, I
10 assure you, said he, that a ball of this
kind, given by a young man of character,
to respectable people, can have any evil
tendency; and I am so far from objecting
to dancing myself, that I shall hope to be
15 honoured with the hands of all my fair
cousins in the course of the evening; and
I take this opportunity of soliciting yours,
Miss Elizabeth, for the two first dances
especially, a preference which I trust my
20 cousin Jane will attribute to the right
cause, and not to any disrespect for her.
Elizabeth felt herself completely
taken in. She had fully proposed
25 b e i n g e n g a g e d b y M r. Wi c k h a m f o r
t h o s e v e r y d a n c e s ; a n d t o h a v e M r.
Collins instead! her liveliness had
n e v e r b e e n w o r s e t i m e d. There was
no help for it, however. Mr. Wickhams
30 happiness and her own were perforce
[forzosamente] delayed a little longer,
and Mr. Collinss proposal accepted with
as good a grace as she could. She was
not the better pleased with his gallantry
35 from the idea it suggested of something
more. It now first struck her, that SHE
was selected from among her sisters as
worthy of being mistress of Hunsford
Parsonage, and of assisting to form a
40 quadrille table at Rosings, in the absence
of more eligible visitors. The idea soon
reached to conviction, as she observed
his increasing civilities toward herself,
and heard his frequent attempt at a
45 compliment on her wit and vivacity; and
though more astonished than gratified
herself by this effect of her charms, it was
not long before her mother gave her to
understand that the probability of their
50 marriage was extremely agreeable to
HER. Elizabeth, however, did not choose
to take the hint, being well aware that a
serious dispute must be the consequence
of any reply. Mr. Collins might never
55 make the offer, and till he did, it was
useless to quarrel about him.
If there had not been a Netherfield
ball to prepare for and talk of, the
60 younger Miss Bennets would have been
in a very pitiable state at this time, for
from the day of the invitation, to the day
of the ball, there was such a succession
of rain as prevented their walking to
65 Meryton once. No aunt, no officers,
76
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ca, si le pareca procedente asistir a
fiestas nocturnas. Elizabeth se qued
sorprendida cuando le contest que no
tena ningn reparo al respecto, y que
no tema que el arzobispo ni lady
Catherine de Bourgh le censurasen por
aventurarse al baile.
Le aseguro que en absoluto creo
dijo que un baile como ste, orga-
nizado por hombre de categora para
gente respetable, pueda tener algo de
malo. No tengo ningn inconveniente en
bailar y espero tener el honor de hacer-
lo con todas mis bellas primas. Aprove-
cho ahora esta oportunidad para pedir-
le, precisamente a usted, seorita
Elizabeth, los dos primeros bailes, pre-
ferencia que confo que mi prima Jane
sepa atribuir a la causa debida, y no a
un desprecio hacia ella.
Elizabeth se qued totalmente desilu-
sionada. Ella que se haba propuesto de-
dicar esos dos bailes tan especiales al se-
or Wickham! Y ahora tena que bailarlos
con el seor Collins! Haba elegido mal
momento para ponerse tan contenta. En fin,
qu poda hacer? No le quedaba ms re-
medio que dejar su dicha y la de Wickham
para un poco ms tarde y aceptar la pro-
puesta de Collins con el mejor nimo po-
sible. No le hizo ninguna gracia su galan-
tera porque detrs de ella se esconda algo
ms. Por primera vez se le ocurri pensar
que era ella la elegida entre todas las her-
manas para ser la seora de la casa
parroquial de Hunsford y para asistir a las
partidas de cuatrillo de Rosings en ausen-
cia de visitantes ms selectos. Esta idea no
tard en convertirse en conviccin cuando
observ las crecientes atenciones de
Collins para con ella y oy sus frecuentes
tentativas de elogiar su ingenio y vivaci-
dad. Aunque a ella, el efecto que causaban
sus encantos en este caso, ms que compla-
cerla la dejaba atnita, su madre pronto le
dio a entender que la posibilidad de aquel
matrimonio le agradaba en exceso. Sin em-
bargo, Elizabeth prefiri no darse por alu-
dida, porque estaba segura de que cualquier
rplica tendra como consecuencia una se-
ria discusin. Probablemente el seor
Collins nunca le hara semejante proposi-
cin, y hasta que lo hiciese era una prdi-
da de tiempo discutir por l.
Si no hubiesen tenido que hacer los
preparativos para el baile de
Netherfield, las Bennet menores habran
llegado a un estado digno de compasin,
ya que desde el da de la invitacin has-
ta el del baile la lluvia no ces un mo-
mento, impidindoles ir ni una sola vez
a Meryton. Ni ta, ni oficiales, ni chis-
 Austen Pride
no news could be sought afterthe
very shoe-roses for Netherfield
w e r e g o t b y proxy. Even
Elizabeth might have found some trial of her
5 patience in weather which totally suspended
the improvement of her acquaintance with
Mr. Wickham; and nothing less than a
d a n c e o n Tu e s d a y, c o u l d h a v e m a d e
s u c h a F r i d a y, S aturday, Sunday, and
10 Monday endurable to Kitty and Lydia.
15
Chapter 18
20 Till Elizabeth entered the drawing-
room at Netherfield, and looked in vain
for Mr. Wickham among the cluster of
red coats there assembled, a doubt of his
being present had never occurred to her.
25 The certainty of meeting him had not
been checked by any of those
recollections that might not unreasonably
have alarmed her. She had dressed with
more than usual care, and prepared in the
30 highest spirits for the conquest of all that
remained unsubdued of his heart,
trusting that it was not more than might
be won in the course of the evening. But
in an instant arose the dreadful suspicion
35 of his being purposely omitted for Mr.
Darcys pleasure in the Bingleys
invitation to the officers; and though this
was not exactly the case, the absolute fact
of his absence was pronounced by his
40 friend Denny, to whom Lydia eagerly
applied, and who told them that Wickham
had been obliged to go to town on
business the day before, and was not yet
returned; adding, with a significant smile,
45 I do not imagine his business would
have called him away just now, if he
had not wanted to avoid a certain
gentleman here.
50 This part of his intelligence, though
unheard by Lydia, was caught by
Elizabeth, and, as it assured her that
Darcy was not less answerable for
Wickhams absence than if her first
55 surmise had been just, every feeling of
displeasure against the former was so
sharpened by immediate disappointment,
tolerable aceptable, soportable, fairly good, that she could hardly reply with tolerable
mediocre, pasable civility to the polite inquiries which he
60 directly afterwards approached to make.
Attendance, forbearance, patience with
Darcy, was injury to Wickham. She was
resolved against any sort of conversation
with him, and turned away with a degree
65 of ill-humour which she could not wholly
77
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
mes que contar. Incluso los centros de
rosas para el baile de Netherfield tuvie-
ron que hacerse por encargo. La misma
Elizabeth vio su paciencia puesta a prue-
ba con aquel mal tiempo que suspendi
totalmente los progresos de su amistad
con Wickham. Slo el baile del martes
pudo hacer soportable a Catherine y a
Lydia un viernes, sbado, domingo y
lunes como aquellos.
Captulo XVIII
Hasta que Elizabeth entr en el sa-
ln de Netherfield y busc en vano en-
tre el grupo de casacas rojas all re-
unidas a Wickham, no se le ocurri pen-
sar que poda no hallarse entre los in-
vitados. La certeza de encontrarlo le
haba hecho olvidarse de lo que con
razn la habra alarmado. Se haba aci-
calado con ms esmero que de costum-
bre y estaba preparada con el espritu
muy alto para conquistar todo lo que
permaneciese indmito en su corazn, con-
fiando que era el mejor galardn que podra
conseguir en el curso de la velada. Pero en
un instante le sobrevino la horrible sospecha
de que Wickham poda haber sido omitido de
la lista de oficiales invitados de Bingley para
complacer a Darcy. se no era exactamente
el caso. Su ausencia fue definitivamente con-
firmada por el seor Denny, a quien Lydia se
dirigi ansiosamente, y quien les cont que
el seor Wickham se haba visto obligado a
ir a la capital para resolver unos asuntos el
da antes y no haba regresado todava. Y con
una sonrisa significativa aadi:
No creo que esos asuntos le hubie-
sen retenido precisamente hoy, si no hu-
biese querido evitar encontrarse aqu con
cierto caballero.
Lydia no oy estas palabras, pero
X
Elizabeth s; aunque su primera sos-
pecha no haba sido cierta, Darcy era
igualmente responsable de la ausen-
cia de Wickham, ___________ ______
X __________________ s u a n t i p a -
t a h a c i a e l p r i m e r o
s e e xasper de tal modo que ape-
nas pudo contestar con cortesa a las
amables preguntas que Darcy le hizo
al acercarse a ella poco despus.
C ualquier atencin o tolerancia hacia Darcy
significaba una injuria para Wickham. Decidi
no ten e r n i n g u n a c o n v e r s a c i n
con Darcy y se puso de un hu-
mor que ni siquiera pudo disi-
 Austen Pride
surmount even in speaking to Mr.
Bingley, whose blind partiality provoked
her.
5 But Elizabeth was not formed for ill-
humour; and though every prospect of her
own was destroyed for the evening, it
could not dwell long on her spirits; and
having told all her griefs to Charlotte
10 Lucas, whom she had not seen for a week,
she was soon able to make a voluntary
transition to the oddities of her cousin,
and to point him out to her particular
notice. The first two dances, however,
15 brought a return of distress; they were
dances of mortification. Mr. Collins,
awkward and solemn, apologising instead
of attending, and often moving wrong
without being aware of it, gave her all
misery desgracia 20 the shame and misery which a
disagreeable partner for a couple of
dances can give. The moment of her
release from him was ecstasy.
25 She danced next with an officer, and
had the refreshment of talking of
Wickham, and of hearing that he was
universally liked. When those dances
were over, she returned to Charlotte
30 Lucas, and was in conversation with her,
when she found herself suddenly
addressed by Mr. Darcy who took her so
much by surprise in his application for
her hand, that, without knowing what she
35 did, she accepted him. He walked away
again immediately, and she was left to
fret over her own want of presence of
mind; Charlotte tried to console her:
40 I dare say you will find him very
agreeable.
Heaven forbid! THAT would be the
greatest misfortune of all! To find a man
45 agreeable whom one is determined to
hate! Do not wish me such an evil.
When the dancing recommenced,
however, and Darcy approached to claim
50 her hand, Charlotte could not help
cautioning her in a whisper, not to be a
simpleton, and allow her fancy for
Wickham to make her appear unpleasant
in the eyes of a man ten times his
55 consequence. Elizabeth made no answer,
and took her place in the set, amazed at
the dignity to which she was arrived in
being allowed to stand opposite to Mr.
Darcy, and reading in her neighbours
60 looks, their equal amazement in
beholding it. They stood for some time
without speaking a word; and she began
to imagine that their silence was to last
through the two dances, and at first was
65 resolved not to break it; till suddenly
78
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
m u l a r a l h a b l a r c o n B i n g l e y,
pues su ciega parcialidad la irri-
taba.
Pero el mal humor no estaba he-
cho para Elizabeth, y a pesar de que
estropearon todos sus planes para la
noche, se le pas pronto. Despus
de contarle sus penas a Charlotte
Lucas, a quien haca una semana que
no vea, pronto se encontr con ni-
mo para transigir con todas las ra-
rezas de su primo y se dirigi a l.
Sin embargo, los dos primeros bai-
les le devolvieron la angustia, fue-
ron como una penitencia . El seor
Collins, torpe y solemne, disculpn-
dose en vez de atender al comps, y
perdiendo el paso sin darse cuenta,
le daba toda la pena y la vergenza
que una pareja desagradable puede
dar en un par de bailes. Librarse de
l fue como alcanzar el xtasis.
Despus tuvo el alivio de bailar con
un oficial con el que pudo hablar del se-
or Wickham, enterndose de que todo
el mundo le apreciaba. Al terminar este
baile, volvi con Charlotte Lucas, y es-
taban charlando, cuando de repente se
dio cuenta de que el seor Darcy se ha-
ba acercado a ella y le estaba pidiendo
el prximo baile, la cogi tan de sor-
presa que, sin saber qu haca, acept.
Darcy se fue acto seguido y ella, que se
haba puesto muy nerviosa, se qued all
deseando recuperar la calma. Charlotte
trat de consolarla.
A lo mejor lo encuentras en-
cantador.
No lo quiera Dios! sa sera la ma-
yor de todas las desgracias. Encontrar
encantador a un hombre que debe ser
odiado! No me desees tanto mal.
Cuando se reanud el baile, Darcy
se le acerc para tomarla de la mano, y
Charlotte no pudo evitar advertirle al
odo que no fuera una tonta y que no de-
jase que su capricho por Wickham le hi-
ciese parecer antiptica a los ojos de un
hombre que vala diez veces ms que l.
Elizabeth no contest. Ocup su lugar
en la pista, asombrada por la dignidad
que le otorgaba el hallarse frente a frente
con Darcy, leyendo en los ojos de todos
sus vecinos el mismo asombro al con-
templar el acontecimiento. Estuvieron
un rato sin decir palabra; Elizabeth em-
pez a pensar que el silencio iba a du-
rar hasta el final de los dos bailes. Al
principio estaba decidida a no romper-
lo, cuando de pronto pens que el peor
 Austen Pride
fancying that it would be the greater
punishment to her partner to oblige him
to talk, she made some slight observation
on the dance. He replied, and was again
5 silent. After a pause of some minutes, she
addressed him a second time with:
It is YOUR turn to say something now,
Mr. Darcy. I talked about the dance, and
YOU ought to make some sort of remark
10 on the size of the room, or the number
of couples.
He smiled, and assured her that
whatever she wished him to say should
15 be said.
Very well. That reply will do for the
by and by, con el tiempo present. Perhaps by and by I may
observe that private balls are much
20 pleasanter than public ones. But NOW
we may be silent.
Do you talk by rule, then, while you
are dancing?
25
Sometimes. One must speak a little,
you know. It would look odd to be
entirely silent for half an hour together;
and yet for the advantage of SOME,
30 conversation ought to be so arranged, as
that they may have the trouble of saying
as little as possible.
Are you consulting your own
35 feelings in the present case, or do you
imagine that you are gratifying mine?
Both, replied Elizabeth
archly picaruelamente ar chly ; for I h a v e a l w a y s s e e n a
40 g r e a t s i m i l a r i t y i n t h e t u r n o f o u r
minds. We are each of an
u n s o c i a l , t a c i t u r n disposition,
unwilling to speak, unless we expect to
say something that will amaze the whole
45 room, and be handed down to posterity
with all the eclat of a proverb.
This is no very striking resemblance
of your own character, I am sure, said
50 he. How near it may be to MINE, I
cannot pretend to say. YOU think it a
faithful portrait undoubtedly.
I must not decide on my own
performance 1 rendimiento, resultado, 2 55 performance.
actuacin, ejecucin 3 funcin, sesin, re-
presentacin He made no answer, and they were
again silent till they had gone down the
dance, when he asked her if she and her
60 sisters did not very often walk to Meryton.
She answered in the affirmative, and,
unable to resist the temptation, added,
When you met us there the other
d a y, w e h a d j u s t b e e n f o r m i n g a
65 n e w a c q u a i n t a n c e .
79
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
castigo para su pareja sera obligarle a
hablar, e hizo una pequea observacin
sobre el baile. Darcy contest y volvi
a quedarse callado. Despus de una pau-
sa de unos minutos, Elizabeth tom la
palabra por segunda vez y le dijo:
Ahora le toca a usted decir algo, se-
or Darcy. Yo ya he hablado del baile, y
usted debera hacer algn comentario sobre
las dimensiones del saln y sobre el nme-
ro de parejas.
l sonri y le asegur que
dira todo lo que ella desease
e s c u c h a r.
Muy bien. No est mal esa respuesta
de momento. Quiz poco a poco me con-
venza de que los bailes privados son ms
agradables que los pblicos; pero ahora
podemos permanecer callados.
Acostumbra usted a hablar mien-
tras baila?
Algunas veces. Es preciso hablar
un poco, no cree? Sera extrao estar
juntos durante media hora sin decir ni una
palabra. Pero en atencin de algunos, hay
que llevar la conversacin de modo que
no se vean obligados a tener que decir
ms de lo preciso.
S e r e f i e r e a
X u s t e d m i s m a o l o
d i c e p o r m ?
Por los dos replic Elizabeth
X con coquetera, pues he encontra-
do un gran parecido en nuestra for-
m a d e s e r. L o s d o s s o m o s
insociables, taciturnos y enemigos de
hablar, a menos que esperemos de-
cir algo que deslumbre a todos los 
presentes y pase a la posteridad con
todo el brillo de un proverbio.
Estoy seguro de que us-
ted no es as. En cuanto a m,
no sabra decirlo. Usted, sin
duda, cree que me ha hecho
un fiel retrato.
N o p u e d o juzgar mi
X propia obra.
l no contest, y pareca que ya no
abriran la boca hasta finalizar el baile,
cuando l le pregunt si ella y sus her-
manas iban a menudo a Meryton.
Elizabeth contest afirmativamente e,
incapaz de resistir la tentacin, aadi:
Cuando nos encontr usted el otro
da, acabbamos precisamente de conocer
a un nuevo amigo.
 Austen Pride
The effect was immediate. A deeper
shade of hauteur overspread his features,
but he said not a word, and Elizabeth,
5 though blaming herself for her own
weakness, could not go on. At length
Darcy spoke, and in a constrained manner
said, Mr. Wickham is blessed with such
happy manners as may ensure his
10 MAKING friendswhether he may be
equally capable of RETAINING them, is
less certain.
He has been so unlucky as to lose
15 YOUR friendship, replied Elizabeth
with emphasis, and in a manner which
he is likely to suffer from all his life.
Darcy made no answer, and seemed
20 desirous of changing the subject. At that
moment, Sir William Lucas appeared
close to them, meaning to pass through
the set to the other side of the room; but
on perceiving Mr. Darcy, he stopped with
25 a bow of superior courtesy to compliment
him on his dancing and his partner.
I have been most highly gratified
indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior
30 dancing is not often seen. It is evident
that you belong to the first circles. Allow
me to say, however, that your fair partner
disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame; does not disgrace you, and that I must
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family). hope to have this pleasure often repeated,
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful 35 especially when a certain desirable event,
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or my dear Eliza (glancing at her sister and
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from Bingley) shall take place. What
a position of honour; dismiss from favour. congratulations will then flow in! I
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia, appeal to Mr. Darcy:but let me not
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation; 40 interrupt you, sir. You will not thank me
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen- for detaining you from the bewitching
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para converse of that young lady, whose bright
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon- eyes are also upbraiding me.
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man- 45 The latter part of this address was
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala s c a rcely heard by Darcy; but Sir
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin Wi l l i a m s a l l u s i o n t o h i s f r i e n d
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual seemed to strike him forcibly, and his
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado, eyes were directed with a very serious
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es 50 expression towards Bingley and Jane,
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como w h o w e r e d a n c i n g t o g e t h e r.
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de Recovering himself, however, shortly,
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca- h e t u r n e d t o h i s p a r t n e r, a n d s a i d ,
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar, S i r Wi l l i a m s i n t e r r u p t i o n h a s
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que 55 m a d e m e f o r g e t w h a t w e w e r e
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse]. talking of.
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa
I do not think we were speaking at
all. Sir William could not have
60 interrupted two people in the room who
had less to say for themselves. We have
tried two or three subjects already
without success, and what we are to talk
of next I cannot imagine.
65
80
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
El efecto fue inmediato. Una intensa
sombra de arrogancia oscureci el sem-
blante de Darcy. Pero no dijo una palabra;
Elizabeth, aunque reprochndose a s mis-
ma su debilidad, prefiri no continuar. Al
fin, Darcy habl y de forma obligada dijo:
El seor Wickham est dotado de
tan gratos modales que ciertamente pue-
de hacer amigos con facilidad. Lo que es
menos cierto, es que sea igualmente ca-
paz de conservarlos.
l ha tenido la desgracia de
perder su amistad dijo Elizabeth
enfticamente, de tal forma que
sufrir por ello toda su vida.
Darcy no contest y se not que estaba
deseoso de cambiar de tema. En ese mo-
mento sir William Lucas pasaba cerca de
ellos al atravesar la pista de baile con la in-
tencin de ir al otro extremo del saln y al
ver al seor Darcy, se detuvo y le hizo una
reverencia con toda cortesa para felicitarle
por su modo de bailar y por su pareja.
Estoy sumamente complacido, mi es-
timado seor tan excelente modo de bailar
no se ve con frecuencia. Es evidente que
pertenece usted a los ambientes ms distin-
guidos. Permtame decirle, sin embargo, que
su bella pareja en nada desmerece de us-
ted, y que espero volver a gozar de este pla-
cer, especialmente cuando cierto aconteci-
miento muy deseado, querida Elizabeth (mi-
rando a Jane y a Bingley), tenga lugar.
Cuntas felicitaciones habr entonces! Ape-
lo al seor Darcy. Pero no quiero interrum-
pirle, seor. Me agradecer que no le prive
ms de la cautivadora conversacin de esta
seorita cuyos hermosos ojos me estn tam-
bin recriminando.
Darcy apenas escuch esta l-
tima parte de su discurso, pero la
alusin a su amigo pareci
impresionarle mucho, y con una
grave expresin dirigi la mira-
da hacia Bingley y Jane que
bailaban juntos. No obstante,
s e s o b r e p u s o e n b r e v e y, v o l -
v i n d o s e hacia Elizabeth, dijo:
La interrupcin de sir William
me ha hecho olvidar de qu estba-
mos hablando.
Creo que no estbamos hablando.
Sir William no podra haber interrum-
pido a otra pareja en todo el saln que
tuviesen menos que decirse el uno al
otro. Ya hemos probado con dos o tres
temas sin xito. No tengo ni idea de qu
podemos hablar ahora.
 Austen Pride
What think you of books? said he,
smiling.
Booksoh! no. I am sure we never
5 read the same, or not with the same
feelings.
I am sorry you think so; but if that
be the case, there can at least be no want
10 of subject. We may compare our different
opinions.
NoI cannot talk of books in a ball-
room; my head is always full of
15 something else.
The PRESENT always occupies you
in such scenesdoes it? said he, with a
look of doubt.
20
Yes, always, she replied, without
knowing what she said, for her thoughts
had wandered far from the subject, as
soon afterwards appeared by her
25 suddenly exclaiming, I remember
hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you
hardly ever forgave, that you resentment
once created was unappeasable. You are
very cautious, I suppose, as to its BEING
30 CREATED.
I am, said he, with a firm voice.
And never allow yourself to be
35 blinded by prejudice?
I hope not.
It is particularly incumbent on those
40 who never change their opinion, to be
secure of judging properly at first.
May I ask to what these questions
tend?
45
Merely to the illustration of YOUR
character, said she, endeavouring to
shake off her gravity. I am trying to
make it out.
50
And what is your success?
She shook her head. I do not get on
at all. I hear such different accounts of
55 you as puzzle me exceedingly.
I can readily believe, answered he
gravely, that reports may vary greatly
with respect to me; and I could wish,
60 Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch
my character at the present moment, as
there is reason to fear that the
performance 1 rendimiento, resultado, 2 performance would reflect no credit on
actuacin, ejecucin 3 funcin, sesin, re- either.
presentacin
65
81
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Qu piensa de los libros? le pre-
gunt l sonriendo.
Los libros! Oh, no! Estoy segura de que no
leemos nunca los mismos o, por lo menos, no sa-
camos las mismas impresiones.
Lamento que piense eso;, pero si as
fuera, de cualquier modo, no nos faltara
tema. Podemos comprobar nuestras diver-
sas opiniones.
No, no puedo hablar de libros en un
saln de baile. Tengo la cabeza ocupada
con otras cosas.
En estos lugares no piensa nada ms
que en el presente, verdad? dijo l con
una mirada de duda.
S, siempre contest ella sin sa-
ber lo que deca, pues se le haba ido el
pensamiento a otra parte, segn demostr
al exclamar repentinamente: Recuerdo
haberle odo decir en una ocasin que us-
ted raramente perdonaba; que cuando ha-
ba concebido un resentimiento, le era
imposible aplacarlo. Supongo, por lo tan-
to, que ser muy cauto en concebir
resentimientos...
Efectivamente contest Darcy con voz firme.
Y no se deja cegar alguna vez
por los prejuicios?
Espero que no.
_________________ Los que no
X
cambian nunca de opinin deben cer-
ciorarse bien antes de juzgar.
Puedo preguntarle cul es la inten-
cin de estas preguntas?
Conocer su carcter, sencilla-
mente dijo Elizabeth, tratando de
encubrir su seriedad. Estoy inten-
tando descifrarlo.
Y a qu conclusiones ha llegado?
A ninguna dijo meneando la ca-
beza. He odo cosas tan diferentes de
usted, que no consigo aclararme.
Reconozco contest l con
gravedad que las opiniones acer-
ca de m pueden ser muy diversas;
y deseara, seorita Bennet, que no
esbozase mi carcter en este mo-
mento, porque tengo razones para
temer que el resultado no refleja-
ra la verdad.
 Austen Pride
But if I do not take your likeness
now, I may never have another
opportunity.
5 I would by no means suspend any
pleasure of yours, he coldly replied. She
said no more, and they went down the
other dance and parted in silence; and on
each side dissatisfied, though not to an
10 equal degree, for in Darcys breast there
tolerable aceptable, soportable, fairly good, was a tolerable powerful feeling towards
mediocre, pasable her, which soon procured her pardon, and
directed all his anger against another.
15 They had not long separated, when
Miss Bingley came towards her, and with
an expression of civil disdain accosted
her:
20 So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite
delighted with George Wickham! Your
sister has been talking to me about him,
and asking me a thousand questions; and
I find that the young man quite forgot to
25 tell you, among his other communication,
that he was the son of old Wickham, the
late Mr. Darcys steward. Let me
recommend you, however, as a friend, not
to give implicit confidence to all his
30 assertions; for as to Mr. Darcys using
him ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the
contrary, he has always been remarkably
kind to him, though George Wickham has
treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous
35 manner. I do not know the particulars, but
I know very well that Mr. Darcy is not in
the least to blame, that he cannot bear to
hear George Wickham mentioned, and
that though my brother thought that he
40 could not well avoid including him in his
invitation to the officers, he was
excessively glad to find that he had taken
himself out of the way. His coming into
the country at all is a most insolent thing,
45 indeed, and I wonder how he could
presume to do it. I pity you, Miss Eliza,
for this discovery of your favourites
guilt; but really, considering his descent,
one could not expect much better.
50
His guilt and his descent appear by
your account to be the same, said
Elizabeth angrily; for I have heard you
accuse him of nothing worse than of
55 being the son of Mr. Darcys steward, and
of THAT, I can assure you, he informed
me himself.
I beg your pardon, replied Miss
60 Bingley, turning away with a sneer.
Excuse my interferenceit was kindly
meant.
Insolent girl! said Elizabeth to
65 herself. You are much mistaken if
82
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Pero si no lo hago aho-
ra, puede que no tenga otra
oportunidad.
De ningn modo deseara impe-
dir cualquier satisfaccin suya repu-
so l framente. Elizabeth no habl ms,
y terminado el baile, se separaron en silen-
cio, los dos insatisfechos, aunque en distin-
to grado, pues en el corazn de Darcy haba
un poderoso sentimiento de tolerancia ha-
cia ella, lo que hizo que pronto la perdona-
ra y concentrase toda su ira contra otro.
No haca mucho que se haban separa-
do, cuando la seorita Bingley se acerc a
Elizabeth y con una expresin de amabili-
dad y desdn a la vez, le dijo:
As que, seorita Eliza, est usted
encantada con el seor Wickham. Me he
enterado por su hermana que me ha habla-
do de l y me ha hecho mil preguntas. Me
parece que ese joven se olvid de contarle,
entre muchas otras cosas, que es el hijo del
viejo Wickham, el ltimo administrador del
seor Darcy. Djeme que le aconseje, como
amiga, que no se fe demasiado de todo lo
que le cuente, porque eso de que el seor
Darcy le trat mal es completamente falso;
por el contrario, siempre ha sido extraordi-
nariamente amable con l, aunque George
Wickham se ha portado con el seor Darcy
de la manera ms infame. No conozco los
pormenores, pero s muy bien que el se-
or Darcy no es de ningn modo el culpa-
ble, que no puede soportar ni or el nom-
bre de George Wickham y que, aunque mi 
hermano consider que no poda evitar in-
cluirlo en la lista de oficiales invitados, l
se alegr enormemente de ver que l mis-
mo se haba apartado de su camino. El mero
hecho de que haya venido aqu al campo es
una verdadera insolencia, y no logro enten-
der cmo se ha atrevido a hacerlo. La com-
padezco, seorita Eliza, por este descubri-
miento de la culpabilidad de su favorito;
pero en realidad, teniendo en cuenta su ori-
gen, no se poda esperar nada mejor.
Su culpabilidad y su origen parece
que son para usted una misma cosa le
dijo Elizabeth encolerizada; porque de
lo peor que le he odo acusarle es de ser
hijo del administrador del seor Darcy, y
de eso, puedo asegurrselo, ya me haba
informado l.
Le ruego que me disculpe replic
la seorita Bingley, dndose la vuelta con
desprecio. Perdone mi entrometimiento;
fue con la mejor intencin.
Insolente! dijo Elizabeth
para s. Ests muy equivocada
 Austen Pride
you expect to influence me by such
a paltry attack as this. I see nothing
wilful, willful 1 (= obstinate) testarudo, terco 2 (= in it but your own wilful ign o r a n c e
deliberate) intencionado, deliberado, premedi- a n d t h e m a l i c e o f M r. D a r c y.
tado; [murder etc] premeditado
5 She then sought her eldest sister, who
has undertaken to make inquiries on the
same subject of Bingley. Jane met her
with a smile of such sweet complacency,
a glow of such happy expression, as
10 sufficiently marked how well she was
satisfied with the occurrences of the
evening. Elizabeth instantly read her
solicitude traduce solicitud, como cuidado, feelings, and at that moment solicitude
afn, ansiedad, pero solicitud es la voz co- for Wickham, resentment against his
mn para request, application [para traba-
jos, cheques], y solicitous traduce solcito, 15 enemies, and everything else, gave way
como diligente, deseoso, gustoso, pero a before the hope of Janes being in the
veces rebaja su significado a inquieto, apren- fairest way for happiness.
sivo, receloso, molesto.
solicitous ansioso, aprensivo, atento, esmera- I want to know, said she, with a
do, receloso, solcito=diligente, cuidadoso,
diligente [pronto, presto, activo], cuidado- 20 countenance no less smiling than her
so, gustoso, inquieto, aprensivo, receloso sisters, what you have learnt about Mr.
solicitude n. 1 the state of being solicitous; Wickham. But perhaps you have been too
solicitous behaviour. 2 anxiety or concern. pleasantly engaged to think of any third
Cuidado, afn, ansiedad, solicitousness, a person; in which case you may be sure
feeling of excessive concern, preocupacin,
ansiedad, atencin 25 of my pardon.
No, replied Jane, I have not forgotten
him; but I have nothing satisfactory to tell
you. Mr. Bingley does not know the whole
30 of his history, and is quite ignorant of the
circumstances which have principally
offended Mr. Darcy; but he will vouch for
the good conduct, the probity [honestidad],
and honour of his friend, and is
35 perfectly convinced that Mr. Wickham
has deserved much less attention from
Mr. Darcy than he has received; and I
am sorry to say by his account as well
as his sister s, Mr. Wickham is by no
40 means a respectable young man. I am
afraid he has been very imprudent,
and has deserved to lose Mr.
Darcys regard.
45 Mr. Bingley does not know Mr.
Wickham himself?
No; he never saw him till the other
morning at Meryton.
50
This account then is what he has
received from Mr. Darcy. I am satisfied.
But what does he say of the living?
55 He does not exactly recollect the
circumstances, though he has heard them
from Mr. Darcy more than once, but he
believes that it was left to him
CONDITIONALLY only.
60
I have not a doubt of Mr. Bingleys
sincerity, said Elizabeth warmly; but
you must excuse my not being convinced
by assurances only. Mr. Bingleys defense
65 of his friend was a very able one, I dare
83
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
si piensas que influirs en m con
tan mezquino ataque. No veo en
l ms que tu t e rc a ignorancia y
l a m a l i c i a d e D a r c y.
Entonces mir a su hermana mayor que
se haba arriesgado a interrogar a Bingley
sobre el mismo asunto. Jane le devolvi la
mirada con una sonrisa tan dulce, con una
expresin de felicidad y de tanta satisfaccin
que indicaban claramente que estaba muy
contenta de lo ocurrido durante la velada.
Elizabeth ley al instante sus sentimientos;
y en un momento toda la solicitud hacia
Wickham, su odio contra los enemigos de
ste, y todo lo dems desaparecieron ante
la esperanza de que Jane se hallase en el
mejor camino hacia su felicidad.
Quiero saber dijo Elizabeth tan
sonriente como su hermana lo que has
odo decir del seor Wickham. Pero quiz
has estado demasiado ocupada con cosas
ms agradables para pensar en una tercera
persona... Si as ha sido, puedes estar se-
gura de que te perdono.
No contest Jane, no me he
olvidado de l, pero no tengo nada gra-
to que contarte. El seor Bingley no co-
noce toda la historia e ignora las
circunstancias que tanto ha ofendido al
seor Darcy, pero responde de la bue-
na conducta, de la integridad y de la
honradez de su amigo, y est firmemen-
te convencido de que el seor Wickham
ha recibido ms atenciones del seor
Darcy de las que ha merecido; y siento
decir que, segn el seor Bingley y su
hermana, el seor Wickham dista mu-
cho de ser un joven respetable. Me temo
que haya sido imprudente y que tenga
bien merecido el haber perdido la con-
sideracin del seor Darcy.
El seor Bingley no conoce perso-
nalmente al seor Wickham?
No, no lo haba visto nunca antes del
otro da en Meryton.
De modo que lo que sabe es lo que el
seor Darcy le ha contado. Estoy satisfe-
X cha. Y qu dice de la rectora?
No recuerda exactamente
cmo fue, aunque se lo ha odo
contar a su amigo ms de una vez;
pero cree que le fue legada slo
condicionalmente.
No pongo en duda la sinceridad
del seor Bingley dijo Elizabeth
acaloradamente, pero perdona que
no me convenzan sus afirmaciones.
Hace muy bien en defender a su ami-
 Austen Pride
say; but since he is unacquainted with
several parts of the story, and has learnt
the rest from that friend himself, I shall
venture to still think of both gentlemen
5 as I did before.
She then changed the discourse to one
more gratifying to each, and on which
there could be no difference of sentiment.
10 Elizabeth listened with delight to the
happy, though modest hopes which Jane
entertained of Mr. Bingleys regard, and
said all in her power to heighten her
confidence in it. On their being joined
15 by Mr. Bingley himself, Elizabeth
withdrew to Miss Lucas; to whose inquiry
after the pleasantness of her last partner
she had scarcely replied, before Mr.
Collins came up to them, and told her
20 with great exultation that he had just been
so fortunate as to make a most important
discovery.
I have found out, said he, by a
25 singular accident, that there is now in the
room a near relation of my patroness. I
happened to overhear the gentleman
himself mentioning to the young lady
who does the honours of the house the
30 names of his cousin Miss de Bourgh, and
of her mother Lady Catherine. How
wonderfully these sort of things occur!
Who would have thought of my meeting
with, perhaps, a nephew of Lady
35 Catherine de Bourgh in this assembly! I
am most thankful that the discovery is
made in time for me to pay my respects
to him, which I am now going to do, and
trust he will excuse my not having done
40 it before. My total ignorance of the
connection must plead my apology.
You are not going to introduce
yourself to Mr. Darcy!
45
Indeed I am. I shall entreat his
pardon for not having done it earlier. I
believe him to be Lady Catherines
NEPHEW. It will be in my power to
50 assure him that her ladyship was quite
well yesterday sennight.
Elizabeth tried hard to dissuade him
from such a scheme, assuring him that
55 Mr. Darcy would consider his addressing
him without introduction as an
impertinent freedom, rather than a
compliment to his aunt; that it was not in
the least necessary there should be any
60 notice on either side; and that if it were,
it must belong to Mr. Darcy, the superior
in consequence, to begin the
acquaintance. Mr. Collins listened to her
with the determined air of following his
65 own inclination, and, when she ceased
84
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
go; pero como desconoce algunas par-
tes de la historia y lo nico que sabe
se lo ha dicho l, seguir pensando de
los dos caballeros lo mismo que pen-
saba antes.
Dicho esto, ambas hermanas inicia-
ron otra conversacin mucho ms grata
para las dos. Elizabeth oy encantada
las felices aunque modestas esperan-
zas que Jane abrigaba respecto a
Bingley, y le dijo todo lo que pudo
para alentar su confianza. Al unrseles
el seor Bingley, Elizabeth se retir y
se fue a hablar con la seorita Lucas
que le pregunt si le haba agradado
su ltima pareja. Elizabeth casi no
tuvo tiempo para contestar, porque all
se les present Collins, dicindoles en-
tusiasmado que haba tenido la suerte
de hacer un descubrimiento
importantsimo.
He sabido dijo, por una singu-
lar casualidad, que est en este saln un
pariente cercano de mi protectora. He te-
nido el gusto de or cmo el mismo caba-
llero mencionaba a la dama que hace los
honores de esta casa los nombres de su
prima, la seorita de Bourgh, y de la ma-
dre de sta, lady Catherine. De qu modo
tan maravilloso ocurren estas cosas!
Quin me iba a decir que habra de en-
contrar a un sobrino de lady Catherine de
Bourgh en esta reunin! Me alegro mu-
cho de haber hecho este descubrimiento a
tiempo para poder presentarle mis respe-
tos, cosa que voy a hacer ahora mismo.
Confo en que me perdone por no haberlo
hecho antes, pero mi total desconocimien-
to de ese parentesco me disculpa.
No se ir a presentar usted mismo
al seor Darcy?
Claro que s! Le pedir que
me excuse por no haberlo hecho an-
tes. No ve que es el sobrino de lady
Catherine? Podr comunicarle que
Su Seora se encontraba muy bien
la ltima vez que la vi.
X Elizabeth intent ___ disuadirle
para que no hiciese semejante cosa ase-
gurndole que el seor Darcy consi-
derara el que se dirigiese a l sin pre-
via presentacin como una impertinen-
cia y un atrevimiento, ms que como
un cumplido a su ta; que no haba nin-
guna necesidad de darse a conocer, y
si la hubiese, le correspondera al se-
or Darcy, por la superioridad de su
rango, tomar la iniciativa. Collins la
escuch decidido a seguir sus propios
impulsos y, cuando Elizabeth ces de
 Austen Pride
speaking, replied thus:
My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the
highest opinion in the world in your
5 excellent judgement in all matters within
the scope of your understanding; but
permit me to say, that there must be a
wide difference between the established
forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and
10 those which regulate the clergy; for, give
me leave to observe that I consider the
clerical office as equal in point of dignity
with the highest rank in the kingdom
provided that a proper humility of
15 behaviour is at the same time maintained.
You must therefore allow me to follow
the dictates of my conscience on this
occasion, which leads me to perform
what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon
20 me for neglecting to profit by your
advice, which on every other subject
shall be my constant guide, though in the
case before us I consider myself more
fitted by education and habitual study to
25 decide on what is right than a young lady
like yourself. And with a low bow he
left her to attack Mr. Darcy, whose
reception of his advances she eagerly
watched, and whose astonishment at
30 being so addressed was very evident. Her
cousin prefaced his speech with a solemn
bow and though she could not hear a
word of it, she felt as if hearing it all,
and saw in the motion of his lips the
35 words a p o l o g y, H u n s f o r d , a n d
L a d y C a t h e r i n e d e B o u r g h . It
vexed [angered] her to see him expose
himself to such a man. Mr. Darcy was
eyeing him with unrestrained wonder,
40 and when at last Mr. Collins allowed him
time to speak, replied with an air of
distant civility. Mr. Collins, however,
was not discouraged from speaking
again, and Mr. Darcys contempt seemed
45 abundantly increasing with the length of
his second speech, and at the end of it
he only made him a slight bow, and
moved another way. Mr. Collins then
returned to Elizabeth.
50
I have no reason, I assure you, said
he, to be dissatisfied with my reception.
Mr. Darcy seemed much pleased with the
attention. He answered me with the
55 utmost civility, and even paid me the
compliment of saying that he was so well
convinced of Lady Catherines
discernment as to be certain she could
never bestow [grant] a f a v o u r
60 u n w o r t h i l y. I t w a s r e a l l y a v e r y
handsome thought. Upon the whole, I
am much pleased with him.
As Elizabeth had no longer any
65 interest of her own to pursue, she turned
85
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
hablar, le contest:
Mi querida seorita Elizabeth,
tengo la mejor opinin del mundo de su
excelente criterio en toda clase de asun-
tos, como corresponde a su inteligencia;
pero permtame que le diga que debe
haber una gran diferencia entre las fr-
mulas de cortesa establecidas para los
laicos y las aceptadas para los clrigos;
djeme que le advierta que el oficio de
clrigo es, en cuanto a dignidad, equi-
valente al ms alto rango del reino, con
tal que los que lo ejercen se comporten
con la humildad conveniente. De modo
que permtame que siga los dictados de
mi conciencia que en esta ocasin me
llevan a realizar lo que considero un
deber. Dispense, pues, que no siga sus
consejos que en todo lo dems me ser-
virn constantemente de gua, pero creo
que en este caso estoy ms capacitado,
por mi educacin y mi estudio habitual,
que una joven como usted, para decidir
lo que es debido.
Collins hizo una reverencia y se
alej para ir a saludar a ___Darcy.
Elizabeth no le perdi de vista para
ver la reaccin de Darcy, cuyo asom-
bro por haber sido abordado de se-
mejante manera fue evidente. Collins
comenz su discurso con una solem-
ne inclinacin, y, aunque ella no lo
oa, era como si lo oyese, pues po-
da leer en sus labios las palabras
disculpas, Hunsford y lady
Catherine de Bourgh. Le irritaba
que metiese la pata ante un hombre
como Darcy. ste le observaba sin
reprimir su asombro y cuando
Collins le dej hablar le contest con
d i s t a n t e c o r t e s a . S i n e m b a rg o ,
Collins no se desanim y sigui ha-
blando. El desprecio de Darcy cre-
ca con la duracin de su segundo
discurso, y, al final, slo hizo una
leve inclinacin y se fue a otro sitio.
Collins volvi entonces hacia
Elizabeth.
Le aseguro le dijo que no tengo
motivo para estar descontento de la acogi-
da que el seor Darcy me ha dispensado.
Mi atencin le ha complacido en extremo y
me ha contestado con la mayor finura,
hacindome incluso el honor de manifestar
que estaba tan convencido de la buena elec-
cin de lady Catherine, que daba por des-
contado que jams otorgara una merced
sin que fuese merecida. Verdaderamente fue
una frase muy hermosa. En resumen, estoy
muy contento de l.
Elizabeth, que no tena el menor in-
ters en seguir hablando con Collins, de-
 Austen Pride
her attention almost entirely on her sister
and Mr. Bingley; and the train of
agreeable reflections which her
observations gave birth to, made her
5 perhaps almost as happy as Jane. She saw
her in idea settled in that very house, in
all the felicity which a marriage of true
affection could bestow [grant]; and she
felt capable, under such circumstances,
10 of endeavouring even to like Bingleys
two sisters. Her mothers thoughts she
plainly saw were bent the same way, and
she determined not to venture near her,
lest she might hear too much. When they
15 sat down to supper, therefore , she X
considered it a most unlucky perverseness
X
perverse 1 perverso, malvado, depravado which placed them within one of each
2 obstinado, terco, caprichoso, other; and deeply was she vexed [angered]
contumaz, adverso, contrario to find that her mother was talking to that
20 one person (Lady Lucas) freely, openly,
and of nothing else but her expectation
that Jane would soon be married to Mr.
Bingley. It was an animating subject, and
Mrs. Bennet seemed incapable of fatigue
25 while enumerating the advantages of the
match. His being such a charming
young man, and so rich, and living but
three miles from them, were the first
points of self-gratulation; and then it
30 was such a comfort to think how fond
the two sisters were of Jane, and to be
certain that they must desire the
connection as much as she could do.
It was, moreover, such a promising
35 thing for her younger daughters, as
Janes marrying so greatly must throw
them in the way of other rich men; and
lastly, it was so pleasant at her time of
life to be able to consign her single
40 daughters to the care of their sister,
that she might not be obliged to go into
company more than she liked. It was
necessary to make this circumstance a
matter of pleasure, because on such
45 occasions it is the etiquette; but no one
was less likely than Mrs. Bennet to
find comfort in staying home at any
period of her life. She concluded with
many good wishes that Lady Lucas
50 might soon be equally fortunate,
t h o u g h e v i d e n t l y and triumphantly
believing there was no chance of it.
In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to
55 check the rapidity of her mothers words,
or persuade her to describe her felicity
in a less audible whisper; for, to her
inexpressible vexation, she could
perceive that the chief of it was overheard
60 by Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite to them.
Her mother only scolded her for being
nonsensical.
What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that
65 I should be afraid of him? I am sure we
86
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
dic su atencin casi por entero a su her-
mana y a Bingley; la multitud de agrada-
bles pensamientos a que sus observacio-
nes dieron lugar, la hicieron casi tan fe-
liz como Jane. La imagin instalada en
aquella gran casa con toda la felicidad
que un matrimonio por verdadero amor
puede proporcionar, y se sinti tan di-
chosa que crey incluso que las dos her-
manas de Bingley podran llegar a gus-
tarle. No le cost mucho adivinar que los
pensamientos de su madre seguan los
mismos derroteros y decidi no arries-
garse a acercarse a ella para no escuchar
sus comentarios. Desgraciadamente,
_______________ _____a la hora de ce-
nar les toc sentarse una junto a la
otra. Elizabeth se disgust mucho al
ve r c m o s u m a d r e n o h a c a
m s q u e h a b l arle a lady Lucas, li-
bre y abiertamente, de su esperan-
za de que Jane se casara pronto con
Bingley. El tema era arrebatador, y
la seora Bennet pareca que no se iba
a cansar nunca de enumerar las ventajas
de aquella alianza. Slo con considerar la
juventud del novio, su atractivo, su rique-
za y el hecho de que viviese a tres millas
de Longbourn nada ms, la seora Bennet
se senta feliz. Pero adems haba que te-
ner en cuenta lo encantadas que estaban con
Jane las dos hermanas de Bingley, quienes,
sin duda, se alegraran de la unin tanto
como ella misma. Por otra parte, el matri-
monio de Jane con alguien de tanta cate-
gora era muy prometedor para sus hijas
menores que tendran as ms oportunida-
des de encontrarse con hombres ricos. Por
ltimo, era un descanso, a su edad, poder
confiar sus hijas solteras al cuidado de su
hermana, y no tener que verse ella obliga-
da a acompaarlas ms que cuando le ape-
teciese. No haba ms remedio que tomar-
se esta circunstancia como un motivo de
satisfaccin, pues, en tales casos, as lo
exige la etiqueta; pero no haba nadie que
le gustase ms quedarse cmodamente en
casa en cualquier poca de su vida. Con-
cluy deseando a la seora Lucas que no
tardase en ser tan afortunada como ella,
aunque triunfante pensaba que no haba
muchas esperanzas.
Elizabeth se esforz en vano en re-
primir las palabras de su madre, y en
convencerla de que expresase su ale-
gra un poquito ms bajo; porque, para
mayor contrariedad, notaba que Darcy,
que estaba sentado enfrente de ellas,
estaba oyendo casi todo. Lo nico que
hizo su madre fue reprenderla por ser
tan necia.
Qu significa el seor Darcy para
m? Dime, por qu habra de tenerle mie-

comfortable El DRAE incluye confortabilidad
y confortable, con el doble significado de c-
modo y que conforta / alienta / anima . En
Amrica, confort se ha usado durante mu-
chos aos en el sentido de luxury, luxe, lujo,
comodidad, binestar.
Tiene mltiples otros usos como cmodo, 35
tranquilo, agradable [tiempo, situacin], esta-
ble [enfermo], a gusto [at ease], amplio [mar-
gen, mayora], holgado / desahogado [estilo
de vida], decente / suficiente [salario].
to comfort es confortar [consolar, animar, re-
confortar]. Hacer a alguien sentirse cmodo
comfortable 1 ministering to comfort; giving 40
ease (a comfortable pair of shoes). 2 free
from discomfort; at ease (Im quite comfortable
thank you). 3 colloq. having an adequate stan-
dard of living; free from financial worry. 4
having an easy conscience (did not feel
comfortable about refusing him). 5 with a wide
margin (a comfortable win). 6 safe
comforts servicios, consuelos, comodida-
des, prestaciones, consolaciones, esperan-
zas
Austen Pride
owe him no such particular civility as to
be obliged to say nothing HE may not
like to hear.
5 For heavens sake, madam, speak
lower. What advantage can it be for you
to offend Mr. Darcy? You will never
recommend yourself to his friend by so
doing!
10
Nothing that she could say, however,
had any influence. Her mother would talk
of her views in the same intelligible tone.
Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with
15 shame and vexation. She could not help
frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy,
though every glance convinced her of
what she dreaded; for though he was not
always looking at her mother, she was
20 convinced that his attention was
invariably fixed by her. The expression
of his face changed gradually from
indignant contempt to a composed and
steady gravity.
25
At length, however, Mrs. Bennet
had no more to say; and Lady Lucas,
who had been long yawning at the
repetition of delights which she saw
30 no likelihood of sharing, was left to
the comforts of cold ham and chicken.
Elizabeth now began to revive. But not
long was the interval of tranquillity; for,
when supper was over, singing was talked
of, and she had the mortification of seeing
Mary, after very little entreaty, preparing
to oblige the company. By many
significant looks and silent entreaties, did
she endeavour to prevent such a proof of
complaisance, but in vain; Mary would not
understand them; such an opportunity of
exhibiting was delightful to her, and she
began her song. Elizabeths eyes were
fixed on her with most painful sensations,
45 and she watched her progress through the
several stanzas with an impatience which
was very ill rewarded at their close; for
Mary, on receiving, amongst the thanks
of the table, the hint of a hope that she
50 might be prevailed on to favour them
again, after the pause of half a minute
began another. Marys powers were by no
means fitted for such a display; her voice
was weak, and her manner affected.
55 Elizabeth was in agonies. She looked at
Jane, to see how she bore it; but Jane was
very composedly [calmly] talking to
Bingley. She looked at his two sisters,
and saw them making signs of derision
60 at each other, and at Darcy, who
continued, however, imperturbably
grave. She looked at her father to entreat
his interference, lest Mary should be
singing all night. He took the hint, and
65 when Mary had finished her second song,
87
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
do? No le debemos ninguna atencin espe-
cial como para sentirnos obligadas a no de-
cir nada que pueda molestarle.
Por el amor de Dios, mam, ha-
bla ms bajo! Qu ganas con ofender
al seor Darcy? Lo nico que conse-
guirs, si lo haces, es quedar mal con
su amigo.
Pero nada de lo que dijo _________
surti efecto. La madre sigui exponien-
do su parecer con el mismo desenfado.
Elizabeth cada vez se pona ms colorada
por la vergenza y el disgusto que estaba pa-
sando. No poda dejar de mirar a Darcy con
frecuencia, aunque cada mirada la conven-
ca ms de lo que se estaba temiendo. Darcy
rara vez fijaba sus ojos en la madre, pero
Elizabeth no dudaba de que su atencin esta-
ba pendiente de lo que decan. La expresin
d e s u c a r a i b a g r a d u a l m e n t e del
desprecio y la indignacin a una imper-
turbable seriedad.
Sin embargo, lleg un momento en que
la seora Bennet ya no tuvo nada ms que
decir, y lady Lucas, que haba estado mu-
cho tiempo bostezando ante la repeticin
de delicias en las que no vea la posibili-
dad de participar, se entreg a los placeres
del pollo y del jamn. Elizabeth respir.
Pero este intervalo de tranquilidad no dur
mucho; despus de la cena se habl de can-
tar, y tuvo que pasar por el mal rato de ver
que Mary, tras muy pocas splicas, se dis-
pona a obsequiar a los presentes con su
canto. Con miradas significativas y silen-
ciosos ruegos, Elizabeth trat de impedir
aquella muestra de condescendencia, pero
fue intil. Mary no poda entender lo que
quera decir. Semejante oportunidad de de-
mostrar su talento la embelesaba, y empe-
z su cancin. Elizabeth no dejaba de mi-
rarla con una penosa sensacin, observaba
el desarrollo del concierto con una impa-
ciencia que no fue recompensada al final,
pues Mary, al recibir entre las manifestacio-
nes de gratitud de su auditorio una leve in-
sinuacin para que continuase, despus de
una pausa de un minuto, empez otra can-
cin. Las facultades de Mary no eran lo
ms a propsito para semejante exhibicin;
tena poca voz y un estilo afectado.
Elizabeth pas una verdadera agona. Mir
a Jane para ver cmo lo soportaba ella, pero
estaba hablando tranquilamente con
Bingley. Mir a las hermanas de ste y vio
que se hacan seas de burla entre ellas, y
a Darcy, que segua serio e imperturbable.
Mir, por ltimo, a su padre implorando
su intervencin para que Mary no se pasa-
se toda la noche cantando. El cogi la in-
directa y cuando Mary termin su segunda
cancin, dijo en voz alta:
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

said aloud, That will do extremely well,
child. You have delighted us long enough.
Let the other young ladies have time to
exhibit.
5
Mary, though pretending not to hear,
was somewhat disconcerted; and
Elizabeth, sorry for her, and sorry for her
fathers speech, was afraid her anxiety
10 had done no good. Others of the party
were now applied to.
Nia, ya basta. Has estado muy
bien, nos has deleitado ya bastante;
ahora deja que se luzcan las otras se-
oritas.
Mary, aunque fingi que no oa, se que-
d un poco desconcertada. A Elizabeth le
dio pena de ella y sinti que su padre hubie-
se dicho aquello. Se dio cuenta de que por
su inquietud, no haba obrado nada bien.
Ahora les tocaba cantar a otros.

If I, said Mr. Collins, were so Si yo dijo entonces Collins

15
20
25
30
comfortable El DRAE incluye confortabilidad
y confortable, con el doble significado de c-
modo y que conforta / alienta / anima . En
Amrica, confort se ha usado durante mu-
chos aos en el sentido de luxury, luxe, lujo, 35
comodidad, binestar.
Tiene mltiples otros usos como cmodo,
tranquilo, agradable [tiempo, situacin], esta-
ble [enfermo], a gusto [at ease], amplio [mar-
gen, mayora], holgado / desahogado [estilo
de vida], decente / suficiente [salario].
to comfort es confortar [consolar, animar, re- 40
confortar]. Hacer a alguien sentirse cmodo
comfortable 1 ministering to comfort; giving
ease (a comfortable pair of shoes). 2 free
from discomfort; at ease (Im quite comfortable
thank you). 3 colloq. having an adequate stan-
dard of living; free from financial worry. 4
having an easy conscience (did not feel 45
comfortable about refusing him). 5 with a wide
margin (a comfortable win). 6 safe
comforts servicios, consuelos, comodida-
des, prestaciones, consolacione, esperanzas
50
fortunate as to be able to sing, I should
have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging
the company with an air; for I consider
music as a very innocent diversion, and
perfectly compatible with the profession
of a clergyman. I do not mean, however,
to assert that we can be justified in
devoting too much of our time to music,
for there are certainly other things to be
attended to. The rector of a parish has
much to do. In the first place, he must
make such an agreement for tithes as a
may be beneficial to himself and not
offensive to his patron. He must write
his own sermons; and the time that
remains will not be too much for his
parish duties, and the care and
improvement of his dwelling, which he
cannot be excused from making as a
comfortable as possible. And I do not
think it of light importance that he should
have attentive and conciliatory manner
towards everybody, especially towards
those to whom he owes his preferment. I
cannot acquit him of that duty; nor could
I think well of the man who should omit
an occasion of testifying his respect
towards anybody connected with the
family. And with a bow to Mr. Darcy,
he concluded his speech, which had been
spoken so loud as a to be heard by half
the room. Many staredmany smiled;
but no one looked more amused than Mr.
Bennet himself, while his wife seriously
commended Mr. Collins for having
spoken so sensibly, and observed in a
half-whisper to Lady Lucas, that he was
a remarkably clever, good kind of young
man.
tuviera la suerte de ser apto para el can-
to, me gustara mucho obsequiar a la
concurrencia con una romanza. Consi-
dero que la msica es una distraccin
inocente y completamente compatible
con la profesin de clrigo. No quiero
decir, por esto, que est bien el consa-
grar demasiado tiempo a la msica,
pues hay, desde luego, otras cosas que
atender. El rector de una parroquia tie-
ne mucho trabajo. En primer lugar tie-
ne que hacer un ajuste de los diezmos
que resulte beneficioso para l y no sea
oneroso para su patrn. Ha de escribir
los sermones, y el tiempo que le queda
nunca es bastante para los deberes de la
parroquia y para el cuidado y mejora de
sus feligreses cuyas vidas tiene la obli-
gacin de hacer lo ms llevaderas posi-
ble. Y estimo como cosa de mucha im-
portancia que sea atento y conciliador
con todo el mundo, y en especial con
aquellos a quienes debe su cargo. Consi-
dero que esto es indispensable y no pue-
do tener en buen concepto al hombre que
desperdiciara la ocasin de presentar sus
respetos a cualquiera que est emparen-
tado con la familia de sus bienhechores.
Y con una reverencia al seor Darcy
concluy su discurso pronunciado en voz
tan alta que lo oy la mitad del saln. Mu-
chos se quedaron mirndolo fijamente,
muchos sonrieron, pero nadie se haba
divertido tanto como el seor Bennet,
mientras que su esposa alab en serio a
Collins por haber hablado con tanta sen-
satez, y le coment en un cuchicheo a lady
Lucas que era muy buena persona y ex-
tremadamente listo.

To Elizabeth it appeared that, had her A Elizabeth le pareca que si su fa-

55 family made an agreement to expose
themselves as a much as a they could
during the evening, it would have been
impossible for them to play their parts
spirit coincide con espritu en las ideas de alma, with more spirit or finer success; and
nima, espectro, fantasma, aparecido, valor, 60 happy did she think it for Bingley and
nimo, bro, sentido / intencin [de la ley].
Spirit tiene mltiples usos y recalca las ideas her sister that some of the exhibition had
de alegra, vivacidad, bro, actitud, disposi- escaped his notice, and that his feelings
cin, humor, ganas, vigor, temple, entereza, were not of a sort to be much distressed
carcter, civismo, voluntad, ambiente, alco- by the folly which he must have
hol [de beber o del alumbrado]. 65 witnessed. That his two sisters and Mr.
milia se hubiese puesto de acuerdo
para hacer el ridculo en todo lo po-
sible aquella noche, no les habra sa-
lido mejor ni h a b r a n ___
_______________
X o b t e n i d o anto xito; y se
alegraba mucho de que Bingley y su
hermana no se hubiesen enterado de la
mayor parte del espectculo y de que
Bingley no fuese de esa clase de perso-
nas que les importa o les molesta la lo-
cura de la que hubiese sido testigo. Ya

88
 Austen Pride
Darcy, however, should have such an
opportunity of ridiculing her relations,
was bad enough, and she could not
determine whether the silent contempt of
5 the gentleman, or the insolent smiles of
the ladies, were more intolerable.
The rest of the evening brought her
little amusement. She was teased by Mr.
10 Collins, who continued most
perseveringly by her side, and though he
could not prevail on her to dance with
him again, put it out of her power to
dance with others. In vain did she entreat
15 him to stand up with somebody else, and
offer to introduce him to any young lady
in the room. He assured her, that as to
dancing, he was perfectly indifferent to
it; that his chief object was by delicate
20 attentions to recommend himself to her
and that he should therefore make a point
of remaining close to her the whole
evening. There was no arguing upon such
a project. She owed her greatest relief to
25 her friend Miss Lucas, who often joined
them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr.
Collinss conversation to herself.
She was at least free from the offense
30 of Mr. Darcys further notice; though
often standing within a very short
distance of her, quite disengaged, he
never came near enough to speak. She felt
it to be the probable consequence of her
35 allusions to Mr. Wickham, and rejoiced
in it.
The Longbourn party were the last
of all the company to depart, and, by
40 a manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennet, had to
wait for their carriage a quarter of an
hour after everybody else was gone,
which gave them time to see how
heartily they were wished away by some
45 of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister
scarcely opened their mouths, except to
complain of fatigue, and were evidently
impatient to have the house to
themselves. They repulsed every attempt
50 of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, and by
so doing threw a languor over the whole
party, which was very little relieved by
the long speeches of Mr. Collins, who
was complimenting Mr. Bingley and his
55 sisters on the elegance of their
entertainment, and the hospitality and
politeness which had marked their
behaviour to their guests. Darcy said
nothing at all. Mr. Bennet, in equal
60 silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr.
Bingley and Jane were standing together,
a little detached from the rest, and talked
only to each other. Elizabeth preserved
as steady a silence as either Mrs. Hurst
65 or Miss Bingley; and even Lydia was too
89
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
era bastante desgracia que las herma-
nas y Darcy hubiesen tenido la opor-
tunidad de burlarse de su familia; y no
saba qu le resultaba ms intolerable:
si el silencioso desprecio de Darcy o las
X insolentes sonrisitas de las damas.
El resto de la noche transcurri
para ella sin el mayor inters. Collins
la sac de quicio con su empeo en no
separarse de ella. Aunque no consigui
convencerla de que bailase con l otra
vez, le impidi que bailase con otros.
Fue intil que le rogase que fuese a
charlar con otras personas y que se
ofreciese para presentarle a algunas
seoritas de la fiesta. Collins asegur
que el bailar le tena sin cuidado y que
su principal deseo era hacerse agrada-
ble a sus ojos con delicadas atencio-
nes, por lo que haba decidido estar a
su lado toda la noche. No haba nada
que discutir ante tal proyecto. Su ami-
ga la seorita Lucas fue la nica que
la consol sentndose a su lado con
frecuencia y desviando hacia ella la
conversacin de Collins.
Por lo menos as se vio libre de
Darcy que, aunque a veces se ha-
llaba a poca dist ancia de ellos
completamente desocupado, no se
X a c e r c _________ a h a b l a r l e s .
Elizabeth lo atribuy al resultado de
sus alusiones a Wickham y se alegr
de ello.
La familia de Longbourn fue la lti-
ma en marcharse. La seora Bennet se
las arregl para que tuviesen que espe-
rar por los carruajes hasta un cuarto de
hora despus de haberse ido todo el
mundo, lo cual les permiti darse cuen-
ta de las ganas que tenan algunos de los
miembros de la familia Bingley de que
desapareciesen. La seora Hurst y su herma-
na apenas abrieron la boca para otra cosa que
para quejarse de cansancio; se les notaba im-
pacientes por quedarse solas en la casa. Re-
chazaron todos los intentos de conversacin
de la seora Bennet y la animacin de-
cay, sin que pudieran elevarla los
largos discursos de Collins felici-
tando a Bingley y a sus hermanas
por la elegancia de la fiesta y por la
hospitalidad y fineza con que haban
tratado a sus invitados. Darcy no
dijo absolutamente nada. El seor
Bennet, tan callado como l, disfru-
taba de la escena. Bingley y Jane es-
taban juntos y un poco separados de
los dems, hablando el uno con el
otro. Elizabeth guard el mismo si-
lencio q u e l a s e o r a H u r s t y l a
s e o r i ta Bingley. Incluso Lydia es-

50 o f a b s e n c e e x t e n d e d o n l y t o t h e
diffidence, self-doubt, self-distrust lack of self-
confidence inseguridad, falta de confianza
en uno mismo
55 manner, with all the observances, which
60 addressed the mother in these words:
Austen Pride
much fatigued to utter more than the
occasional exclamation of Lord, how
tired I am! accompanied by a violent
yawn.
5
When at length they arose to take
leave, Mrs. Bennet was most pressingly
civil in her hope of seeing the whole
family soon at Longbourn, and
10 addressed herself especially to Mr.
Bingley, to assure him how happy he
would make them by eating a family
dinner with them at any time, without
the ceremony of a formal invitation.
15 Bingley was all grateful pleasure, and
he readily engaged for taking the
earliest opportunity of waiting on her,
after his return from London, whither
he was obliged to go the next day for a
20 short time.
Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied,
and quitted the house under the delightful
persuasion that, allowing for the
25 necessary preparations of settlements,
new carriages, and wedding clothes, she
should undoubtedly see her daughter
settled at Netherfield in the course of
three or four months. Of having another
30 daughter married to Mr. Collins, she
thought with equal certainty, and with
considerable, though not equal, pleasure.
Elizabeth was the least dear to her of all
her children; and though the man and the
35 match were quite good enough for HER,
the worth of each was eclipsed by Mr.
Bingley and Netherfield.
40
Chapter 19
45
The next day opened a new scene at
L o n g b o u r n . M r. C o l l i n s m a d e h i s
declaration in form. Having resolved to
do it without loss of time, as his leave
following Saturday, and having no
feelings of diffidence t o m a k e i t
distressing to himself even at the
moment, he set about it in a very orderly
he suppos ed a regular part of the
business. On finding Mrs. Bennet,
Elizabeth, and one of the younger girls
t o g e t h e r, s o o n a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , h e
May I hope, madam, for your interest
with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when
I solicit for the honour of a private
65 audience with her in the course of this
90
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
taba demasiado agotada para poder
decir ms que Dios mo! Qu can-
sada estoy! en medio de grandes
bostezos.
Cuando, por fin, se levantaron para
despedirse, la seora Bennet insisti con
mucha cortesa en su deseo de ver pron-
to en Longbourn a toda la familia, se di-
rigi especialmente a Bingley para ma-
nifestarle que se veran muy honrados si
un da iba a su casa a almorzar con ellos
en familia, sin la etiqueta de una invita-
cin formal. Bingley se lo agradeci en-
cantado y se comprometi en el acto a
aprovechar la primera oportunidad que
se le presentase para visitarles, a su re-
greso de Londres, adonde tena que ir al
da siguiente, aunque no tardara en es-
tar de vuelta.
La seora Bennet no caba en s de
gusto y sali de la casa convencida
de que contando el tiempo necesario
para los preparativos de la celebra-
cin, compra de nuevos coches y tra-
jes de boda, iba a ver a su hija insta-
lada en Netherfield dentro de tres o
cuatro meses. Con la misma certeza
y con considerable, aunque no igual
agrado, esperaba tener pronto otra
hija casada con Collins. Elizabeth era
a la que menos quera de todas sus
hijas, y si bien el pretendiente y la
boda eran ms que suficientes para
ella, quedaban eclipsados por Bingley
y por Netherfield.
Captulo XIX
Al da siguiente, hubo otro
acontecimiento en Longbourn.
Collins se declar formalmente.
Resolvi hacerlo sin prdida de
tiempo, pues su permiso expiraba
el prximo sbado; y como tena
plena confianza en el xito, em-
prendi la tarea de modo metdi-
co y con todas las formalidades
que consideraba de rigor en tales
casos. Poco despus del desayuno
encontr juntas a la seora
Bennet, a Elizabeth y a una de las
hijas menores, y se dirigi a la
madre con estas palabras:
Puedo esperar, seora, dado su in-
ters por su bella hija Elizabeth, que se me
conceda el honor de una entrevista priva-
da con ella, en el transcurso de esta misma
 Austen Pride
morning?
Before Elizabeth had
time for anything but a
5 blush of surprise, Mrs.
Bennet answered instantly,
O h d e a r ! y e s c e r t a i n l y. I a m
sure Lizzy will be very happyI
am sure she can have no objection.
10 C o m e , K i t t y, I w a n t y o u u p s t a i r s .
A nd, gathering her work together,
she was hastening away, when
Elizabeth called out:
15 Dear madam, do not go. I beg you
will not go. Mr. Collins must excuse
me. He can have nothing to say to me
that anybody need not hear. I am going
away myself.
20
No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you
to stay where you are. And upon
Elizabeths seeming really, with vexed
[angered] and embarrassed looks, about to
25 escape, she added: Lizzy, I INSIST upon
your staying and hearing Mr. Collins.
Elizabeth would not oppose such an
injunctionand a moments
30 consideration making her also sensible
that it would be wisest to get it over as
soon and as quietly as possible, she sat
down again and tried to conceal, by
incessant employment the feelings which
35 were divided between distress and
diversion. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty walked
off, and as soon as they were gone, Mr.
Collins began.
40 Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth,
that your modesty, so far from doing you
any disservice, rather adds to your other
perfections. You would have been less
amiable in my eyes had there NOT been
45 this little unwillingness; but allow me to
assure you, that I have your respected
mothers permission for this address. You
purport 1. the meaning, import, or sense: the can hardly doubt the purport of my
main purport of your letter. 2. purpose; discourse, however your natural delicacy
intention; object: the main purport of their 50 may lead you to dissemble; my attentions
visit to France.
1. to present, esp. deliberately, the have been too marked to be mistaken.
appearance of being; profess or claim, often Almost as soon as I entered the house, I
falsely: a document purporting to be official. singled you out as the companion of my
2. to convey to the mind as the meaning or future life. But before I am run away with
thing intended; express or imply. 55 by my feelings on this subject, perhaps
purported reputed or claimed; assumed,
alleged: We saw no evidence of his purported it would be advisable for me to state my
wealth. reasons for marryingand, moreover, for
coming into Hertfordshire with the
design of selecting a wife, as I certainly
60 did.
The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- solemn composure [calmness], being run
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero away with by his feelings, made
compostura es tambin repair, mending, 65 Elizabeth so near laughing, that she could
tidiness, agreement
91
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
maana?
Antes de que Elizabeth hubiese te-
nido tiempo de nada ms que de po-
nerse roja por la sorpresa, la seora
Bennet contest instantneamente:
Oh, querido! No faltaba ms! Es-
toy segura de que Elizabeth estar encan-
tada y de que no tendr ningn inconve-
niente. Ven, Kitty, te necesito arriba.
Y recogiendo su labor se apresur
a dejarlos solos. Elizabeth la llam di-
ciendo:
Mam, querida, no te vayas. Te lo rue-
go, no te vayas. El seor Collins me discul-
par; pero no tiene nada que decirme que
no pueda or todo el mundo. Soy yo la que
me voy.
No, no seas tonta, Lizzy. Qu-
date donde ests. Y al ver que
Elizabet, disgustada y violenta, es-
taba a punto de marcharse, aadi:
Lizzy, te ordeno que te quedes y
que escuches al seor Colli n s .
Elizabeth no pudo desobedecer
semejante mandato. En un momento
lo pens mejor y crey ms sensato
acabar con todo aquello lo antes po-
sible en paz y tranquilidad. Se vol-
vi a sentar y trat de disimular con
empeo, por un lado, la sensacin
de malestar, y por otro, lo que le di-
verta aquel asunto. La seora
Bennet y Kitty se fueron, y enton-
ces Collins empez:
Crame, mi querida seorita
Elizabeth, que su modestia, en vez de
perjudicarla, viene a sumarse a sus
otras perfecciones. Me habra pareci-
do usted menos adorable si no hubiese
mostrado esa pequea resistencia. Pero
permtame asegurarle que su madre me
ha dado licencia para esta entrevista.
Ya debe saber cul es el objeto de mi
discurso; aunque su natural delicadeza
la lleve a disimularlo; mis intenciones
han quedado demasiado patentes para
que puedan inducir a error. Casi en el
momento en que pis esta casa, la ele-
g a usted para futura compaera de mi
vida. Pero antes de expresar mis senti-
mientos, quiz sea aconsejable que ex-
ponga las razones que tengo para ca-
sarme, y por qu vine a Hertfordshire
con la idea de buscar una esposa preci-
samente aqu.
_________ ____________ ____ ____
X ____ _____ _____ A Elizabeth casi le
dio la risa al imaginrselo expresando
sus sentimientos; y no pudo aprove-
 Austen Pride
not use the short pause he allowed in any
attempt to stop him further, and he
continued:
5 My reasons for marrying are, first,
that I think it a right thing for every
clergyman in easy circumstances (like
myself) to set the example of
matrimony in his parish; secondly, that
10 I am convinced that it will add very
greatly to my happiness; and thirdly
which perhaps I ought to have
m e n t i o n e d e a r l i e r, t h a t i t i s t h e
particular advice and recommendation
15 of the very noble lady whom I have the
honour of calling patroness. Twice has
she condescended to give me her
opinion (unasked too!) on this subject;
and it was but the very Saturday night
20 before I left Hunsfordbetween our
pools at quadrille, while Mrs.
Jenkinson was arranging Miss de
Bourghs footstool, that she said, Mr.
Collins, you must marry. A clergyman
25 like you must marry. Choose properly,
choose a gentlewoman for MY sake;
a n d f o r y o u r OWN , l e t h e r b e a n
active, useful sort of person, not
brought up high, but able to make a
30 small income go a good way. This is
my advice. Find such a woman as soon
as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and
I will visit her. Allow me, by the way,
to observe, my fair cousin, that I do
35 not reckon the notice and kindness of
Lady Catherine de Bourgh as among
the least of the advantages in my
p o w e r t o o ff e r. Yo u w i l l f i n d h e r
manners beyond anything I can
40 describe; and your wit and vivacity, I
t h i n k , m u s t b e a c c e p t a b l e t o h e r,
especially when tempered with the
silence and respect which her rank will
inevitably excite. Thus much for my
45 general intention in favour of
matrimony; it remains to be told why my
views were directed towards Longbourn
instead of my own neighbourhood,
where I can assure you there are many
50 amiable young women. But the fact is,
that being, as I am, to inherit this estate
after the death of your honoured father
(who, however, may live many years
longer), I could not satisfy myself
55 without resolving to choose a wife from
among his daughters, that the loss to
them might be as little as possible, when
the melancholy event takes place
which, however, as I have already said,
60 may not be for several years. This has
been my motive, my fair cousin, and I
flatter myself it will not sink me in your
esteem. And now nothing remains but
for me but to assure you in the most
65 animated language of the violence of my
92
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
char la breve pausa que hizo para evi-
tar que siguiese adelante. Collins con-
tinu:
Las razones que tengo para casar-
me son: primero, que la obligacin de
un clrigo en circunstancias favorables
como las mas, es dar ejemplo de
matrimonio en su parroquia; segundo,
que estoy convencido de que eso con-
tribuir poderosamente a mi felicidad;
y tercero, cosa que tal vez hubiese de-
bido advertir en primer trmino, que es
el particular consejo y recomendacin
de la nobilsima dama a quien tengo el
honor de llamar mi protectora. Por dos
veces se ha dignado indicrmelo,
aun sin habrselo yo insinuado, y el
mismo sbado por la noche, antes de
que saliese de Hunsford y durante nues-
tra partida de cuatrillo, mientras la se-
ora Jenkinson arreglaba el silletn de
la seorita de Bourgh, me dijo: Seor
Collins, tiene usted que casarse. Un
clrigo como usted debe estar casado.
Elija usted bien, elija pensando en m
y en usted mismo; procure que sea una
persona activa y til, de educacin no
muy elevada, pero capaz de sacar buen
partido a pequeos ingresos. ste es mi
consejo. Busque usted esa mujer cuan-
to antes, trigala a Hunsford y que yo
la vea. Permtame, de paso, decirle,
hermosa prima, que no estimo como la
menor de las ventajas que puedo ofre-
cerle, el conocer y disfrutar de las bon-
dades de lady Catherine de Bourgh. Sus
modales le parecern muy por encima
de cuanto yo pueda describirle, y la vi-
veza e ingenio de usted le parecern a
ella muy aceptables, especialmente
cuando se vean moderados por la dis-
crecin y el respeto que su alto rango
impone inevitablemente. Esto es todo
en cuanto a mis propsitos generales en
favor del matrimonio; ya no me queda
por decir ms, que el motivo de que me
haya dirigido directamente a
Longbourn en vez de buscar en mi pro-
pia localidad, donde, le aseguro, hay
muchas seoritas encantadoras. Pero es
el caso que siendo como soy el herede-
ro de Longbourn a la muerte de su ho-
norable padre, que ojal viva muchos
aos, no estara satisfecho si no eligiese
esposa entre sus hijas, para atenuar en
todo lo posible la prdida que sufrirn
al sobrevenir tan triste suceso que,
como ya le he dicho, deseo que no ocu-
rra hasta dentro de muchos aos. ste
ha sido el motivo, hermosa prima, y
tengo la esperanza de que no me h a r
desmerecer en su estima. Y ahora
ya no me queda ms que expresar-
le, con las ms enfticas palabras,
 Austen Pride
affection. To fortune I am perfectly
indifferent, and shall make no demand
of that nature on your father, since I am
well aware that it could not be complied
5 with; and that one thousand pounds in
the four per cents, which will not be
yours till after your mother s decease,
is all that you may ever be entitled to.
On that head, therefore, I shall be
10 uniformly silent; and you may assure
yourself that no ungenerous reproach
shall ever pass my lips when we are
married.
15 It was absolutely necessary to
interrupt him now.
You are too hasty, sir, she cried.
You forget that I have made no answer.
20 Let me do it without further loss of time.
Accept my thanks for the compliment you
are paying me. I am very sensible of the
X ______ __ L e a g r a d e z c o s u a t e n c i n
honour of your proposals, but it is
impossible for me to do otherwise than
25 to decline them.
I am not now to learn, replied Mr.
Collins, with a formal wave of the hand,
that it is usual with young ladies to reject
30 the addresses of the man whom they
secretly mean to accept, when he first
applies for their favour; and that
sometimes the refusal is repeated a
second, or even a third time. I am
35 therefore by no means discouraged by
what you have just said, and shall hope
to lead you to the altar ere long.
Upon my word, sir, cried Elizabeth,
40 your hope is a rather extraordinary one
after my declaration. I do assure you that
I am not one of those young ladies (if
such young ladies there are) who are so
daring as to risk their happiness on the
45 chance of being asked a second time. I
am perfectly serious in my refusal. You
could not make ME happy, and I am
convinced that I am the last woman in
the world who could make you so. Nay,
50 were your friend Lady Catherine to know
me, I am persuaded she would find me
in every respect ill qualified for the
situation.
55 Were it certain that Lady Catherine
would think so, said Mr. Collins very
gravelybut I cannot imagine that her
ladyship would at all disapprove of you.
And you may be certain when I have the
60 honour of seeing her again, I shall speak
in the very highest terms of your modesty,
economy, and other amiable
qualification.
65 Indeed, Mr. Collins, all praise of me
93
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
la fuerza de mi afecto. En lo rela-
tivo a su dote, me es en absoluto
indiferente, y no he de pedirle a su
padre nada que yo sepa que no
pueda cumplir; de modo que no
tendr usted que aportar ms que
las mil libras al cuatro por ciento
que le tocarn a la muerte de su
madre. Pero no ser exigente y
puede usted tener la certeza de que
ningn reproche interesado saldr
de mis labios en cuanto estemos
casados.
Era absolutamente necesario interrum-
pirle de inmediato.
Va usted demasiado de prisa exclam
Elizabeth. Olvida que no le he contestado.
Djeme que lo haga sin ms rod e o s .
_______________ ________ _____
y el honor que su proposicin sig-
nifica, pero no puedo menos que
rechazarla.
S de sobra replic Collins
con un grave gesto de su mano que
entre las jvenes es muy corriente re-
chazar las proposiciones del hombre
a quien, en el fondo, piensan aceptar,
cuando pide su preferencia por prime-
ra vez, y que la negativa se repite una
segunda o incluso una tercera vez. Por
esto no me descorazona en absoluto lo
que acaba de decirme, y espero llevar-
la al altar dentro de poco.
Caramba, seor! exclam
Elizabeth. No s qu esperanzas le
pueden quedar despus de mi con-
testacin! Le aseguro que no soy de esas
mujeres, si es que tales mujeres existen,
tan temerarias que arriesgan su felicidad
al azar de que las soliciten una segunda
vez. Mi negativa es muy en serio. No po-
dra hacerme feliz, y estoy convencida
de que yo soy la ltima mujer del mundo
que podra hacerle feliz a usted. Es ms,
si su amiga lady Catherine me conocie-
ra, me da la sensacin que pensara que
soy, en todos los aspectos, la menos in-
dicada para usted.
Si fuera cierto que lady Catherine
lo pensara... dijo Collins con la ma-
yor gravedad pero estoy seguro de
que Su Seora la aprobara. Y crame
que cuando tenga el honor de volver
a verla, le hablar en los trminos ms
encomisticos de su modestia, de su
economa y de sus otras buenas cuali-
dades.
Por favor, seor Collins, todos los
 Austen Pride
will be unnecessary. You must give me
leave to judge for myself, and pay me
the compliment of believing what I say.
I wish you very happy and very rich, and
5 by refusing you hand, do all in my power
to prevent your being otherwise. In
making me the offer, you must have
satisfied the delicacy of your feelings
with regard to my family, and may take
10 p o s s e s s i o n o f L o n g b o u r n e s t a t e
whenever it falls, without any self-
reproach. This matter may be
considered, therefore, as finally settled.
And rising as she thus spoke, she would
15 have quitted the room, had Mr. Collins
not thus addressed her:
When I do myself the honour of
speaking to you next on the subject, I
20 shall hope to receive a more favourable
answer than you have now given me;
though I am far from accusing you of
cruelty at present, because I know it to
be the established custom of your sex to
25 reject a man on the first application, and
perhaps you have even now said as much
to encourage my suit as would be
consistent with the true delicacy of the
female character.
30
Really, Mr. Collins, cried Elizabeth
with some warmth, you puzzle me
exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said
can appear to you in the form of
35 encouragement, I know not how to
express my refusal in such a way as to
convince you of its being one.
You must give me leave to flatter
40 myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal
of my addresses is merely words of
course. My reasons for believing it are
briefly these: It does not appear to me
that my hand is unworthy your
45 acceptance, or that the establishment I
can offer would be any other than highly
desirable. My situation in life, my
connections with the family of de
Bourgh, and my relationship to your own,
50 are circumstances highly in my favour;
and you should take it into further
consideration, that in spite of your
manifold attractions, it is by no means
certain that another offer of marriage may
55 ever be made you. Your portion is
unhappily so small that it will in all
likelihood undo the effects of your
loveliness and amiable qualifications. As
I must therefore conclude that you are not
60 serious in your rejection of me, I shall
choose to attribute it to your wish of
increasing my love by suspense,
according to the usual practice of elegant
females.
65
94
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
elogios que me haga sern innecesarios.
Djeme juzgar por m misma y concda-
me el honor de creer lo que le digo. Le
deseo que consiga ser muy feliz y muy rico,
y al rechazar su mano hago todo lo que est
a mi alcance para que no sea de otro modo.
Al hacerme esta proposicin debe estimar
satisfecha la delicadeza de sus sentimien-
tos respecto a mi familia, y cuando llegue
la hora podr tomar posesin de la heren-
cia de Longbourn sin ningn cargo de con-
ciencia. Por lo tanto, dejemos este asunto
definitivamente zanjado. Mientras acaba-
ba de decir esto, se levant, y estaba a pun-
to de salir de la sala, cuando Collins le vol-
vi a insistir:
La prxima vez que tenga el honor
de hablarle de este tema de nuevo, espe-
ro recibir contestacin ms favorable que
la que me ha dado ahora; aunque estoy
lejos de creer que es usted cruel conmi-
go, pues ya s que es costumbre incorre-
gible de las mujeres rechazar a los hom-
bres la primera vez que se declaran, y
puede que me haya dicho todo eso slo
para hacer ms consistente mi peticin
como corresponde a la verdadera delica-
deza del carcter femenino.
Realmente, seor Collins excla-
m Elizabeth algo acalorada me con-
funde usted en exceso. Si todo lo que
he dicho hasta ahora lo interpreta como
un estmulo, no s de qu modo expre-
sarle mi repulsa para que quede usted
completamente convencido.
Debe dejar que presuma, mi
querida prima, que su rechaz ha
sido slo de boquilla. Las razones
que tengo para creerlo, son las si-
guientes: no creo que mi mano no
merezca ser aceptada por usted ni
que la posicin que le ofrezco
deje de ser altamente apetecible.
Mi situacin en la vida, mi rela-
c i n c o n l a f a m i l i a d e B o u rg h y m i
parentesco con usted son
circunstancias importantes en mi
f a v o r. C o n s i d e r e , a d e m s , q u e a
pesar de sus muchos atractivos, no
es seguro que reciba otra propo-
sicin de matrimonio. Su fortuna
es tan escasa que anular, por des-
gracia, los efectos de su belleza y
buenas cualidades. As pues, como
no puedo deducir de todo esto que
haya procedido sinceramente al
rechazarme, optar por atribuirlo
a su deseo de acrecentar mi amor
con el suspense, de acuerdo con la
prctica acostumbrada en las mu-
jeres elegantes.
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

I do assure you, sir, that I have no Le aseguro a usted, seor, que no

pretensions whatever to that kind of
elegance which consists in tormenting a
respectable man. I would rather be paid
5 the compliment of being believed
sincere. I thank you again and again for
the honour you have done me in your
proposals, but to accept them is
absolutely impossible. My feelings in
10 every respect forbid it. Can I speak
plainer? Do not consider me now as an
elegant female, intending to plague you,
but as a rational creature, speaking the
truth from her heart.
15
You are uniformly charming !
cried he, with an air of awkward gallantry;
and I am persuaded that when
sanctioned by the express authority of
20 both your excellent parents, my proposals
will not fail of being acceptable.
me parece nada elegante atormentar a
un hombre respetable. Preferira que
me hiciese el cumplido de creerme. Le
agradezco una y mil veces el honor que
me ha hecho con su proposicin, pero
me es absolutamente imposible acep-
tarla. Mis sentimientos, en todos los
aspectos, me lo impiden. Se puede
hablar ms claro? No me considere
como a una mujer elegante que preten-
de torturarle, sino como a un ser ra-
cional que dice lo que siente de todo
corazn.
Es siempre encantadora! e x -
c l a m l c o n t o s c a g a l a n t e r a .
No puedo dudar de que mi proposicin
ser aceptada cuando sea sancionada
por la autoridad de sus excelen-
tes padres.

To such perseverance in wilful self- X Ante tal empeo de _______ engaar-

deception Elizabeth would make no
25 reply, and immediately and in silence
withdrew; determined, if he persisted in
considering her repeated refusals as
flattering encouragement, to apply to her
father, whose negative might be uttered
30 in such a manner as to be decisive, and
whose behavior at least could not be
mistaken for the affectation and coquetry
of an elegant female.
se a s mismo, Elizabeth no contest y se
fue al instante sin decir palabra, decidi-
da, en el caso de que Collins persistiese
en considerar sus reiteradas negativas
como un frvolo sistema de estmulo, a
recurrir a su padre, cuyo rechazo sera
formulado de tal modo que resultara
inapelable y cuya actitud, al menos, no
podra confundirse con la afectacin y la
coquetera de una dama elegante.

35

40
Chapter 20 Captulo XX

Mr. C o l l i n s w a s n o t l e f t l o n g A Collins no lo dejaron mucho

dawdle to move in a leisurely or aimless 45
manner, remolonear, entretenerse
dawdle verb 1 lag, fall back, fall behind hang
(back) or fall (behind) in movement,
progress, development, etc. 2 dally,
dawdle waste time; Get busydont Elizabeth open the door and with quick
dally! 3 linger, dawdle take ones time; 50
proceed slowly 4 vi fam perder el tiempo:
come on! dont dawdle!, venga, no te entre-
tengas!
dawdler cachazudo, loitering, parsimonioso
55
60
to the silent contemplation of his
successful love; for Mrs. Bennet,
h a v i n g d a w d l e d a b o u t in the
vestibule t o w a t c h f o r t h e e n d o f
t h e c o n f e r e n c e , n o sooner saw
step pass her towards the staircase, than she
entered the breakfast-room, and congratulated
both him and herself in warm terms on the happy
prospect or their nearer connection. Mr. Collins
received and returned these felicitations with
equal pleasure, and then proceeded to relate the
particulars of their interview, with the result of
which he trusted he had every reason to be
satisfied, since the refusal which his cousin had
steadfa s t l y g i v e n h i m w o u l d
n a t u r a l l y f l o w f r o m h e r
b a s h f u l [shy] modesty and the g e n u i n e
d e l i c a c y o f h e r c h a r a c t e r.
tiempo meditar en silencio el xito
de su amor; porque la seora Bennet
X que se haba quedado en el vest-
bulo esperando el final de la
c o n v e r sacin, en cuanto vio que
Elizabeth a b r a l a p u e r t a y s e d i r i -
ga con paso veloz a la escalera,
e n t r e n e l c o m e dor y felicit a
Collins, congratulndo _______ ________
X se por el venturoso proyecto de la cercana
unin. Despus de aceptar y devol-
ver esas felicitaciones con el mis-
mo alborozo, Collins procedi a ex-
plicar los detalles de la entrevista,
de cuyo resultado estaba satisfecho,
pues la firme n egativa de su prima
no poda provenir, naturalmente, ms
que de su tmida modestia y de la
X _______ delicadeza de su carcter.

This information, however, startled Pero sus noticias sobresaltaron a la

65 Mrs. Bennet; she would have been glad seora Bennet. Tambin ella hubiese

95
 Austen Pride
to be equally satisfied that her daughter
had meant to encourage him by
protesting against his proposals, but she
dared not believe it, and could not help
5 saying so.
But, depend upon it, Mr. Collins,
she added, that Lizzy shall be brought
to reason. I will speak to her about it
10 directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish
girl, and does not know her own interest
but I will MAKE her know it.
Pardon me for interrupting you,
15 madam, cried Mr. Collins; but if she is
actually totalmente, realmente, de veras, en really headstrong and foolish, I know not
realidad, verdadero, de hecho, en serio whether she would altogether be a very
actual adjetivo real, verdadero, efectivo, con- desirable wife to a man in my situation,
creto, autntico, mismo (very): give me an
actual example, dame un ejemplo concreto who naturally looks for happiness in the
he has no actual job, no tiene trabajo propia- 20 marriage state. If therefore she actually
mente dicho persists in rejecting my suit, perhaps it
Actual subraya el hecho de que algo es real o were better not t o f o r c e h e r i n t o
genuino y solo se puede colocar delante de accepting me, because if liable to such
un sustantivo: Everybody believed I would
win but the actual result was very different. defects of temper, she could not
Todos pensaban que iba a ganar pero el re- 25 contribute much to my felicity.
sultado final (real) fue muy distinto.
actual (En) 1 existing in fact; real (often as Sir, you quite misunderstand me,
distinct from ideal). 2 existing now; current. said Mrs. Bennet, alarmed. Lizzy is only
Usage Redundant use, as in tell me the ac-
tual facts, is disp., but common. headstrong in such matters as these. In
30 everything else she is as good-natured a
En Castellano ACTUAL se traduce por present girl as ever lived. I will go directly to
o current: The current economic crisis will Mr. Bennet, and we shall very soon settle
cause us many problems. La actual crisis eco- it with her, I am sure.
nmica nos causar muchos problemas
35 She would not give him time to reply,
liable responsable; but hurrying instantly to her husband,
to be ~ FOR sth ser responsable de algo
(likely): Im ~ to forget es probable que me
called out as she entered the library, Oh!
olvide; Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately;
the earlier model was ~ to overheat el we are all in an uproar. You must come
modelo anterior tena tendencia a recalen- 40 and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for
tarse she vows she will not have him, and if
liable 1 responsable
to be liable for, ser responsable de
you do not make haste he will change his
to hold sb liable, responsabilizar a alguien mind and not have HER.
[for, de]
2 (cosa) hotels are liable to 16% VAT, los 45 Mr. Bennet raised his eyes from his
hoteles estn sujetos al 16% del IVA book as she entered, and fixed them on
3 propenso,-a [to, a]
4 probable: its liable to rain, es probable
her face with a calm unconcern which
que llueva was not in the least altered by her
Compound Forms: communication.
be liable ser responsable 50
be liable for ser responsable de I have not the pleasure of
make jointly liable obligar solidaria-
mente
understanding you, said he, when she
had finished her speech. Of what are you
talking?
55
Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy. Lizzy
declares she will not have Mr. Collins,
and Mr. Collins begins to say that he will
not have Lizzy.
60
And what am I to do on the
occasion? It seems an hopeless
business.
65 Speak to Lizzy about it yourself. Tell
96
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
querido creer que su hija haba tratado
nicamente de animar a Collins al re-
chazar sus proposiciones; pero no se
atreva a admitirlo, y as se lo manifes-
t a Collins.
Lo importante aadi es
que Lizzy entre en razn. Hablar
personalmente con ella de este asun-
to. Es una chica muy terca y muy
loca y no sabe lo que le conviene,
pero ya se lo har saber yo.
Perdneme que la interrumpa
exclam Collins, pero si en rea-
lidad es terca y loca, no s si, en con-
junto, es una esposa deseable para un
hombre en mi situacin, que natural-
mente busca felicidad en el matr i m o -
X n i o . P o r c o n s i g u i e n t e , s i _____
in s i s t e e n r e c h a z a r m i p e t i c i n ,
a c a s o s e a m e j o r n o f o r z a r l a a que
X me acepte, porque si ______ tiene esos
d e fectos, no contribuira mucho
que digamos a mi ventura.
Me ha entendido mal dijo la se-
ora Bennet alarmada. Lizzy es terca
slo en estos asuntos. En todo lo dems es
la muchacha ms razonable del mundo.
Acudir directamente al seor Bennet y no
dudo de que pronto nos habremos puesto
de acuerdo con ella.
Sin darle tiempo a contestar, vol al
encuentro de su marido y al entrar en la
biblioteca exclam: Oh, seor Bennet!
Te necesitamos urgentemente. Estamos en un
aprieto. Es preciso que vayas y convenzas a
Elizabeth de que se case con Collins, pues
ella ha jurado que no lo har y si no te
das prisa, Collins cambiar de idea y ya
no la querr.
A l e n t r a r s u m u j e r, e l s e o r
Bennet levant los ojos del libro y
los fij en su rostro con una calmosa
indiferencia que la noticia no alter
en absoluto.
No he tenido el placer de en-
tenderte dijo cuando ella termi-
n su perorata. De qu ests ha-
blando?
Del seor Collins y Lizzy. Lizzy dice 
que no se casar con el seor Collins, y el
seor Collins empieza a decir que no se
casar con Lizzy.
Y qu voy a hacer
yo? Me parece que no tiene
remedio.
Hblale t a Lizzy.
 Austen Pride
her that you insist upon her marrying
him.
Let her be called down. She shall
5 hear my opinion.
Mrs. Bennet rang the bell, and Miss
Elizabeth was summoned to the library.
10 Come here, child, cried her
father as she appeared. I have sent
for you on an affair of importance.
I u n d e r s t a n d t h a t M r. C o l l i n s h a s
made you an of fer of marriage. Is it
15 true? Elizabeth replied that it was.
Ve r y w e l l a n d t h i s o f f e r o f
marriage you have refuse d?
I have, sir.
20
Very well. We now come to the point.
Your mother insists upon your accepting
it. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?
25 Yes, or I will never see her again.
An unhappy alternative is before
you, Elizabeth. From this day you must
be a stranger to one of your parents. Your
30 mother will never see you again if you
do NOT marry Mr. Collins, and I will
never see you again if you DO.
Elizabeth could not but smile at such
35 a conclusion of such a beginning, but
Mrs. Bennet, who had persuaded herself
that her husband regarded the affair as
she wished, was excessively
disappointed.
40
What do you mean, Mr. Bennet, in
talking this way? You promised me to
INSIST upon her marrying him.
45 My dear, replied her husband, I
have two small favours to request. First,
that you will allow me the free use of my
understanding on the present occasion;
and secondly, of my room. I shall be glad
50 to have the library to myself as soon as
may be.
Not yet, however, in spite of her
disappointment in her husband, did Mrs.
55 Bennet give up the point. She talked to
Elizabeth again and again; coaxed and
threatened her by turns. She endeavoured
to secure Jane in her interest; but Jane,
with all possible mildness, declined
60 interfering; and Elizabeth, sometimes
with real earnestness, and sometimes
with playful gaiety, replied to her attacks.
Though her manner varied, however, her
determination never did.
65
97
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
XDile que quieres que se
case con l.
Mndale que baje. Oir mi
opinin.
La seora Bennet toc la campanilla y
Elizabeth fue llamada a la biblioteca.
Ven, hija ma dijo su padre en cuan-
to la joven entr. Te he enviado a buscar
para un asunto importante. Dicen que
Collins te ha hecho proposiciones de matri-
monio, es cierto?
Elizabeth dijo que s.
Muy bien; y dicen que las
has rechazado.
X As es, pap.
Bien. Ahora vamos al grano. Tu ma-
dre desea que lo aceptes. No es verdad,
seora Bennet?
S, o de lo contrario no la quiero ver ms.
Tienes una triste alternativa ante
ti, Elizabeth. Desde hoy en adelante ten-
drs que renunciar a uno de tus padres.
Tu madre no quiere volver a verte si no
te casas con Collins, y yo no quiero vol-
ver a verte si te casas con l.
Elizabeth no pudo menos que son-
rer ante semejante comienzo; pero
la seora Bennet, que estaba con-
vencida de que su marido abogara
en favor de aquella boda, se qued
decepcionada.
Qu significa, seor Bennet, ese
modo de hablar? Me habas prometido que
la obligaras a casarse con el seor Collins.
Querida ma contest su ma-
rido, tengo que pedirte dos peque-
os favores: primero, que me dejes
usar libremente mi entendimiento en
este asunto, y segundo, que me dejes
disfrutar solo de mi biblioteca en
cuanto puedas.
Sin embargo, la seora Bennet, a pe-
sar de la decepcin que se haba llevado
con su marido, ni aun as se dio por ven-
cida. Habl a Elizabeth una y otra vez,
halagndola y amenazndola alternativa-
mente. Trat de que Jane se pusiese de su
parte; pero Jane, con toda la suavidad po-
sible, prefiri no meterse. Elizabeth, unas
veces con verdadera seriedad, y otras en
broma, replic a sus ataques; y aunque
cambi de humor, su determinacin per-
maneci inquebrantable.
 Austen Pride
Mr. Collins, meanwhile, was
meditating in solitude on what had
passed. He thought too well of himself
to comprehend on what motives his
5 cousin could refuse him; and though his
pride was hurt, he suffered in no other
way. His regard for her was quite
imaginary; and the possibility of her
deserving her mother s reproach
10 prevented his feeling any regret.
While the family were in this
confusion, Charlotte Lucas came to
spend the day with them. She was
15 met in the vestibule by Lydia, who,
flying to her, cried in a half whisper,
I am glad you are come, for there is
such fun here! What do you think has
happened this morning? Mr. Collins has
20 made an offer to Lizzy, and she will not
have him.
Charlotte hardly had time to answer,
before they were joined by Kitty, who
25 came to tell the same news; and no sooner
had they entered the breakfast-room,
where Mrs. Bennet was alone, than she
likewise began on the subject, calling on
Miss Lucas for her compassion, and
30 entreating her to persuade her friend
Lizzy to comply with the wishes of all
her family. Pray do, my dear Miss
Lucas, she added in a melancholy tone,
for nobody is on my side, nobody takes
35 part with me. I am cruelly used, nobody
feels for my poor nerves.
Charlottes reply was spared by the
entrance of Jane and Elizabeth.
40
Aye, there she comes, continued
Mrs. Bennet, looking as unconcerned as
may be, and caring no more for us than
if we were at York, provided she can have
45 her own way. But I tell you, Miss Lizzy
if you take it into your head to go on
refusing every offer of marriage in this
way, you will never get a husband at all
and I am sure I do not know who is to
50 maintain you when your father is dead. I
shall not be able to keep youand so I
warn you. I have done with you from this
very day. I told you in the library, you
know, that I should never speak to you
55 again, and you will find me as good as
my word. I have no p l e a s u r e i n
t a l k i n g t o u n d u t i f u l c h i l d r e n . Not
that I have much pleasure, indeed, in talking
to anybody. People who suffer as I do
60 from nervous complaints can have no
great inclination for talking. Nobody
can tell what I suffer! But it is always
so. Those who do not complain are
never pitied.
65
98
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Collins, mientras tanto, meditaba en si-
lencio todo lo que haba pasado. Tena de-
masiado buen concepto de s mismo para
comprender qu motivos podra tener su
prima para rechazarle, y, aunque herido en
su amor propio, no sufra lo ms mnimo.
Su inters por su prima era meramente ima-
ginario; la posibilidad de que fuera
merecedora de los reproches de su madre,
evitaba que l sintiese algn pesar.
Mientras reinaba en la familia esta con-
fusin, lleg Charlotte Lucas que vena a
pasar el da con ellos. Se encontr con Lydia
en el vestbulo, que corri hacia ella para
contarle en voz baja lo que estaba pasando.
Me alegro de que hayas venido, por-
que hay un jaleo aqu...! Qu crees que ha
pasado esta maana? El seor Collins se ha
declarado a Elizabeth y ella le ha dado ca-
labazas.
Antes de que Charlotte hubiese teni-
do tiempo para contestar, apareci Kitty,
que vena a darle la misma noticia. Y en
cuanto entraron en el comedor, donde
estaba sola la seora Bennet, ella tam-
bin empez a hablarle del tema. Le
rog que tuviese compasin y que in-
tentase convencer a Lizzy de que cedie-
se a los deseos de toda la familia.
Te ruego que intercedas, querida
Charlotte aadi en tono melancli-
co, ya que nadie est de mi parte, me
tratan cruelmente, nadie se compadece
de mis pobres nervios.
Charlotte se ahorr la respuesta, pues en
ese momento entraron Jane y Elizabeth.
Ah est continu la seora
Bennet, como si no pasase nada, no
le importamos un bledo, se desen-
tiende de todo con tal de salirse con
la suya. Te voy a decir una cosa: si se
te mete en la cabeza seguir rechazan-
do de esa manera todas las ofertas de
matrimonio que te hagan, te quedars
solterona; y no s quin te va a man-
tener cuando muera tu padre. Yo n o
p o d r , t e l o a d v i e r t o . D e s d e h o y,
h e a c a b a d o c o n t i g o p a r a s i e m p r e.
Te h e d i c h o e n l a b i b l i o t e c a __
__ q u e n o v o l v e r a a h a b l a r -
te nunca; y lo que digo, lo
cumplo. No le encuentro el gusto a hablar
con hijas desobedientes. N i
c o n n a d i e _____
X __ ___ . Las personas que como yo su-
frimos de los nervios, no somos afi-
cionados a la charla. Nadie sabe lo
que sufro! Pero pasa siempre lo mis-
mo. A los que no se quejan, nadie les
compadece.
 Austen Pride
Her daughters listened in silence to
this effusion, sensible that any attempt
to reason with her or soothe her would
only increase the irritation. She talked on,
5 therefore, without interruption from any
of them, till they were joined by Mr.
Collins, who entered the room with an
air more stately than usual, and on
perceiving whom, she said to the girls,
10 Now, I do insist upon it, that you, all of
you, hold your tongues, and let me and
Mr. Collins have a little conversation
together.
15 Elizabeth passed quietly out of the
room, Jane and Kitty followed, but Lydia
stood her ground, determined to hear all
she could; and Charlotte, detained first
by the civility of Mr. Collins, whose
20 inquiries after herself and all her family
were very minute, and then by a little
curiosity, satisfied herself with walking
to the window and pretending not to hear.
doleful adj. 1 mournful, sad. 2 dreary, dismal. In a doleful voice Mrs. Bennet began the
Triste, lgubre, compungida 25 projected conversation: Oh! Mr.
Collins!
My dear madam, replied he, let us
be for ever silent on this point. Far be it
30 from me, he presently continued, in a
voice that marked his displeasure, to
resent [take offence at] the behaviour of
your daughter. Resignation to inevitable
evils is the evil duty of us all; the peculiar
35 duty of a young man who has been so
fortunate as I have been in early
preferment; and I trust I am resigned.
Perhaps not the less so from feeling a
doubt of my positive happiness had my
40 fair cousin honoured me with her hand;
for I have often observed that resignation
is never so perfect as when the blessing
denied begins to lose somewhat of its
value in our estimation. You will not, I
45 hope, consider me as showing any
disrespect to your family, my dear
madam, by thus withdrawing my
pretensions to your daughters favour,
without having paid yourself and Mr.
50 Bennet the compliment of requesting you
to interpose your authority in my behalf.
My conduct may, I fear, be objectionable
in having accepted my dismission from
your daughter s lips instead of your
55 o w n . B u t w e a r e a l l l i a b l e t o e r r o r.
I have certainly meant well through
t h e w h o l e a f f a i r. M y o b j e c t h a s
been to secure an amiable
companion for myself, with due
60 consideration for the ad va n t a g e o f
a l l y o u r f a m i l y, a n d i f m y
M A N N E R has been at all reprehensible,
I here beg leave to apologise.
65
99
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Las hijas escucharon en silencio
los lamentos de su madre. Saban que
si intentaban hacerla razonar o cal-
marla, slo conseguiran irritarla ms.
De modo que sigui hablando sin que
nadie la interrumpiera, hasta que en-
tr Collins con aire ms solemne que
de costumbre. Al verle, la seora
Bennet dijo a las muchachas:
Ahora os pido que os callis
la boca y nos dejis al seor
Collins y a m para que podamos
hablar un rato.
Elizabeth sali en silencio del cuar-
to; Jane y Kitty la siguieron, pero Lydia
no se movi, decidida a escuchar todo
lo que pudiera. Charlotte, detenida por
la cortesa del seor Collins, cuyas pre-
guntas acerca de ella y de su familia se
sucedan sin interrupcin, y tambin un
poco por la curiosidad, se limit a
acercarse a la ventana fingiendo no es-
c u c h a r. C o n v o z t r i s t e , l a s e o r a
Bennet empez as su conversacin:
Oh, seor Collins!
Mi querida seora respondi
l, ni una palabra ms sobre este
asunto. Estoy muy lejos continu con
un acento que denotaba su indigna-
cin de tener resentimientos por la
actitud de su hija. Es deber de todos
resignarse por los males inevitables;
y es especialmente un deber para m,
que he tenido la fortuna de verme
tan joven en tal elevada posicin;
confo en que sabr resignarme.
Puede que mi hermosa prima, al no
querer honrarme con su mano, no
haya disminuido mi positiva felici-
dad. He observado a menudo que la
resignacin nunca es tan perfecta
como cuando la dicha negada co-
mienza a perder en nuestra estima-
cin algo de valor. Espero que no
supondr usted que falto al respeto
de su familia, mi querida seora, al
retirar mis planes acerca de su hija
sin pedirles a usted y al seor Bennet
que interpongan su autoridad en mi
favor. Temo que mi conducta, por
haber aceptado mi rechazo de labios
de su hija y no de los de ustedes, pue-
da ser censurable. Pero todos somos ca-
paces de cometer errores. Estoy segu-
ro de haber procedido con la mejor in-
tencin en este asunto. Mi objetivo era
procurarme una amable compaera con
la debida consideracin a las ventajas
que ello haba de aportar a toda su familia.
Si mi proceder ha sido reprochable, les
ruego que me perdonen.
 Austen Pride
Chapter 21
The discussion of Mr. Collinss offer
was now nearly at an end, and Elizabeth
5 had only to suffer from the
un comfortable feelings necessarily
attending it, and occasionally from some
peevish [complaining] allusions of her
mother. As for the gentleman himself,
10 HIS feelings were chiefly expressed, not
by embarrassment or dejection, or by
trying to avoid her, but by stiffness of
m a n n e r a n d r e s e n t f u l s i l e n c e . He
scarcely ever spoke to her, and the assiduous
15 attentions which he had been so sensible of
himself were transferred for the rest of the
day to Miss Lucas, whose civility in listening
to him was a seasonable relief to them all,
and especially to her friend.
20
The morrow produced no
abatement of Mrs. Bennets ill-humour
or ill health. Mr. Collins was also in
the same state of angry pride.
25 E l i z a b e t h h a d h o p e d t h a t h i s
resentment might shorten his visit, but
his plan did not appear in the least
affected by it. He was always to have
gone on Saturday, and to Saturday he
30 meant to stay.
After breakfast, the girls walked to
Meryton to inquire if Mr. Wickham were
returned, and to lament over his absence
35 from the Netherfield ball. He joined them
on their entering the town, and attended
them to their aunts where his regret and
vexation, and the concern of everybody,
was well talked over. To Elizabeth,
40 however, he voluntarily acknowledged
that the necessity of his absence HAD
been self-imposed.
I found, said he, as the time drew
45 near that I had better not meet Mr. Darcy;
that to be in the same room, the same
party with him for so many hours
together, might be more than I could bear,
and that scenes might arise unpleasant to
50 more than myself.
She highly approved his forbearance,
and they had leisure for a full discussion
of it, and for all the commendation which
55 they civilly bestowed on each other, as
Wickham and another officer walked
back with them to Longbourn, and during
the walk he particularly attended to her.
His accompanying them was a double
60 advantage; she felt all the compliment it
offered to herself, and it was most
acceptable as an occasion of introducing
him to her father and mother.
65 Soon after their return, a letter was
100
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Captulo XXI
Las discusiones sobre el ofrecimiento de
Collins tocaban a su fin; Elizabeth ya no
tena que soportar ms que esa sensacin
incmoda, que inevitablemente se deriva de
tales situaciones, y, de vez en cuando algu-
nas alusiones puntillosas de su madre. En
cuanto al caballero, no demostraba estar
turbado, ni abatido, ni trataba de evitar a
Elizabeth, sino que expresaba sus senti-
mientos con una actitud de rigidez y con
un resentido silencio. Casi no le habla-
ba; y aquellas asiduas atenciones tan de
apreciar por su parte, las dedic todo el
da a la seorita Lucas que le escuchaba
amablemente, proporcionando a todos y
en especial a su amiga Elizabeth un gran
alivio.
A la maana siguiente, el mal humor y
el mal estado de salud de la seora Bennet
no haban amainado. El seor Collins tam-
bin sufra la herida de su orgullo.
Elizabeth crey que su resentimiento acor-
tara su visita; pero los planes del seor
Collins no parecieron alterarse en lo ms
mnimo. Haba pensado desde un princi-
pio marcharse el sbado y hasta el sbado
pensaba quedarse.
Despus del almuerzo las muchachas fue-
ron a Meryton para averiguar si Wickham
haba regresado, y lamentar su ausencia
en el baile de Netherfield. Le encontra-
ron al entrar en el pueblo y las acompa a
casa de su ta, donde se charl largo y tendi-
do sobre su ausencia y su desgracia y la cons-
ternacin que a todos haba producido. Pero
ante Elizabeth reconoci voluntaria-
mente que su ausencia haba sido
premeditada.
Al acercarse el momento dijo
me pareci que hara mejor en no en-
contrarme con Darcy, pues el estar jun-
tos en un saln durante tantas horas hu-
biera sido superior a mis fuerzas y la
situacin poda haberse hecho desagra-
dable, adems, a otras personas.
Elizabeth aprob por completo
la conducta de Wickham y ambos la
discutieron ampliamente hacin-
dos e elogios mutuos mient r a s i b a n
hacia Longbourn, adonde Wickham
y otro oficial acompaaron a las
muchachas. Durante el paseo
Wi c k h a m s e d e d i c p o r e n t e r o a
Elizabeth, y le proporcion una do-
ble satisfaccin: recibir sus cumpli-
dos y tener la ocasin de presen-
trselo a sus padres.
Al poco rato de haber llegado, traje-

intercourse 1 trato, relaciones,
c o m m u n i c a t i o n or dealings between
individuals, nations, etc.
intercourse, acto sexual, coito. 3 40
communion between human beings and
God.
intercourse 1 trato, relaciones,
c o m m u n i c a t i o n or dealings between
individuals, nations, etc.
intercourse, acto sexual, coito. 3
communion between human beings and
God.
Austen Pride
delivered to Miss Bennet; it came from
Netherfield. The envelope contained a
sheet of elegant, little, hot-pressed
paper, well covered with a ladys fair,
5 flowing hand; and Elizabeth saw her
sisters countenance change as she read
it, and saw her dwelling intently on some
particular passages. Jane recollected
herself soon, and putting the letter away,
10 tried to join with her usual cheerfulness
in the general conversation; but
Elizabeth felt an anxiety on the subject
which drew off her attention even from
Wickham; and no sooner had he and he
15 companion taken leave, than a glance from
Jane invited her to follow her upstairs.
When they had gained their own room,
Jane, taking out the letter, said:
20 This is from Caroline Bingley; what
it contains has surprised me a good deal.
The whole party have left Netherfield by
this time, and are on their way to town
and without any intention of coming back
25 again. You shall hear what she says.
She then read the first sentence aloud,
which comprised the information of their
having just resolved to follow their
30 brother to town directly, and of their
meaning to dine in Grosvenor Street,
where Mr. Hurst had a house. The next
was in these words: I do not pretend to
regret anything I shall leave in
35 Hertfordshire, except your society, my
dearest friend; but we will hope, at some
future period, to enjoy many returns of
that delightful intercourse we have
2 sexual known, and in the meanwhile may lessen
the pain of separation by a very frequent
and most unreserved correspondence. I
depend on you for that. To these
highflown expressions Elizabeth listened
with all the insensibility of distrust; and
45 though the suddenness of their removal
surprised her, she saw nothing in it really
to lament; it was not to be supposed that
their absence from Netherfield would
prevent Mr. Bingleys being there; and
50 as to the loss of their society, she was
persuaded that Jane must cease to regard
it, in the enjoyment of his.
It is unlucky, said she, after a short
55 pause, that you should not be able to see
your friends before they leave the
country. But may we not hope that the
period of future happiness to which Miss
Bingley looks forward may arrive earlier
60 than she is aware, and that the delightful
intercourse you have known as friends
will be renewed with yet greater
2 sexual
satisfaction as sisters? Mr. Bingley will
not be detained in London by them.
65
101
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ron una carta para Jane. Vena de
Netherfield y la joven la abri inmediata-
mente. El sobre contena una hojita de
papel muy elegante y satinado, cubierta
por la escritura de una hermosa y gil
mano de mujer. Elizabeth not que el sem-
blante de su hermana cambiaba al leer y
que se detena fijamente en determinados
prrafos. Jane se sobrepuso en seguida;
dej la carta y trat de intervenir con su
alegra de siempre en la conversacin de
todos; pero Elizabeth senta tanta curio-
sidad que incluso dej de prestar atencin
a Wickham. Y en cuanto l y su compa-
ero se fueron, Jane la invit con una
mirada a que la acompaase al piso de
arriba. Una vez en su cuarto, Jane le
mostr la carta y le dijo:
Es de Caroline Bingley; su con-
tenido me ha sorprendido muchsimo.
Todos los de la casa han abandonado
Netherfield y a estas horas estn de
camino a la capital, de donde no pien-
san regresar. Oye lo que dice.
Jane ley en voz alta el primer p-
rrafo donde se manifestaba que haban
decidido ir con su hermano a Londres
y que tenan la intencin de comer
aquel mismo da en la calle Grosvenor,
donde el seor Hurst tena su casa. Lo
siguiente estaba redactado de la si-
guiente forma: No siento dejar
Hertfordshire ms que por ti,
queridsima amiga; pero espero volver
a disfrutar ms adelante de los
d e l i c i o sos momentos que pasamos jun-
tas y entre tanto podemos aminorar la pena
de l a s e p a r a c i n c o n c a r t a s m u y
f r e c u e n t e s y e f u s i v a s . Cuento con tu
correspondencia. Elizabeth escuch todas
estas soberbias expresiones con impasi-
bilidad por la desconfianza que le merecan.
Le sorprenda la precipitacin con la que se
haban marchado, pero en realidad no vea
por qu lamentarlo. No poda suponerse que
el hecho de que ellas no estuviesen en
Netherfield impidiese venir a Bingley; y en
cuanto a la ausencia de las damas, estaba
segura de que Jane se consolara con la pre-
sencia del hermano.
Es una lstima le dijo despus de
una breve pausa que no hayas podido
ver a tus amigas antes de que se fueran.
Pero no podemos tener la esperanza de
que ese ms adelante de futura felici-
dad que tu amiga tanto desea llegue antes
de lo que ella cree y que esa estupenda
relacin que habis tenido como amigas
se renueve con mayor satisfaccin como
hermanas? Ellas no van a detener al se-
or Bingley en Londres.
 Austen Pride
Caroline decidedly says that none of
the party will return into Hertfordshire
this winter. I will read it to you:
5 When my brother left us yesterday,
he imagined that the business which took
him to London might be concluded in
three or four days; but as we are certain
it cannot be so, and at the same time
10 convinced that when Charles gets to town
he will be in no hurry to leave it again,
we have determined on following him
thither, that he may not be obliged to
spend his vacant hours in a comfortless
15 hotel. Many of my acquaintances are
already there for the winter; I wish that I
could hear that you, my dearest friend,
had any intention of making one of the
crowdbut of that I despair. I sincerely
20 hope your Christmas in Hertfordshire
may abound in the gaieties which that
season generally brings, and that your
beaux will be so numerous as to prevent
your feeling the loss of the three of whom
25 we shall deprive you.
It is evident by this, added
Jane, that he comes back no more
this winter.
30
It is only evident that Miss
Bingley does not mean that he
SHOULD.
35 Why will you think so? It must be
his own doing. He is his own master. But
you do not know ALL. I WILL read you
the passage which particularly hurts me.
I will have no reserves from YOU.
40
Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his
sister; and, to confess the truth, WE are
scarcely less eager to meet her again. I
really do not think Georgiana Darcy has
45 her equal for beauty, elegance, and
accomplishments; and the affection she
inspires in Louisa and myself is
heightened into something still more
interesting, from the hope we dare
50 entertain of her being hereafter our sister.
I do not know whether I ever before
mentioned to you my feelings on this
subject; but I will not leave the country
without confiding them, and I trust you
55 will not esteem them unreasonable. My
brother admires her greatly already; he
will have frequent opportunity now of
seeing her on the most intimate footing;
her relations all wish the connection as
60 much as his own; and a sisters partiality
is not misleading me, I think, when I call
Charles most capable of engaging any
womans heart. With all these
circumstances to favour an attachment,
65 and nothing to prevent it, am I wrong,
102
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Caroline dice que decididamen-
te ninguno volver a Hertfordshire
este invierno. Te lo leer:
Cuando mi hermano nos dej ayer, se
imaginaba que los asuntos que le lla-
maban a Londres podran despacharse
en tres o cuatro das; pero como sabe-
mos que no ser as y convencidas, al
mismo tiempo, de que cuando Charles
va a la capital no tiene prisa por vol-
ver, hemos determinado irnos con l
para que no tenga que pasarse las ho-
ras que le quedan libres en un hotel, sin
ninguna comodidad. Muchas de nues-
tras relaciones estn ya all para pasar
el invierno; me gustara saber si usted,
queridsima amiga, piensa hacer lo mis-
mo; pero no lo creo posible. Deseo sin-
ceramente que las navidades en
Hertfordshire sean prdigas en las ale-
gras propias de esas festividades, y que
sus galanes sean tan numerosos que les
impidan sentir la prdida de los tres ca-
balleros que les arrebatamos.
Por lo tanto, es evidente aadi
Jane que el seor Bingley no va a volver
este invierno.
Lo nico que es evidente es que la
seorita Bingley es la que dice que l no va
a volver.
Por qu lo crees as? Debe de
ser cosa del seor Bingley: No depen-
de de nadie. Pero no lo sabes todo
an. Voy a leerte el pasaje que ms
me hiere. No quiero ocultarte nada.
El seor Darcy est impaciente
por ver a su hermana, y la verdad
es que nosotras no estamos menos
deseosas de verla. Creo que
Georgina Darcy no tiene igual
por su belleza, elegancia y talen-
to, y el afecto que nos inspira a
Louisa y a m aumenta con la es-
peranza que abrigamos de que sea
en el futuro nuestra hermana. No
s si alguna vez le he manifesta-
do a usted mi sentir sobre este
particular; pero no quiero irme
s i n confirselo, y me figuro que lo en-
contrar muy razonable. Mi hermano ya
siente gran admiracin por ella, y ahora
tendr frecuentes ocasiones de verla con
la mayor intimidad. La familia de
Georgina desea esta unin tanto como no-
sotras, y no creo que me ciegue la pasin
de hermana al pensar que Charles es muy
capaz de conquistar el corazn de cual-
quier mujer. Con todas estas circunstan-
cias en favor de esta relacin y sin nada
que la impida, no puedo equivocarme,
 Austen Pride
my dearest Jane, in indulging the hope
of an event which will secure the
happiness of so many?
5 What do you think of THIS sentence,
my dear Lizzy? said Jane as she finished
it. Is it not clear enough? Does it not
expressly declare that Caroline neither
expects nor wishes me to be her sister;
10 that she is perfectly convinced of her
brother s indifference; and that if she
suspects the nature of my feelings for
him, she means (most kindly!) to put me
on my guard? Can there be any other
15 opinion on the subject?
Yes, there can; for mine is totally
different. Will you hear it?
20 Most willingly.
You shall have it in a few words.
Miss Bingley sees that her brother
is in love with you, and wants him
25 to marry Miss Darcy. She follows
him to town in hope of keeping him
there, and tries to persuade you that
he does not care about you.
30 Jane shook her head.
Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe
me. No one who has ever seen you
together can doubt his affection. Miss
35 Bingley, I am sure, cannot. She is not
such a simpleton. Could she have seen
half as much love in Mr. Darcy for
herself, she would have ordered her
wedding clothes. But the case is this: We
grand 1 (= impressive) [building, architecture] 40 are not rich enough or grand enough for
imponente, grandioso; [clothes] elegante;
[person] distinguido; I went to a rather
them; and she is the more anxious to get
grand dinner fui a una cena bastante lujo- Miss Darcy for her brother, from the
sa or solemne; to make a grand entrance notion that when there has been ONE
hacer una entrada solemne; it was a very intermarriage, she may have less trouble
grand occasion fue una ocasin muy espln- 45 in achieving a second; in which there is
dida; on a grand scale a gran escala; to do
certainly some ingenuity, and I dare say
sth in grand style hacer algo a lo grande or
por todo lo alto 2 (= ambitious) [scheme, it would succeed, if Miss de Bourgh were
plan, design] ambicioso out of the way. But, my dearest Jane, you
cannot seriously imagine that because
ingenuity traduce ingenio, inventiva, habilidad, 50 Miss Bingley tells you her brother greatly
ingeniosidad, artefacto ingenioso [tool], admires Miss Darcy, he is in the smallest
mientras que ingenuidad se usa para can-
dor, frankness, naivet, openness. Por otra degree less sensible of YOUR merit than
parte, ingenuous equivale a ingenuo, como when he took leave of you on Tuesday,
inocente, franco, sincero, aunque ingenuo or that it will be in her power to persuade
puede degenerar en gullible I nave [crdu- 55 him that, instead of being in love with
lo], pero ingenious se usa para hbil you, he is very much in love with her
[bright], maoso [gifted], genial [estrata-
friend.
gema, truco]. El sustantivo ingls ingenue
se refiere a dama joven [de teatro].
If we thought alike of Miss Bingley,
60 replied Jane, your representation of all
this might make me quite easy. But I
know the foundation is unjust. Caroline
is incapable of wilfully deceiving
anyone; and all that I can hope in this
65 case is that she is deceiving herself.
103
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
queridsima Jane, si tengo la esperanza de
que se realice el acontecimiento que trae-
ra la felicidad a tantos seres.
Qu opinas de este prrafo,
Lizzy? pregunt Jane al terminar de
leer. No est bastante claro? No ex-
presa claramente que Caroline ni espera
ni desea que yo sea su hermana, que est
completamente convencida de la indife-
rencia de su hermano, y que si sospecha
la naturaleza de mis sentimientos hacia
l, se propone, con toda amabilidad, eso
s, ponerme en guardia? Puede darse
otra interpretacin a este asunto?
S se puede. Yo lo interpreto de modo
muy distinto. Quieres saber cmo?
Claro que s.
Te lo dir en pocas palabras. La se-
orita Bingley se ha dado cuenta de que su
hermano est enamorado de ti y ella quiere
que se case con la seorita Darcy. Se ha ido
a la capital detrs de l, con la esperanza de
retenerlo all, y trata de convencerte de que
a Bingley no le importas nada.
Jane lo neg con la cabeza.
As es, Jane; debes creerme. Na-
die que os haya visto juntos puede du-
dar del cario de Bingley. Su hermana
no lo duda tampoco, no es tan tonta. Si
hubiese visto en Darcy la mitad de ese
afecto hacia ella, ya habra encargado
el traje de novia. Pero lo que pasa es lo
siguiente: que no somos lo bastante ri-
cas ni lo bastante distinguidas para
ellos. Si la seorita Bingley tiene tal
afn en casar a la seorita Darcy con su
hermano, es porque de este modo le
sera a ella menos difcil casarse con el
propio Darcy; lo que me parece un poco
ingenuo por su parte. Pero me atrevera a
creer que lograra sus anhelos si no estuviese de por
X medio la seorita de Bourgh. Sin embargo, t no
puedes pensar en serio que por el hecho de
que la seorita Bingley te diga que a su herma-
no le gusta la seorita Darcy, l est menos
X enamorado de ti de lo que estaba el jue-
X ves al despedirse _______________; ni
que le sea posible a su hermana convencerle
de q u e e n v e z d e q u e r e r t e a
ti quiera a la seorita
X Darcy.
Si nuestra opinin sobre la seori-
ta Bingley fuese la misma repuso
Jane, tu explicacin me tranquilizara.
Pero me consta que eres injusta con ella.
Caroline es incapaz de engaar a nadie;
lo nico que puedo esperar en este caso
es que se est engaando a s misma.
 Austen Pride
That is right. You could not have
started a more happy idea, since you will
not take comfort in mine. Believe her to
5 be deceived, by all means. You have now
done your duty by her, and must fret no
longer.
But, my dear sister, can I be happy,
10 even supposing the best, in accepting a
man whose sisters and friends are all
wishing him to marry elsewhere?
You must decide for yourself, said
15 Elizabeth; and if, upon mature
deliberation, you find that the misery of
disobliging his two sisters is more than
equivalent to the happiness of being his
wife, I advise you by all means to refuse
20 him.
How can you talk so? said Jane,
faintly smiling. You must know that
though I should be exceedingly grieved
25 at their disapprobation, I could not
hesitate.
I did not think you would; and that
being the case, I cannot consider your
30 situation with much compassion.
But if he returns no more this
w i n t e r, m y c h o i c e w i l l n e v e r b e
required. A thousand things may arise
35 in six months!
The idea of his returning no more
Elizabeth treated with the utmost
contempt. It appeared to her merely the
40 suggestion of Carolines interested
wishes, and she could not for a moment
suppose that those wishes, however
openly or artfully spoken, could
influence a young man so totally
45 independent of everyone.
She represented to her sister as
forcibly as possible what she felt on the
subject, and had soon the pleasure of
50 seeing its happy effect. Janes temper
was not desponding, and she was gradually
diffidence, self-doubt, self-distrust lack of self- led to hope, though the diffidence o f
confidence inseguridad, falta de confianza a ffection sometimes overcame the
en uno mismo hope, that Bingley would return to
55 N e t h e r f i e l d a n d a n s w e r e v e r y w i s h
of her heart.
They agreed that Mrs. Bennet
should only hear of the departure
60 o f t h e f a m i l y , w i t h o u t b e i n g
alarmed on the score of the gentlemans
partial Los adjetivos partial y parcial com- conduct; but even this partial
parten la idea de incompleto y, en sentido communication gave her a great deal of
tico, injusto, prejuiciado, pero partial se usa concern, a n d s h e b e w a i l e d i t a s
adems para aficionado, aff e c t i o n a t e , 65 exceedingly unlucky that the ladies
fond, kind, attached.
104
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Eso es. No poda habrsete
ocurrido una idea mejor, ya que la
ma no te consuela. Supn que se
engaa. As quedars bien con ella
y vers que no tienes por qu
preocuparte.
Pero Lizzy _______, puedo ser
feliz, aun suponiendo lo mejor, al acep-
tar a un hombre cuyas hermanas y ami-
gos desean que se case con otra?
Eso debes decidirlo t misma dijo
Elizabeth, si despus de una madura re-
flexin encuentras que la desgracia de
disgustar a sus hermanas es ms que equi-
valente a la felicidad de ser su mujer, te
aconsejo, desde luego, que rechaces a
Bingley.
Qu cosas tienes! dijo
Jane con una leve sonrisa.
Debes saber que aunque me ape-
nara mucho su desaprobacin,
no vacilara.
Ya m e l o f i g u r a b a , y s i e n d o
as, no creo que pueda compade-
cerme de tu situacin.
Pero si no vuelve en todo el in-
vierno, mi eleccin no servir de
nada. Pueden pasar tantas cosas en
seis meses!
Elizabeth rechazaba la idea de
que Bingley no volviese; le pareca
sencillamente una sugerencia de los
interesados deseos de Caroline, y no
poda suponer ni por un momento
que semejantes deseos, tanto si los
manifestaba clara o encubiertamen-
te, influyesen en el animo de un
hombre tan independiente.
Expuso a su hermana lo ms
elocuentemente que pudo su modo de
ver, y no tard en observar el buen
efecto de sus palabras. Jane era por naturaleza
optimista, lo que la fue l l e v a n d o g r a d u a lmente
a la esperanza de que B i n g l e y
vo l v e r a a N e t h e r f i e l d y l l e -
n a r a todos los anhelos de su co-
razn, aunque la duda la asaltase
de vez en cuando.
Acordaron que no informaran a la seora
Bennet ms que de la partida de la familia,
para que no se alarmase demasiado; pero se
alarm de todos modos basta n t e ;
________ __ _______
X __________ ________ __ __ __
_____ ________ y lament la tre-
m e n d a d e s g r a c i a d e q u e las damas
 Austen Pride
should happen to go away just as
they were all getting so intimate
t o g e t h e r. A f t e r l a m e n t i n g i t ,
however, at some length, she had the X
5 consolation that Mr. Bingley would
be soon down again and soon dining
at Longbourn, and the conclusion of
all was the comfortable declaration, X
that though he had been invited
10 o n l y t o a f a m i l y d i n n e r , s h e
would take care to have two full
courses.
15
Chapter 22
20 The Bennets were engaged to dine
with the Lucases and again during the
chief of the day was Miss Lucas so kind
as to listen to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth took
an opportunity of thanking her. It keeps
25 him in good humour, said she, and I
am more obliged to you than I can
express. Charlotte assured her friend of
her satisfaction in being useful, and that
it amply repaid her for the little sacrifice
30 of her time. This was very amiable, but
Charlottes kindness extended farther
than Elizabeth had any conception of; its
object was nothing else than to secure her
from any return of Mr. Collinss
35 addresses, by engaging them towards
herself. Such was Miss Lucass scheme;
and appearances were so favourable, that
when they parted at night, she would have
felt almost secure of success if he had
40 not been to leave Hertfordshire so very
soon. But here she did injustice to the
fire and independence of his character, X
fo r i t l e d h i m t o e s c a p e o u t o f
Longbourn House the next morning
X
45 with admirable slyness, and hasten to
Lucas Lodge to throw himself at her
feet. He was anxious to avoid the notice
of his cousins, from a conviction that if
they saw him depart, they could not fail
50 to conjecture his design, and he was not
willing to have the attempt known till its
success might be known likewise; for
though feeling almost secure, and with
reason, for Charlotte had been tolerably
55 encouraging, he was comparatively
diffident since the adventure of
Wednesday. His reception, however, was
of the most flattering kind. Miss Lucas
perceived him from an upper window as
60 he walked towards the house, and
instantly set out to meet him accidentally
in the lane. But little had she dared to
hope that so much love and eloquence
awaited her there.
65
105
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
se hubiesen marchado precisamente
cuando haban intimado
t a n t o . Se doli mucho de ello,
p e r o ___________ s e consol
pe n s a n d o q u e B i n g l e y n o t a r -
d ara en volver para comer en
Longbourn, y a c a b d e c l a -
r a n d o q u e a p e s a r de q u e
l e h a b a n i n v i t a d o a c o m e r slo en
fam i l i a , t e n d r a b u e n c u i d a d o d e
preparar para aquel da dos platos
d e primera.
Captulo XXII
Los Bennet fueron invitados a comer con
los Lucas, y de nuevo la seorita Lucas tuvo
la amabilidad de escuchar a Collins durante
la mayor parte del da. Elizabeth aprovech
la primera oportunidad para darle las gracias.
Esto le pone de buen humor. Te estoy ms
agradecida de lo que puedas imaginar le dijo.
Charlotte le asegur que se alegraba de
poder hacer algo por ella, y que eso le com-
pensaba el pequeo sacrificio que le supo-
na dedicarle su tiempo. Era muy amable de
su parte, pero la amabilidad de Charlotte iba
ms lejos de lo que Elizabeth poda sospe-
char: su objetivo no era otro que evitar que
Collins le volviese a dirigir sus cumplidos a
su amiga, atrayndolos para s misma. ste
era el plan de Charlotte, y las apariencias le
fueron tan favorables que al separarse por
la noche casi habra podido dar por des-
contado el xito, si Collins no tuvie s e
que irse tan pronto de Hertford-
shire. Pero al concebir esta
duda, no haca justicia al fogo-
so e independiente carcter de
C o l l i n s ; a la maana siguiente se es-
cap de Longbourn con admirable sigilo y
corri a casa de los Lucas para rendirse a
sus pies. Qu i s o o c u l t a r s u s a l i d a
a sus primas porque si le hu-
biesen visto habran descu-
bierto su intencin, y no que-
ra publicarlo hasta estar se-
guro del xito; aunque se sen-
ta casi seguro del mismo, pues
C harlotte le haba animado lo bastante,
pero desde su aventura del mircoles es-
taba un poco falto de confianza . No
obstant e , r e c i b i u n a a c o g ida
muy halagea. La seorita Lucas
le vio llegar desde una ventana, y
al instante sali al camino para en-
contrarse con l como de casuali-
dad. Pero poco poda ella imaginar-
se cunto amor y cunta elocuencia
le esperaban.
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

In as short a time as Mr. Collinss long
speeches would allow, everything was
settled between them to the satisfaction
of both; and as they entered the house he
5 earnestly entreated [besought] her to
name the day that was to make him the
happiest of men; and though such a
solicitation must be waived for the
present, the lady felt no inclination to
10 trifle with his happiness. The stupidity
with which he was favoured by nature
must guard his courtship from any charm
that could make a woman wish for its
continuance; and Miss Lucas, who
15 accepted him solely from the pure and
disinterested desire of an establishment,
cared not how soon that establishment
were gained.
En el corto espacio de tiempo que de-
jaron los interminables discursos de
Collins, todo qued arreglado entre am-
bos con mutua satisfaccin. Al entrar en
la casa, Collins le suplic con el cora-
zn que sealase el da en que iba a
hacerle el ms feliz de los hombres; y aun-
X que semejante solicitud deba ser aplazada
de momento, la dama no deseaba jugar
con su felicidad. La estupidez con que
la naturaleza la haba dotado privaba a
su cortejo de los encantos que pueden
inclinar a una mujer a prolongarlo; a la
seorita Lucas, que lo haba aceptado
solamente por el puro y desinteresado
deseo de casarse, no le importaba lo
pronto que este acontecimiento habra
de realizarse.

20 Sir William and Lady Lucas were Se lo comunicaron rpidamente a sir

25
excited y excitado conllevan la idea de alegre,
entusiasta, pero excited tiene ms
30
denotaciones, como nervioso, agitado, aca-
lorado, emocionante. To excite y excitar se
refieren a estimular, entusiasmar, pero to ex-
cite significa adems emocionar / conmover,
poner nervioso / agitado, provocar [emocio-
nes], instigar [desrdenes], alborotar [gen-
te], y to get excited es acalorarse. A su vez, 35
excitar se usa para to raise [dudas], arouse
[curiosidad, apetito]. Excitedly significa agi-
tada- o acaloradamente.
Dont get excited = no te pongas nervioso.
40
45
50
55
60
65
speedily applied to for their consent; and
it was bestowed with a most joyful
alacrity. Mr. Collinss present
circumstances made it a most eligible
match for their daughter, to whom they
could give little fortune; and his
prospects of future wealth were
exceedingly fair. Lady Lucas began
directly to calculate, with more interest
than the matter had ever excited before,
how many years longer Mr. Bennet was
likely to live; and Sir William gave it as
his decided opinion, that whenever Mr.
Collins should be in possession of the
Longbourn estate, it would be highly
expedient that both he and his wife
should make their appearance at St.
Jamess. The whole family, in short, were
properly overjoyed on the occasion. The
younger girls formed hopes of COMING
OUT a year or two sooner than they might
otherwise have done; and the boys were
relieved from their apprehension of
Charlottes dying an old maid. Charlotte
herself was tolerably composed. She had
gained her point, and had time to consider
of it. Her reflections were in general
satisfactory. Mr. Collins, to be sure, was
neither sensible nor agreeable; his society
was irksome [tedious, annoying, tiresome], and
his attachment to her must be imaginary.
But still he would be her husband.
Without thinking highly either of men
or matrimony, marriage had always been
her object; it was the only provision for
well-educated young women of small
fortune, and however uncertain of giving
happiness, must be their pleasantest
preservative from want. This preservative
she had now obtained; and at the age of
twenty-seven, without having ever been
handsome, she felt all the good luck of
it. The least agreeable circumstance in the
business was the surprise it must
occasion to Elizabeth Bennet, whose
William y a lady Lucas para que les dieran
su consentimiento, que fue otorgado con
la mayor presteza y alegra. La situacin
de Collins le converta en un partido muy
apetecible para su hija, a quien no podan
legar ms que una escasa fortuna, y las
perspectivas de un futuro bienestar eran
demasiado tentadoras. Lady Lucas se puso
a calcular s e g u i d a m e n t e y c o n
ms inters que nunca
cuntos aos ms podra vivir el se-
or Bennet, y sir William expres su
opinin de que cuando Collins fuese
dueo de Longbourn sera muy con-
veniente que l y su mujer hiciesen
su aparicin en St. James. Total que
toda la familia se regocij muchsi-
mo por la noticia. Las hijas menores
tenan la esperanza de ser presenta-
das en sociedad un ao o dos antes
de lo que lo habran hecho de no ser
por esta circunstancia. Los hijos se
vieron libres del temor de que
Charlotte se quedase soltera.
Charlotte estaba tranquila. Haba ga-
nado la partida y tena tiempo para
considerarlo. Sus reflexiones eran en
general satisfactorias. A decir verdad,
Collins no era ni inteligente ni simp-
tico, su compaa era pesada y su ca-
rio por ella deba de ser imaginario.
Pero, al fin y al cabo, sera su marido. A
pesar de que Charlotte no tena una gran opinin
de los hombres ni del matrimonio, siempre lo ha-
ba ambicionado porque era la nica colocacin
honrosa para una joven bien educada y de fortuna
escasa, y, aunque no se pudiese asegurar que fue-
se una fuente de felicidad, siempre sera el ms
grato recurso contra la necesidad. Este recurso
era lo que acababa de conseguir, ya que a
los veintisiete aos de edad, sin haber sido
nunca bonita, era una verdadera suerte para
ella. Lo menos agradable de todo
era la sorpresa que se llevara
E l i z a b e t h B e n n e t , cuya amistad va-

106
 Austen Pride
resolution comparte con resolucin el con- friendship she valued beyond that of any
cepto de tesn, firmeza, decisin ; (= other person. Elizabeth would wonder,
determination) resolucin f, determina-
cin f; to show resolution mostrarse re-
and probably would blame her; and
suelto or determinado. though her resolution was not to be
Adems resolution significa propsito, de- 5 shaken, her feelings must be hurt by such
t e r m i n a c i n [ c a r c t e r ] ; N e w Ye a r a disapprobation. She resolved to give
resolutions buenos propsitos para el her the information herself, and
Ao Nuevo
(Parl) acuerdo m; to pass a resolution to-
therefore charged Mr. Collins, when he
mar un acuerdo returned to Longbourn to dinner, to drop
(Comput & TV) definicin de pantalla 10 no hint of what had passed before any
En cambio resolucin sugiere solution, of the family. A promise of secrecy was
completion, decisiveness [ser decisivo]. of course very dutifully given, but it
Resolver es to resolve [decidir] y ade-
ms to solve [solucionar], clear up
could not be kept without difficulty; for
[duda], settle [tramitar], dissolve [qu- the curiosity excited by his long
mica]. 15 absence burst forth in such very direct
questions on his return as required
ingenuity traduce ingenio, inventiva, habilidad, some ingenuity to evade, and he was
ingeniosidad, artefacto ingenioso [tool], at the same time exercising great self-
mientras que ingenuidad se usa para can- denial, for he was longing to publish
dor, frankness, naivet, openness. Por otra
parte, ingenuous equivale a ingenuo, como 20 his prosperous love.
inocente, franco, sincero, aunque ingenuo
puede degenerar en gullible I nave [crdu- As he was to begin his journey too
lo], pero ingenious se usa para hbil early on the morrow to see any of the
[bright], maoso [gifted], genial [estrata- family, the ceremony of leave-taking
gema, truco]. El sustantivo ingls ingenue
se refiere a dama joven [de teatro]. 25 was performed when the ladies
moved for the night; and Mrs.
Be nne t , w ith great politenes s and
c o r d i a l i t y, s a i d h o w h a p p y t h e y
should be to see him at Longbourn
30 a g a i n , w h e n e v e r h i s e n g a g e m e n t s
might allow him to visit them.
My dear madam, he replied, this
invitation is particularly gratifying,
35 because it is what I have been hoping to
receive; and you may be very certain that
avail utilidad, beneficio, ventaja 2 valer servir, I shall avail myself of it as soon as
valerse de, beneficiar, aprovechar 1 tr. help, possible.
benefit. 2 refl. (foll. by of) profit by; take
advantage of. 3 intr. a provide help. b be of 40 They were all astonished; and Mr.
use, value, or profit. n. (usu. in neg. or
interrog. phrases) use, profit (of no avail; Bennet, who could by no means wish for
without avail; of what avail?). so speedy a return, immediately said:
But is there not danger of Lady
45 Catherines disapprobation here, my
good sir? You had better neglect your
relations than run the risk of offending
your patroness.
50 My dear sir, replied Mr. Collins, I
am particularly obliged to you for this
friendly caution, and you may depend
upon my not taking so material a step
without her ladyships concurrence.
55
You cannot be too much upon your
guard. Risk anything rather than her
displeasure; and if you find it likely to
be raised by your coming to us again,
60 w h i c h I s h o u l d t h i n k e x c e e d i n g l y
probable, stay quietly at home, and be
satisfied that WE shall take no
offence.
65 B e l i e v e m e , m y d e a r s i r, m y
107
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
loraba ms que la de cualquier otra per-
sona. Elizabeth se quedara boquiabier-
ta y probablemente no lo aprobara; y,
aunque la decisin ya estaba toma-
da, la desaprobacin de Elizabeth le
iba a doler mucho. Resolvi comuni-
crselo ella misma, por lo que reco-
mend a Collins, cuando regres a
Longbourn a comer, que no dijese nada
de lo sucedido. Nat u r a l m e n t e , l l e
prometi como era debido que
guardara el secreto; pero su tra-
bajo le cost, porque la curiosidad
q u e h a b a d e s p e r t a d o s u l a rg a a u -
sencia estall a su regreso en pre-
g u n t a s t a n d i r e ctas que se necesitaba
mucha destreza para evadirlas; por otra par-
te, representaba para Collins una verdadera ab-
negacin, pues estaba impaciente por prego-
nar a los cuatro vientos su xito amoroso.
Al da siguiente tena que marcharse,
pero como haba de ponerse de camino de-
masiado temprano para poder ver a algn
miembro de la familia, la ceremonia de la
despedida tuvo lugar en el momento en que
las seoras fueron a acostarse. La seora
Bennet, con gran cortesa y cordialidad, le
dijo que se alegrara mucho de verle en
Longbourn de nuevo cuando sus dems
compromisos le permitieran visitarles.
Mi querida seora repuso
Collins, agradezco particular-
mente esta invitacin porque de-
seaba mucho recibirla; tenga la
seguridad de que la a p ro v e c h a r
lo antes posible.
Todos se quedaron asombrados, y el se-
or Bennet, que de ningn modo deseaba
tan rpido regreso, se apresur a decir:
Pero, no hay peligro de que
lady Catherine lo desapruebe esta
vez? Vale ms que sea negligente con
sus parientes que corra el riesgo de
ofender a su patrona.
Querido seor respondi
Collins, le quedo muy reconocido por
esta amistosa advertencia, y puede usted
contar con que no dar un solo paso que
no est autorizado por Su Seora.
Todas las precauciones son pocas.
Arrisguese a cualquier cosa menos a
incomodarla, y si cree usted que pueden
dar lugar a ello sus visitas a nuestra casa,
cosa que considero ms que posible, qu-
dese tranquilamente en la suya y consu-
lese pensando que nosotros no nos ofen-
deremos.
Crame, mi querido seor, mi
 Austen Pride
excited y excitado conllevan la idea de alegre, gratitude is warmly excited by such
entusiasta, pero excited tiene ms
denotaciones, como nervioso, agitado, aca- affectionate attention; and depend upon
lorado, emocionante. To excite y excitar se it, you will speedily receive from me a
refieren a estimular, entusiasmar, pero to ex-
cite significa adems emocionar / conmover, letter of thanks for this, and for every
poner nervioso / agitado, provocar [emocio- 5 other mark of your regard during my
nes], instigar [desrdenes], alborotar [gen-
te], y to get excited es acalorarse. A su vez, stay in Hertfordshire. As for my fair
excitar se usa para to raise [dudas], arouse cousins, though my absence may not be
[curiosidad, apetito]. Excitedly significa agi-
tada- o acaloradamente. long enough to render it necessary, I
Dont get excited = no te pongas nervioso. shall now take the liberty of wishing
10 t h e m h e a l t h a n d h a p p i n e s s , n o t
excepting my cousin Elizabeth.
With proper civilities the ladies then
withdrew; all of them equally surprised
15 that he meditated a quick return. Mrs.
Bennet wished to understand by it that
he thought of paying his addresses to one
of her younger girls, and Mary might
have been prevailed on to accept him.
20 She rated his abilities much higher than
any of the others; there was a solidity in
his reflections which often struck her, and
though by no means so clever as herself,
she thought that if encouraged to read and
25 improve himself by such an example as
hers, he might become a very agreeable
companion. But on the following
morning, every hope of this kind was
done away. Miss Lucas called soon after
30 breakfast, and in a private conference
with Elizabeth related the event of the
day before.
The possibility of Mr. Collinss
35 fancying herself in love with her friend
had once occurred to Elizabeth within the
last day or two; but that Charlotte could
encourage him seemed almost as far from
possibility as she could encourage him
40 herself, and her astonishment was
consequently so great as to overcome at
first the bounds of decorum, and she
could not help crying out:
45 Engaged to Mr. Collins!
My dear Charlotteimpossible!
The steady countenance which Miss
Lucas had commanded in telling her
50 story, gave way to a momentary
confusion here on receiving so direct a
reproach; though, as it was no more than
she expected, she soon regained her
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- composure [calmness], and calmly
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero 55 replied:
compostura es tambin repair, mending,
tidiness, agreement
Why should you be surprised, my
dear Eliza? Do you think it incredible
that Mr. Collins should be able to procure
60 any womans good opinion, because he
was not so happy as to succeed with
you?
But Elizabeth had now recollected
65 herself, and making a strong effort for it, was
108
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
gratitud aumenta con sus afectuosos
consejos, por lo que le prevengo que en bre-
ve recibir una carta de agradecimiento por
lo mismo y por todas las otras pruebas de
consideracin que usted me ha dado duran-
te mi permanencia en Hertfordshire. En
cuanto a mis hermosas primas, aunque mi
ausencia no ha de ser tan larga como para
que haya necesidad de hacerlo, me tomar
la libertad de desearles salud y felicidad, sin
exceptuar a mi prima Elizabeth.
Despus de los cumplidos de rigor, las
seoras se retiraron. Todas estaban igual-
mente sorprendidas al ver que pensaba vol-
ver pronto. La seora Bennet quera atribuir-
lo a que se propona dirigirse a una de sus
hijas menores, por lo que determin con-
vencer a Mary para que lo aceptase. Esta,
en efecto, apreciaba a Collins ms que las
otras; encontraba en sus reflexiones una
solidez que a menudo la deslumbraba, y aun-
que de ningn modo le juzgaba tan inteli-
gente como ella, crea que si se le animaba
a leer y a aprovechar un ejemplo como el
suyo, podra llegar a ser un compaero muy
agradable. Pero a la maana siguiente todo
el plan se qued en agua de borrajas, pues
la seorita Lucas vino a visitarles justo des-
pus del almuerzo y en una conversacin
privada con Elizabeth le relat el suceso del
da anterior.
A Elizabeth ya se le haba ocu-
rrido uno o dos das antes la posi-
bilidad de que Collins se creyese
enamorado de su amiga, pero que
Charlotte le alentase le pareca tan
imposible como que ella misma lo
hiciese. Su asombro, por consi-
guiente, fue tan grande que sobre-
pas todos los lmites del decoro y
no pudo reprimir gritarle:
Comprometida con el seor Collins!
X ________Cmo es posible, Charlotte?
Charlotte haba contado la
historia con mucha serenidad,
pero ahora se senta moment-
neamente confusa por haber re-
cibido un reproche tan directo;
aunque era lo que se haba espe-
rado. Pero se recuper pronto y
dijo con calma:
D e q u t e s o r p r e n d e s ,
Elizabeth? Te parece increble que
el seor Collins haya sido capaz de
procurar la estimacin de una mujer por
el hecho de no haber sido afortunado
contigo?
Pero, entretanto, Elizabeth haba recu-
perado la calma, y haciendo un enorme
 Austen Pride
tolerable aceptable, soportable, fairly good, able to assure with tolerable firmness that
mediocre, pasable the prospect of their relationship was highly
grateful to her, and that she wished her all
imaginable happiness.
5
I see what you are feeling, replied
Charlotte. You must be surprised, very
much surprisedso lately as Mr. Collins
was wishing to marry you. But when you
10 have had time to think it over, I hope you
will be satisfied with what I have done. I
am not romantic, you know; I never was.
I ask only a comfortable home; and
considering Mr. Collinss character,
15 connection, and situation in life, I am
convinced that my chance of
happiness with him is as fair as most
people can boast on entering the
marriage state.
20
Elizabeth quietly answered
Undoubtedly; and after an awkward
pause, they returned to the rest of the
family. Charlotte did not stay much
25 longer, and Elizabeth was then left to
reflect on what she had heard. It was a
reconcile v.tr. 1make friendly again after an long time before she became at all
estrangement. 2 (usu. in refl. or passive; foll. reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a
by to) make acquiescent or contentedly match. The strangeness of Mr. Collinss
submissive to (something disagreeable or 30 making two offers of marriage within
unwelcome) Acostrumbrado a (was reconciled
to failure). 3 settle (a quarrel etc.). 4 a three days was nothing in comparison
harmonize; make compatible. b show the of his being now accepted. She had
compatibility of by argument or in practice always felt that Charlottes opinion of
(cannot reconcile your views with the facts). matrimony was not exactly like her
Conciliar
35 own, but she had not supposed it to be
possible that, when called into action,
she would have sacrificed every better
feeling to worldly advantage. Charlotte
the wife of Mr. Collins was a most
40 humiliating picture! And to the pang of
a friend disgracing herself and sunk in
her esteem, was added the distressing
conviction that it was impossible for
that friend to be tolerably happy in the
45 lot she had chosen.
50
Chapter 23
Elizabeth was sitting with her mother
55 and sisters, reflecting on what she had
heard, and doubting whether she was
authorised to mention it, when Sir
William Lucas himself appeared, sent by
his daughter, to announce her
60 engagement to the family. With many
compliments to them, and much self-
gratulation on the prospect of a
connection between the houses, he
unfolded the matterto an audience not
65 merely wondering, but incredulous; for
109
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
esfuerzo fue capaz de asegurarle con su-
ficiente firmeza que le encantaba la idea
de su parentesco y que le deseaba toda la
felicidad del mundo.
S lo que sientes repuso Charlotte
. Tienes que estar sorprendida,
sorprendidsima, haciendo tan poco que el
seor Collins deseaba casarse contigo. Pero
cuando hayas tenido tiempo de pensarlo
bien, espero que comprenders lo que he
hecho. Sabes que no soy romntica. Nunca
lo he sido. No busco ms que un hogar con-
fortable, y teniendo en cuenta el carcter
de Collins, sus relaciones y su posicin,
estoy convencida de que tengo tantas pro-
babilidades de ser feliz con l, como las
que puede tener la mayora de la gente
que se casa.
Elizabeth le contest dulcemente:
Es indudable.
Y despus de una pausa algo
embarazosa, fueron a reunirse con el res-
to de la familia. Charlotte se march en
seguida y Elizabeth se qued meditando
lo que acababa de escuchar. Tard mu-
cho en hacerse a la idea de un casamien-
to tan disparatado. Lo raro que resulta-
ba que Collins hubiese hecho dos pro-
posiciones de matrimonio en tres das,
no era nada en comparacin con el he-
cho de que hubiese sido aceptado.
Siempre crey que las teoras de
Charlotte sobre el matrimonio no eran
exactamente como las suyas, pero nun-
ca supuso que al ponerlas en prctica
sacrificase sus mejores sentimientos a
cosas mundanas. Y al dolor que le cau-
saba ver cmo su amiga se haba des-
acreditado y haba perdido mucha de
la estima que le tena, se aada el pe-
noso convencimiento de que le sera
imposible ser feliz con la suerte que
haba elegido.
Captulo XXIII
Elizabeth estaba sentada con su
madre y sus hermanas meditando so-
bre lo que haba escuchado y sin sa-
ber si deba o no contarlo, cuando
a p a r e c i e l p r o p i o S i r Wi l l i a m
Lucas, enviado por su hija, para
anunciar el compromiso a la familia.
Entre muchos cumplidos y congratu-
lndose de la unin de las dos casas,
revel el asunto a una audiencia no
slo estupefacta, sino tambin incr-
dula, pues la seora Bennet, con ms
 Austen Pride
Mrs. Bennet, with more perseverance
than politeness, protested he must be
entirely mistaken; and Lydia, always
unguarded and often uncivil,
5 boisterously exclaimed:
Good Lord! Sir William, how can
you tell such a story? Do not you know
that Mr. Collins wants to marry Lizzy?
10
Nothing less than the complaisance of
a courtier could have borne without anger
such treatment; but Sir Williams good
breeding carried him through it all; and
15 though he begged leave to be positive as
to the truth of his information, he listened
to all their impertinence with the most
forbearing courtesy.
20 Elizabeth, feeling it incumbent on her
to relieve him from so unpleasant a
situation, now put herself forward to
confirm his account, by mentioning her
prior knowledge of it from Charlotte
25 herself; and endeavoured to put a stop to
the exclamations of her mother and
sisters by the earnestness of her
congratulations to Sir William, in which
she was readily joined by Jane, and by
30 making a variety of remarks on the
happiness that might be expected from
the match, the excellent character of Mr.
Collins, and the convenient distance of
Hunsford from London.
35
Mrs. Bennet was in fact too much
overpowered to say a great deal while Sir
William remained; but no sooner had he
left them than her feelings found a rapid
40 vent [dar salida]. In the first place, she
persisted in disbelieving the whole of the
matter; secondly, she was very sure that
Mr. Collins had been taken in; thirdly, she
trusted that they would never be happy
45 together; and fourthly, that the match
might be broken off. Two inferences,
however, were plainly deduced from the
whole: one, that Elizabeth was the real
cause of the mischief; and the other that
50 she herself had been barbarously misused
by them all; and on these two points she
principally dwelt during the rest of the
day. Nothing could console and nothing
could appease her. Nor did that day wear
55 out her resentment. A week elapsed
before she could see Elizabeth without
scolding her, a month passed away before
she could speak to Sir William or Lady
Lucas without being rude, and many
60 months were gone before she could at all
forgive their daughter.
Mr. Bennets emotions were much
more tranquil on the occasion, and such
65 as he did experience he pronounced to
110
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
obstinacin que cortesa, afirm que
deba de estar completamente equi-
vocado, y Lydia, siempre indiscreta
y a menudo mal educada, exclam
alborotadamente:
Santo Dios! Qu est usted dicien-
do, sir William? No sabe que el seor
Collins quiere casarse con Elizabeth?
Slo la condescendencia de un cortesa-
no poda haber soportado, sin enfurecerse,
aquel comportamiento; pero la buena edu-
cacin de sir William estaba por encima de
todo. Rog que le permitieran garantizar la
verdad de lo que deca, pero escuch todas
aquellas impertinencias con la ms absolu-
ta correccin.
Elizabeth se sinti obligada a
ayudarle a salir de tan enojosa si-
tuacin, y confirm sus palabras,
revelando lo que ella saba por la
p r o p i a C h a r l o t t e . Tr a t d e p o n e r
fin a las exclamaciones de su ma-
dre y de sus hermanas felicitan-
d o c a l u r o s a m e n t e a s i r Wi l l i a m ,
en lo que pronto fue secundada
por Jane, y comentando la felici-
dad que se poda esperar del
acontecimiento, dado el excelen-
te carcter del seor Collins y la
conveniente distancia de
Hunsford a Londres.
La seora Bennet estaba cierta-
mente demasiado sobrecogida para
hablar mucho mientras sir William
permaneci en la casa; pero, en
cuanto se fue, se desahog rpida-
mente. Primero, insista en no creer
ni una palabra; segundo, estaba se-
gura de que a Collins lo haban en-
gaado; tercero, confiaba en que
nunca seran felices juntos; y cuar-
to, la boda no se llevara a cabo. Sin
embargo, de todo ello se despren-
dan claramente dos cosas: que
Elizabeth era la verdadera causa de
toda la desgracia, y que ella, la se-
ora Bennet, haba sido tratada de
un modo brbaro por todos. El res-
to del da lo pas despotricando, y
no hubo nada que pudiese consolar-
la o calmarla. Tuvo que pasar una
semana antes de que pudiese ver a
Elizabeth sin reprenderla; un mes,
antes de que dirigiera la palabra a
sir William o a lady Lucas sin ser
grosera; y mucho, antes de que per-
donara a Charlotte.
El estado de nimo del seor
Bennet ante la noticia era ms
tranquilo; es ms, hasta se ale-
 Austen Pride
be of a most agreeable sort; for it
gratified him, he said, to discover that
Charlotte Lucas, whom he had been used
to think tolerably sensible, was as foolish
5 as his wife, and more foolish than his
daughter!
Jane confessed herself a little
surprised at the match; but she said less X
10 of her astonishment than of her earnest
desire for their happiness; nor could
Elizabeth persuade her to consider it as
improbable. Kitty and Lydia were far
from envying Miss Lucas, for Mr. Collins
15 was only a clergyman; and it affected
them in no other way than as a piece of
news to spread at Meryton.
Lady Lucas could not be insensible
20 of triumph on being able to retort on Mrs.
Bennet the comfort of having a daughter
well married; and she called at
Longbourn rather oftener than usual to
say how happy she was, though Mrs.
25 Bennets sour looks and ill-natured
remarks might have been enough to drive
happiness away.
Between Elizabeth and Charlotte
30 there was a restraint which kept them
mutually silent on the subject; and
Elizabeth felt persuaded that no real
confidence could ever subsist between
them again. Her disappointment in
35 Charlotte made her turn with fonder
regard to her sister, of whose rectitude
and delicacy she was sure her opinion
could never be shaken, and for whose
happiness she grew daily more anxious,
40 as Bingley had now been gone a week
and nothing more was heard of his
return.
Jane had sent Caroline an early
45 answer to her letter, and was counting the
days till she might reasonably hope to
hear again. The promised letter of thanks
from Mr. Collins arrived on Tuesday,
addressed to their father, and written with
50 all the solemnity of gratitude which a
twelvemonths abode in the family might
have prompted. After discharging his
conscience on that head, he proceeded
to inform them, with many rapturous
55 expressions, of his happiness in having
obtained the affection of their amiable
neighbour, Miss Lucas, and then
explained that it was merely with the view
of enjoying her society that he had been
60 so ready to close with their kind wish of
seeing him again at Longbourn, whither
he hoped to be able to return on Monday
fortnight; for Lady Catherine, he added,
so heartily approved his marriage, that
65 she wished it to take place as soon as
111
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
gr, porque de este modo poda
comprobar, segn dijo, que
Charlotte Lucas, a quien nunca
tuvo por muy lista, era tan tonta
como su mujer, y mucho ms que
su hija.
Jane confes que se haba llevado una
sorpresa ________; pero habl menos de su
asombro que de sus sinceros deseos de que
ambos fuesen felices, ni siquiera Elizabeth
logr hacerle ver que semejante felicidad era
improbable. Catherine y Lydia estaban muy
lejos de envidiar a la seorita Lucas, pues
Collins no era ms que un clrigo y el suceso
no tena para ellas ms inters que el de po-
der difundirlo por Meryton.
Lady Lucas no poda resistir la dicha de
poder desquitarse con la seora Bennet
manifestndole el consuelo que le supona
tener una hija casada; iba a Longbourn con
ms frecuencia que de costumbre para con-
tar lo feliz que era, aunque las poco afables
miradas y los comentarios mal intenciona-
dos de la seora Bennet podran haber aca-
bado con toda aquella felicidad.
Entre Elizabeth y Charlotte haba una
barrera que les haca guardar silencio so-
bre el tema, y Elizabeth tena la impre-
sin de que ya no volvera a existir ver-
dadera confianza entre ellas. La decepcin
que se haba llevado de Charlotte le hizo
volverse hacia su hermana con ms cari-
o y admiracin que nunca, su rectitud y
su delicadeza le garantizaban que su opi-
nin sobre ella nunca cambiara, y cuya
felicidad cada da la tena ms preocupa-
da, pues haca ya una semana que Bingley
se haba marchado y nada se saba de su
regreso.
Jane contest en seguida la carta de
Caroline Bingley, y calculaba los das
que poda tardar en recibir la respues-
ta. La prometida carta de Collins lle-
g el martes, dirigida al padre y escri-
ta con toda la solemnidad de agrade-
cimiento que slo un ao de vivir con
la familia poda haber justificado.
Despus de disculparse al principio,
proceda a informarle, con mucha
grandilocuencia, de su felicidad por
haber obtenido el afecto de su encan-
tadora vecina la seorita Lucas, y
expresaba luego que slo con la inten-
cin de gozar de su compaa se ha-
ba sentido tan dispuesto a acceder a
sus amables deseos de volverse a ver
en Longbourn, adonde esperaba regre-
sar del lunes en quince das; pues lady
Catherine, agregaba, aprobaba tan
cordialmente su boda, que deseaba se
celebrase cuanto antes, cosa que con-
 Austen Pride
possible, which he trusted would be an
unanswerable argument with his amiable
Charlotte to name an early day for
making him the happiest of men.
5
Mr. Collinss return into
Hertfordshire was no longer a matter of
pleasure to Mrs. Bennet. On the contrary,
she was as much disposed to complain
10 of it as her husband. It was very strange
that he should come to Longbourn
instead of to Lucas Lodge; it was also
very inconvenient and exceedingly
troublesome. She hated having visitors
15 in the house while her health was so
indifferent, and lovers were of all people
the most disagreeable. Such were the
gentle murmurs of Mrs. Bennet, and they
gave way only to the greater distress of
20 Mr. Bingleys continued absence.
Neither Jane nor Elizabeth were
comfortable on this subject. Day after
day passed away without bringing any
25 other tidings of him than the report which
shortly prevailed in Meryton of his
coming no more to Netherfield the whole
winter; a report which highly incensed
[furioso] Mrs. Bennet, and which she never
30 failed to contradict as a most scandalous
falsehood.
Even Elizabeth began to fearnot
that Bingley was indifferentbut that his
35 sisters would be successful in keeping
him away. Unwilling as she was to admit
an idea so destructive of Janes
happiness, and so dishonorable to the
stability of her lover, she could not
40 prevent its frequently occurring. The
united efforts of his two unfeeling sisters
and of his overpowering friend, assisted
by the attractions of Miss Darcy and the
amusements of London might be too
45 much, she feared, for the strength of his
attachment.
As for Jane, HER anxiety under this
suspense was, of course, more painful
50 than Elizabeths, but whatever she felt
she was desirous of concealing, and
between herself and Elizabeth, therefore,
the subject was never alluded to. But as
no such delicacy restrained her mother,
55 an hour seldom passed in which she did
not talk of Bingley, express her
impatience for his arrival, or even require
Jane to confess that if he did not come
back she would think herself very ill
60 used. It needed all Janes steady mildness
tolerable aceptable, soportable, fairly good, to bear these attacks with tolerable
mediocre, pasable tranquillity.
Mr. Collins returned most punctually
65 on Monday fortnight, but his reception
112
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
fiaba sera un argumento irrebatible
para que su querida Charlotte fijase el
da en que habra de hacerle el ms
feliz de los hombres.
La vuelta de Collins a
Hertfordshire ya no era motivo de sa-
tisfaccin para la seora Bennet. Al
contrario, lo deploraba ms que su
marido: Era muy raro que Collins vi-
niese a Longbourn en vez de ir a casa
de los Lucas; resultaba muy inconve-
niente y extremadamente embarazo-
so. Odiaba tener visitas dado su mal
estado de salud, y los novios eran los
seres ms insoportables del mundo.
stos eran los continuos murmullos
de la seora Bennet, que slo cesa-
ban ante una angustia an mayor: la
larga ausencia del seor Bingley.
Ni Jane ni Elizabeth estaban
tranquilas con este tema. Los das
pasaban sin que tuviese ms noti-
cia que la que pronto se extendi
por Meryton: que los Bingley no
volveran en todo el invierno. La
seora Bennet estaba indignada y
no cesaba de desmentirlo, asegu-
rando que era la falsedad ms
atroz que or se puede.
Incluso Elizabeth comenz a temer, no
que Bingley hubiese olvidado a Jane, sino
que sus hermanas pudiesen conseguir apar-
tarlo de ella. A pesar de no querer admitir
una idea tan desastrosa para la felicidad
de Jane y tan indigna de la firmeza de su
enamorado, Elizabeth no poda evitar que
con frecuencia se le pasase por la mente.
Tema que el esfuerzo conjunto de sus des-
almadas hermanas y de su influyente ami-
go, unido a los atractivos de la seorita
Darcy y a los placeres de Londres, podan
suponer demasiadas cosas a la vez en con-
tra del cario de Bingley.
En cuanto a Jane, la ansiedad que esta
duda le causaba era, como es natural, ms
penosa que la de Elizabeth; pero sintiese
lo que sintiese, quera disimularlo, y por
esto entre ella y su hermana nunca se alu-
da a aquel asunto. A su madre, sin em-
bargo, no la contena igual delicadeza y
no pasaba una hora sin que hablase de
Bingley, expresando su impaciencia por
su llegada o pretendiendo que Jane con-
fesase que, si no volva, la habran trata-
do de la manera ms indecorosa. Se ne-
cesitaba toda la suavidad de Jane para
aguantar estos ataques con tolerable
tranquilidad.
Collins volvi puntualmente del lunes en
quince das; el recibimiento que se le hizo en
 Austen Pride
gracious 1 kind; indulgent and beneficent to at Longbourn was not quite so gracious
inferiors. 2 (of God) merciful, benign. 3 poet. as it had been on his first introduction.
kindly, courteous. 4 a polite epithet used of
royal persons or their acts (the gracious
He was too happy, however, to need much
speech from the throne). attention; and luckily for the others, the
gracious 1 (estilo de vida) elegante, lujoso 2 5 business of love-making relieved them
amable, gentil, corts: shes a very gracious from a great deal of his company. The
hostess, es una anfitriona muy atenta 3 excl. chief of every day was spent by him at
good gracious (me)!, Dios mo!
Lucas Lodge, and he sometimes returned
to Longbourn only in time to make an
10 apology for his absence before the family
went to bed.
Mrs. Bennet was really in a most
pitiable state. The very mention of
15 anything concerning the match threw
her into an agony of ill-humour, and
wherever she went she was sure of
hearing it talked of. The sight of Miss
L u c a s w a s o d i o u s t o h e r. A s h e r
20 successor in that house, she regarded
her with jealous abhorrence. Whenever
Charlotte came to see them, she
concluded her to be anticipating the
hour of possession; and whenever she
25 spoke in a low voice to Mr. Collins, was
convinced t h a t t h e y w e r e t a l k i n g o f
t h e L o n g b o u rn estate, and resolving to
turn herself and her daughters out of
the house, as soon as Mr. Bennet were
30 dead. She complained bitterly of all
this to her husband.
Indeed, Mr. Bennet, said she, it is
very hard to think that Charlotte Lucas
35 should ever be mistress of this house, that I
should be forced to make way for HER, and
live to see her take her place in it!
My dear, do not give way to such
40 gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better
things. Let us flatter ourselves that I may
be the survivor.
This was not very consoling to Mrs.
45 Bennet, and therefore, instead of making
any answer, she went on as before.
I cannot bear to think that they
should have all this estate. If it
50 w a s n o t f o r t h e e n t a i l , I s h o u l d n o t
mind it.
What should not you mind?
55 I should not mind anything at
all.
Let us be thankful that you are
preserved from a state of such
60 insensibility.
I never can be thankful, Mr. Bennet,
for anything about the entail. How
anyone could have the conscience to
65 entail away an estate from ones own
113
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Longbourn no fue tan cordial como 
el de la primera vez. Pero el hombre era
demasiado feliz para que nada le hiciese
mella, y por suerte para todos, estaba tan
ocupado en su cortejo que se vean li-
bres de su compaa mucho tiempo. La
mayor parte del da se lo pasaba en casa
de los Lucas, y a veces volva a
Longbourn slo con el tiempo justo de
excusar su ausencia antes de que la fa-
milia se acostase.
La seora Bennet se encontraba real-
mente en un estado lamentable. La sola
mencin de algo concerniente a la boda le
produca un ataque de mal humor, y donde-
quiera que fuese poda tener por seguro que
oira hablar de dicho acontecimiento. El ver
a la seorita Lucas la descompona. La mi-
raba con horror y celos al imaginarla su su-
cesora en aquella casa. Siempre que
Charlotte vena a verlos, la seora Bennet
llegaba a la conclusin de que estaba anti-
cipando la hora de la toma de posesin, y
todas las veces que le comentaba algo en
voz baja a Collins, estaba convencida de que
hablaban de la herencia de Longbourn y
planeaban echarla a ella y a sus hijas
en cuanto el seor Bennet pasase a
mejor vida. Se quejaba de ello amar-
gamente a su marido.
La verdad, seor Bennet le de-
ca, es muy duro pensar que Charlotte
Lucas ser un da la duea de esta casa,
y que yo me ver obligada a cederle el
sitio y a vivir vindola en mi lugar.
Querida, no pienses en cosas
tristes. Tengamos esperanzas en cosas
mejores. Animmonos con la idea de que
puedo sobrevivirte.
X No era muy consolador, que digamos,
para la seora Bennet; sin embarg, en vez
de contestar, continu:
No puedo soportar el pensar que lle-
guen a ser dueos de toda esta propiedad.
Si no fuera por el legado, me traera sin cui-
dado.
Qu es lo que te traera sin cuidado?
Me traera sin cuidado absolutamen-
te todo.
Demos gracias, entonces, de que te
salven de semejante estado de insensibili-
dad.
Nunca podr dar gracias por nada
que se refiera al legado. No entender ja-
ms que alguien pueda tener la concien-
cia tranquila desheredando a sus propias
 Austen Pride
daughters, I cannot understand; and all
for the sake of Mr. Collins too! Why should
HE have it more than anybody else?
5 I leave it to yourself to determine,
said Mr. Bennet.
10
15 Chapter 24
Miss Bingleys letter arrived, and put
an end to doubt. The very first sentence
conveyed the assurance of their being
20 all settled in London for the winter, and
concluded with her brother s regret at
not having had time to pay his respects
to his friends in Hertfordshire before he
left the country.
25
Hope was over, entirely over; and X
when Jane could attend to the rest of the X
letter, she found little, except the
professed affection of the writer, that
30 could give her any comfort. Miss Darcys
praise occupied the chief of it. Her many
attractions were again dwelt on, and
Caroline boasted joyfully of their
increasing intimacy, and ventured to
35 predict the accomplishment of the wishes
which had been unfolded in her former
letter. She wrote also with great pleasure
of her brothers being an inmate of Mr.
Darcys house, and mentioned with
40 raptures some plans of the latter with
regard to new furniture.
Elizabeth, to whom Jane very soon
communicated the chief of all this, heard
45 it in silent indignation. Her heart was
divided between concern for her sister,
and resentment against all others. To
Carolines assertion of her brother s
partial Los adjetivos partial y parcial com- being partial to Miss Darcy she paid no
parten la idea de incompleto y, en sentido 50 credit. That he was really fond of Jane,
tico, injusto, prejuiciado, pero partial se usa she doubted no more than she had ever
adems para aficionado, aff e c t i o n a t e ,
fond, kind, attached.
done; and much as she had always been
disposed to like him, she could not think
without anger, hardly without contempt,
55 on that easiness of temper, that want of
proper resolution, which now made him
the slave of his designing friends, and led
him to sacrifice of his own happiness to
the caprice of their inclination. Had his
60 own happiness, however, been the only
sacrifice, he might have been allowed to
sport with it in whatever manner he
thought best, but her sister s was
involved in it, as she thought he must be
65 sensible himself. It was a subject, in
114
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
hijas. Y para colmo, que el herede-
ro tenga que ser el seor Collins!
Por qu l , y n o c u a l q u i e r o t r o ?
Lo dejo a tu propia consideracin
_________.
Captulo XXIV
La carta de la seorita Bingley lleg, y
puso fin a todas las dudas. La primera frase
ya comunicaba que todos se haban estable-
cido en Londres para pasar el invierno, y al
final expresaba el pesar del hermano por no
haber tenido tiempo, antes de abandonar el
campo, de pasar a presentar sus respetos a
sus amigos de Hertfordshire.
No haba esperanza, se haba desvanecido por completo.
Jane sigui leyendo, pero encontr pocas
cosas, aparte de las expresiones de afecto
de su autora, que pudieran servirle de ali-
vio. El resto de la carta estaba casi por ente-
ro dedicado a elogiar a la seorita Darcy.
Insista de nuevo sobre sus mltiples atrac-
tivos, y Caroline presuma muy contenta de
su creciente intimidad con ella,
aventurndose a predecir el cumplimiento
de los deseos que ya manifestaba en la prime-
ra carta. Tambin 1e contaba con regocijo que
su hermano era ntimo de la familia Darcy,
y mencionaba con entusiasmo ciertos pla-
nes de este ltimo, relativos al nuevo mobi-
liario.
Elizabeth, a quien Jane comunic en
seguida lo ms importante de aquellas no-
ticias, la escuch en silencio y muy indigna-
da. Su corazn fluctuaba entre la preocupacin
por su hermana y el odio a todos los dems. No
daba crdito a la afirmacin de Caroline de que
su hermano estaba interesado por la seori-
ta Darcy. No dudaba, como no lo haba du-
dado jams, que Bingley estaba enamo-
rado de Jane; pero Elizabeth, que siem-
pre le tuvo tanta simpata, no pudo pen-
sar sin rabia, e incluso sin desprecio,
en aquella debilidad de carcter y en
su falta de decisin, q u e l e h a c a n e s -
clavo de sus intrigantes amigos y le
arrastraban a sacrificar su propia
felicidad al capricho de los deseos
de aquellos. Si no sacrificase ms
que su felicidad, podra jugar con
ella como se le antojase; pero se
trataba tambin de la felicidad de
Jane, y pensaba que l debera te-
nerlo en cuenta. En fin, era una de
 Austen Pride
short, on which reflection would be long
indulged, and must be unavailing. She
could think of nothing else; and yet
whether Bingleys regard had really
5 died away, or were suppressed by his
friends interference; whether he had
been aware of Janes attachment, or
whether it had escaped his observation;
whatever were the case, though her
10 opinion of him must be materially
affected by the difference, her sister s
situation remained the same, her peace
equally wounded.
15 A day or two passed before
Jane had courage to speak of her
feelings to Elizabeth; but at last,
on Mrs. Bennets leaving them
together, after a longer irritation
20 t h a n u s u a l a b o u t N e t h e r f i e l d a n d
its master, she could not help
saying:
Oh, that my dear mother had more
25 command over herself! She can have no
idea of the pain she gives me by her
continual reflections on him. But I will
repine express discontent; complain; kick; not repine. It cannot last long. He will
plain; sound off; quetch; kvetch be forgot, and we shall all be as we were
30 before.
Elizabeth looked at her sister with
solicitude traduce solicitud, como cuidado, incredulous solicitude, but said nothing.
afn, ansiedad, pero solicitud es la voz co-
mn para request, application [para traba-
jos, cheques], y solicitous traduce solcito,
35 You doubt me, cried Jane, slightly
como diligente, deseoso, gustoso, pero a colouring; indeed, you have no reason.
veces rebaja su significado a inquieto, apren- He may live in my memory as the most
sivo, receloso, molesto. amiable man of my acquaintance, but that
solicitous ansioso, aprensivo, atento, esmera- is all. I have nothing either to hope or
do, receloso, solcito=diligente, cuidadoso,
40 fear, and nothing to reproach him with.
diligente [pronto, presto, activo], cuidado-
so, gustoso, inquieto, aprensivo, receloso Thank God! I have not THAT pain. A
solicitude n. 1 the state of being solicitous; little time, thereforeI shall certainly try
solicitous behaviour. 2 anxiety or concern. to get the better.
Cuidado, afn, ansiedad, solicitousness, a
feeling of excessive concern, preocupacin,
ansiedad, atencin
45 With a stronger voice she soon added,
I have this comfort immediately, that it
has not been more than an error of fancy
on my side, and that it has done no harm
to anyone but myself.
50
My dear Jane! exclaimed Elizabeth,
you are too good. Your sweetness and
disinterestedness are really angelic; I do
not know what to say to you. I feel as if I
55 had never done you justice, or loved you
as you deserve.
Miss Bennet eagerly disclaimed
all extraordinary merit, and threw
60 b a c k t h e p r a i s e o n h e r s i s t e r s
warm affection.
Nay, said Elizabeth, this is not fair.
YOU wish to think all the world
65 respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of
115
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
esas cosas con las que es intil
romperse la cabeza. Elizabeth no po-
da pensar en otra cosa; y tanto si el
inters de Bingley haba muerto real-
mente, como si haba sido obstaculi-
zado por la intromisin de sus amigos;
tanto si Bingley saba del afecto de Jane,
como si le haba pasado inadvertido; en
cualquiera de los casos, y aunque la opi-
nin de Elizabeth sobre Bingley pudiese
variar segn las diferencias, la situacin
de Jane segua siendo la misma y su paz
se haba perturbado.
Un da o dos transcurrieron antes de que
Jane tuviese el valor de confesar sus senti-
mientos a su hermana; pero, al fin, en un
momento en que la seora Bennet las dej
solas despus de haberse irritado ms que
de costumbre con el tema de Netherfield y
su dueo, la joven no lo pudo resistir y ex-
clam:
Si mi querida madre tuviese ms
dominio de s misma! No puede hacerse
idea de lo que me duelen sus continuos
comentarios sobre el seor Bingley. Pero
X no me pondr triste. No puede durar mu-
cho. Lo olvidar y todos volveremos a ser
como antes.
Elizabeth, solcita e incrdula, mir a
su hermana, pero no dijo nada.
Lo dudas? pregunt Jane li-
geramente ruborizada. No tienes
motivos. Le recordar siempre como
el mejor hombre que he conocido, eso
es todo. Nada tengo que esperar ni que
temer, y nada tengo que reprocharle.
Gracias a Dios, no me queda esa pena.
As es que dentro de poco tiempo, es-
tar mucho mejor.
Con voz ms fuerte aadi despus:
Tengo el consuelo de pensar que no
ha sido ms que un error de la imagina-
cin por mi parte y que no ha perjudicado
a nadie ms que a m misma.
Querida Jane! exclam Elizabeth
. Eres demasiado buena. Tu dulzura y tu
desinters son verdaderamente angelicales.
No s qu decirte. Me siento como si nunca
te hubiese hecho justicia, o como si no te
hubiese querido todo lo que mereces.
Jane neg vehementemente que tuvie-
se algn mrito extraordinario y rechaz los
elogios de su hermana que eran slo pro-
ducto de su gran afecto.
No dijo Elizabeth, eso no
est bien. Todo el mundo te parece
respetable y te ofendes si yo hablo
 Austen Pride
anybody. I only want to think YOU
perfect, and you set yourself against it.
Do not be afraid of my running into any
encroach invadir, usurpar, ocupar excess, of my encroaching on your
5 privilege of universal good-will. You
need not. There are few people whom I
really love, and still fewer of whom I
think well. The more I see of the world,
the more am I dissatisfied with it; and
10 every day confirms my belief of the
inconsistency of all human characters,
and of the little dependence that can be
placed on the appearance of merit or
sense. I have met with two instances
15 lately, one I will not mention; the other
is Charlottes marriage. It is
unaccountable! In every view it is
unaccountable!
20 My dear Lizzy, do not give way to
such feelings as these. They will ruin
your happiness. You do not make
allowance enough for difference of
situation and temper. Consider Mr.
25 Collinss respectability, and Charlottes
steady, prudent character. Remember that
she is one of a large family; that as to
fortune, it is a most eligible match; and
be ready to believe, for everybodys sake,
30 that she may feel something like regard
and esteem for our cousin.
To oblige you, I would try to believe
almost anything, but no one else could
35 be benefited by such a belief as this; for
were I persuaded that Charlotte had any
regard for him, I should only think worse
of her understanding than I now do of her
heart. My dear Jane, Mr. Collins is a
40 conceited, pompous, narrow-minded,
silly man; you know he is, as well as I
do; and you must feel, as well as I do,
that the woman who married him cannot
have a proper way of thinking. You shall
45 not defend her, though it is Charlotte
Lucas. You shall not, for the sake of one
individual, change the meaning of
principle and integrity, nor endeavour to
persuade yourself or me, that selfishness
50 is prudence, and insensibility of danger
security for happiness.
I must think your language too strong
in speaking of both, replied Jane; and
55 I hope you will be convinced of it by
seeing them happy together. But enough
of this. You alluded to something else.
You mentioned TWO instances. I cannot
misunderstand you, but I entreat you,
60 dear Lizzy, not to pain me by thinking
THAT PERSON to blame, and saying
your opinion of him is sunk. We must not
be so ready to fancy ourselves
intentionally injured. We must not expect
65 a lively young man to be always so
116
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
mal de alguien. T eres la nica a
quien encuentro perfecta y tampoco
quieres que te lo diga. No temas que
me exceda apropindome de tu pri-
vilegio de bondad universal. No hay
peligro. A poca gente quiero de ver-
dad, y de muy pocos tengo buen con-
cepto. Cuanto ms conozco el mun-
do, ms me desagrada, y el tiempo
me confirma mi creencia en la incon-
sistencia del carcter humano, y en
lo poco que se puede uno fiar de las
apariencias de bondad o inteligencia.
ltimamente he tenido dos ejemplos:
uno que no quiero mencionar, y el
otro, la boda de Charlotte. Es
increble! Lo mires como lo mires,
es increble!
Querida Lizzy, no debes tener esos
sentimientos, acabarn con tu felicidad.
No tienes en consideracin las diferentes
situaciones y la forma de ser de las perso-
nas. Ten en cuenta la respetabilidad del
seor Collins y el carcter firme y pru-
dente de Charlotte. Recuerda que perte-
nece a una familia numerosa, y en lo que
se refiere a la fortuna, es una boda muy
deseable, debes creer, por el amor de Dios,
que puede que sienta cierto afecto y esti-
ma por nuestro primo.
Por complacerte, tratara de creer
lo que dices, pero nadie saldra benefi-
ciado, porque si sospechase que
Charlotte siente algn inters por el se-
or Collins, tendra peor opinin de su
inteligencia de la que ahora tengo de su
corazn. Querida Jane, el seor Collins
es un hombre engredo, pedante, cerril
y mentecato; lo sabes tan bien como yo;
y como yo tambin debes saber que la
mujer que se case con l no puede estar
en su sano juicio. No la defiendas por-
que sea Charlotte Lucas. Por una perso-
na en concreto no debes trastocar el sig-
nificado de principio y de integridad, ni
intentar convencerte a ti misma o a m,
de que el egosmo es prudencia o de que
la insensibilidad ante el peligro es un
seguro de felicidad.
Hablas de los dos con demasiada du-
reza repuso Jane, y espero que lo ad-
mitirs cuando veas que son felices juntos.
Pero dejemos esto. Hiciste alusin a otra
cosa. Mencionaste dos ejemplos. Ya s de
qu se trata, pero te ruego, querida Lizzy,
que no me hagas sufrir culpando a esa per-
sona y diciendo que has perdido la buena
opinin que tenas de l. No debemos estar
tan predispuestos a imaginarnos que nos han
herido intencionadamente. No podemos es-
perar que un hombre joven y tan vital sea
siempre tan circunspecto y comedido. A
 Austen Pride
guarded and circumspect. It is very often
nothing but our own vanity that deceives
us. Women fancy admiration means more
than it does.
5
And men take care that they
should.
If it is designedly done, they
10 cannot be justified; but I have no idea
of there being so much design in the
world as some persons imagine.
I am far from attributing any part of
15 Mr. Bingleys conduct to design, said
Elizabeth; but without scheming to do
wrong, or to make others unhappy, there
may be error, and there may be misery.
Thoughtlessness, want of attention to
20 other peoples feelings, and want of
resolution, will do the business.
And do you impute it to either of
those?
25
Yes; to the last. But if I go on, I
shall displease you by saying what
I think of persons you esteem. Stop
me whilst you can.
30
You persist, then, in supposing his
sisters influence him?
Yes, in conjunction with his friend.
35
I cannot believe it. Why should they
try to influence him? They can only
wish his happiness; and if he is attached
to me, no other woman can secure it.
40
Your first position is false. They
may wish many things besides his
happiness; they may wish his increase
of wealth and consequence; they may
45 wish him to marry a girl who has all
t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f m o n e y, g r e a t
connections, and pride.
Beyond a doubt, they DO wish him
50 to choose Miss Darcy, replied Jane;
but this may be from better feelings
than you are supposing. They have
known her much longer than they have
known me; no wonder if they love her
55 better. But, whatever may be their own
wishes, it is very unlikely they should
have opposed their brother s. What
sister would think herself at liberty to
do it, unless there were something very
60 objectionable? If they believed him
attached to me, they would not try to
part us; if he were so, they could not
succeed. By supposing such an
affection, you make everybody acting
65 unnaturally and wrong, and me most
117
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
menudo lo que nos engaa es nicamente
nuestra propia vanidad. Las mujeres nos
creemos que la admiracin significa ms de
lo que es en realidad.
Y los hombres se cuidan bien de que
as sea.
Si lo hacen premeditadamente, no tie-
nen justificacin; pero me parece que no hay
tanta premeditacin en el mundo como mu-
cha gente se figura.
No pretendo atribuir a la preme-
ditacin la conducta del seor Bingley;
pero sin querer obrar mal o hacer su-
frir a los dems, se pueden cometer
errores y hacer mucho dao. De eso se
encargan la inconsciencia, la falta de
atencin a los sentimientos de otras
personas y la falta de decisin.
Achacas lo ocurrido a algo de
eso?
S, a lo ltimo. Pero si sigo hablan-
do, te disgustar diciendo lo que pienso de
personas que t estimas. Vale ms que pro-
cures que me calle.
Persistes en suponer, pues, que las her-
manas influyen en l?
S, junto con su amigo.
No lo puedo creer. Por qu
iba a hacerlo? Slo pueden desear su
felicidad; y si l me quiere a m, ninguna
otra mujer podr proporcionrsela.
Tu primera suposicin es falsa. Pueden
desear muchas cosas adems de su felici-
dad; pueden desear que aumente su rique-
za, con lo que ello trae consigo; pueden de-
sear que se case con una chica que tenga
toda la importancia que da el dinero, las
grandes familias y el orgullo.
O sea que desean que elija a la seo-
rita Darcy replic Jane; pero quiz les
muevan mejores intenciones de las que
crees. La han tratado mucho ms que a m,
es lgico que la quieran ms. Pero cuales-
quiera que sean sus deseos, es muy poco
probable que se hayan opuesto a los de su
hermano. Qu hermana se creera con de-
recho a hacerlo, a no ser que hubiese algo
muy grave que objetar? Si hubiesen visto
que se interesaba mucho por m, no habran
procurado separarnos; y si l estuviese efec-
tivamente tan interesado, todos sus esfuer-
zos seran intiles. Al suponer que me quie-
re, slo consigues atribuir un mal
comportamiento y una actitud errnea a todo
el mundo y hacerme a m sufrir ms toda-
 Austen Pride
unhappy. Do not distress me by the idea.
I am not ashamed of having been
mistakenor, at least, it is light, it is
nothing in comparison of what I should
5 feel in thinking ill of him or his sisters.
Let me take it in the best light, in the light
in which it may be understood.
Elizabeth could not oppose such a
10 wish; and from this time Mr. Bingleys
name was scarcely ever mentioned
between them.
Mrs. Bennet still continued to wonder
repine express discontent; complain; kick; 15 and repine at his returning no more, and
plain; sound off; quetch; kvetch
X
though a day seldom passed in which
Elizabeth did not account for it clearly,
there was little chance of her ever
considering it with less perplexity. Her
20 daughter endeavoured to convince her of
what she did not believe herself, that his
attentions to Jane had been merely the
effect of a common and transient liking,
which ceased when he saw her no more;
25 but though the probability of the
statement was admitted at the time, she
had the same story to repeat every day.
Mrs. Bennets best comfort was that Mr.
Bingley must be down again in the
30 summer.
Mr. Bennet treated the matter
differently. So, Lizzy, said he one day,
your sister is crossed in love, I find. I
35 congratulate her. Next to being married,
a girl likes to be crossed a little in love
now and then. It is something to think of,
and it gives her a sort of distinction
among her companions. When is your
40 turn to come? You will hardly bear to be
long outdone by Jane. Now is your
time. Here are officers enough in
Meryton to disappoint all the young
ladies in the country. Let Wickham be
jilt v.tr. abruptly reject or abandon (a lover 45 YOUR man. He is a pleasant fellow,
etc.). n. a person (esp. a woman) who jilts a and would jilt you creditably.
lover. Dejar plantado. Desaire o rechazo
amoroso a alguin requerido de amores. Des- T h a n k y o u , s i r, b u t a l e s s
estimacin. Humillacin
agreeable man would satisfy me.
50 We m u s t n o t a l l e x p e c t J a n e s g o o d
fortune.
True, said Mr. Bennet, but it is a
comfort to think that whatever of that
55 kind may befall you, you have an
affectionate mother who will make the
most of it.
M r. Wi c k h a m s s o c i e t y w a s o f
60 material service in dispelling the gloom
perverse 1 perverso, malvado, depravado which the late perverse occurrences had
2 obstinado, terco, caprichoso, thrown on many of the Longbourn
contumaz, adverso, contrario family. They saw him often, and to his
other recommendations was now added
65 that of general unreserve. The whole of
118
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
va. No me avergenzo de haberme equivo-
cado y si me avergonzara, mi sufrimiento
no sera nada en comparacin con el dolor
que me causara pensar mal de Bingley o de
sus hermanas. Djame interpretarlo del
mejor modo posible, del modo que lo haga
ms explicable.
Elizabeth no poda oponerse a tales
deseos; y desde entonces el nombre de
Bingley pocas veces se volvi a pro-
nunciar entre ellas.
La seora Bennet segua an extra-
ada y murmurando al ver que
Bingley no regresaba; y aunque no pa-
saba da sin que Elizabeth le hiciese ver
claramente lo que suceda, no pareca
que la madre dejase de extraarse. Su
hija intentaba convencerla de lo que
ella misma no crea, dicindole que las
atenciones de Bingley para con Jane ha-
ban sido efecto de un capricho co-
rriente y pasajero que ces al dejar de
verla; pero aunque la seora Bennet no
vacilaba en admitir esa posibilidad, no
poda dejar de repetir todos los das la
misma historia. Lo nico que la conso-
laba era que Bingley tena que volver
en verano.
El seor Bennet vea la cosa de muy dis-
tinta manera.
De modo, Lizzy le dijo un da,
que tu hermana ha tenido un fracaso
amoroso. Le doy la enhorabuena. Antes
de casarse, est bien que una chica ten-
ga algn fracaso; as se tiene algo en qu
pensar, y le da cierta distincin entre sus
amistades. Y a ti, cundo te toca? No
te gustara ser menos que Jane.
Aprovchate ahora. Hay en Meryton
bastantes oficiales como para engaar a to-
das las chicas de la comarca. Elige a
Wickham. Es un tipo agradable, y es segu-
ro que te dar calabazas.
Gracias, pap, pero me conformara
con un hombre menos agradable. No todos
podemos esperar tener tan buena suerte
como Jane.
Es verdad dijo el seor
Bennet, pero es un consuelo pen-
sar que, suceda lo que suceda, tienes
una madre cariosa que siempre te
ayudar.
La compaa de Wickham era de
gran utilidad para disipar la tristeza
que los ltimos y desdichados suce-
sos haban producido a varios miem-
bros de la familia de Longbourn. Le
vean a menudo, y a sus otras virtu-
des uni en aquella ocasin la de una
 Austen Pride
what Elizabeth had already heard, his
claims on Mr. Darcy, and all that he had
suffered from him, was now openly
acknowledged and publicly canvassed;
5 and everybody was pleased to know how
much they had always disliked Mr.
Darcy before they had known anything
of the matter.
10 Miss Bennet was the only creature
who could suppose there might be any
extenuating circumstances in the case,
unknown to the society of
Hertfordshire; her mild and steady
15 candour [franqueza] always pleaded for
allowances, and urged the possibility
of mistakesbut by everybody else
M r. D a r c y w a s c o n d e m n e d a s t h e
worst of men.
20
25
Chapter 25
30 After a week spent in professions of
l o v e a n d s c h e m e s o f f e l i c i t y, M r.
Collins was called from his amiable
Charlotte by the arrival of Saturday.
The pain of separation, however, might
35 b e a l l e v i a t e d o n h i s s i d e , b y
preparations for the reception of his
bride; as he had reason to hope, that
shortly after his return into
Hertfordshire, the day would be fixed
40 that was to make him the happiest of
men. He took leave of his relations at
Longbourn with as much solemnity as
before; wished his fair cousins health
and happiness again, and promised
45 their father another letter of thanks.
On the following Monday, Mrs.
Bennet had the pleasure of receiving
her brother and his wife, who came as
50 usual to spend the Christmas at
L o n g b o u r n . M r. G a r d i n e r w a s a
sensible, gentlemanlike man, greatly
superior to his sister, as well by nature
as education. The Netherfield ladies
55 would have had difficulty in believing
that a man who lived by trade, and within
view of his own warehouses, could have
been so well-bred and agreeable. Mrs.
Gardiner, who was several years younger
60 than Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips, was
an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman,
and a great favourite with all her
Longbourn nieces. Between the two
eldest and herself especially, there
65 subsisted a particular regard. They
119
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
f r a n q u e z a a b s o l u t a . To d o l o q u e
Elizabeth haba odo, sus quejas con-
tra Darcy y los agravios que le haba
inferido, pasaron a ser del dominio
pblico; todo el mundo se complaca
en recordar lo antiptico que siempre
haba sido Darcy, aun antes de saber
nada de todo aquello.
Jane era la nica capaz de supo-
ner que hubiese en este caso algu-
na circunstancia atenuante desco-
nocida por los vecinos de
Hertfordshire. Su dulce e invaria-
X ble candor r e c l a m a b a i n d u l g e n c i a
constantemente y propona la posi-
bilidad de una equivocacin; pero
todo el mundo tena a Darcy por el
peor de los hombres.
Captulo XXV
Despus de una semana, pasada entre
promesas de amor y planes de felicidad,
Collins tuvo que despedirse de su amada
Charlotte para llegar el sbado a
Hunsford. Pero la pena de la separacin
se aliviaba por parte de Collins con los
preparativos que tena que hacer para la
recepcin de su novia; pues tena sus ra-
zones para creer que a poco de su prxi-
mo regreso a Hertfordshire se fijara el da
que habra de hacerle el ms feliz de los
hombres. Se despidi de sus parientes de
Longbourn con la misma solemnidad que
la otra vez; dese de nuevo a sus bellas
primas salud y venturas, y prometi al
padre otra carta de agradecimiento.
El lunes siguiente, la seora Bennet
tuvo el placer de recibir a su hermano y a
la esposa de ste, que venan, como de cos-
tumbre, a pasar las Navidades en
Longbourn. El seor Gardiner era un hom-
X bre inteligente y caballeroso, muy supe-
rior a su hermana por naturaleza y por edu-
cacin. A las damas de Netherfield se les
hubiese hecho difcil creer que aquel hom-
bre que viva del comercio y se hallaba
siempre metido en su almacn, pudiera es-
tar tan bien educado y resultar tan agrada-
ble. La seora Gardiner, bastante ms joven
que la seora Bennet y que la seora Philips,
X era una mujer encantadora ______ y elegan-
te, a l a q u e s u s s o b r i n a s d e
Longbourn adoraban. Especialmente
las dos mayores, con las que tena una
particular amistad. Elizabeth y Jane
 Austen Pride
had frequently been staying with her
in town.
The first part of Mrs. Gardiner s
5 business on her arrival was to
distribute her presents and describe
the newest fashions. When this was
done she had a less active part to play.
It became her turn to listen. Mrs.
10 B e n n e t h a d m a n y g r i e v a n c e s t o
relate, and much to complain of.
They had all been very ill-used since
she last saw her sister. Two of her
girls had been upon the point of
15 m a r r i a g e , a n d a f t e r a l l t h e r e w a s
nothing in it.
I do not blame Jane, she continued,
for Jane would have got Mr. Bingley if
20 she could. But Lizzy! Oh, sister! It is very
hard to think that she might have been
Mr. Collinss wife by this time, had it not
been for her own perverseness. He made
her an offer in this very room, and she
25 refused him. The consequence of it is,
that Lady Lucas will have a daughter
married before I have, and that the
Longbourn estate is just as much entailed
as ever. The Lucases are very artful
30 people indeed, sister. They are all for
what they can get. I am sorry to say it of
them, but so it is. It makes me very
nervous and poorly, to be thwarted so
i n m y o w n f a m i l y, a n d t o h a v e
35 neighbours who think of themselves
before anybody else. However, your
coming just at this time is the greatest
of comforts, and I am very glad to hear
what you tell us, of long sleeves.
40
Mrs. Gardiner, to whom the chief of
this news had been given before, in the
course of Jane and Elizabeths
correspondence with her, made her sister
45 a slight answer, and, in compassion to her
nieces, turned the conversation.
When alone with Elizabeth
afterwards, she spoke more on the
50 subject. It seems likely to have been a
desirable match for Jane, said she. I am
sorry it went off. But these things happen
so often! A young man, such as you
describe Mr. Bingley, so easily falls in
55 love with a pretty girl for a few weeks,
and when accident separates them, so
easily forgets her, that these sort of
inconsistencies are very frequent.
60 An excellent consolation in its way,
said Elizabeth, but it will not do for US.
We do not suffer by ACCIDENT. It does
not often happen that the interference of
friends will persuade a young man of
65 independent fortune to think no more of
120
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
haban estado muchas veces en su casa
de la capital.
Lo primero que hizo la seora
Gardiner al llegar fue distribuir
sus regalos y describir las nue-
vas modas. Una vez hecho esto,
dej de llevar la voz cantante de la con-
versacin; ahora le tocaba escuchar. La
seora Bennet tena que contarle sus
muchas desdichas y sus muchas quejas.
Haba sufrido muchas humillaciones des-
de la ltima vez que vio a su cuada. Dos
de sus hijas haban estado a punto de ca-
sarse, pero luego todo haba quedado en
nada.
No culpo a Jane continu, por-
que se habra casado con el seor
Bingley, si hubiese podido; pero
Elizabeth... Ah, hermana ma!, es muy
duro pensar que a estas horas podra ser
la mujer de Collins si no hubiese sido por
su testarudez. Le hizo una proposicin
de matrimonio en esta misma habitacin
y lo rechaz. A consecuencia de ello lady
Lucas tendr una hija casada antes que
yo, y la herencia de Longbourn pasar a
sus manos. Los Lucas son muy astu-
tos _____, siempre se aprovechan de lo que
pueden. Siento tener que hablar de ellos
de esta forma pero es la verdad. Me pone
muy nerviosa y enferma que mi propia fa-
milia me contrare de este modo, y tener
vecinos que no piensan ms que en s mis-
mos. Menos mal que tener t e a t i a q u
e n e s t o s p r e c i s o s m o m e n t o s , me
consuela enormemente; me encanta lo
que nos cuentas de las mangas largas.
La seora Gardiner, que ya haba
tenido noticias del tema por la co-
rrespondencia que mantena con Jane
y Elizabeth, dio una respuesta bre-
ve, y por compasin a sus sobrinas,
cambi de conversacin.
Cuando estuvo a solas luego con
Elizabeth, volvi a hablar del asunto:
Parece ser que habra sido un buen
partido para Jane dijo. Siento que se
haya estropeado. Pero estas cosas ocurren
tan a menudo! Un joven como Bingley, tal
y como t me lo describes, se enamora con
facilidad de una chica bonita por unas cuan-
tas semanas y, si por casualidad se sepa-
ran, la olvida con la misma facilidad. Esas
inconstancias son muy frecuentes.
Si hubiera sido as, sera un gran con-
suelo dijo Elizabeth, pero lo nuestro
es diferente. Lo que nos ha pasado no ha
sido casualidad. No es tan frecuente que
unos amigos se interpongan y convenzan a
un joven independiente de que deje de pen-
 Austen Pride
a girl whom he was violently in love with
only a few days before.
But that expression of violently in
5 love is so hackneyed, so doubtful, so
indefinite, that it gives me very little idea.
It is as often applied to feelings which
arise from a half-hours acquaintance, as
to a real, strong attachment. Pray, how
10 VIOLENT WAS Mr. Bingleys love?
I never saw a more promising
inclination; he was growing quite
inattentive to other people, and wholly
15 engrossed by her. Every time they met, it
was more decided and remarkable. At his
own ball he offended two or three young
ladies, by not asking them to dance; and
I spoke to him twice myself, without
20 receiving an answer. Could there be finer
symptoms? Is not general incivility the
very essence of love?
Oh, yes!of that kind of love
25 which I suppose him to have felt. Poor
Jane! I am sorry for her, because, with
her disposition, she may not get over it
i m m e d i a t e l y. I t h a d b e t t e r h a v e
happened to YOU, Lizzy; you would
30 have laughed yourself out of it sooner.
But do you think she would be prevailed
upon to go back with us? Change of
scene might be of serviceand perhaps
a little relief from home may be as useful
35 as anything.
Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased
with this proposal, and felt persuaded of
her sisters ready acquiescence.
40
I hope, added Mrs. Gardiner, that
no consideration with regard to this
young man will influence her. We live
in so different a part of town, all our
45 connections are so different, and, as
you well know, we go out so little, that
it is very improbable that they should
meet at all, unless he really comes to
see her.
50
And THAT is quite impossible; for
he is now in the custody of his friend,
and Mr. Darcy would no more suffer him
to call on Jane in such a part of London!
55 My dear aunt, how could you think of it?
Mr. Darcy may perhaps have HEARD of
such a place as Gracechurch Street, but
he would hardly think a months ablution
enough to cleanse him from its
60 impurities, were he once to enter it; and
depend upon it, Mr. Bingley never stirs
without him.
So much the better. I hope they will
65 not meet at all. But does not Jane
121
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
sar en una muchacha de la que estaba loca-
mente enamorado unos das antes.
Pero esa expresin, locamente ena-
morado, est tan manida, es tan ambigua y
tan indefinida, que no me dice nada. Lo
mismo se aplica a sentimientos nacidos a la
media hora de haberse conocido, que a un
cario fuerte y verdadero. Explcame cmo
era el amor del seor Bingley.
Nunca vi una atraccin ms prome-
tedora. Cuando estaba con Jane no pres-
taba atencin a nadie ms, se dedicaba por
entero a ella. Cada vez que se vean era
ms cierto y evidente. En su propio baile
desair a dos o tres seoritas al no sacar-
las a bailar y yo le dirig dos veces la pa-
labra sin obtener respuesta. Puede haber
sntomas ms claros? No es la descorte-
sa con todos los dems, la esencia mis-
ma del amor?
De esa clase de amor que me fi-
guro que senta Bingley, s. Pobre Jane!
Lo siento por ella, pues dado su modo
de ser, no olvidar tan fcilmente. Ha-
bra sido mejor que te hubiese ocurrido
a ti, Lizzy; t te habras resignado ms
pronto. Pero, crees que podremos con-
vencerla de que venga con nosotros a
Londres? Le conviene un cambio de ai-
res, y puede que descansar un poco de
su casa le vendra mejor que ninguna
otra cosa.
A Elizabeth le pareci estupen-
da esta proposicin y no dud de
que su hermana la aceptara.
Supongo aadi que no la
detendr el pensar que pueda encon-
trarse con ese joven. Vivimos en zo-
nas de la ciudad opuestas, todas nues-
tras amistades son tan distintas y,
como t sabes, salimos tan poco, que
es muy poco probable que eso suceda,
a no ser que l venga expresamente a
verla.
Y eso es imposible, porque ahora se
halla bajo la custodia de su amigo, y el se-
or Darcy no permitira que visitase a Jane
en semejante parte de Londres. Querida ta,
qu te parece? Puede que Darcy haya odo
hablar de un lugar como la calle
Gracechurch, pero creera que ni las ablu-
ciones de todo un mes seran suficientes para
limpiarle de todas sus impurezas, si es que
alguna vez se dignase entrar en esa calle. Y
puedes tener por seguro que Bingley no
dara un paso sin l.
Mucho mejor. Espero que no se vean
nunca. Pero, no se escribe Jane con la her-
 Austen Pride
correspond with his sister? SHE will not
be able to help calling.
She will drop the acquaintance
5 entirely.
But in spite of the certainty in which
Elizabeth affected to place this point, as
well as the still more interesting one of
10 Bingleys being withheld from seeing
solicitude traduce solicitud, como cuidado, Jane, she felt a solicitude on the subject
afn, ansiedad, pero solicitud es la voz co- which convinced her, on examination, X
mn para request, application [para traba- that she did not consider it entirely
jos, cheques], y solicitous traduce solcito, hopeless. It was possible, and sometimes
como diligente, deseoso, gustoso, pero a
veces rebaja su significado a inquieto, apren- 15 she thought it probable, that his affection X
sivo, receloso, molesto. might be reanimated, and the influence
solicitous ansioso, aprensivo, atento, esmera- of his friends successfully combated by
do, receloso, solcito=diligente, cuidadoso, the more natural influence of Janes
diligente [pronto, presto, activo], cuidado- attractions.
so, gustoso, inquieto, aprensivo, receloso
solicitude n. 1 the state of being solicitous; 20
solicitous behaviour. 2 anxiety or concern. Miss Bennet accepted her aunts
Cuidado, afn, ansiedad, solicitousness, a invitation with pleasure; and the Bingleys
feeling of excessive concern, preocupacin, were no otherwise in her thoughts at the
ansiedad, atencin same time, than as she hoped by
25 Carolines not living in the same house
with her brother, she might occasionally
spend a morning with her, without any
danger of seeing him.
30 The Gardiners stayed a week at
Longbourn; and what with the Phillipses,
the Lucases, and the officers, there was
not a day without its engagement. Mrs.
Bennet had so carefully provided for the
35 entertainment of her brother and sister,
that they did not once sit down to a family
dinner. When the engagement was for
home, some of the officers always made
part of itof which officers Mr.
40 Wickham was sure to be one; and on
render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen- these occasion, Mrs. Gardiner, rendered
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en-
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter
suspicious by Elizabeths warm
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered commendation, narrowly observed them
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.), both. Without supposing them, from what
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks;
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give 45 she saw, to be very seriously in love, their
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b preference of each other was plain
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.). enough to make her a little uneasy; and
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc. she resolved to speak to Elizabeth on the
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.)
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c subject before she left Hertfordshire, and
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the 50 represent to her the imprudence of
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting. encouraging such an attachment.
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up,
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are To Mrs. Gardiner, Wickham had one
Caesars). b show (obedience). means of af fording pleasure,
55 unconnected with his general powers.
About ten or a dozen years ago, before
her marriage, she had spent a
considerable time in that very part of
Derbyshire to which he belonged. They
60 had, therefore, many acquaintances in
common; and though Wickham had been
little there since the death of Darcys
father, it was yet in his power to give her
fresher intelligence of her former friends
65 than she had been in the way of
122
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
mana? Entonces, la seorita Bingley no ten-
dr disculpa para no ir a visitarla.
Romper su amistad por
completo.
Pero, a pesar de que Elizabeth es-
tuviese tan segura sobre este punto,
y, lo que era an ms interesante, a pe-
sar de que a Bingley le impidiesen ver
a Jane, ___________ ______ __ _ _ __ _
_________la seora Gardiner se conven-
ci, despus de examinarlo bien, de que
haba todava una esperanza. Era posible,
y a veces crea que hasta provechoso, que
el cario de Bingley se reanimase y lu-
chara contra la influencia de sus amigos
bajo la influencia ms natural de los
encantos de Jane.
Jane acept gustosa la in-
vitacin de su ta, sin pensar
e n l o s B i n g l e y, a u n q u e e s p e -
raba que, como Caroline no
viva en la misma casa que su
hermano, podra pasar alguna
maana con ella sin el peligro
de encontrarse con l.
Los Gardiner estuvieron en Longbourn
una semana; y entre los Philips, los Lucas
y los oficiales, no hubo un da sin que tu-
viesen un compromiso. La seora Bennet
se haba cuidado tanto de prepararlo todo
para que su hermano y su cuada lo pasa-
ran bien, que ni una sola vez pudieron dis-
frutar de una comida familiar. Cuando el
convite era en casa, siempre concurran
algunos oficiales entre los que Wickham
no poda faltar. En estas ocasiones, la se-
ora Gardiner, que senta curiosidad por
los muchos elogios que Elizabeth le tri-
butaba, los observ a los dos minuciosa-
mente. Dndose cuenta, por lo que vea,
de que no estaban seriamente enamora-
dos; su recproca preferencia era dema-
siado evidente. No se qued muy tranquila,
de modo que antes de irse de Hertfordshire
decidi hablar con Elizabeth del asunto ad-
virtindole de su imprudencia por alentar
aquella relacin.
Wickham, aparte de sus cualida-
des, saba cmo agradar a la seora
Gardiner. Antes de casarse, diez o
doce aos atrs, ella haba pasado
bastante tiempo en el mismo lugar de
D e r b y s h i r e d o n d e Wi c k h a m h a b a
nacido. Posean, por lo tanto, muchas
amistades en comn; y aunque
Wickham se march poco despus
del fallecimiento del padre de Darcy,
ocurrido haca cinco aos, todava
poda contarle cosas de sus antiguos
amigos, ms recientes que las que
 Austen Pride
procuring.
Mrs. Gardiner had seen Pemberley,
and known the late Mr. Darcy by
5 character perfectly well. Here
consequently was an inexhaustible
subject of discourse. In comparing her
recollection of Pemberley with the
minute description which Wickham could
10 give, and in bestowing her tribute of
praise on the character of its late
possessor, she was delighting both him
and herself. On being made acquainted
with the present Mr. Darcys treatment
15 of him, she tried to remember some of
that gentlemans reputed disposition
when quite a lad which might agree with
it, and was confident at last that she
recollected having heard Mr. Fitzwilliam
20 Darcy formerly spoken of as a very
proud, ill-natured boy.
25
Chapter 26
M r s . G a r d i n e r s c a u t i o n t o
Elizabeth was punctually and kindly
30 g i v e n o n t h e f i r s t f a v o u r a b l e
opportunity of speaking to her alone;
after honestly telling her what she
thought, she thus went on:
35 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
40 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;
45 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
50 would depend on YOUR resolution and
good conduct, I am sure. You must not
disappoint your father.
My dear aunt, this is being serious
55 indeed.
Yes, and I hope to engage you to be
serious likewise.
60 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.
65 Elizabeth, you are not serious now.
123
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ella saba.
La seora Gardiner haba estado
en Pemberley y haba conocido al l-
timo seor Darcy a la perfeccin. ste
era, por consiguiente, un tema de con-
versacin inagotable. Comparaba sus
recuerdos de Pemberley con la deta-
llada descripcin que Wickham haca,
y elogiand o e l c a r c t e r d e s u l t i -
mo dueo, se deleitaban los dos.
Al enterarse del comportamiento
d e D a r c y c o n Wi c k h a m , l a s e o r a
Gardiner crea recordar algo de
la mala fama que tena cuando era
an muchacho, lo que encajaba en
este caso; por fin, confes que se
acordaba que ya entonces se ha-
blaba del joven Fitzwilliam
Darcy como de un chico malo y
orgulloso.
Captulo XXVI
A seora Gardiner hizo a Elizabeth la
advertencia susodicha puntual y amable-
mente, a la primera oportunidad que tuvo
de hablar a solas con ella. Despus de ha-
berle dicho honestamente lo que pensa-
ba, aadi:
Eres una chica demasiado sen-
sata, Lizzy, para enamorarte slo por-
que se te haya advertido que no lo hi-
cieses; y por eso, me atrevo a hablar-
te abiertamente. En serio, ten cuida-
do. No te comprometas, ni dejes que
l se vea envuelto en un cario que la
falta de fortuna puede convertir en
una imprudencia. Nada tengo que de-
cir contra l; es un muchacho muy
interesante, y si tuviera la posicin
que debera tener, me parecera inme-
jorable. Pero tal y como estn las co-
sas, no puedes cegarte. Tienes mucho
sentido, y todos esperamos que lo
uses. Tu padre confa en tu firmeza y
en tu buena conducta. No vayas a de-
fraudarle.
Querida ta, esto es serio de
veras.
S, y ojal que t tambin te lo to-
mes en serio.
B u e n o , n o t e a l a r m e s .
X _____ M e c u i d a r ______ d e
Wi c k h a m . S i l o p u e d o e v i t a r ,
no se enamorar de m.
Elizabeth, no ests hablando en serio.
 Austen Pride
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
5 is, beyond all comparison, the most
agreeable man I ever sawand if he
becomes really attached to meI believe
it will be better that he should not. I see
the imprudence of it. Oh! THAT
10 abominable Mr. Darcy! My father s
opinion of me does me the greatest
honour, and I should be miserable to
partial Los adjetivos partial y parcial com- forfeit it. My father, however, is partial
parten la idea de incompleto y, en sentido to Mr. Wickham. In short, my dear aunt,
tico, injusto, prejuiciado, pero partial se usa
15 I should be very sorry to be the means of
adems para aficionado, aff e c t i o n a t e ,
fond, kind, attached. 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
20 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 wisdom to resist? All that
25 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.
30
Perhaps it will be as well if you
discourage his coming here so very often.
At least, you should not REMIND you
mother of inviting him.
35
A s I d i d t h e o t h e r d a y, s a i d
Elizabeth with a conscious smile: very
true, it will be wise in me to refrain from
THAT. But do not imagine that he is
40 always here so often. It is on your
account that he has been so frequently
i n v i t e d t h i s w e e k . Yo u k n o w m y
mother s ideas as to the necessity of
constant company for her friends. But
45 really, and upon my honour, I will try to
do what I think to be the wisest; and now
I hope you are satisfied.
Her aunt assured her that she was,
50 and Elizabeth having thanked her for the
kindness of her hints, they parted; a
wonderful instance of advice being
given on such a point, without being
resented.
55
Mr. Collins returned into
Hertfordshire soon after it had been
quitted by the Gardiners and Jane; but as
he took up his abode with the Lucases,
60 his arrival was no great inconvenience
to Mrs. Bennet. His marriage was now
fast approaching, and she was at length
so far resigned as to think it inevitable,
and even repeatedly to say, in an ill-
65 natured tone, that she WISHED they
124
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Perdname. Lo intentar otra
vez. Por ahora, no estoy enamora-
da de Wickham; es verdad, no lo es-
t o y. P e r o e s , s i n c o m p a r a c i n , e l
hombre ms agradable que jams he
visto; tanto, que no me importara
que se sintiese atrado por m. S
que es una imprudencia. Ay, ese abo-
minable Darcy! La opinin que mi pa-
dre tiene de m, me honra; y me dara
muchsima pena perderla. Sin embar-
go, mi padre es partidario del seor
Wickham. En fin, querida ta, senti-
ra mucho haceros sufrir a alguno de
vosotros; pero cuando vemos a dia-
rio que los jvenes, si estn enamo-
rados suelen hacer caso omiso de la
falta de fortuna a la hora de
comprometerse, cmo podra pro-
meter yo ser ms lista que tantas de
mis congneres, si me viera tentada?
O cmo sabra que obrara con in-
teligencia si me resisto? As es que lo
nico que puedo prometerte es que no me
precipitar. No me apresurar en creer que
soy la mujer de sus sueos. Cuando est a
su lado, no le demostrar que me gusta. O
sea, que me portar lo mejor que pueda.
Tal vez lo conseguiras, si pro-
curas que no venga aqu tan a menu-
do. Por lo menos, no deberas recor-
dar a tu madre que lo invite.
Como hice el otro da repuso
Elizabeth con maliciosa sonrisa. Es
verdad, sera lo ms oportuno. Pero no
vayas a imaginar que viene tan a menu-
do. Si le hemos invitado tanto esta se-
mana, es porque t estabas aqu. Ya sa-
bes la obsesin de mi madre de que sus
visitas estn constantemente acompaa-
das. Pero de veras, te doy mi palabra de
que tratar siempre de hacer lo que crea
ms sensato. Espero que ahora estars
ms contenta.
Su ta le asegur que lo estaba;
Elizabeth le agradeci sus amables ad-
vertencias, y se fueron. Su conversacin
haba constituido un admirable ejemplo
de saber aconsejar sin causar resenti-
miento.
Poco despus de haberse ido los
Gardiner y Jane, Collins regres a
Hertfordshire; pero como fue a
casa de los Lucas, la seora Benne t
no se incomod por su llegada. La boda
se aproximaba y la seora Bennet se
haba resignado tanto que ya la daba por
inevitable e incluso repeta, eso s, de
mal talante, que deseaba que fuesen fe-
lices. La boda se iba a celebrar el jue-
 Austen Pride
might be happy. Thursday was to be the
wedding day, and on Wednesday Miss
Lucas paid her farewell visit; and when
she rose to take leave, Elizabeth,
5 ashamed of her mothers ungracious and
reluctant good wishes, and sincerely
affected herself, accompanied her out of
the room. As they went downstairs
together, Charlotte said:
10
I shall depend on hearing from you
very often, Eliza.
THAT you certainly shall.
15
And I have another favour to ask
you. Will you come and see me?
We shall often meet, I hope, in
20 Hertfordshire.
I am not likely to leave Kent for
some time. Promise me, therefore, to
come to Hunsford.
25
Elizabeth could not refuse,
though she foresaw little
pleasure in the visit.
30 My father and Maria are coming to
me in March, added Charlotte, and I
hope you will consent to be of the party.
Indeed, Eliza, you will be as welcome as
either of them.
35
The wedding took place; the bride and
bridegroom set off for Kent from the
church door, and everybody had as much
to say, or to hear, on the subject as usual.
40 Elizabeth soon heard from her friend; and
their correspondence was as regular and
frequent as it had ever been; that it should
be equally unreserved was impossible. X
Elizabeth could never address her
45 without feeling that all the comfort of
intimacy was over, and though
determined not to slacken as a
correspondent, it was for the sake of what
had been, rather than what was.
50 Charlottes first letters were received
with a good deal of eagerness; there
could not but be curiosity to know how
she would speak of her new home, how
she would like Lady Catherine, and how
55 happy she would dare pronounce herself
to be; though, when the letters were read,
Elizabeth felt that Charlotte expressed
herself on every point exactly as she
might have foreseen. She wrote
60 cheerfully, seemed surrounded with
comforts, and mentioned nothing which
she could not praise. The house,
furniture, neighbourhood, and roads,
were all to her taste, and Lady
65 Catherines behaviour was most friendly
125
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ves, y, el mircoles vino la seorita
Lucas a hacer su visita de despedida.
Cuando la joven se levant para irse,
Elizabeth, sinceramente conmovida, y
avergonzada por la desatenta actitud y
los fingidos buenos deseos de su madre,
sali con ella de la habitacin y la acom-
pa hasta la puerta. Mientras bajaban
las escaleras, Charlotte dijo:
Confo en que tendr noticias tuyas
muy a menudo, Eliza.
Las tendrs.
Y quiero pedirte otro favor. Vendrs
a verme?
Nos veremos con frecuencia en
Hertfordshire, espero.
Me parece que no podr salir de Kent
hasta dentro de un tiempo. Promteme, por
lo tanto, venir a Hunsford.
A pesar de la poca gracia que le haca la
visita, Elizabeth no pudo rechazar la invita-
cin de Charlotte.
Mi padre y Mara irn a verme
en marzo aadi Charlotte y
quisiera que los acompaases. Te ase-
guro, Eliza, que sers tan bien acogi-
da como ellos.
Se celebr la boda; el novio y la novia
partieron hacia Kent desde la puerta de la igle-
sia, y todo el mundo tuvo algn comentario
que hacer o que or sobre el particular, como
de costumbre. Elizabeth no tard en recibir
carta de su amiga, y su correspondencia fue
tan regular y frecuente como siempre. P e r o
ya no tan franca. A
E l i z a b e t h l e e r a imposible dirigirse
a Charlotte sin notar que toda su anti-
gua confianza haba desaparecido, y,
aunque no quera interrumpir la co-
rrespondencia, lo haca ms por lo que
su amistad haba sido que por lo que
en realidad era ahora. Las primeras car-
tas de Charlotte las recibi con mucha
impaciencia; senta mucha curiosidad
por ver qu le deca de su nuevo hogar,
por saber si le habra agradado lady
Catherine y hasta qu punto se atreve-
ra a confesar que era feliz. Pero al leer
aquellas cartas, Elizabeth observ que
Charlotte se expresaba exactamente tal
como ella haba previsto. Escriba ale-
gremente, pareca estar rodeada de co-
modidades, y no mencionaba nada que
no fuese digno de alabanza. La casa, el
mobiliario, la vecindad y las carrete-
ras, todo era de su gusto, y lady
Catherine no poda ser ms sociable y
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

and obliging. It was Mr. Collinss picture atenta. Era el mismo retrato de
of Hunsford and Rosings Hunsford y de Rosings que haba he-
rationally softened; and cho el seor Collins, aunque razonable-
Elizabeth perceived that she mente mitigado. Elizabeth comprendi
5 must wait for her own visit there que deba aguardar a su propia visita
to know the rest. para conocer el resto.

Jane had already written a few lines
to her sister to announce their safe arrival
10 in London; and when she wrote again,
Elizabeth hoped it would be in her power
to say something of the Bingleys.
Jane ya le haba enviado unas lneas a
su hermana anuncindole su feliz llegada a
Londres; y cuando le volviese a escribir,
Elizabeth tena esperanza de que ya podra
contarle algo de los Bingley.

Her impatience for this second letter
15 was as well rewarded as impatience
generally is. Jane had been a week in
town without either seeing or hearing
from Caroline. She accounted for it,
however, by supposing that her last letter
20 to her friend from Longbourn had by
some accident been lost.
Su impaciencia por esta segunda carta
recibi la recompensa habitual a todas las
impaciencias: Jane llevaba una semana en
la capital sin haber visto o sabido nada de
Caroline. Sin embargo, se lo explicaba su-
poniendo que la ltima carta que le man-
d a su amiga desde Longbourn se habra
X perdido ________.

My aunt, she continued, is going Mi ta continu ir maana a

to-morrow into that part of the town, and esa parte de la ciudad y tendr ocasin
25 I shall take the opportunity of calling in de hacer una visita a Caroline en la calle
Grosvenor Street. Grosvenor.

She wrote again when the visit X Despus de la visita mencionada, en

was paid, and she had seen Miss
30 Bingley. I did not think Caroline in
spirit coincide con espritu en las ideas de alma, spirits, were her words, but she was
nima, espectro, fantasma, aparecido, valor, very glad to see me, and reproached me
nimo, bro, sentido / intencin [de la ley].
Spirit tiene mltiples usos y recalca las ideas
for giving her no notice of my coming to
de alegra, vivacidad, bro, actitud, disposi- London. I was right, therefore, my last
cin, humor, ganas, vigor, temple, entereza, 35 letter had never reached her. I inquired
carcter, civismo, voluntad, ambiente, alco- after their brother, of course. He was
hol [de beber o del alumbrado]. well, but so much engaged with Mr.
Darcy that they scarcely ever saw him. I
found that Miss Darcy was expected to
40 dinner. I wish I could see her. My visit
was not long, as Caroline and Mrs. Hurst
were going out. I dare say I shall see them
soon here.
la que vio a la seorita Bingley, Jane
volvi a escribir: Caroline no estaba
de buen humor, pero se alegr mucho
de verme y me reproch que no le hu-
biese notificado mi llegada a Londres.
Por lo tanto, yo tena razn: no haba
X recibido mi carta. Naturalmente, le pre-
gunt por su hermano. Me dijo que es-
taba bien, pero que anda tan ocupado
con el seor Darcy, que ella apenas le
ve. Casualmente esperaban a la seori-
ta Darcy para comer; me gustara verla.
Mi visita no fue larga, pues Caroline y
la seora Hurst tenan que salir. Supon-
go que pronto vendrn a verme.

fresh es fresco con varias denotaciones, como
nuevo, reciente, puro, sano, lozano ( salu-
dable, altivo, vigoroso). Como todos los
adjetivos ordinarios, las combinaciones de
estas voces con nombres son distintas: fresh
se usa para dulce [agua], inexperto [perso-
na], nuevo / otro [delante del nombre], re-
cin [llegado, salido, etc.], puro [aire], tier-
no / del da [panadera], limpio [ropa], na-
tural [fruta, vegetales], descansado [rested
person], en blanco [pgina] y, en sentido fa-
miliar, bebido, chispo, achispado, medio bo-
rracho; a veces degrada su connotacin a
descarado, atrevido, insolente.
A su vez fresco tiene matices propios como
cool / cold [clima], light / cool [ropa], calm
/ cool [sereno] y, en sentido negativo,
shameless [desvergonzado]. Fresco como
sustantivo significa fresh air, y fresco se usa
en las dos lenguas para el tipo de pintura
sobre yeso fresco, tan popular en el Renaci-
miento.
As fresh as a daisy = tan fresco como una
lechuga.
What nerve! = qu fresco!
45 Elizabeth shook her head over this
letter. It convinced her that accident only
could discover to Mr. Bingley her sisters
being in town.
50 Four weeks passed away, and Jane
saw nothing of him. She endeavoured to
persuade herself that she did not regret
it; but she could no longer be blind to
Miss Bingleys inattention. After waiting
55 at home every morning for a fortnight,
and inventing every evening a fresh
excuse for her, the visitor did at last
appear; but the shortness of her stay, and
yet more, the alteration of her manner
60 would allow Jane to deceive herself no
longer. The letter which she wrote on this
occasion to her sister will prove what she
felt.
65 My dearest Lizzy will, I am sure, be
126
Elizabeth movi la cabeza al leer la car-
ta. Vio claramente que slo por casualidad
podra Bingley descubrir que Jane estaba
en Londres.
Pasaron cuatro semanas sin que Jane
supiese nada de l. Trat de convencer-
se a s misma de que no lo lamentaba;
pero de lo que no poda estar ciega ms
tiempo, era del desinters de la seorita
Bingley. Despus de esperarla en casa
durante quince das todas las maanas e
inventarle una excusa todas las tardes,
por fin, recibi su visita; pero la breve-
dad de la misma y, lo que es ms, su ex-
traa actitud no dejaron que Jane siguie-
ra engandose. La carta que escribi
entonces a su hermana demostraba lo que
senta:
Estoy segura, mi queridsima Lizzy,
 Austen Pride
incapable of triumphing in her better
judgement, at my expense, when I
confess myself to have been entirely
deceived in Miss Bingleys regard for me.
5 But, my dear sister, though the event has X
proved you right, do not think me
obstinate if I still assert that, considering
what her behaviour was, my confidence
was as natural as your suspicion. I do not
10 at all comprehend her reason for wishing
to be intimate with me; but if the same
circumstances were to happen again, I am
sure I should be deceived again. Caroline
did not return my visit till yesterday; and
15 not a note, not a line, did I receive in the
meantime. When she did come, it was
very evident that she had no pleasure in X
it; she made a slight, formal apology,
for not calling before, said not a word
20 of wishing to see me again, and was in
every respect so altered a creature, that
when she went away I was perfectly
resolved to continue the acquaintance
no longer. I pity, though I cannot help
25 blaming her. She was very wrong in
singling me out as she did; I can safely
say that every advancetointimacybeganonher
side. But I pity her, because she m u s t
f e e l t h a t s h e h a s b e e n ac t i n g
30 w r o n g , a n d b e c a u s e I a m very
sure that anxiety for her brother is the
cause of it. I need not explain myself
farth er ; and though WE know this
anxiety to be quite needless, yet if she
35 feels it, it will easily account for her
behaviour to me; and so deservedly
dear as he is to his sister, whatever
anxiety she must feel on his behalf is
natural and amiable. I cannot but
40 wonder, however, at her having any
such fears now, because, if he had at
all cared about me, we must have met,
long ago. He knows of my being in
town, I am certain, from something she
45 said herself; and yet it would seem, by
her manner of talking, as if she wanted
to persuade herself that he is really
p a r t i a l t o M i s s D arcy. I cannot
understand it. If I were not afraid of
50 judging harshly, I should be almost
tempted to say that there is a strong
appearance of duplicity in all this. But
I will endeavour to banish every painful
thought, and think only of what will
55 make me happyyour affection, and
the invariable kindness of my dear
uncle and aunt. Let me hear from you
very soon. Miss Bingley said something
of his never returning to Netherfield
60 again, of giving up the house, but not
with any certainty. We had better not
mention it. I am extremely glad that you
have such pleasant accounts from our
friends at Hunsford. Pray go to see
65 them, with Sir William and Maria. I am
127
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
de que sers incapaz de vanagloriarte a
costa ma por tu buen juicio, cuando te
confiese que me he desengaado
completamente del afecto de la seorita
Bingley. De todos modos, aunque los he-
chos te hayan dado la razn, no me creas
obstinada si an afirmo que, dado su
comportamiento conmigo, mi confianza
era tan natural como tus recelos. A pesar
de todo, no puedo comprender por qu
motivo quiso ser amiga ma; pero si las
cosas se volviesen a repetir, no me cabe
la menor duda de que me engaara de
nuevo. Caroline no me devolvi la visita
hasta ayer, y entretanto no recib ni una
nota ni una lnea suya. Cuando vino se
vio bien claro que era contra su volun-
tad; me dio una ligera disculpa, mera-
mente formal, por no haber venido an-
tes; no dijo palabra de cundo volveramos
a vernos y estaba tan alterada que, cuando
se fue, decid firmemente poner fin a nues-
tras relaciones. Me da pena, aunque no pue-
do evitar echarle la culpa a ella. Hizo mal
en elegirme a m como amiga. Pero puedo
decir con seguridad que fue ella quien dio
el primer paso para intimar conmigo.
De cualquier modo, la compadezco por-
que debe de comprender que se ha por-
tado muy mal, y porque estoy segura de
que la preocupacin por su hermano fue
la causa de todo. ____ ________ _____
_____ Y aunque nos consta que esa
preocupacin es innecesaria, el hecho de
sentirla justifica su actitud para conmi-
go, y como l merece cumplidamente que
su hermana le adore, toda la inquietud
que le inspire es natural y apreciable.
Pero no puedo menos que preguntarme
por qu sigue teniendo esos temores,
pues si l se hubiese interesado por m,
nos hubisemos visto hace ya mucho
tiempo. El sabe que estoy en la ciudad;
lo deduzco por algo que ella misma dijo;
y todava pareca, por su modo de hablar,
que necesitaba convencerse a s misma
de que Bingley est realmente interesa-
do por la seorita Darcy. No lo entien-
do. Si no temiera juzgar con dureza,
casi dira que en todo esto hay ms
vueltas de lo que parece. Pero pro-
curar ahuyentar todos estos peno-
sos pensamientos, y pensar slo en
lo que me hace ser feliz: tu cario y
la inalterable bondad de nuestros
queridos tos. Escrbeme pronto. La
seorita Bingley habl de que nun-
ca volveran a Netherfield y de que
se desharan de la casa, pero no con
m u c h a c e r t e z a . Va l e m s q u e n o
mencione estas cosas. Me alegro
mucho de que hayas tenido tan bue-
nas noticias de nuestros amigos de
Hunsford. Haz el favor de ir a ver-
los con sir William y Mara. Estoy
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

sure you will be very comfortable segura de que te encontrars bien

there.Yours, etc. all. Tuya, Jane.

This letter gave Elizabeth some pain;
5 but her spirits returned as she considered
that Jane would no longer be duped, by
the sister at least. All expectation from
the brother was now absolutely over. She
would not even wish for a renewal of his
10 attentions. His character sunk on every
review of it; and as a punishment for him,
as well as a possible advantage to Jane,
she seriously hoped he might really soon
marry Mr. Darcys sister, as by
15 Wickhams account, she would make him
abundantly regret what he had thrown
away.
A Elizabeth le dio un poco de pena esta
carta, pero recuper el nimo al pensar que
al menos ya no volvera a dejarse tomar el
pelo por la seorita Bingley. Toda esperan-
za con respecto al hermano se haba desva-
necido por completo. Ni siquiera deseaba
que se reanudasen sus relaciones. Cada vez
que pensaba en l, ms le decepcionaba su
carcter. Y como un castigo para l y en
beneficio de Jane, Elizabeth deseaba que se
casara con la hermana del seor Darcy cuan-
to antes, pues, por lo que Wickham deca,
ella le hara arrepentirse con creces por lo
que haba despreciado.

Mrs. Gardiner about this time
20 reminded Elizabeth of her promise
concerning that gentleman, and required
information; and Elizabeth had such to
send as might rather give contentment to
her aunt than to herself. His apparent
25 partiality had subsided, his attentions
were over, he was the admirer of some
one else. Elizabeth was watchful enough
to see it all, but she could see it and write
of it without material pain. Her heart had
30 been but slightly touched, and her vanity
was satisfied with believing that SHE
would have been his only choice, had
fortune permitted it. The sudden
acquisition of ten thousand pounds was
35 the most remarkable charm of the young
lady to whom he was now rendering
himself agreeable; but Elizabeth, less
clear-sighted perhaps in this case than in
Charlottes, did not quarrel with him for
40 his wish of independence. Nothing, on
the contrary, could be more natural; and
while able to suppose that it cost him a
few struggle to relinquish her, she was
ready to allow it a wise and desirable
45 measure for both, and could very
sincerely wish him happy.
A todo esto, la seora Gardiner recor-
d a Elizabeth su promesa acerca de
Wickham, y quiso saber cmo andaban
las cosas. Las noticias de Elizabeth eran
ms favorables para la ta que para ella
misma. El aparente inters de Wickham
haba desaparecido, as como sus aten-
ciones. Ahora era otra a la que admira-
ba. Elizabeth era lo bastante observado-
ra como para darse cuenta de todo, pero
lo vea y escriba de ello sin mayor pe-
sar. No haba hecho mucha mella en su
corazn, y su vanidad quedaba satisfe-
cha con creer que habra sido su preferi-
da si su fortuna se lo hubiese permitido.
La repentina adquisicin de diez mil li-
bras era el encanto ms notable de la jo-
ven a la que ahora Wickham renda su
atencin. Pero Elizabeth, menos perspi-
caz tal vez en este caso que en el de
Charlotte, no le ech en cara su deseo de
independencia. Al contrario, le pareca
lo ms natural del mundo, y como presu-
ma que a l le costaba algn esfuerzo
renunciar a ella, estaba dispuesta a con-
siderar que era la medida ms sabia y de-
seable para ambos, y poda desearle de
corazn mucha felicidad.

All this was acknowledged to Mrs. Le comunic todo esto a la seo-

50
55
60
distracted 1 : mentally confused, troubled,
or remote 2 : maddened or deranged
especially by grief or anxiety
1 confuso, perplejo, aturdido, consternado 2 65
desconsuelo [distress], turbado, fuera de s,
distrado = absent-minded, dreamy,
Gardiner; and after relating the
circumstances, she thus went on: I am now
convinced, my dear aunt, that I have never
been much in love; for had I really
experienced that pure and elevating
passion, I should at present detest his very
name, and wish him all manner of evil. But
my feelings are not only cordial towards
HIM; they are even impartial towards Miss
King. I cannot find out that I hate her at
all, or that I am in the least unwilling to
think her a very good sort of girl. There
can be no love in all this. My watchfulness
has been effectual; and though I certainly
should be a more interesting object to all
my acquaintances were I distractedly in
love with him, I cannot say that I regret
128
ra Gardiner; y despus de relatarle
todos los pormenores, aadi: Es-
toy convencida, querida ta, de que
nunca he estado muy enamorada,
pues si realmente hubiese sentido esa
pasin pura y elevada del amor, de-
testara hasta su nombre y le desea-
ra los mayores males. Pero no slo
sigo aprecindolo a l, sino que no
siento ninguna aversin por la seo-
rita King. No la odio, no quiero creer
que es una mala chica. Esto no pue-
de ser amor. Mis precauciones han
sido eficaces; y aunque mis amis-
tades se preocuparan mucho ms por
m, si yo estuviese locamente ena-
morada de l, no puedo decir que la-
 Austen Pride
my comparative insignificance.
Importance may sometimes be purchased
too dearly. Kitty and Lydia take his
defection desercin defection much more to heart than I do.
5 They are young in the ways of the
world, and not yet open to the
mortifying conviction that handsome
young men must have something to live
on as well as the plain.
10
Chapter 27
15
With no greater events than these in
the Longbourn family, and otherwise
diversified by little beyond the walks to
Meryton, sometimes dirty and sometimes
20 cold, did January and February pass away.
March was to take Elizabeth to Hunsford.
She had not at first thought very seriously
of going thither; but Charlotte, she soon
found, was depending on the plan and she
25 gradually learned to consider it herself with
greater pleasure as well as greater certainty.
Absence had increased her desire of seeing
dusgust el sustantivo disgust es asco, repug- Charlotte again, and weakened her disgust
nancia, aversin, mientras que disgusto tra- of Mr. Collins. There was novelty in
duce displeasure, misfortune, argument, 30 the scheme, and as, with such a
minor quarrel, trouble, sorrow; el adjetivo mother and such uncompanionable
disgusted es hastiado, asqueado, indignado,
mientras que disgustado es annoyed,
sisters, home could not be faultless,
displeased, angry. a little change was not unwelcome for
its own sake. The journey would
35 moreover give her a peep at Jane; and,
in short, as the time drew near, she would
have been very sorry for any delay.
Everything, however, went on smoothly,
and was finally settled according to
40 Charlottes first sketch. She was to
accompany Sir William and his second
daughter. The improvement of spending a
night in London was added in time, and the
plan became perfect as plan could be.
45
The only pain was in leaving her
father, who would certainly
m i s s h e r , a n d who, when it came to
the point, so little liked her going, that
50 he told her to write to him, and almost
promised to answer her letter.
The farewell between herself and Mr.
Wickham was perfectly friendly; on his
55 side even more. His present pursuit
could not make him forget that Elizabeth
had been the first to excite and to
deserve his attention, the first to listen
and to pity, the first to be admired; and
60 in his manner of bidding her adieu,
wishing her every enjoyment, reminding
her of what she was to expect in Lady
Catherine de Bourgh, and trusting their
opinion of hertheir opinion of
65 everybodywould always coincide,
129
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
mente mi relativa insignificancia. La
importancia se paga a veces dema-
siado cara. Kitty y Lydia se toman
X ms a pecho que yo la traicin de
Wickham. Son jvenes an para ver
la realidad del mundo y adquirir la
humillante conviccin de que los
hombres guapos deben tener algo de
qu vivir, al igual que los feos.
Captulo XXVII
Sin otros acontecimientos importan-
tes en la familia de Longbourn, ni ms
variacin que los paseos a Meryton, unas
veces con lodo y otras con fro, transcu-
rrieron los meses de enero y febrero.
Marzo era el mes en el que Elizabeth ira
a Hunsford. Al principio no pensaba en
serio ir. Pero vio que Charlotte lo daba
por descontado, y poco a poco fue ha-
cindose gustosamente a la idea has-
ta decidirse. Con la ausencia, sus de-
seos de ver a Charlotte se haban
acrecentado y la mana que le tena a
Collins haba disminuido. El proyecto
entraaba cierta novedad, y como con tal
madre y tan insoportables hermanas, su
casa no le resultaba un lugar muy agrada-
ble, no poda menospreciar ese cambio de
aires. El viaje le proporcionaba, adems,
el placer de ir a dar un abrazo a Jane; de
tal manera que cuando se acerc la fecha,
hubiese sentido tener que aplazarla.
Pero todo fue sobre ruedas y el viaje
se llev a efecto segn las previsiones
de Charlotte. Elizabeth acompaara a
sir William y a su segunda hija. Y para
colmo, decidieron pasar una noche en
Londres; el plan qued tan perfecto que
ya no se poda pedir ms.
Lo nico que le daba pena a Elizabeth
era separarse de su padre, porque saba que
la iba a echar de menos, y cuando lleg el
momento de la partida se entristeci tanto
que le encarg a su hija que le escribiese e
incluso prometi contestar a su carta.
La despedida entre Wickham y
Elizabeth fue muy cordial, an ms por
parte de Wickham. Aunque en estos mo-
mentos estaba ocupado en otras cosas, no
poda olvidar que ella fue la primera que
excit y mereci su atencin, la primera
en escucharle y compadecerle y la pri-
mera en agradarle. Y en su manera de de-
cirle adis, desendole que lo pasara
bien, recordndole lo que le pareca lady
Catherine de Bourgh y repitindole que
sus opiniones sobre la misma y sobre to-
dos los dems coincidiran siempre, hubo
 Austen Pride
solicitude traduce solicitud, como cuidado, there was a solicitude, an interest which
afn, ansiedad, pero solicitud es la voz co- she felt must ever attach her to him with
mn para request, application [para traba-
jos, cheques], y solicitous traduce solcito,
a most sincere regard; and she parted
como diligente, deseoso, gustoso, pero a from him convinced that, whether
veces rebaja su significado a inquieto, apren- 5 married or single, he must always be her
sivo, receloso, molesto. model of the amiable and pleasing.
solicitous ansioso, aprensivo, atento, esmera-
do, receloso, solcito=diligente, cuidadoso,
diligente [pronto, presto, activo], cuidado-
Her fellow-travellers the next day
so, gustoso, inquieto, aprensivo, receloso were not of a kind to make her think
solicitude n. 1 the state of being solicitous; 10 h i m l e s s a g r e e a b l e . S i r Wi l l i a m
solicitous behaviour. 2 anxiety or concern. Lucas, and his daughter Maria, a
Cuidado, afn, ansiedad, solicitousness, a good-humoured girl, but as empty-
feeling of excessive concern, preocupacin,
ansiedad, atencin
headed as himself, had nothing to say
that could be worth hearing, and were
15 listened to with about as much delight
rattle hacer sonar como una carraca ; batir o
sacudir con ruido; desatinar, atolondrar,
as the rattle of the chaise. Elizabeth
atarantar, aturdir, aturrullar, correr, proferir, loved absurdities, but she had
articular rpidamente; (mar.) atar con k n o w n S i r Wi l l i a m s t o o l o n g . H e
rebenques. - v. intr. zurri(a)r, matraquear, re- could tell her nothing new of the
chinar, sonar, guachapear, zangolotearse, re- 20 w o n d e r s o f h i s p r e s e n t a t i o n a n d
piquetear; charlatanear, parlotear; (mec.) ra-
tear, moverse o funcionar con ruido desapa- knighthood; and his civilities were
cible: to rattle away, parlotear; rodar a dis- worn out, like his information.
tancia, haciendo ruido; to rattle down (mar.)
arreglar los flechastes. It was a journey of only twenty-four
s. rechin(ad)o, rechinamiento, zumba, 25 miles, and they began it so early as to be
zurrido; sonajero, sonajillas, matraca; carra-
ca; bramadera; cascabel del crtalo; parla,
in Gracechurch Street by noon. As they
charla; (in the throat), estertor; rattlebrained, drove to Mr. Gardiners door, Jane was
rattle-headed, rattle-pated, ligero de cascos, at a drawing-room window watching their
casquivano; voluble, voltario; rattlehead, arrival; when they entered the passage
ratttepate o rattleskull 30 she was there to welcome them, and
Elizabeth, looking earnestly in her face,
was pleased to see it healthful and lovely
as ever. On the stairs were a troop of little
boys and girls, whose eagerness for their
35 cousins appearance would not allow
them to wait in the drawing-room, and
whose shyness, as they had not seen her
for a twelvemonth, prevented their
coming lower. All was joy and kindness.
40 The day passed most pleasantly away; the
morning in bustle and shopping, and the
evening at one of the theatres.
Elizabeth then contrived to sit by
45 her aunt. Their first object was her
sister; and she was more grieved than
astonished to hear, in reply to her
minute inquiries, that though Jane
always struggled to support her spirits,
50 there were periods of dejection. It was
reasonable, however, to hope that they
would not continue long. Mrs. Gardiner
gave her the particulars also of Miss
Bingleys visit in Gracechurch Street,
55 and repeated conversations occurring at
different times between Jane and
herself, which proved that the former
had, from her heart, given up the
acquaintance.
60
Mrs. Gardiner then rallied her niece on
Wickhams desertion, and complimented
her on bearing it so well.
65 But my dear Elizabeth, she
130
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
tal solicitud y tal inters, que Elizabeth
se sinti llena del ms sincero afecto ha-
cia l y parti convencida de que siem-
pre considerara a Wickham, soltero o ca-
sado, como un modelo de simpata y sen-
cillez.
Sus compaeros de viaje del da siguien-
te no eran los ms indicados para que
Elizabeth se acordase de Wickham con me-
nos agrado. Sir William y su hija Mara, una
muchacha alegre pero de cabeza tan hueca
como la de su padre, no dijeron nada que
valiese la pena escuchar; de modo que or-
les a ellos era para Elizabeth lo mismo que
or el traqueteo del carruaje. A Elizabeth
le divertan los despropsitos, pero haca ya
demasiado tiempo que conoca a sir William
y no poda decirle nada nuevo acerca de las
maravillas de su presentacin en la corte y
de su ttulo de Sir, y sus cortesas eran
tan rancias como sus noticias.
El viaje era slo de veinticuatro millas
y lo emprendieron tan temprano que a me-
dioda estaban ya en la calle Gracechurch.
Cuando se dirigan a la puerta de los
Gardiner, Jane estaba en la ventana del sa-
ln contemplando su llegada; cuando entra-
ron en el vestbulo, ya estaba all para dar-
les la bienvenida. Elizabeth la examin con
ansiedad y se alegr de encontrarla tan sana
y encantadora como siempre. En las escale-
ras haba un tropel de nias y nios dema-
siado impacientes por ver a su prima como
para esperarla en el saln, pero su timidez
no les dejaba acabar de bajar e ir a su
encuentro, pues haca ms de un ao que no
la vean. Todo era alegra y atenciones. El
da transcurri agradablemente; por la tar-
de callejearon y recorrieron las tiendas, y
por la noche fueron a un teatro.
Elizabeth logr entonces sentarse al lado de su
ta. El primer tema de conversacin fue Jane; des-
pus de or las respuestas a las minuciosas preguntas
que le hizo sobre su hermana, Elizabeth se qued ms
triste que sorprendida al saber que Jane, aunque se
esforzaba siempre por mantener alto el nimo, pasa-
ba por momentos de gran abatimiento. No obs-
tante, era razonable esperar que no du-
rasen mucho tiempo. La seora Gar-
diner tambin le cont detalles de la
visita de la seorita Bingley a
Gracechurch, y le repiti algunas
conversaciones que haba tenido des-
pus con Jane que demostraban que
esta ltima haba dado por terminada
su amistad.
La seora Gardiner consol a su sobri-
na por la traicin de Wickham y la felicit
por lo bien que lo haba tomado.
Pero dime, querida Elizabeth aa-
 Austen Pride
added, what sort of girl is Miss
King? I should be sorry to think
mercenary adj. primarily concerned with money o u r f r i e n d m e rc e n a r y .
or other reward (mercenary motives)
(mercenary notion idea mezquina). 5 Pray, my dear aunt, what is the
Materialista, interesado, mercantilista
dif ference in matrimonial affairs,
between the mercenary and the prudent
motive? Where does discretion end, and
avarice begin? Last Christmas you were
10 afraid of his marrying me, because it
would be imprudent; and now, because
he is trying to get a girl with only ten
thousand pounds, you want to find out
that he is mercenary.
15
If you will only tell me what sort of
girl Miss King is, I shall know what to
think.
20 She is a very good kind of girl, I
believe. I know no harm of her.
But he paid her not the smallest
attention till her grandfather s death
25 made her mistress of this fortune.
Nowhat should he? If it were not
allowable for him to gain MY affections
because I had no money, what occasion
30 could there be for making love to a girl
whom he did not care about, and who was
equally poor?
But there seems an indelicacy in
35 directing his attentions towards her so
soon after this event.
A man in distressed circumstances
has not time for all those elegant
40 decorums which other people may
observe. If SHE does not object to it, why
should WE?
HER not objecting does not justify
45 HIM. It only shows her being deficient in
something herselfsense or feeling.
Well, cried Elizabeth, have it
as you choose. HE shall be
50 mercenary, and SHE shall be foolish.
No, Lizzy, that is what I do NOT
apt seala capacidad, destreza mental, por eso choose. I should be sorry, you know, to
traduce capaz, dotado, talentoso, despierto, lis- think ill of a young man who has lived
to, propenso a, susceptible de, para referirse a
personas, y apropiado, atinado, pertinente, 55 so long in Derbyshire.
para cosas. En cambio, apto pone nfasis en
habilidad manual, y por eso traduce good at
/ for, suitable [adecuado], fit for / Oh! if that is all, I have a very poor
appropriate, skillful [capacitado]. opinion of young men who live in
aptitud 1. f. Cualidad que hace que un objeto sea
apto, adecuado o acomodado para cierto fin. 2. Derbyshire; and their intimate friends
Suficiencia o idoneidad para obtener y ejercer 60 who live in Hertfordshire are not much
un empleo o cargo. 3. Capacidad y disposicin
para el buen desempeo o ejercicio de un ne- better. I am sick of them all. Thank
gocio, industria, arte, etc. Heaven! I am going to-morrow where I
aptitude, en la misma lnea que apt, sugiere ca-
pacidad, idoneidad, propensin; en cambio, shall find a man who has not one
aptitud traduce fitness, skill, competence, agreeable quality, who has neither
talent. Aptly traduce apropiadamente, mien-
tras que aptamente [menos frecuente que el ad- 65 manner nor sense to recommend him.
131
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
di, qu clase de muchacha es la seori-
ta King? Sentira mucho tener que pensar
que nuestro amigo es un cazador de dotes.
A ver, querida ta, cul es la dife-
rencia que hay en cuestiones matrimonia-
les, entre los mviles egostas y los pru-
dentes? Dnde acaba la discrecin y em-
pieza la avaricia? Las pasadas Navidades
temas que se casara conmigo porque ha-
bra sido imprudente, y ahora porque l
va en busca de una joven con slo diez
mil libras de renta, das por hecho que es
un cazador de dotes.
Dime nada ms qu clase de per-
sona es la seorita King, y podr for-
mar juicio.
Creo que es una buena chica. No he
odo decir nada malo de ella.
Pero l no le dedic la menor aten-
cin hasta que la muerte de su abuelo la hizo
duea de esa fortuna...
Claro, por qu haba de hacerlo? Si
no poda permitirse conquistarme a m por-
que yo no tena dinero, qu motivos haba
de tener para hacerle la corte a una mu-
chacha que nada le importaba y que era tan
pobre como yo?
Pero resulta indecoroso que le di-
rija sus atenciones tan poco tiempo des-
pus de ese suceso.
Un hombre que est en mala situacin,
no tiene tiempo, como otros, para observar
esas elegantes delicadezas. Adems, si ella
no se lo reprocha, por qu hemos de re-
prochrselo nosotros?
El que a ella no le importe no justifica
a Wickham. Slo demuestra que esa seorita
carece de sentido o de sensibilidad.
Bueno exclam Elizabeth,
como t quieras. Pongamos que l es un
cazador de dotes y ella una tonta.
No, Elizabeth, eso es lo que no
quiero. Ya sabes que me dolera pen-
sar mal de un joven que vivi tanto
tiempo en Derbyshire.
Ah!, pues si es por esto, yo tengo muy
mal concepto de los jvenes que viven en
Derbyshire, cuyos ntimos amigos, que vi-
ven en Hertfordshire, no son mucho mejo-
res. Estoy harta de todos ellos. Gracias a
Dios, maana voy a un sitio en donde en-
contrar a un hombre que no tiene ninguna
cualidad agradable, que no tiene ni moda-
les ni aptitudes para hacerse simptico. Al
 Austen Pride
Stupid men are the only ones worth
knowing, after all.
Take care, Lizzy; that speech savours
5 strongly of disappointment.
Before they were separated by the
conclusion of the play, she had the
unexpected happiness of an invitation to
10 accompany her uncle and aunt in a tour
of pleasure which they proposed taking
in the summer.
We have not determined how far it
15 shall carry us, said Mrs. Gardiner, but,
perhaps, to the Lakes.
No scheme could have been more
agreeable to Elizabeth, and her
20 acceptance of the invitation was most
ready and grateful. Oh, my dear, dear
aunt, she rapturously cried, what
delight! what felicity! You give me fresh
life and vigour. Adieu to disappointment
spleen 1 Anat bazo 2 fig frml rencor, 3 25 and spleen. What are young men to rocks
moroseness, spite, ill will and mountains? Oh! what hours of
spleen n.1 an abdominal organ involved transport we shall spend! And when we
in maintaining the proper condition of
blood in most vertebrates. 2 lowness of
DO return, it shall not be like other
spirits; moroseness, ill temper, spite travellers, without being able to give one
SPLEEN Mlancolie passagre, sans cau- 30 accurate idea of anything. We WILL
se apparente, caractrise par le dgot know where we have gonewe WILL
de toute chose. recollect what we have seen. Lakes,
mountains, and rivers shall not be
jumbled together in our imaginations; nor
35 when we attempt to describe any
particular scene, will we begin quarreling
about its relative situation. Let OUR first
effusions be less insupportable than those
of the generality of travellers.
40
45
Chapter 28
E v e r y o b j e c t i n t h e n e x t d a y s
50 journey was new and interesting to
Elizabeth; and her spirits were in a
state of enjoyment; for she had seen
her sister looking so well as to
banish all fear for her health, and the
55 prospect of her northern tour was a
constant source of delight.
When they left the high road for
the lane to Hunsford, every eye
60 w a s i n s e a r c h o f t h e P a r s o n a g e ,
and every turning expected to
b r i n g i t i n v i e w . T h e palings of
Rosings Park was their boundary on one
side. Elizabeth smiled at the recollection
65 o f a l l t h a t s h e h a d h e a r d o f i t s
132
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
fin y al cabo, los hombres estpidos son los
nicos que vale la pena conocer.
Cuidado, Lizzy! Esas palabras sue-
nan demasiado a desengao.
Antes de separarse por haber
terminado la obra, Elizabeth
tuvo la inesperada dicha de
q u e sus tos la invitasen a acom pa-
arlos en un viaje que pensaban emprender
en el verano.
Todava no sabemos hasta dnde ire-
mos dijo la seora Gardiner, pero qui-
z nos lleguemos hasta los Lagos.
Ningn otro proyecto poda serle a
Elizabeth tan agradable. Acept la invita-
cin al instante, sumamente agradecida.
Querida, queridsima ta excla-
m con entusiasmo, qu delicia!,
qu felicidad! Me haces revivir, esto
me da fuerzas. Adis al desengao y
X al rencor! Qu son los hombres al
lado de las rocas y de las montaas?
Oh, qu horas de evasin pasaremos!
Y al regresar no seremos como esos
viajeros que no son capaces de dar una
idea exacta de nada. Nosotros sabre-
mos adnde hemos ido, y recordare-
mos lo que hayamos visto. Los lagos,
los ros y las montaas no estarn con-
fundidos en nuestra memoria, ni cuan-
do queramos describir un paisaje de-
terminado nos pondremos a discutir
sobre su relativa situacin. Que nues-
tras primeras efusiones no sean como
las de la mayora de los viajeros!
Captulo XXVIII
Al da siguiente todo era nuevo e intere-
sante para Elizabeth. Estaba dispuesta a
pasarlo bien y muy animada, pues haba
encontrado a su hermana con muy buen as-
pecto y todos los temores que su salud le
inspiraba se hablan desvanecido. Adems,
la perspectiva de un viaje por el Norte era
para ella una constante fuente de dicha.
Cuando dejaron el camino real para en-
trar en el sendero de Hunsford, los ojos de
todos buscaban la casa del prroco y a cada
revuelta crean que iban a divisarla. A un
lado del sendero corra la empalizada d e
la finca de Rosings. Elizabeth
sonri al acordarse de todo lo que
haba odo decir de sus habitan-
 Austen Pride
inhabitants.
At length the Parsonage was discernible.
The garden sloping to the road, the
5 house standing in it, the green pales,
and the laurel hedge, everything
declared they were arriving. Mr. Collins
and Charlotte appeared at the door, and
the carriage stopped at the small gate
10 which led by a short gravel walk to the
house, amidst the nods and smiles of the
whole party. In a moment they were all
out of the chaise, rejoicing at the sight
of each other. Mrs. Collins welcomed her
15 friend with the liveliest pleasure, and
Elizabeth was more and more satisfied
with coming when she found herself so
affectionately received. She saw instantly
that her cousins manners were not
20 altered by his marriage; his formal
civility was just what it had been, and he
detained her some minutes at the gate to
hear and satisfy his inquiries after all her
family. They were then, with no other
25 delay than his pointing out the neatness
of the entrance, taken into the house; and
as soon as they were in the parlour, he
welcomed them a second time, with
ostentatious formality to his humble
30 abode, and punctually repeated all his
wifes offers of refreshment.
Elizabeth was prepared to see him in
his glory; and she could not help in
35 fancying that in displaying the good
proportion of the room, its aspect and its
furniture, he addressed himself
particularly to her, as if wishing to make
her feel what she had lost in refusing him.
40 But though everything seemed neat and
comfortable, she was not able to gratify
him by any sigh of repentance, and rather
looked with wonder at her friend that she
could have so cheerful an air with such a
45 companion. When Mr. Collins said
anything of which his wife might
reasonably be ashamed, which certainly
was not unseldom, she involuntarily
turned her eye on Charlotte. Once or
50 twice she could discern a faint blush; but
in general Charlotte wisely did not hear.
After sitting long enough to admire every
article of furniture in the room, from the
sideboard to the fender, to give an
55 account of their journey, and of all that
had happened in London, Mr. Collins
invited them to take a stroll in the garden,
which was large and well laid out, and to
the cultivation of which he attended
60 himself. To work in this garden was one
of his most respectable pleasures; and
Elizabeth admired the command of
countenance with which Charlotte talked
of the healthfulness of the exercise, and
65 owned she encouraged it as much as
133
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
tes.
Por fin vislumbraron la casa
parroquial. El jardn que se extenda hasta
el camino, la casa que se alzaba en medio,
la verde empalizada y el seto de laurel in-
dicaban que ya haban llegado. Collins y
Charlotte aparecieron en la puerta, y el ca-
rruaje se detuvo ante una pequea entrada
que conduca a la casa a travs de un
caminito de gravilla, entre saludos y sonri-
sas generales. En un momento se bajaron
todos del land, alegrndose mutuamente
al verse. La seora Collins dio la bienve-
nida a su amiga con el ms sincero agrado,
y Elizabeth, al ser recibida con tanto cari-
o, estaba cada vez ms contenta de haber
venido. Observ al instante que las mane-
ras de su primo no haban cambiado con el
matrimonio; su rgida cortesa era exacta-
mente la misma de antes, y la tuvo varios
minutos en la puerta para hacerle pregun-
tas sobre toda la familia. Sin ms dilacin
que las observaciones de Collins a sus hus-
pedes sobre la pulcritud de la entrada, en-
traron en la casa. Una vez en el recibidor,
Collins con rimbombante formalidad, les
dio por segunda vez la bienvenida a su
humilde casa, repitindoles punto por pun-
to el ofrecimiento que su mujer les haba
hecho de servirles un refresco.
Elizabeth estaba preparada para verlo
ahora en su ambiente, y no pudo menos que
pensar que al mostrarles las buenas pro-
porciones de la estancia, su aspecto y su
mobiliario, Collins se diriga especialmente
a ella, como si deseara hacerle sentir lo que
haba perdido al rechazarle. Pero aunque
todo pareca reluciente y confortable,
Elizabeth no pudo gratificarle con ningu-
na seal de arrepentimiento, sino que ms
bien se admiraba de que su amiga pudiese
tener una aspecto tan alegre con semejante
compaero. Cuando Collins deca algo que
forzosamente tena que avergonzar a su
mujer, lo que suceda no pocas veces,
Elizabeth volva involuntariamente los
ojos hacia Charlotte. Una vez o dos pudo
descubrir que sta se sonrojaba ligeramen-
te; pero, por lo comn, Charlotte haca
como que no le oa. Despus de estar sen-
tados durante un rato, el suficiente para
admirar todos y cada uno de los muebles,
desde el aparador a la rejilla de la chime-
nea, y para contar el viaje y todo lo que
haba pasado en Londres, el seor Collins
les invit a dar un paseo por el jardn, que
era grande y bien trazado y de cuyo cuida-
do se encargaba l personalmente. Trabajar
en el jardn era uno de sus ms respetados
placeres; Elizabeth admir la seriedad con
la que Charlotte hablaba de lo saludable
que era para Collins y confes que ella
misma lo animaba a hacerlo siempre que
 Austen Pride
possible. Here, leading the way through
every walk and cross walk, and scarcely
allowing them an interval to utter the
praises he asked for, every view was
5 pointed out with a minuteness which left
beauty entirely behind. He could number
the fields in every direction, and could
tell how many tress there were in the most
distant clump. But of all the views which
10 his garden, or which the country or
kingdom could boast, none were to be
compared with the prospect of Rosings,
afforded by an opening in the trees that
bordered the park nearly opposite the
15 front of his house. It was a handsome
modern building, well situated on rising
ground.
From his garden, Mr. Collins would
20 have led them round his two meadows;
but the ladies, not having shoes to
encounter the remains of a white frost,
turned back; and while Sir William
accompanied him, Charlotte took her
25 sister and friend over the house,
extremely well pleased, probably, to have
the opportunity of showing it without her
husbands help. It was rather small, but
well built and convenient; and everything
30 was fitted up and arranged with a
neatness and consistency of which
Elizabeth gave Charlotte all the credit.
When Mr. Collins could be forgotten,
there was really an air of great comfort
35 throughout, and by Charlottes evident
enjoyment of it, Elizabeth supposed he
must be often forgotten.
She had already learnt that Lady
40 Catherine was still in the country. It was
spoken of again while they were at
dinner, when Mr. Collins joining in,
observed:
45 Yes, Miss Elizabeth, you will have the
honour of seeing Lady Catherine de
Bourgh on the ensuing Sunday at church,
and I need not say you will be delighted
with her. She is all affability and
50 condescension, and I doubt not but you
will be honoured with some portion of her
notice when service is over. I have
scarcely any hesitation in saying she will
include you and my sister Maria in every
55 invitation with which she honours us
during your stay here. Her behaviour to
my dear Charlotte is charming. We dine
at Rosings twice every week, and are
never allowed to walk home. Her
60 ladyships carriage is regularly ordered for
us. I SHOULD say, one of her ladyships
carriages, for she has several.
Lady Catherine is a very respectable,
65 sensible woman indeed, added
134
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
le fuera posible. Guindoles a travs de to-
das las sendas y recovecos y sin dejarles
apenas tiempo de expresar las alabanzas
que les exiga, les fue sealando todas las
vistas con una minuciosidad que estaba
muy por encima de su belleza. Enumeraba
los campos que se divisaban en todas di-
recciones y deca cuntos rboles haba en
cada uno. Pero de todas las vistas de las
que su jardn, o la campia, o todo el reino
poda enardecerse, no haba otra que pu-
diese compararse a la de Rosings, que se
descubra a travs de un claro de los rbo-
les que limitaban la finca en la parte opues-
ta a la fachada de su casa. La mansin era
bonita, moderna y estaba muy bien situa-
da, en una elevacin del terreno.
Desde el jardn, Collins hubiese
querido llevarles a recorrer sus dos
praderas, pero las seoras no iban
calzadas a propsito para andar por
la hierba an helada y desistieron.
Sir William fue el nico que le acom-
pa. Charlotte volvi a la casa con
su hermana y Elizabeth, sumamente
contenta probablemente por poder
mostrrsela sin la ayuda de su mari-
do. Era pequea pero bien distribui-
da, todo estaba arreglado con orden
y limpieza, mrito que Elizabeth
atribuy a Charlotte. Cuando se po-
da olvidar a Collins, se respiraba un
aire ms agradable en la casa; y por
la evidente satisfaccin de su amiga,
Elizabeth pens que debera olvidar-
lo ms a menudo.
Ya l e h a b a n d i c h o q u e l a d y
Catherine estaba todava en el campo.
Se volvi a hablar de ella mientras ce-
naban, y Collins, sumndose a la con-
versacin, dijo:
S, Elizabeth; tendr usted el ho-
nor de ver a lady Catherine de Bourgh
el prximo domingo en la iglesia, y no
necesito decirle lo que le va a encan-
tar. Es toda afabilidad y condescenden-
cia, y no dudo que la honrar dirigin-
dole la palabra en cuanto termine el
oficio religioso. Casi no dudo tampo-
co de que usted y mi cuada Mara se-
rn incluidas en todas las invitaciones
con que nos honre durante la estancia
de ustedes aqu. Su actitud para con mi
querida Charlotte es amabilsima. Co-
memos en Rosings dos veces a la se-
mana y nunca consiente que volvamos
a pie. Siempre pide su carruaje para que
nos lleve, mejor dicho, uno de sus ca-
rruajes, porque tiene varios.
Lady Catherine es realmente una
seora muy respetable y afectuosa
 Austen Pride
Charlotte, and a most attentive
neighbour.
Very true, my dear, that is exactly
5 what I say. She is the sort of woman
whom one cannot regard with too much
deference.
The evening was spent chiefly in
10 talking over Hertfordshire news, and
telling again what had already been
written; and when it closed, Elizabeth, in
the solitude of her chamber, had to
meditate upon Charlottes degree of
15 contentment, to understand her address in
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- guiding, and composure [calmness] in
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero bearing with, her husband, and to
compostura es tambin repair, mending, acknowledge that it was all done very well.
tidiness, agreement
She had also to anticipate how her visit would
20 pass, the quiet tenor of their usual
employments, the vexatious interruptions of
intercourse 1 trato, relaciones, communication Mr. Collins, and the gaieties of their intercourse
or dealings between individuals, nations, etc. with Rosings. A lively imagination
2 sexual intercourse, acto sexual, coito. 3
communion between human beings and God. soon settled it all.
25
About the middle of the next day, as
she was in her room getting ready for a
walk, a sudden noise below seemed to
speak the whole house in confusion; and,
30 after listening a moment, she heard
somebody running upstairs in a violent
hurry, and calling loudly after her. She
opened the door and met Maria in the
landing place, who, breathless with
35 agitation, cried out
Oh, my dear Eliza! pray make haste
and come into the dining-room, for there
is such a sight to be seen! I will not tell
40 you what it is. Make haste, and come
down this moment.
Elizabeth asked questions in vain;
Maria would tell her nothing more,
45 and down they ran into the dining-
room, which fronted the lane, in
quest of this wonder; It was two
ladies stopping in a low phaeton at
the garden gate.
50
And is this all? cried Elizabeth.
I expected at least that the pigs were
got into the garden, and here is
nothing but Lady Catherine and her
55 daughter.
La! my dear, said Maria, quite
shocked at the mistake, it is not Lady
Catherine. The old lady is Mrs.
60 Jenkinson, who lives with them; the other
is Miss de Bourgh. Only look at her. She
is quite a little creature. Who would have
thought that she could be so thin and
small?
65
135
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
aadi Charlotte, y una vecina muy
atenta.
Muy cierto, querida; es exactamen-
te lo que yo digo: es una mujer a la que
nunca se puede considerar con bastante
deferencia.
Durante la velada se habl casi
constantemente de Hertfordshire y
se repiti lo que ya se haba dicho
por escrito. Al retirarse, Elizabeth,
en la soledad de su aposento, medi-
t sobre el bienestar de Charlotte y
sobre su habilidad y discrecin en
sacar partido y sobr ellevar a su es-
poso, reconociendo que lo haca
muy bien. Pens tambin en cmo
transcurrira su visita, a qu se de-
dicaran, en las fastidiosas interrup-
ciones de Collins y en lo que se iba
a divertir tratando con la familia de
Rosings. Su viva imaginacin lo
plane todo en seguida.
Al da siguiente, a eso de las doce, es-
taba en su cuarto preparndose para salir
a dar un paseo, cuando oy abajo un re-
pentino ruido que pareci que sembraba
la confusin en toda la casa. Escuch un
momento y advirti que alguien suba la
escalera apresuradamente y la llamaba a
voces. Abri la puerta y en el corredor se
encontr con Mara agitadsima y sin
aliento, que exclam:
Oh, Elizabeth querida!
Date prisa, baja al comedor
y vers! No puedo decirte lo
que es. Corre, ven en se-
guida!
En vano pregunt Elizabeth lo que pa-
saba. Mara no quiso decirle ms, ambas
acudieron al comedor, cuyas ventanas da-
ban al camino, para ver la maravilla. sta
consista sencillamente en dos seoras que
estaban paradas en la puerta del jardn en
un faetn bajo.
Y eso es todo? exclam
Elizabeth. Esperaba por lo menos que
los puercos hubiesen invadido el jardn, y
no veo ms que a lady Catherine y a su
hija!
Oh, querida! repuso Mara
extraadsima por la equivocacin.
No es lady Catherine. La mayor es la
seora Jenkinson, que vive con ellas.
La otra es la seorita de Bourgh. Mra-
la bien. Es una criaturita. Quin ha-
bra credo que era tan pequea y tan
delgada!
 Austen Pride
She is abominably rude to keep
Charlotte out of doors in all this wind.
Why does she not come in?
5 Oh, Charlotte says she hardly ever
does. It is the greatest of favours when
Miss de Bourgh comes in.
I like her appearance, said
10 Elizabeth, struck with other ideas. She
looks sickly and cross. Yes, she will do
for him very well. She will make him a
very proper wife.
15 Mr. Collins and Charlotte were both
standing at the gate in conversation with
the ladies; and Sir William, to Elizabeths
high diversion, was stationed in the
doorway, in earnest contemplation of the
20 greatness before him, and constantly
bowing whenever Miss de Bourgh looked
that way.
At length there was nothing more to
25 be said; the ladies drove on, and the
others returned into the house. Mr.
Collins no sooner saw the two girls than
he began to congratulate them on their
good fortune, which Charlotte explained
30 by letting them know that the whole party
was asked to dine at Rosings the next day.
35
40 Chapter 29
Mr. Collinss triumph, in consequence
of this invitation, was complete. The
power of displaying the grandeur of his
45 patroness to his wondering visitors, and
of letting them see her civility towards
himself and his wife, was exactly what
he had wished for; and that an
opportunity of doing it should be given
50 so soon, was such an instance of Lady
Catherines condescension, as he knew
not how to admire enough.
I confess, said he, that I should not
55 have been at all surprised by her
ladyships asking us on Sunday to drink
tea and spend the evening at Rosings. I
rather expected, from my knowledge of
her affability, that it would happen. But
60 who could have foreseen such an
attention as this? Who could have
imagined that we should receive an
invitation to dine there (an invitation,
moreover, including the whole party) so
65 immediately after your arrival!
136
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Es una grosera tener a Charlotte en
la puerta con el viento que hace. Por qu
no entra esa seorita?
Charlotte dice que casi nunca lo hace.
Sera el mayor de los favores que la seori-
ta de Bourgh entrase en la casa.
Me gusta su aspecto dijo
Elizabeth, pensando en otras co-
sas. Parece enferma y malhumo-
rada. S, es la mujer apropiada
para l, le va mucho.
Collins y su esposa conversaban con las
dos seoras en la verja del jardn, y
Elizabeth se diverta de lo lindo viendo a
sir William en la puerta de entrada, sumi-
do en la contemplacin de la grandeza que
tena ante s y haciendo una reverencia cada
vez que la seorita de Bourgh diriga la
mirada hacia donde l estaba.
Agotada la conversacin, las seo-
ras siguieron su camino, y los dems
entraron en la casa. Collins, en cuan-
to vio a las dos muchachas, las felici-
t por la suerte que haban tenido.
Dicha suerte, segn aclar Charlotte,
era que estaban todos invitados a ce-
nar en Rosings al da siguiente.
Captulo XXIX
La satisfaccin de Collins por esta
invitacin era completa. No haba
cosa que le hiciese ms ilusin que
poder mostrar la grandeza de su pa-
trona a sus admirados invitados y ha-
cerles ver la cortesa con la que esta
dama les trataba a l y a su mujer; y
el que se le diese ocasin para ello
tan pronto era un ejemplo de la con-
descendencia de lady Catherine que
no sabra cmo agradecer.
Confieso dijo que no me ha-
bra sorprendido que Su Seora nos in-
vitase el domingo a tomar el t y a pa-
sar la tarde en Rosings. Ms bien me
lo esperaba, porque conozco su afabi-
lidad. Pero, quin habra podido ima-
ginarse una atencin como sta?
Quin podra haber imaginado que re-
cibiramos una invitacin para cenar;
invitacin, adems, extensiva a todos
los de la casa, tan poqusimo tiempo
despus de que llegasen ustedes?

apparel n US ropa intimate apparel, len-
cera, atavo, indumentaria
apparel 1 formal clothing, dress. 2
embroidered ornamentation on some
ecclesiastical vestments. 25
formidable [person] formidable; [opponent]
temible; [task, challenge, obstacle] tre-
mendo, impresionante
formidable y formidable coinciden en una do-
ble dimensin, como temible y como tre-
mendo. Cada lengua interpreta esa enor-
midad temible de modo distinto: el ingls
formidable da ms nfasis a la dificultad,
al miedo y a la fuerza, por eso equivale a 45
temible, imponente, poderoso, tremendo,
fabuloso, aterrorizante, impresionante;
en cambio el espaol formidable pone ms
atencion en la sorpresa y calidad, y tradu-
ce marvelous, wonderful, terrific, fantastic,
huge [enorme].
Austen Pride
I am the less surprised at what has
happened, replied Sir William, from
that knowledge of what the manners of
5 the great really are, which my situation
in life has allowed me to acquire. About
the court, such instances of elegant
breeding are not uncommon.
10 Scarcely anything was talked of the
whole day or next morning but their visit
to Rosings. Mr. Collins was carefully
instructing them in what they were to
expect, that the sight of such rooms, so
15 many servants, and so splendid a dinner,
might not wholly overpower them.
When the ladies were separating for
the toilette, he said to Elizabeth
20
Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear
cousin, about your apparel . Lady
Catherine is far from requiring that
elegance of dress in us which becomes
herself and her daughter. I would advise
you merely to put on whatever of your
clothes is superior to the restthere is no
occasion for anything more. Lady
Catherine will not think the worse of you
30 for being simply dressed. She likes to have
the distinction of rank preserved.
While they were dressing, he came
two or three times to their different
35 doors, to recommend their being quick,
as Lady Catherine very much objected
to be kept waiting for her dinner. Such
formidable accounts of her ladyship, and
her manner of living, quite frightened
40 Maria Lucas who had been little used to
company, and she looked forward to her
introduction at Rosings with as much
apprehension as her father had done to
his presentation at St. Jamess.
As the weather was fine, they had a
pleasant walk of about half a mile across
the park. Every park has its beauty and its
prospects; and Elizabeth saw much to be
50 pleased with, though she could not be in
such raptures as Mr. Collins expected the
scene to inspire, and was but slightly
affected by his enumeration of the
windows in front of the house, and his
55 relation of what the glazing altogether had
originally cost Sir Lewis de Bourgh.
When they ascended the steps to the
hall, Marias alarm was every moment
60 increasing, and even Sir William did not
look perfectly calm. Elizabeths courage
did not fail her. She had heard nothing
of Lady Catherine that spoke her awful
from any extraordinary talents or
65 miraculous virtue, and the mere
137
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
A m no me sorprende repli-
c s i r Wi l l i a m , p o r q u e m i s i t u a -
cin en la vida me ha permitido
conocer el verdadero modo de ser
de los grandes. En la corte esos
ejemplos de educacin tan elegan-
te son muy normales.
En todo el da y en la maana siguiente
casi no se habl de otra cosa que de la visita
a Rosings. Collins les fue instruyendo cui-
dadosamente de lo que iban a tener ante sus
ojos, para que la vista de aquellas estancias,
de tantos criados y de tan esplndida comi-
da, no les dejase boquiabiertos.
Cuando las seoras fueron a vestir-
se, le dijo a Elizabeth:
No se preocupe por su
atavo, querida prima. Lady Catherine 
est lejos de exigir de nosotros la ele-
gancia en el vestir que a ella y a su hija
corresponde. Slo querra advertirle
que se ponga el mejor traje que tenga;
no hay ocasin para ms. Lady
Catherine no pensar mal de usted por
el hecho de que vaya vestida con sen-
cillez. Le gusta que se le reserve la dis-
tincin debida a su rango.
Mientras se vestan, Collins fue dos o
tres veces a llamar a las distintas puertas,
para recomendarles que se dieran prisa,
pues a lady Catherine le incomodaba mu-
cho tener que esperar para comer. Tan
formidables informes sobre Su Seora
y su manera de vivir haban intimidado a
Mara Lucas, poco acostumbrada a la vida
social, que aguardaba su entrada en
Rosings con la misma aprensin que su
padre haba experimentado al ser presen-
tado en St. James.
Como haca buen tiempo, el paseo
de media milla a travs de la finca de
Rosings fue muy agradable. Todas las fin-
cas tienen su belleza y sus vistas, y
Elizabeth estaba encantada con todo lo
que iba viendo, aunque no demostraba el
entusiasmo que Collins esperaba, y escu-
ch con escaso inters la enumeracin que
l le hizo de las ventanas de la fachada, y
la relacin de lo que las vidrieras le ha-
ban costado a sir Lewis de Bourgh.
Mientras suban la escalera que llevaba
al vestbulo, la excitacin de Mara iba en
aumento y ni el mismo sir William las tena
todas consigo. En cambio, a Elizabeth no le
fallaba su valor. No haba odo decir nada
de lady Catherine que le hiciese creer que
posea ningn talento extraordinario ni vir-
tudes milagrosas, y saba que la mera
 Austen Pride
stateliness of money or rank she thought
trepidation tremulous agitation she could witness without trepidation.
From the entrance-hall, of which Mr.
5 Collins pointed out, with a rapturous air,
the fine proportion and the finished
ornaments, they followed the servants
through an ante-chamber, to the room
where Lady Catherine, her daughter, and
10 Mrs. Jenkinson were sitting. Her
ladyship, with great condescension, arose
to receive them; and as Mrs. Collins had
settled it with her husband that the office
of introduction should be hers, it was
15 performed in a proper manner, without
any of those apologies and thanks which
he would have thought necessary.
In spite of having been at St. Jamess
20 Sir William was so completely awed by
the grandeur surrounding him, that he had
but just courage enough to make a very
low bow, and take his seat without saying
a word; and his daughter, frightened
25 almost out of her senses, sat on the edge
of her chair, not knowing which way to
look. Elizabeth found herself quite equal
to the scene, and could observe the three
ladies before her composedly [calmly].
30 Lady Catherine was a tall, large woman,
with strongly-marked features, which
might once have been handsome. Her air
was not conciliating, nor was her manner
of receiving them such as to make her
35 visitors f o rg e t t h e i r i n f e r i o r r a n k .
render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen- She was not rendered formidable by
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en- silence; but whatever she said was spoken
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter in so authoritative a tone, as marked her
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.), self-importance, and brought Mr.
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks; 40 Wickham immediately to Elizabeths
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b mind; and from the observation of the day
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4 altogether, she believed Lady Catherine
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.).
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc. to be exactly what he represented.
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.)
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the 45 When, after examining the mother, in
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt whose countenance and deportment she
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting.
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9 soon found some resemblance of Mr.
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up, Darcy, she turned her eyes on the
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are
Caesars). b show (obedience). daughter, she could almost have joined
50 in Marias astonishment at her being so
thin and so small. There was neither in
figure nor face any likeness between the
ladies. Miss de Bourgh was pale and
sickly; her features, though not plain,
55 were insignificant; and she spoke very
little, except in a low voice, to Mrs.
Jenkinson, in whose appearance there
was nothing remarkable, and who was
entirely engaged in listening to what she
60 said, and placing a screen in the proper
direction before her eyes.
After sitting a few minutes, they were
all sent to one of the windows to admire
65 the view, Mr. Collins attending them to
138
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
majestuosidad del dinero y de la alcurnia
no le hara perder la calma.
Desde el vestbulo de entrada, cuyas
armoniosas proporciones y delicado or-
nato hizo notar Collins con entusiasmo,
los criados les condujeron, a travs de
una antecmara, a la estancia donde se
encontraban lady Catherine, su hija y la
seora Jenkinson. Su Seora se levant
con gran amabilidad para recibirlos. Y
como la seora Collins haba acordado
con su marido que sera ella la que hara
las presentaciones, stas tuvieron lugar
con normalidad, sin las excusas ni las
manifestaciones de gratitud que l habra
juzgado necesarias.
A pesar de haber estado en St .
James, sir William se qued tan apa-
bullado ante la grandeza que le
rodeaba, que apenas si tuvo nimos
para hacer una profunda reverencia,
y se sent sin decir una palabra. Su
hija, asustada y como fuera de s, se
sent tambin en el borde de una si-
lla, sin saber para dnde mirar. Elizabeth
estaba como siempre, y pudo observar
con calma a las tres damas que tena delante.
Lady Catherine era una mujer muy alta y cor-
pulenta, de rasgos sumamente pronunciados que
debieron de haber sido hermosos en su juven-
tud. Tena aires de suficiencia y su manera de
recibirles no era la ms apropiada para hacer
olvidar a sus invitados su inferior rango.
Cuando estaba callada no tena nada de
terrible; pero cuando hablaba lo haca en
un tono tan autoritario que su importan-
cia resultaba avasalladora. Elizabeth se
acord de Wickham, y sus observaciones
durante la velada le hicieron comprobar
que lady Catherine era exactamente tal
como l la haba descrito.
Despus de examinar a la madre,
en cuyo semblante y conducta encon-
tr en seguida cierto parecido con
Darcy, volvi los ojos hacia la hija,
y casi se asombr tanto como Mara
al verla tan delgada y tan menuda.
Tanto su figura como su cara no te-
nan nada que ver con su madre. La
seorita de Bourgh era plida y
enfermiza; sus facciones, aunque no
feas, eran insignificantes; hablaba poco
y slo cuchicheaba con la seora
Jenkinson, en cuyo aspecto no haba nada
notable y que no hizo ms que escuchar
lo que la nia le deca y colocar un can-
cel en la direccin conveniente para pro-
tegerle los ojos del sol.
Despus de estar sentados unos minutos,
los llevaron a una de las ventanas para que
admirasen el panorama; el seor Collins los
 Austen Pride
point out its beauties, and Lady Catherine
kindly informing them that it was much
better worth looking at in the summer.
5 The dinner was exceedingly handsome,
and there were all the servants and all the
articles of plate which Mr. Collins had
promised; and, as he had likewise
foretold, he took his seat at the bottom
10 of the table, by her ladyships desire, and
looked as if he felt that life could furnish
nothing greater. He carved, and ate, and
praised with delighted alacrity; and every
dish was commended, first by him and
15 then by Sir William, who was now
enough recovered to echo whatever his
son-in-law said, in a manner which
Elizabeth wondered Lady Catherine
could bear. But Lady Catherine seemed
20 gratified by their excessive admiration,
and gave most gracious smiles,
especially when any dish on the table
proved a novelty to them. The party did
not supply much conversation. Elizabeth
25 was ready to speak whenever there was
an opening, but she was seated between
Charlotte and Miss de Bourghthe
former of whom was engaged in listening
to Lady Catherine, and the latter said not
30 a word to her all dinner-time. Mrs.
Jenkinson was chiefly employed in
watching how little Miss de Bourgh ate,
pressing her to try some other dish, and
fearing she was indisposed. Maria
35 thought speaking out of the question, and
the gentlemen did nothing but eat and
admire.
When the ladies returned to the
40 drawing-room, there was little to be done
but to hear Lady Catherine talk, which
she did without any intermission till
coffee came in, delivering her opinion on
every subject in so decisive a manner, as
45 proved that she was not used to have her
judgement controverted. She inquired
into Charlottes domestic concerns
familiarly and minutely, gave her a great
deal of advice as to the management of
50 them all; told her how everything ought
to be regulated in so small a family as
hers, and instructed her as to the care of
her cows and her poultry. Elizabeth found
that nothing was beneath this great ladys
55 attention, which could furnish her with
an occasion of dictating to others. In the
intervals of her discourse with Mrs.
Collins, she addressed a variety of
questions to Maria and Elizabeth, but
60 especially to the latter, of whose
connections she knew the least, and who
she observed to Mrs. Collins was a very
genteel, pretty kind of girl. She asked
her, at different times, how many sisters
65 she had, whether they were older or
139
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
acompa para indicarles bien su belleza, y
lady Catherine les inform amablemente de
que en verano la vista era mucho mejor.
La cena fue excelente y salieron a relu-
cir en ella todos los criados y la vajilla de
plata que Collins les haba prometido; y tal
como les haba pronosticado, tom asiento
en la cabecera de la mesa por deseo de Su
Seora, con lo cual pareca que para l la
vida ya no tena nada ms importante que
ofrecerle. Trinchaba, coma y lo alababa
todo con deleite y alacridad. Cada plato era
ponderado primero por l y luego por sir
William, que se hallaba ya lo suficientemen-
te recobrado como para hacerse eco de todo
lo que deca su yerno, de tal modo, que
Elizabeth no comprenda cmo lady
Catherine poda soportarlos. Pero lady
Catherine pareca complacida con tan ex-
cesiva admiracin, y sonrea afable
especialmente cuando algn plato resulta-
ba una novedad para ellos. Los dems casi
no decan nada. Elizabeth estaba dispues-
ta a hablar en cuanto le dieran oportuni-
dad; pero estaba sentada entre Charlotte y
la seorita de Bourgh, y la primera se de-
dicaba a escuchar a lady Catherine, mien-
tras que la segunda no abri la boca en toda
la comida. La principal ocupacin de la se-
orita Jenkinson era vigilar lo poco que
coma la seorita de Bourgh, pidindole in-
sistentemente que tomase algn otro pla-
to, temiendo todo el tiempo que estuviese
indispuesta. Mara crey conveniente no
hablar y los caballeros no hacan ms que
comer y alabar.
Cuando las seoras volvieron al sa-
ln, no tuvieron otra cosa que hacer que
or hablar a lady Catherine, cosa que
hizo sin interrupcin hasta que sirvie-
ron el caf, exponiendo su opinin so-
bre toda clase de asuntos de un modo
tan decidido que demostraba que no es-
taba acostumbrada a que le llevasen la
contraria. Interrog a Charlotte minu-
ciosamente y con toda familiaridad so-
bre sus quehaceres domsticos, dndole
multitud de consejos; le dijo que todo
deba estar muy bien organizado en una
familia tan reducida como la suya, y la
instruy hasta en el cuidado de las va-
cas y las gallinas. Elizabeth vio que no
haba nada que estuviese bajo la aten-
cin de esta gran dama que no le ofre-
ciera la ocasin de dictar rdenes a los
dems. En los intervalos de su discur-
so a la seora Collins, dirigi varias
preguntas a Mara y a Elizabeth, pero
especialmente a la ltima, de cuya fa-
milia no saba nada, y que, segn le dijo
a la seora Collins, le pareca una mu-
chacha muy gentil y bonita. Le pregun-
t, en distintas ocasiones, cuntas her-
 Austen Pride
younger than herself, whether any of
them were likely to be married,
whether they were handsome, where
they had been educated, what carriage
5 her father kept, and what had been her
m o t h e r s m a i d e n n a m e ? E l i z a b e t h
felt all the impertinence of her
questions but answered them very
composedly [calmly]. Lady Catherine
10 then observed,
Your fathers estate is entailed on
Mr. Collins, I think. For your sake,
turning to Charlotte, I am glad of it;
15 but otherwise I see no occasion for
entailing estates from the female line.
It was not thought necessary in Sir Lewis
de Bourghs family. Do you play and
sing, Miss Bennet?
20
A little.
Oh! thensome time or other we
shall be happy to hear you. Our
25 instrument is a capital one, probably
superior toYou shall try it some day.
Do your sisters play and sing?
One of them does.
30
Why did not you all learn? You ought
all to have learned. The Miss Webbs all
play, and their father has not so good an
income as yours. Do you draw?
35
No, not at all.
What, none of you?
40 Not one.
That is very strange. But I suppose
you had no opportunity. Your mother
should have taken you to town every
45 spring for the benefit of masters.
My mother would have had no
objection, but my father hates London.
50 Has your governess left you?
We never had any governess.
No governess! How was that possible?
55 Five daughters brought up at home without
a governess! I never heard of such a thing.
Your mother must have been quite a slave
to your education.
60 Elizabeth could hardly help smiling
as she assured her that had not been the
case.
Then, who taught you? who attended
65 to you? Without a governess, you must
140
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
manas tena, si eran mayores o meno-
res que ella, si haba alguna que estu-
viera para casarse, si eran guapas, dn-
de haban sido educadas, qu clase de
carruaje tena su padre y cul haba
sido el apellido de soltera de su ma-
dre. Elizabeth not la impertinencia de
sus preguntas, pero contest a todas
ellas con mesura. Lady Catherine ob-
serv despus:
Tengo entendido que la propiedad de
su padre debe heredarla el seor Collins. Lo
celebro por usted dijo volvindose hacia
Charlotte; pero no veo motivo para legar
las posesiones fuera de la lnea femenina.
En la familia de sir Lewis de Bourgh no se
hizo as. Sabe tocar y cantar, seorita
Bennet?
Un poco.
Ah!, entonces tendremos el gusto
de escucharla en algn momento. Nuestro
piano es excelente, probablemente mejor
que el de... Un da lo probar usted. Y sus
hermanas, tocan y cantan tambin?
Una de ellas s.
Y por qu no todas? Todas debieron
aprender. Las seoritas Webb tocan todas y
sus padres no son tan ricos como los suyos.
Dibuja usted?
No, nada.
Cmo? Ninguna de ustedes?
Ninguna.
Es muy raro. Supongo que no habrn
tenido oportunidad. Su madre debi haberlas
llevado a la ciudad todas las primaveras para
poder tener buenos maestros.
Mi madre no se habra opuesto, pero
mi padre odia Londres.
Y su institutriz sigue an con ustedes?
Nunca hemos tenido institutriz.
Que no han tenido nunca institutriz!
Cmo es posible? Cinco hijas educadas
en casa sin institutriz! Nunca vi nada igual.
Su madre debe haber sido una verdadera
esclava de su educacin.
Elizabeth casi no pudo reprimir una
sonrisa al asegurarle que no haba sido
as.
Entonces, quin las educ? Quin
las cuid? Sin institutriz deben de haber
 Austen Pride
have been neglected.
Compared with some families, I
believe we were; but such of us as
5 wished to learn never wanted the
means. We were always encouraged to
read, and had all the masters that were
necessary. Those who chose to be idle,
certainly might.
10
Aye, no doubt; but that is what
a governess will prevent, and if I
h a d k n o w n y o u r m o t h e r, I s h o u l d
have advised her most strenuously
15 to engage one. I always say that
nothing is to be done in educat ion
without steady and regular instruction,
and nobody but a governess can give it. It
is wonderful how many families I have
20 been the means of supplying in that way. I
am always glad to get a young person well
placed out. Four nieces of Mrs. Jenkinson
are most delightfully situated through my
means; and it was but the other day that I
25 recommended another young person, who
was merely accidentally mentioned to me,
and the family are quite delighted with her.
Mrs. Collins, did I tell you of Lady
Metcalfs calling yesterday to thank me?
30 She finds Miss Pope a treasure. Lady
Catherine, said she, you have given me a
treasure. Are any of your younger sisters
out, Miss Bennet?
35 Yes, maam, all.
All! What, all five out at once? Very
odd! And you only the second. The
younger ones out before the elder ones
40 are married! Your younger sisters must
be very young?
Yes, my youngest is not sixteen.
Perhaps SHE is full young to be much in
45 company. But really, maam, I think it
would be very hard upon younger sisters,
that they should not have their share of
society and amusement, because the elder
may not have the means or inclination to
50 marry early. The last-born has as good a
right to the pleasures of youth at the first.
And to be kept back on SUCH a motive!
I think it would not be very likely to
promote sisterly affection or delicacy of
55 mind.
Upon my word, said her ladyship,
you give your opinion very decidedly
for so young a person. Pray, what is your
60 age?
With three younger sisters grown up,
replied Elizabeth, smiling, your ladyship
can hardly expect me to own it.
65
141
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
estado desatendidas.
En comparacin con algunas familias,
no digo que no; pero a las que queramos
aprender, nunca nos faltaron los medios.
Siempre fuimos impulsadas a la lectura, y
tenamos todos los maestros que fueran ne-
cesarios. Verdad es que las que preferan
estar ociosas, podan estarlo.
S, no lo dudo!, y eso es lo que
una institutriz puede evitar, y si yo hu-
biese conocido a su madre, habra insis-
tido con todas mis fuerzas para que to-
mase una. Siempre sostengo que en ma-
teria de educacin no se consigue nada
sin una instruccin slida y ordenada, y
slo una institutriz la puede dar. Hay que
ver la cantidad de familias a quienes he
orientado en este sentido! Me encanta ver
a las chicas bien situadas. Cuatro sobri-
nas de la seora Jenkinson se colocaron
muy bien gracias a m, y el otro da mis-
mo recomend a otra joven de quien me
hablaron por casualidad, y la familia est
contentsima con ella. Seora Collins, le
dije a usted que ayer estuvo aqu lady
Metcalfe para darme las gracias? Asegu-
ra que la seorita Pope es un tesoro.
Lady Catherine me dijo, me ha
dado usted un tesoro. Ha sido ya pre-
sentada en sociedad alguna de sus her-
manas menores, seorita Bennet?
S, seora, todas.
Todas! Cmo! Las cinco a la vez?
Qu extrao! Y usted es slo la segunda.
Las menores presentadas en sociedad an-
tes de casarse las mayores! Sus hermanas
deben de ser muy jvenes...
S; la menor no tiene an diecisis aos.
Quiz es demasiado joven para haber sido
presentada en sociedad. Pero en realidad,
seora, creo que sera muy injusto que las
hermanas menores no pudieran disfrutar de
la sociedad y de sus amenidades, por el he-
cho de que las mayores no tuviesen medios o
ganas de casarse pronto. La ltima de las hi-
jas tiene tanto derecho a los placeres de la
juventud como la primera. Demorarlos por
ese motivo creo que no sera lo ms adecua-
do para fomentar el cario fraternal y la deli-
cadeza de pensamiento.
Caramba! dijo Su Seora.
Para ser usted tan joven da sus opinio-
nes de modo muy resuelto. Dgame,
qu edad tiene?
Con tres hermanas detrs ya crecidas
contest Elizabeth sonriendo, Su Seo-
ra no puede esperar que se lo confiese.
 Austen Pride
Lady Catherine seemed quite
astonished at not receiving a direct
answer; and Elizabeth suspected herself
to be the first creature who had ever
5 dared to trifle with so much dignified
impertinence.
You cannot be more than twenty, I
am sure, therefore you need not conceal
10 your age.
I am not one-and-twenty.
When the gentlemen had joined
15 them, and tea was over, the card-tables
were placed. Lady Catherine, Sir
William, and Mr. and Mrs. Collins sat
down to quadrille; and as Miss de
Bourgh chose to play at cassino, the
20 two girls had the honour of assisting
Mrs. Jenkinson to make up her party.
Their table was superlatively stupid.
Scarcely a syllable was uttered that did
not relate to the game, except when
25 Mrs. Jenkinson expressed her fears of
Miss de Bourghs being too hot or too
cold, or having too much or too little
light. A great deal more passed at the
other table. Lady Catherine was
30 generally speakingstating the
mistakes of the three others, or relating
some anecdote of herself. Mr. Collins
was employed in agreeing to everything
her ladyship said, thanking her for
35 every fish he won, and apologising if
h e t h o u g h t h e w o n t o o m a n y. S i r
William did not say much. He was
storing his memory with anecdotes and
noble names.
40
When Lady Catherine and her daughter
had played as long as they chose, the tables
were broken up, the carriage was offered
to Mrs. Collins, gratefully accepted
45 and immediately ordered. The party
then gathered round the fire to hear
Lady Catherine determine what
weather they were to have on the
morrow. From these instructions they
50 were summoned by the arrival of the
coach; and with many speeches of
thankfulness on Mr. Collinss side and
as many bows on Sir Williams they
departed. As soon as they had driven
55 from the door, Elizabeth was called on
by her cousin to give her opinion of
all that she had seen at Rosings, which,
for Charlottes sake, she made more
favourable than it really was. But her
60 commendation, though costing her
some trouble, could by no means
satisfy Mr. Collins, and he was very
soon obliged to take her ladyships
praise into his own hands.
65
142
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Lady Catherine se qued
asombradsima de no haber recibido una
respuesta directa; y Elizabeth sospechaba
que haba sido ella la primera persona que
se haba atrevido a burlarse de tan majes-
tuosa impertinencia.
No puede usted tener ms de vein-
te, estoy segura; as que no necesita ocul-
tar su edad.
An no he cumplido los veintiuno.
Cuando los caballeros entraron y aca-
baron de tomar el t, se dispusieron las me-
sitas de juego. Lady Catherine, sir William
y los esposos Collins se sentaron a jugar una
partida de cuatrillo, y como la seorita de
Bourgh prefiri jugar al casino, Elizabeth y
Mara tuvieron el honor de ayudar a la se-
ora Jenkinson a completar su mesa, que
fue aburrida en grado superlativo. Apenas
se pronunci una slaba que no se refiriese
al juego, excepto cuando la seora
Jenkinson expresaba sus temores de que la
seorita de Bourgh tuviese demasiado ca-
lor o demasiado fro, demasiada luz o de-
masiado poca. La otra mesa era mucho ms
animada. Lady Catherine casi no paraba de
hablar poniendo de relieve las equivocacio-
nes de sus compaeros de juego o relatan-
do alguna ancdota de s misma. Collins no
haca ms que afirmar todo lo que deca Su
Seora, dndole las gracias cada vez que
ganaba y disculpndose cuando crea que
su ganancia era excesiva. Sir William no
deca mucho. Se dedicaba a recopilar en su
memoria todas aquellas ancdotas y tantos
nombres ilustres.
Cuando lady Catherine y su hija se
cansaron de jugar, se recogieron las
mesas y le ofrecieron el coche a la se-
ora Collins, que lo acept muy agra-
decida, e inmediatamente dieron r-
denes para traerlo. La reunin se con-
greg entonces junto al fuego para or
a lady Catherine pronosticar qu
tiempo iba a hacer al da siguiente.
En stas les avisaron de que el coche
estaba en la puerta, y con muchas re-
verencias por parte de sir William y
muchos discursos de agradecimiento
por parte de Collins, se despidieron.
En cuanto dejaron atrs el zagun,
Collins invit a Elizabeth a que ex-
presara su opinin sobre lo que haba
visto en Rosings, a lo que accedi,
slo por Charlotte, exagerndolo ms
de lo que senta. Pero por ms que se
esforz su elogio no satisfizo a
Collins, qu e n o t a r d e n v e r s e o b l i -
g a d o a e n c a rg a r s e l m i s m o d e
alabar a Su Seora.
 Austen Pride
Chapter 30
10 Sir William stayed only a week at
Hunsford, but his visit was long enough
to convince him of his daughters being
most comfortably settled, and of her
possessing such a husband and such a
15 neighbour as were not often met with.
While Sir William was with them, Mr.
Collins devoted his morning to driving
him out in his gig, and showing him the
country; but when he went away, the
20 whole family returned to their usual
employments, and Elizabeth was thankful
to find that they did not see more of her
cousin by the alteration, for the chief of
the time between breakfast and dinner
25 was now passed by him either at work in
the garden or in reading and writing, and
looking out of the window in his own
book-room, which fronted the road. The
room in which the ladies sat was
30 backwards. Elizabeth had at first rather
wondered that Charlotte should not
prefer the dining-parlour for common
use; it was a better sized room, and had
a more pleasant aspect; but she soon saw
35 that her friend had an excellent reason
for what she did, for Mr. Collins would
undoubtedly have been much less in his
own apartment, had they sat in one
equally lively; and she gave Charlotte
40 credit for the arrangement.
From the drawing-room they could
distinguish nothing in the lane, and were
indebted to Mr. Collins for the knowledge
45 of what carriages went along, and how
often especially Miss de Bourgh drove
by in her phaeton, which he never failed
coming to inform them of, though it
happened almost every day. She not
50 unfrequently stopped at the Parsonage,
and had a few minutes conversation with
Charlotte, but was scarcely ever
prevailed upon to get out.
55 Very few days passed in which Mr.
Collins did not walk to Rosings, and not
many in which his wife did not think it
necessary to go likewise; and till
Elizabeth recollected that there might be
60 other family livings to be disposed of, she
could not understand the sacrifice of so
many hours. Now and then they were
honoured with a call from her ladyship,
and nothing escaped her observation that
65 was passing in the room during these
143
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Captulo XXX
Sir William no pas ms que una
semana en Hunsford pero fue sufi-
ciente para convencerse de que su
hija estaba muy bien situada y de
que un marido as y una vecindad
como aqulla no se encontraban a
menudo. Mientras estuvo all,
Collins dedicaba la maana a pa-
searlo en su calesn para mostrarle la
campia; pero en cuanto se fue, la fami-
lia volvi a sus ocupaciones habituales.
Elizabeth agradeci que con el cambio
de vida ya no tuviese que ver a su primo
tan frecuentemente, pues la mayor parte
del tiempo que mediaba entre el almuer-
zo y la cena, Collins lo empleaba en tra-
bajar en el jardn, en leer, en escribir o
en mirar por la ventana de su despacho,
que daba al camino. El cuarto donde so-
lan quedarse las seoras daba a la parte
trasera de la casa. Al principio a
Elizabeth le extraaba que Charlotte no
prefiriese estar en el comedor, que era
una pieza ms grande y de aspecto ms
agradable. Pero pronto vio que su amiga
tena excelentes razones para obrar as,
pues Collins habra estado menos tiem-
po en su aposento, indudablemente, si
ellas hubiesen disfrutado de uno tan gran-
de como el suyo. Y Elizabeth aprob la
actitud de Charlotte.
Desde el saln no podan ver el ca-
mino, de modo que siempre era
Collins el que le daba cuenta de los
coches que pasaban y en especial de
la frecuencia con que la seorita de
Bourgh cruzaba en su faetn, cosa que
jams dejaba de comunicarles aunque
sucediese casi todos los das. La se-
orita sola detenerse en la casa para
conversar unos minutos con
Charlotte, pero era difcil convencer-
la de que bajase del carruaje.
Pasaban pocos das sin que
Collins diese un paseo hasta
Rosings y su mujer crea a menudo
un deber hacer lo propio; Elizabeth,
hasta que record que poda haber
otras familias dispuestas a hacer lo
mismo, no comprendi el sacrificio
de tantas horas. De vez en cuando
les honraba con una visita, en el
transcurso de la cual, nada de lo que
ocurra en el saln le pasaba inad-
 Austen Pride
visits. She examined into their
employments, looked at their work, and
advised them to do it differently; found
fault with the arrangement of the
5 furniture; or detected the housemaid in
negligence; and if she accepted any
refreshment, seemed to do it only for the
sake of finding out that Mrs. Collinss
joints of meat were too large for her
10 family.
Elizabeth soon perceived, that though
this great lady was not in commission of
the peace of the county, she was a most
15 active magistrate in her own parish, the
minutest concerns of which were carried
to her by Mr. Collins; and whenever any
of the cottagers were disposed to be
quarrelsome, discontented, or too poor,
20 she sallied forth into the village to settle
their differences, silence their
complaints, and scold them into harmony
and plenty.
25 The entertainment of dining at
Rosings was repeated about twice a
week; and, allowing for the loss of Sir
William, and there being only one card-
table in the evening, every such
30 entertainment was the counterpart of the
first. Their other engagements were few,
as the style of living in the
neighbourhood in general was beyond
Mr. Collinss reach. This, however, was
35 no evil to Elizabeth, and upon the whole
she spent her time comfortably enough;
there were half-hours of pleasant
conversation with Charlotte, and the
weather was so fine for the time of year
40 that she had often great enjoyment out
of doors. Her favourite walk, and where
she frequently went while the others were
calling on Lady Catherine, was along the
open grove which edged that side of the
45 park, where there was a nice sheltered
path, which no one seemed to value but
herself, and where she felt beyond the
reach of Lady Catherines curiosity.
50 In this quiet way, the first fortnight
of her visit soon passed away. Easter was
approaching, and the week preceding it
was to bring an addition to the family at
Rosings, which in so small a circle must
55 be important. Elizabeth had heard soon
after her arrival that Mr. Darcy was
expected there in the course of a few
weeks, and though there were not many
of her acquaintances whom she did not
60 prefer, his coming would furnish one
comparatively new to look at in their
Rosings parties, and she might be amused
in seeing how hopeless Miss Bingleys
designs on him were, by his behaviour
65 to his cousin, for whom he was evidently
144
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
vertido. En efecto, se fijaba en lo
que hacan, miraba sus labores y les
aconsejaba hacerlas de otro modo,
encontraba defectos en la disposi-
cin de los muebles o descubra ne-
gligencias en la criada; si aceptaba
algn refrigerio pareca que no lo
haca ms que para advertir que los
cuartos de carne eran demasiado
grandes para ellos.
Pronto se dio cuenta Elizabeth de que
aunque la paz del condado no estaba en-
comendada a aquella gran seora, era una
activa magistrada en su propia parroquia,
cuyas minucias le comunicaba Collins, y
siempre que alguno de los aldeanos es-
taba por armar gresca o se senta descon-
tento o desvalido, lady Catherine se per-
sonaba en el lugar requerido para zanjar
las diferencias y reprenderlos, restable-
ciendo la armona o procurando la abun-
dancia.
La invitacin a cenar en Rosings
se repeta un par de veces por se-
mana, y desde la partida de sir
William, como slo haba una mesa
de juego durante la velada, el entre-
tenimiento era siempre el mismo.
No tenan muchos otros compromi-
sos, porque el estilo de vida del res-
to de los vecinos estaba por debajo
del de los Collins. A Elizabeth no
le importaba, estaba a gusto as, pa-
saba largos ratos charlando
amenamente con Charlotte; y como
el tiempo era estupendo, a pesar de
la poca del ao, se distraa salien-
do a caminar. Su paseo favorito, que
a menudo recorra mientras los otros
visitaban a lady Catherine, era la
alameda que bordeaba un lado de la
finca donde haba un sendero muy
bonito y abrigado que nadie ms que
ella pareca apreciar, y en el cual se
hallaba fuera del alcance de la cu-
riosidad de lady Catherine.
Con esta tranquilidad pas rpidamen-
te la primera quincena de su estancia en
Hunsford. Se acercaba la Pascua y la se-
mana anterior a sta iba a traer un adita-
mento a la familia de Rosings, lo cual, en
aquel crculo tan reducido, tena que re-
sultar muy importante. Poco despus de su
llegada, Elizabeth oy decir que Darcy iba
a llegar dentro de unas semanas, y aunque
hubiese preferido a cualquier otra de sus
amistades, lo cierto era que su presencia
poda aportar un poco de variedad a las
veladas de Rosings y que podra divertirse
viendo el poco fundamento de las esperan-
zas de la seorita Bingley mientras obser-
vaba la actitud de Darcy con la seorita de
 Austen Pride
destined by Lady Catherine, who talked
of his coming with the greatest
satisfaction, spoke of him in terms of the
highest admiration, and seemed almost
5 angry to find that he had already been
frequently seen by Miss Lucas and
herself.
His arrival was soon known at the
10 Parsonage; for Mr. Collins was walking
the whole morning within view of the
lodges opening into Hunsford Lane, in
order to have the earliest assurance of it, X
and after making his bow as the carriage
15 turned into the Park, hurried home with
the great intelligence. On the following
morning he hastened to Rosings to pay
hi s r e s p e c t s . T h e r e w e r e t w o
nephews of Lady Catherine to X
20 r e q u i r e t h e m , f o r M r. D a r c y h a d
brought with him a Colonel Fitzwilliam,
the younger son of his uncle Lord ,
and, to the great surprise of all the party,
w h e n M r. C o l l i n s r e t u r n e d , t h e
25 gentleman accompanied him.
Charlotte had seen them from her
husbands room, crossing the road, and
immediately running into the other,
told the girls what an honour they
30 might expect, adding:
I may thank you, Eliza, for this
p i e c e o f c i v i l i t y. M r. D a r c y w o u l d
never have come so soon to wait
35 upon me.
Elizabeth had scarcely time to
disclaim all right to the compliment,
before their approach was announced by
40 the door-bell, and shortly afterwards the
three gentlemen entered the room.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, who led the way, was
about thirty, not handsome, but in person
and address most truly the gentleman. Mr.
45 Darcy looked just as he had been used to
look in Hertfordshirepaid his
compliments, with his usual reserve, to
Mrs. Collins, and whatever might be his
feelings toward her friend, met her with
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- 50 every appearance of composure .
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero Elizabeth merely curtseyed to him
compostura es tambin repair, mending, without saying a word.
tidiness, agreement
Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into
55 conversation directly with the readiness
and ease of a well-bred man, and talked
very pleasantly; but his cousin, after
having addressed a slight observation on
the house and garden to Mrs. Collins, sat
60 for some time without speaking to
anybody. At length, however, his civility
was so far awakened as to inquire of
Elizabeth after the health of her family.
She answered him in the usual way, and
65 after a moments pause, added:
145
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Bourgh, a quien, evidentemente, le desti-
naba lady Catherine. Su Seora hablaba
de su venida con enorme satisfaccin, y de
l, en trminos de la ms elevada admira-
cin; y pareca que le molestaba que la se-
orita Lucas y Elizabeth ya le hubiesen
visto antes con frecuencia.
Su llegada se supo en seguida ___
X ________, pues Collins llevaba toda la ma-
ana paseando con la vista fija en los tem-
pletes de la entrada al camino de Hunsford;
_________________________ ________
en cuanto vio que el coche entraba en l a
finca, hizo su correspondiente reverencia,
y corri a casa a dar la magna noticia. A
la maana siguiente vol a Rosings a pre-
sentarle sus respetos. Pero haba alguien
ms a quien presentrselos, pues all se
encontr con dos sobrinos de lady
Catherine. Darcy haba venido con el co-
ronel Fitzwilliam, hijo menor de su to
Lord; y con gran sorpresa de toda la casa,
cuando Collins regres ambos caballeros
le acompaaron. Charlotte los vio desde
el cuarto de su marido cuando cruzaban
el camino, y se precipit hacia el otro
cuarto para poner en conocimiento de las
dos muchachas el gran honor que les es-
peraba, y aadi:
Elizabeth, es a ti a quien debo agra-
decer esta muestra de cortesa. El seor
Darcy no habra venido tan pronto a visi-
tarme a m.
Elizabeth apenas tuvo tiempo de ne-
gar su derecho a semejante cumplido,
pues en seguida son la campanilla anun-
ciando la llegada de los dos caballeros, que
poco despus entraban en la estancia.
El coronel Fitzwilliam iba delante;
tendra unos treinta aos, no era gua-
po, pero en su trato y su persona se
distingua al caballero. Darcy estaba
igual que en Hertfordshire; cumplimen-
t a la seora Collins con su habitual
reserva, y cualesquiera que fuesen sus
sentimientos con respecto a Elizabeth,
la salud con aparente impasibilidad.
Elizabeth se limit a inclinarse sin de-
cir palabra.
El coronel Fitzwilliam tom parte en la
conversacin con la soltura y la facili-
dad de un hombre bien educado, era muy
ameno; pero su primo, despus de ha-
cer unas ligeras observaciones a la se-
ora Collins sobre el jardn y la casa, se
qued sentado durante largo tiempo sin
hablar con nadie. Por fin, sin embargo, su
cortesa lleg hasta preguntar a Elizabeth
cmo estaba su familia. Ella le contest en
los trminos normales, y despus de un
momento de silencio, aadi:
 Austen Pride
My eldest sister has been in town
these three months. Have you never
happened to see her there?
5
She was perfectly sensible that he
never had; but she wished to see whether
he would betray any consciousness of
what had passed between the Bingleys
10 and Jane, and she thought he looked a
little confused as he answered that he had
never been so fortunate as to meet Miss
Bennet. The subject was pursued no
farther, and the gentlemen soon
15 afterwards went away.
20
Chapter 31
25 Colonel Fitzwilliams manners were
very much admired at the Parsonage, and
the ladies all felt that he must add
considerably to the pleasures of their
engagements at Rosings. It was some
30 days, however, before they received any
invitation thitherfor while there were
visitors in the house, they could not be
necessary; and it was not till Easter-day,
almost a week after the gentlemens
35 arrival, that they were honoured by such
an attention, and then they were merely
asked on leaving church to come there
in the evening. For the last week they had
seen very little of Lady Catherine or her
40 daughter. Colonel Fitzwilliam had called
at the Parsonage more than once during
the time, but Mr. Darcy they had seen
only at church.
45 The invitation was accepted of
course, and at a proper hour they joined
the party in Lady Catherines drawing-
room. Her ladyship received them civilly,
but it was plain that their company was
50 by no means so acceptable as when she
could get nobody else; and she was, in
fact, almost engrossed by her nephews,
speaking to them, especially to Darcy,
much more than to any other person in
55 the room.
Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed really
glad to see them; anything was a welcome
relief to him at Rosings; and Mrs.
60 Collinss pretty friend had moreover
caught his fancy very much. He now
seated himself by her, and talked so
agreeably of Kent and Hertfordshire, of
travelling and staying at home, of new
65 books and music, that Elizabeth had
146
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Mi hermana mayor ha pasado es-
tos tres meses en Londres. No la ha-
br visto, por casualidad?
Saba de sobra que no la haba vis-
to, pero quera ver si le traicionaba al-
gn gesto y se le notaba que era cons-
ciente de lo que haba ocurrido entre
los Bingley y Jane; y le pareci que
estaba un poco cortado cuando respon-
di que nunca haba tenido la suerte de
encontrar a la seorita Bennet. No se
habl ms del asunto, y poco despus
los caballeros se fueron.
Captulo XXXI
X El coronel _______ Fitzwilliam fue
muy elogiado y todas las seoras con-
sideraron que su presencia sera un
encanto ms de las reuniones de
Rosings. Pero pasaron unos das sin
recibir invitacin alguna, como si, al
haber huspedes en la casa, los
Collins no hiciesen ya ninguna falta.
Hasta el da de Pascua, una semana
despus de la llegada de los dos ca-
balleros, no fueron honrados con dicha
atencin y aun, al salir de la iglesia, se les
advirti que no fueran hasta ltima hora
de la tarde. Durante la semana anterior
vieron muy poco a lady Catherine y a
su hija . E l c o r o n e l F i t z w i l l i a m v i -
sit ms de una vez la casa de los
Collins, pero a Darcy slo le vie-
ron en la iglesia.
La invitacin, naturalmente, fue
aceptada, y a la hora conveniente los
Collins se presentaron en el saln de
lady Catherine. Su Seora les recibi
atentamente, pero se vea bien claro
que su compaa ya no le era tan grata
como cuando estaba sola; en efecto,
estuvo pendiente de sus sobrinos y ha-
bl con ellos especialmente con Darcy
mucho ms que con cualquier otra
persona del saln.
El coronel Fitzwilliam pareca ale-
grarse de veras al verles; en Rosings
cualquier cosa le pareca un alivio, y
adems, la linda amiga de la seora
Collins le tena cautivado. Se sent al
lado de Elizabeth y charlaron tan agra-
dablemente de Kent y de
Hertfordshire, de sus viajes y del tiem-
po que pasaba en casa, de libros nue-
 Austen Pride
never been half so well entertained in that
room before; and they conversed with so
much spirit and flow, as to draw the
attention of Lady Catherine herself, as
5 well as of Mr. Darcy. HIS eyes had been
soon and repeatedly turned towards them
with a look of curiosity; and that her
ladyship, after a while, shared the feeling,
was more openly acknowledged, for she
10 did not scruple to call out:
What is that you are saying,
Fitzwilliam? What is it you are talking
of? What are you telling Miss Bennet?
15 Let me hear what it is.
We are speaking of music, madam,
said he, when no longer able to avoid a
reply.
20
Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It
is of all subjects my delight. I must have
my share in the conversation if you are
speaking of music. There are few people
25 in England, I suppose, who have more
true enjoyment of music than myself, or
a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt,
I should have been a great proficient. And
so would Anne, if her health had allowed
30 her to apply. I am confident that she
would have performed delightfully. How
does Georgiana get on, Darcy?
Mr. Darcy spoke with affectionate
35 praise of his sisters proficiency.
I am very glad to hear such a good
account of her, said Lady Catherine;
and pray tell her from me, that she
40 cannot expect to excel if she does not
practice a good deal.
I assure you, madam, he replied,
that she does not need such advice. She
45 practises very constantly.
So much the better. It cannot be done
too much; and when I next write to her, I
shall charge her not to neglect it on any
50 account. I often tell young ladies that no
excellence in music is to be acquired
without constant practice. I have told
Miss Bennet several times, that she will
never play really well unless she practises
55 more; and though Mrs. Collins has no
instrument, she is very welcome, as I
have often told her, to come to Rosings
every day, and play on the pianoforte in
Mrs. Jenkinsons room. She would be in
60 nobodys way, you know, in that part of
the house.
Mr. Darcy looked a little ashamed of
his aunts ill-breeding, and made no
65 answer.
147
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
vos y de msica, que Elizabeth jams
lo haba pasado tan bien en aquel sa-
ln; hablaban con tanta soltura y ani-
macin que atrajeron la atencin de
lady Catherine y de Darcy. Este lti-
mo les haba mirado ya varias veces
con curiosidad. Su Seora particip
al poco rato del mismo sentimiento, y
se vio claramente, porque no vacil en
preguntar:
Qu ests diciendo,
Fitzwilliam? De qu hablas? Qu
le dices a la seorita Bennet? D-
jame orlo.
Hablamos de msica, seora decla-
r el coronel cuando vio que no poda evi-
tar la respuesta.
De msica! Pues hgame el favor de
hablar en voz alta. De todos los temas de con-
versacin es el que ms me agrada. Tengo
que tomar parte en la conversacin si estn
ustedes hablando de msica. Creo que hay
pocas personas en Inglaterra ms aficiona-
das a la msica que yo o que posean mejor
gusto natural. Si hubiese estudiado, habra
resultado una gran discpula. Lo mismo le
pasara a Anne si su salud se lo permitiese;
estoy segura de que habra tocado deliciosa-
mente. Cmo va Georgiana, Darcy?
Darcy hizo un cordial elogio de lo ade-
lantada que iba su hermana.
Me alegro mucho de que me
des tan buenas noticias dijo lady
Catherine, y te ruego que le di-
gas de mi parte que si no practica
mucho, no mejorar nada.
Le aseguro que no necesita
que se lo advierta. Practica cons-
tantemente.
Mejor. Eso nunca est de ms; y
la prxima vez que le escriba le en-
cargar que no lo descuide. Con fre-
cuencia les digo a las jovencitas que
en msica no se consigue nada sin una
prctica constante. Muchas veces le he
dicho a la seorita Bennet que nunca
tocar verdaderamente bien si no prac-
tica ms; y aunque la seora Collins
no tiene piano, la seorita Bennet ser
muy bien acogida, como le he dicho a
menudo, si viene a Rosings todos los
das para tocar el piano en el cuarto
de la seora Jenkinson. En esa parte
de la casa no molestar a nadie.
Darcy pareci un poco avergonza-
do de la mala educacin de su ta, y no
contest.
 Austen Pride
When coffee was over, Colonel
Fitzwilliam reminded Elizabeth of having
promised to play to him; and she sat
5 down directly to the instrument. He drew
a chair near her. Lady Catherine listened
to half a song, and then talked, as before,
to her other nephew; till the latter walked
away from her, and making with his usual
10 deliberation towards the pianoforte
stationed himself so as to command a full
view of the fair performers countenance.
Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and at
the first convenient pause, turned to him
15 with an arch smile, and said:
You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy,
by coming in all this state to hear me? I
will not be alarmed though your sister
20 DOES play so well. There is a
stubbornness about me that never can
bear to be frightened at the will of others.
My courage always rises at every attempt
to intimidate me.
25
I shall not say you are mistaken, he
replied, because you could not really
believe me to entertain any design of
alarming you; and I have had the pleasure
30 of your acquaintance long enough to
know that you find great enjoyment in
occasionally professing opinions which
in fact are not your own.
35 Elizabeth laughed heartily at this
picture of herself, and said to Colonel
Fitzwilliam, Your cousin will give you
a very pretty notion of me, and teach you
not to believe a word I say. I am
40 particularly unlucky in meeting with a
person so able to expose my real
character, in a part of the world where I
had hoped to pass myself off with some
degree of credit. Indeed, Mr. Darcy, it
45 is very ungenerous in you to mention all
that you knew to my disadvantage in
Hertfordshireand, give me leave to
s a y, v e r y i m p o l i t i c t o o f o r i t i s
provoking me to retaliate, and such
50 things may come out as will shock your
relations to hear.
I am not afraid of you, said he,
smilingly.
55
Pray let me hear what you have to
accuse him of, cried Colonel
Fitzwilliam. I should like to know how
he behaves among strangers.
60
You shall hear thenbut prepare
yourself for something very dreadful. The
first time of my ever seeing him in
Hertfordshire, you must know, was at a
65 balland at this ball, what do you think
148
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Cuando acabaron de tomar el caf, el
coronel Fitzwilliam record a Elizabeth
que le haba prometido tocar, y la joven
se sent en seguida al piano. El coronel
puso su silla a su lado. Lady Catherine
escuch la mitad de la cancin y luego
sigui hablando, como antes, a su otro so-
brino, hasta que Darcy la dej y dirigin-
dose con su habitual cautela hacia el pia-
no, se coloc de modo que pudiese ver el
rostro de la hermosa intrprete. Elizabeth
repar en lo que haca y a la primera pau-
sa oportuna se volvi hacia l con una
amplia sonrisa y le dijo:
Pretende atemorizarme, vi-
niendo a escucharme con esa serie-
d a d ? Yo n o m e a s u s t o , a u n q u e s u
hermana toque tan bien. Hay una es-
pecie de terquedad en m, que nunca
me permite que me intimide nadie.
Por el contrario, mi valor crece cuan-
do alguien intenta intimidarme.
No le dir que se ha equivoca-
do repuso Darcy porque no cree
usted sinceramente que tena inten-
cin alguna de alarmarla; y he tenido
el placer de conocerla lo bastante
para saber que se complace a veces
en sustentar opiniones que de hecho
no son suyas.
Elizabeth se ri abiertamente ante esa descrip-
cin de s misma, y dijo al coronel Fitzwilliam:
Su primo pretende darle a usted
una linda idea de m ensendole a no
creer palabra de cuanto yo le diga. Me
desola encontrarme con una persona tan
dispuesta a descubrir mi verdadero
modo de ser en un lugar donde yo me
haba hecho ilusiones de pasar por me-
jor de lo que soy. Realmente, seor
Darcy, es muy poco generoso por su
parte revelar las cosas malas que supo
usted de m en Hertfordshire, y perm-
tame decirle que es tambin muy indis-
creto, pues esto me podra inducir a des-
quitarme y saldran a relucir cosas que
escandalizaran a sus parientes.
No letengo miedo dijo l son-
riente.
Dgame, por favor, de qu le acu-
sa exclam el coronel Fitzwilliam
. Me gustara saber cmo se compor-
ta entre extraos.
Se lo dir, pero preprese
a or algo muy espantoso. Ha
de saber que la primera vez que
le vi fue en un baile, y en ese
baile, qu cree usted que
 Austen Pride
he did? He danced only four dances,
though gentlemen were scarce; and, to
my certain knowledge, more than one
young lady was sitting down in want of a
5 partner. Mr. Darcy, you cannot deny the
fact.
I had not at that time the honour of
knowing any lady in the assembly beyond
10 my own party.
True; and nobody can ever be
introduced in a ball-room. Well, Colonel
Fitzwilliam, what do I play next? My
15 fingers wait your orders.
Perhaps, said Darcy, I should have
judged better, had I sought an
introduction; but I am ill-qualified to
20 recommend myself to strangers.
Shall we ask your cousin the reason
of this? said Elizabeth, still addressing
Colonel Fitzwilliam. Shall we ask him
25 why a man of sense and education, and
who has lived in the world, is ill
qualified to recommend himself to
strangers?
30 I can answer your question, said
Fitzwilliam, without applying to
him. It is because he will not give
himself the trouble.
35 I certainly have not the
t a l e n t which some people possess, said
Darcy, of conversing easily with those I have
never seen before. I cannot catch their tone
of conversation, or appear interested in their
40 concerns, as I often see done.
My fingers, said Elizabeth, do not
move over this instrument in the
masterly manner which I see so many
45 womens do. They have not the same
force or rapidity, and do not produce the
same expression. But then I have always
supposed it to be my own fault
because I will not take the trouble of
50 practising. It is not that I do not believe
MY fingers as capable as any other
womans of superior execution.
Darcy smiled and said,
55 You are perfectly right. You have
employed your time much better. No one
admitted to the privilege of hearing you
can think anything wanting. We neither
of us perform to strangers.
60
Here they were interrupted by Lady
Catherine, who called out to know what
they were talking of. Elizabeth
immediately began playing again. Lady
65 Catherine approached, and, after
149
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
hizo? Pues no bail ms que
cuatro piezas, a pesar de esca-
sear los caballeros, y ms de
una dama se qued sentada por
f a l t a d e p a r e j a . S e o r D a r c y,
no puede negarlo.
No tena el honor de conocer a nin-
guna de las damas de la reunin, a no ser
las que me acompaaban.
Cierto, y en un baile nunca hay posi-
bilidad de ser presentado... Bueno, coronel
Fitzwilliam, qu toco ahora? Mis dedos
estn esperando sus rdenes.
Puede que me habra juzgado mejor
aadi Darcy si hubiese solicitado
que me presentaran. Pero no sirvo para
darme a conocer a extraos.
Vamos a preguntarle a su primo por
qu es as dijo Elizabeth sin dirigirse ms
que al coronel Fitzwilliam. Le pregun-
tamos cmo es posible que un hombre de
talento y bien educado, que ha vivido en el
gran mundo, no sirva para atender a des-
conocidos?
Puede contestar yo mismo a esta pre-
gunta replic Fitzwilliam sin interro-
gar a Darcy. Eso es porque no quiere to-
marse la molestia.
Reconozco dijo Darcy que no
tengo la habilidad que otros poseen de con-
versar fcilmente con las personas que ja-
ms he visto. No puedo hacerme a esas con-
versaciones y fingir que me intereso por sus
cosas como se acostumbra.
Mis dedos repuso Elizabeth no
se mueven sobre este instrumento del modo
magistral con que he visto moverse los de-
dos de otras mujeres; no tienen la misma
fuerza ni la misma agilidad, y no pueden
producir la misma impresin. Pero siempre
he credo que era culpa ma, por no haber-
me querido tomar el trabajo de hacer ejer-
cicios. No porque mis dedos no sean capa-
ces, como los de cualquier otra mujer, de
tocar perfectamente.
Darcy sonri y le dijo:
Tiene usted toda la razn. Ha em-
pleado el tiempo mucho mejor. Nadie
que tenga el privilegio de escucharla
podr ponerle peros. Ninguno de no-
sotros toca ante desconocidos.
Lady Catherine les interrumpi
preguntndoles de qu hablaban.
Elizabeth se puso a tocar de nue-
vo. Lady Catherine se acerc y
despus de escucharla durante

performance 1 rendimiento, resultado, 2
actuacin, ejecucin 3 funcin, sesin, re-
presentacin
forbearance 1 a delay in enforcing rights or
claims or privileges; refraining from acting;
his forbearance to reply was alarming 2
patience, longanimity good-natured
tolerance of delay or incompetence
abstencin, templanza, tolerancia, indulgen-
cia, paciencia
Austen Pride
listening for a few minutes, said to Darcy:
Miss Bennet would not play at all
amiss if she practised more, and could
5 have the advantage of a London master.
She has a very good notion of fingering,
though her taste is not equal to Annes.
Anne would have been a delightful
performer, had her health allowed her to
10 learn.
Elizabeth looked at Darcy to see how
cordially he assented to his cousins
praise; but neither at that moment nor at
15 any other could she discern any symptom
of love; and from the whole of his
behaviour to Miss de Bourgh she derived
this comfort for Miss Bingley, that he
might have been just as likely to marry
20 HER, had she been his relation.
Lady Catherine continued her
remarks on Elizabeths performance,
mixing with them many instructions on
25 execution and taste. Elizabeth received
them with all the forbearance of civility,
and, at the request of the gentlemen,
remained at the instrument till her
ladyships carriage was ready to take
30 them all home.
35
Chapter 32
40
Elizabeth was sitting by herself
the next morning, and writing to
Jane while Mrs. Collins and Maria
were gone on business into the
45 village, when she was startled by a
ring at the door, the certain signal
o f a v i s i t o r. A s s h e h a d h e a r d n o
carriage, she thought it not unlikely
t o be Lady Catherine, and under that
50 apprehension was putting away her half-
finished letter that she might escape all
impertinent questions, when the door
opened, and, to her very great surprise,
Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only, entered the room.
55
He seemed astonished too on finding
her alone, and apologised for his
intrusion by letting her know that he had
understood all the ladies were to be
60 within.
They then sat down, and when her
inquiries after Rosings were made,
seemed in danger of sinking into total
65 silence. It was absolutely necessary,
150
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
unos minutos, dijo a Darcy:
La seorita Bennet no tocara mal
si practicase ms y si hubiese disfruta-
do de las ventajas de un buen profesor
de Londres. Sabe lo que es teclear, aun-
que su gusto no es como el de Anne.
Anne habra sido una pianista maravi-
llosa si su salud le hubiese permitido
aprender.
Elizabeth mir a Darcy para observar
su cordial asentimiento al elogio tributa-
do a su prima, pero ni entonces ni en nin-
gn otro momento descubri ningn sn-
toma de amor; y de su actitud hacia la se-
orita de Bourgh, Elizabeth dedujo una
cosa consoladora en favor de la seorita
Bingley: que Darcy se habra casado con
ella si hubiese pertenecido a su familia.
Lady Catherine continu haciendo obser-
vaciones sobre la manera de tocar de
Elizabeth, mezcladas con numerosas instruc-
ciones sobre la ejecucin y el gusto. Elizabeth
las aguant con toda la paciencia que
impone la cortesa, y a peticin de los
caballeros sigui tocando hasta que es-
tuvo preparado el coche de Su Seora
y los llev a todos a casa.
Captulo XXXII
A la maana siguiente estaba
Elizabeth sola escribiendo a Jane,
mientras la seora Collins y Mara ha-
ban ido de compras al pueblo, cuando
se sobresalt al sonar la campanilla de
la puerta, seal inequvoca de alguna
visita. Aunque no haba odo ningn
carruaje, pens que a lo mejor era lady
Catherine, y se apresur a esconder la
carta que tena a medio escribir a fin
de evitar preguntas impertinentes. Pero
con gran sorpresa suya se abri la puer-
ta y entr en la habitacin el seor
Darcy. Darcy solo.
Pareci asombrarse al hallar-
la sola y pidi disculpas por su
intromisin dicindole que crea
que estaban en la casa todas las
seoras.
Se sentaron los dos y, despus de
las preguntas de rigor sobre
Rosings, pareci que se iban a que-
dar callados. Por lo tanto, era abso-
 Austen Pride
therefore, to think of something, and in
this emergence recollecting WHEN she
had seen him last in Hertfordshire, and
feeling curious to know what he would
5 say on the subject of their hasty
departure, she observed:
How very suddenly you all
quitted Netherfield last November,
10 M r. D a r c y ! I t m u s t h a v e b e e n a
m o s t a g r e e a b l e s u r p r i s e t o M r.
Bingley to see you all after him so
soon; for, if I recollect right, he
went but the day before. He and his
15 sisters were well, I hope, when you
left London?
Perfectly so, I thank you.
20 She found that she was to receive no
other answer, and, after a short pause
added:
I think I have understood that Mr.
25 Bingley has not much idea of ever
returning to Netherfield again?
I have never heard him say so; but it
is probable that he may spend very little
30 of his time there in the future. He has
many friends, and is at a time of life when
friends and engagements are continually
increasing.
35 If he means to be but little at
Netherfield, it would be better for the
neighbourhood that he should give up the
place entirely, for then we might possibly
get a settled family there. But, perhaps,
40 Mr. Bingley did not take the house so
much for the convenience of the
neighbourhood as for his own, and we
must expect him to keep it or quit it on
the same principle.
45
I should not be surprised, said
Darcy, if he were to give it up as soon
as any eligible purchase offers.
50 Elizabeth made no answer. She was
afraid of talking longer of his friend; and,
having nothing else to say, was now
determined to leave the trouble of finding
a subject to him.
55
He took the hint, and soon began with,
This seems a very comfortable house.
Lady Catherine, I believe, did a great
deal to it when Mr. Collins first came to
60 Hunsford.
I believe she didand I am sure she
could not have bestowed her kindness on
a more grateful object.
65
151
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
lutamente necesario pensar en algo,
y Elizabeth, ante esta necesidad,
record la ltima vez que se haban
visto en Hertfordshire y sinti cu-
riosidad por ver lo que dira acerca
de su precipitada partida.
Qu repentinamente se fueron uste-
des de Netherfield el pasado noviembre,
seor Darcy! le dijo. Debi de ser una
sorpresa muy grata para el seor Bingley
verles a ustedes tan pronto a su lado, por-
que, si mal no recuerdo, l se haba ido una
da antes. Supongo que tanto l como sus
hermanas estaban bien cuando sali usted
de Londres.
Perfectamente. Gracias.
Elizabeth advirti que no iba a contes-
tarle nada ms y, tras un breve silencio, aa-
di:
Te n g o e n t e n d i d o q u e e l s e -
or Bingley no piensa volver a
Netherfield.
Nunca le he odo decir tal cosa;
pero es probable que no pase mucho
tiempo all en el futuro. Tiene muchos
amigos y est en una poca de la vida
en que los amigos y los compromisos
aumentan continuamente.
Si tiene la intencin de estar poco
tiempo en Netherfield, sera mejor para
la vecindad que lo dejase completamen-
te, y as posiblemente podra instalarse
otra familia all. Pero quiz el seor
Bingley no haya tomado la casa tanto
por la conveniencia de la vecindad como
por la suya propia, y es de esperar que
la conserve o la deje en virtud de ese
mismo principio.
No me sorprendera aadi Darcy
que se desprendiese de ella en cuanto se
le ofreciera una compra aceptable.
Elizabeth no contest. Tema ha-
blar demasiado de su amigo, y como
no tena nada ms que decir, deter-
min dejar a Darcy que buscase otro
tema de conversacin.
l lo comprendi y dijo en seguida:
Esta casa parece muy confortable.
Creo que lady Catherine la arregl mu-
cho cuando el seor Collins vino a
Hunsford por primera vez.
As parece, y estoy segura de que
no poda haber dado una prueba mejor de
su bondad.
 Austen Pride
Mr. Collins appears to be very
fortunate in his choice of a wife.
Yes, indeed, his friends may well
5 rejoice in his having met with one of the
very few sensible women who would
have accepted him, or have made him
happy if they had. My friend has an
excellent understandingthough I am
10 not certain that I consider her marrying
Mr. Collins as the wisest thing she ever
did. She seems perfectly happy, however,
and in a prudential light it is certainly a
very good match for her.
15
It must be very agreeable for her to
be settled within so easy a distance of her
own family and friends.
20 An easy distance, do you call it? It
is nearly fifty miles.
And what is fifty miles of good road?
Little more than half a days journey. Yes,
25 I call it a VERY easy distance.
I should never have considered the
distance as one of the ADVANTAGES of
the match, cried Elizabeth. I should
30 never have said Mrs. Collins was settled
NEAR her family.
It is a proof of your own attachment
to Hertfordshire. Anything beyond the
35 very neighbourhood of Longbourn, I
suppose, would appear far.
As he spoke there was a sort of smile
which Elizabeth fancied she understood;
40 he must be supposing her to be thinking
of Jane and Netherfield, and she blushed
as she answered:
I do not mean to say that a woman
45 may not be settled too near her family.
The far and the near must be relative, and
depend on many varying circumstances.
Where there is fortune to make the
expenses of travelling unimportant,
50 distance becomes no evil. But that is not
the case HERE. Mr. and Mrs. Collins
have a comfortable income, but not such
a one as will allow of frequent journeys
and I am persuaded my friend would not
55 call herself NEAR her family under less
than HALF the present distance.
Mr. Darcy drew his chair a little
towards her, and said, YOU cannot have
60 a right to such very strong local
attachment. YOU cannot have been
always at Longbourn.
Elizabeth looked surprised. The
65 g e n t l e m a n
experienced some
152
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
El seor Collins parece haber sido muy
afortunado con la eleccin de su esposa.
As es. Sus amigos pueden ale-
grarse de que haya dado con una de las
pocas mujeres inteligentes que le ha-
bran aceptado o que le habran hecho
feliz despus de aceptarle. Mi amiga es
muy sensata, aunque su casamiento con
Collins me parezca a m el menos cuer-
do de sus actos. Sin embargo, parece
completamente feliz: desde un punto de
vista prudente, ste era un buen parti-
do para ella.
Tiene que ser muy agradable para la
seora Collins vivir a tan poca distancia
de su familia y amigos.
Poca distancia le llama usted? Hay
cerca de cincuenta millas.
Y qu son cincuenta millas de buen ca-
mino? Poco ms de media jornada de viaje. S,
yo a eso lo llamo una distancia corta.
Nunca habra considerado que la dis-
tancia fuese una de las ventajas del partido
exclam Elizabeth , y jams se me habra
ocurrido que la seora Collins viviese cer-
ca de su familia.
Eso demuestra el apego que le
tiene usted a Hertfordshire. Todo lo
que est ms all de Longbourn
debe parecerle ya lejos.
Mientras hablaba se sonrea de un
modo que Elizabeth crea interpretar:
Darcy deba suponer que estaba pensan-
do en Jane y en Netherfield; y contest
algo sonrojada:
No quiero decir que una mujer no
pueda vivir lejos de su familia. Lejos y
cerca son cosas relativas y dependen de
muy distintas circunstancias. Si se tiene
fortuna para no dar importancia a los gas-
tos de los viajes, la distancia es lo de me-
nos. Pero ste no es el caso. Los seores
Collins no viven con estrecheces, pero
no son tan ricos como para permitirse
viajar con frecuencia; estoy segura de
que mi amiga no dira que vive cerca de
su familia ms que si estuviera a la mi-
tad de esta distancia.
Darcy acerc su asiento un poco ms al
de Elizabeth, y dijo:
No tiene usted derecho a estar tan
apegada a su residencia. No siempre va a
estar en Longbourn.
Elizabeth pareci quedarse sorprendida,
y el caballero crey que deba cambiar
 Austen Pride
change of feeling; he drew back
h i s c h a i r, t o o k a n e w s p a p e r f r o m
the table, and glancing over it,
said, in a colder voice:
5
Are you pleased with Kent?
A short dialogue on the subject of
the country ensued, on either side
10 calm and conciseand soon put an
end to by the entrance of Charlotte
and her sister, just returned from her
walk. The tete-a-tete surprised them.
Mr. Darcy related the mistake which
15 had occasioned his intruding on Miss
Bennet, and after sitting a few minutes
longer without saying much to anybody,
went away.
20 What can be the meaning of this?
said Charlotte, as soon as he was gone.
My dear, Eliza, he must be in love with
you, or he would never have called us in
this familiar way.
25
But when Elizabeth told of his
silence; it did not seem very likely, even
to Charlottes wishes, to be the case; and
after various conjectures, they could at
30 last only suppose his visit to proceed
from the difficulty of finding anything to
do, which was the more probable from
the time of year. All field sports were
over. Within doors there was Lady
35 Catherine, books, and a billiard-table, but
gentlemen cannot always be within
doors ; and in the nearness of the
Parsonage, or the pleasantness of the
walk to it, or of the people who lived in
40 it, the two cousins found a temptation
from this period of walking thither almost
every day. They called at various times
of the morning, sometimes separately,
sometimes together, and now and then
45 accompanied by their aunt. It was plain
to them all that Colonel Fitzwilliam came
because he had pleasure in their society,
a persuasion which of course
recommended him still more; and
50 Elizabeth was reminded by her own
satisfaction in being with him, as well as
by his evident admiration of her, of her
former favourite George Wickham; and
though, in comparing them, she saw there
55 was less captivating softness in Colonel
Fitzwilliams manners, she believed he
might have the best informed mind.
But why Mr. Darcy came so often to
60 the Parsonage, it was more difficult to
understand. It could not be for society,
as he frequently sat there ten minutes
together without opening his lips; and
when he did speak, it seemed the effect
65 of necessity rather than of choicea
153
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
de conversacin. Volvi a colocar su si-
lla donde estaba, tom un diario de la
mesa y mirndolo por encima, pregunt
con frialdad:
Le gusta a usted Kent?
A esto sigui un corto dilogo so-
bre el tema de la campia, conciso y
moderado por ambas partes, que pron-
to termin, pues entraron Charlotte y
su hermana que acababan de regresar
de su paseo. El tte--tte las dej pas-
madas. Darcy les explic la equivoca-
cin que haba ocasionado su visita a
la casa; permaneci sentado unos mi-
nutos ms, sin hablar mucho con nadie,
y luego se march.
Qu significa esto? pregunt
Charlotte en cuanto se fue. Querida
Elizabeth, debe de estar enamorado de ti,
pues si no, nunca habra venido a vernos
con esta familiaridad.
Pero cuando Elizabeth cont lo calla-
do que haba estado, no pareci muy pro-
bable, a pesar de los buenos deseos de
Charlotte; y despus de varias conjetu-
ras se limitaron a suponer que su visita
haba obedecido a la dificultad de encon-
trar algo que hacer, cosa muy natural en
aquella poca del ao. Todos los deportes
se haban terminado. En casa de lady
Catherine haba libros y una mesa de bi-
llar, pero a los caballeros les desespera-
ba estar siempre metidos en casa, y sea
por lo cerca que estaba la residencia de
los Collins, sea por lo placentero del pa-
seo, o sea por la gente que viva all, los
dos primos sentan la tentacin de visi-
tarles todos los das. Se presentaban en
distintas horas de la maana, unas veces
separados y otras veces juntos, y algu-
nas acompaados de su ta. Era evidente
que el coronel Fitzwilliam vena porque
se encontraba a gusto con ellos, cosa que,
naturalmente, le haca an ms agrada-
ble. El placer que le causaba a Elizabeth
su compaa y la manifiesta admiracin
de Fitzwilliam por ella, le hacan acor-
darse de su primer favorito George
Wickham. Comparndolos, Elizabeth
encontraba que los modales del coronel
eran menos atractivos y dulces que los
de Wickham, pero Fitzwilliam le pareca
un hombre ms culto.
Pero comprender por qu Darcy ve-
na tan a menudo a la casa, ya era ms
difcil. No deba ser por buscar compa-
a, pues se estaba sentado diez minutos
sin abrir la boca, y cuando hablaba ms
bien pareca que lo haca por fuerza que
por gusto, como si ms que un placer
 Austen Pride
sacrifice to propriety, not a pleasure to
himself. He seldom appeared really
animated. Mrs. Collins knew not what to
make of him. Colonel Fitzwilliams
5 occasionally laughing at his stupidity,
proved that he was generally different,
which her own knowledge of him could
not have told her; and as she would liked
to have believed this change the effect
10 of love, and the object of that love her
friend Eliza, she set herself seriously to
work to find it out. She watched him
whenever they were at Rosings, and
whenever he came to Hunsford; but
15 without much success. He certainly
looked at her friend a great deal, but the
expression of that look was disputable.
It was an earnest, steadfast gaze, but she
often doubted whether there were much
20 admiration in it, and sometimes it seemed
nothing but absence of mind.
She had once or twice suggested to
Elizabeth the possibility of his being
25 partial to her, but Elizabeth always
laughed at the idea; and Mrs. Collins did
not think it right to press the subject, from
the danger of raising expectations which
might only end in disappointment; for in
30 her opinion it admitted not of a doubt,
that all her friends dislike would vanish,
if she could suppose him to be in her
power.
35 In her kind schemes for Elizabeth, she
sometimes planned her marrying Colonel
Fitzwilliam. He was beyond comparison
the most pleasant man; he certainly
admired her, and his situation in life was
40 most eligible; but, to counterbalance
these advantages, Mr. Darcy had
considerable patronage in the church, and
his cousin could have none at all.
45
50
Chapter 33
More than once did Elizabeth, in her
55 ramble within the park, unexpectedly
meet Mr. Darcy. She felt all the
perverseness of the mischance that
should bring him where no one else was
brought, and, to prevent its ever
60 happening again, took care to inform him
at first that it was a favourite haunt of
hers. How it could occur a second time,
therefore, was very odd! Yet it did, and
even a third. It seemed like wilful ill-
65 nature, or a voluntary penance, for on
154
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
fuese aquello un sacrificio. Pocas veces
estaba realmente animado. La seora
Collins no saba qu pensar de l. Como
el coronel Fitzwilliam se rea a veces de
aquella estupidez de Darcy, Charlotte
entenda que ste no deba de estar siem-
pre as, cosa que su escaso conocimien-
to del caballero no le habra permitido
adivinar; y como deseaba creer que aquel
cambio era obra del amor y el objeto de
aquel amor era Elizabeth, se empe en
descubrirlo. Cuando estaban en Rosings
y siempre que Darcy vena a su casa,
Charlotte le observaba atentamente, pero
no sacaba nada en limpio. Verdad es que
miraba mucho a su amiga, pero la expre-
sin de tales miradas era equvoca. Era
un modo de mirar fijo y profundo, pero
Charlotte dudaba a veces de que fuese
entusiasta, y en ocasiones pareca senci-
llamente que estaba distrado.
Dos o tres veces le dijo a
Elizabeth que tal vez estaba enamo-
rado de ella, pero Elizabeth se
e c h a b a a r e r, y l a s e o r a C o l l i n s
crey ms prudente no insistir en
ello para evitar el peligro de engen-
drar esperanzas imposibles, pues
no dudaba que toda la mana que
Elizabeth le tena a Darcy se disi-
para con la creencia de que l la
quera.
En los buenos y afectuosos proyectos
que Charlotte formaba con respecto a
Elizabeth, entraba a veces el casarla con
el coronel Fitzwilliam. Era, sin compara-
cin, el ms agradable de todos. Senta
verdadera admiracin por Elizabeth y su
posicin era estupenda. Pero Darcy tena
un considerable patronato en la Iglesia, y
su primo no tena ninguno.
Captulo XXXIII
En sus paseos por la alameda dentro de la
finca ms de una vez se haba encontrado
Elizabeth inesperadamente con Darcy. La pri-
mera vez no le hizo ninguna gracia que la mala
fortuna fuese a traerlo precisamente a l a un
sitio donde nadie ms sola ir, y para que no
volviese a repetirse se cuid mucho de indicar-
le que aqul era su lugar favorito. Por consi-
guiente, era raro que el encuentro volviese a pro-
ducirse, y, sin embargo, se produjo incluso una ter-
cera vez. Pareca que lo haca con una maldad
intencionada o por penitencia,
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

actually totalmente, realmente, de veras, en
realidad, verdadero, de hecho, en serio
actual adjetivo real, verdadero, efectivo, con-
creto, autntico, mismo (very): give me an 5
actual example, dame un ejemplo concreto
he has no actual job, no tiene trabajo propia-
mente dicho
Actual subraya el hecho de que algo es real o
genuino y solo se puede colocar delante de
un sustantivo: Everybody believed I would 10
win but the actual result was very different.
Todos pensaban que iba a ganar pero el re-
sultado final (real) fue muy distinto.
actual (En) 1 existing in fact; real (often as
distinct from ideal). 2 existing now; current.
Usage Redundant use, as in tell me the ac- 15
tual facts, is disp., but common.
En Castellano ACTUAL se traduce por present
o current: The current economic crisis will
cause us many problems. La actual crisis eco-
nmica nos causar muchos problemas 20
25
these occasions it was not merely a few
formal inquiries and an awkward pause
and then away, but he actually thought
it necessary to turn back and walk with
her. He never said a great deal, nor did
she give herself the trouble of talking
or of listening much; but it struck her
in the course of their third rencontre
that he was asking some odd
unconnected questionsabout her
pleasure in being at Hunsford, her love
of solitary walks, and her opinion of
Mr. and Mrs. Collinss happiness; and
that in speaking of Rosings and her
not perfectly understanding the
house, he seemed to expect that whenever
she came into Kent again she would be
staying THERE too. His words seemed to
imply it. Could he have Colonel Fitzwilliam
in his thoughts? She supposed, if he meant
anything, he must mean and allusion to
what might arise in that quarter. It
distressed her a little, and she was quite
glad to find herself at the gate in the pales
opposite the Parsonage.
porque la cosa no se reduca a las
preguntas de rigor o a u n a s i m -
ple y molesta detencin; Darcy
volva atrs y paseaba con ella.
Nunca hablaba mucho ni la
i m p o r t u naba hacindole hablar o es-
cuchar demasiado. Pero al tercer en-
cuentro Elizabeth se qued asombra-
da ante la rareza de las preguntas que
le hizo: si le gustaba estar en
Hunsford, si le agradaban los paseos
solitarios y qu opinin tena de la fe-
licidad del matrimonio Collins; pero
lo ms extrao fue que al hablar de
Rosings y del escaso conocimiento que
tena ella de la casa, pareci que l su-
pona que, al volver a Kent, Elizabeth
residira tambin all. Esta r a p e n -
s a n d o e n e l c o r o n e l F i t z w i l liam?
La joven pens que si algo quera decir
haba de ser forzosamente una alusin
por ese lado. Esto la inquiet un poco y
se alegr de encontrarse en la puerta de
la empalizada que estaba justo enfrente
de la casa de los Collins.

She was engaged one day as she
walked, in perusing Janes last letter, and
dwelling on some passages which proved
30 that Jane had not written in spirits, when,
instead of being again surprised by Mr.
Darcy, she saw on looking up that
Colonel Fitzwilliam was meeting her.
Putting away the letter immediately and
35 forcing a smile, she said:
Relea un da, mientras paseaba,
la ltima carta de Jane y se fijaba
en un pasaje que denotaba la triste-
za con que haba sido escrita, cuan-
do, en vez de toparse de nuevo con
Darcy, al levantar la vista se encon-
tr con el coronel Fitzwilliam. Es-
condi al punto la carta y simulan-
do una sonrisa, dijo:

I did not know before that you ever Nunca supe hasta ahora que paseaba
walked this way. usted por este camino.

40 I have been making the tour of the
park, he replied, as I generally do every
year, and intend to close it with a call at
the Parsonage. Are you going much
farther?
45
No, I should have turned in a moment.
He estado dando la vuelta completa a
la finca contest el coronel, cosa que
suelo hacer todos los aos. Y pensaba re-
matarla con una visita a la casa del prroco.
Va a seguir paseando?
No; iba a regresar. _________

And accordingly she did turn, and En efecto, dio la vuelta y juntos
they walked towards the Parsonage se encaminaron hacia la casa
50 together. parroquial.

Do you certainly leave Kent on Se van de Kent el sbado, se-

Saturday? said she. guro? pregunt Elizabeth.

55 Yesif Darcy does not put it off again. S, si Darcy no vuelve a aplazar
But I am at his disposal. He arranges the el viaje. Estoy a sus rdenes; l dis-
business just as he pleases. pone las cosas como le parece.

And if not able to please himself in Y si no le placen las cosas por lo

60 the arrangement, he has at least pleasure
in the great power of choice. I do not
know anybody who seems more to enjoy
the power of doing what he likes than Mr.
Darcy.
65
menos le da un gran placer el poder dis-
ponerlas a su antojo. No conozco a na-
die que parezca gozar ms con el po-
der de hacer lo que quiere que el seor
Darcy.

155
 Austen Pride
He likes to have his own way very
well, replied Colonel Fitzwilliam. But
so we all do. It is only that he has better
means of having it than many others,
5 because he is rich, and many others are
poor. I speak feelingly. A younger son,
inure harden, habituate, accustom, you know, must be inured to self-denial
harden and dependence.
10 In my opinion, the younger son of
an earl can know very little of either.
Now seriously, what have you ever
known of self-denial and dependence?
When have you been prevented by want
15 of money from going wherever you
chose, or procuring anything you had a
fancy for?
These are home questionsand
20 perhaps I cannot say that I have
experienced many hardships of that
nature. But in matters of greater weight,
I may suffer from want of money.
Younger sons cannot marry where they
25 like.
Unless where they like women of
fortune, which I think they very often
do.
30
Our habits of expense make us too
dependent, and there are too many in my
rank of life who can afford to marry
without some attention to money.
35
Is this, thought Elizabeth, meant
for me? and she coloured at the idea;
but, recovering herself, said in a lively
tone, And pray, what is the usual price
40 of an earls younger son? Unless the elder
brother is very sickly, I suppose you
would not ask above fifty thousand
pounds.
45 He answered her in the same style,
and the subject dropped. To interrupt a
silence which might make him fancy her
affected with what had passed, she soon
afterwards said:
50
I imagine your cousin brought you
down with him chiefly for the sake of
having someone at his disposal. I wonder
he does not marry, to secure a lasting
55 convenience of that kind. But, perhaps,
his sister does as well for the present,
and, as she is under his sole care, he may
do what he likes with her.
60 No, said Colonel Fitzwilliam, that
is an advantage which he must divide
with me. I am joined with him in the
guardianship of Miss Darcy.
65 Are you indeed? And pray what sort
156
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Le gusta hacer su santa voluntad
replic el coronel Fitzwilliam. Pero a to-
dos nos gusta. Slo que l tiene ms medios
para hacerlo que otros muchos, porque
es rico y otros son pobres. Digo lo que sien-
to. Usted sabe que los hijos menores tienen
que acostumbrarse a la dependencia y re- 
nunciar a muchas cosas.
Yo creo que el hijo menor de un con-
de no lo pasa tan mal como usted dice.
Vamos a ver, sinceramente, qu sabe us-
ted de renunciamientos y de de-
pendencias? Cundo se ha visto priva-
do, por falta de dinero, de ir a donde que-
ra o de conseguir algo que se le antoja-
ra?
sas son cosas sin importancia, y
acaso pueda reconocer que no he sufrido
muchas privaciones de esa naturaleza. Pero
en cuestiones de mayor trascendencia, es-
toy sujeto a la falta de dinero. Los hijos
menores no pueden casarse cuando les ape-
tece.
A menos que les gusten las muje-
res ricas, cosa que creo que sucede a
menudo.
Nuestra costumbre de gastar nos
hace demasiado dependientes, y no hay
muchos de mi rango que se casen sin pres-
tar un poco de atencin al dinero.
Se referir esto a m?, pens
Elizabeth sonrojndose. Pero reponindo-
se contest en tono jovial:
Y dgame, cul es el precio normal
de un hijo menor de un conde? A no ser
que el hermano mayor est muy enfermo,
no pedirn ustedes ms de cincuenta mil
libras...
l respondi en el mismo tono y el
tema se agot. Para impedir un silencio
que podra hacer suponer al coronel que
lo dicho le haba afectado, Elizabeth
dijo poco despus:
Me imagino que su primo le trajo con
l sobre todo para tener alguien a su dis-
posicin. Me extraa que no se case, pues
as tendra a una persona sujeta constante-
mente. Aunque puede que su hermana le
baste para eso, de momento, pues como
est a su exclusiva custodia debe de poder
mandarla a su gusto.
No dijo el coronel Fitzwilliam,
esa ventaja la tiene que compartir conmi-
go. Estoy encargado, junto con l, de la
tutora de su hermana.
De veras? Y dgame, qu clase de
 Austen Pride
of guardians do you make? Does your
charge give you much trouble? Young
ladies of her age are sometimes a little
difficult to manage, and if she has the true
5 Darcy spirit, she may like to have her own
way.
As she spoke she observed him
looking at her earnestly; and the
10 m a n n e r i n w h i c h h e i m m e d i a t e l y
asked her why she supposed Miss
Darcy likely to give them any
uneasiness, convinced her that she
had somehow or other got pretty near
15 the truth. She directly replied:
You need not be frightened. I never
heard any harm of her; and I dare say she
tractable dcil, manejable, tratable is one of the most tractable creatures in
20 the world. She is a very great favourite with
some ladies of my acquaintance, Mrs. Hurst
and Miss Bingley. I think I have heard you
say that you know them.
25 I know them a little. Their brother
is a pleasant gentlemanlike manhe is a
great friend of Darcys.
Oh! yes, said Elizabeth drily; Mr.
30 Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr.
Bingley, and takes a prodigious deal of
care of him.
Care of him! Yes, I really believe
35 Darcy DOES take care of him in those
points where he most wants care. From
something that he told me in our journey
hither, I have reason to think Bingley
very much indebted to him. But I ought
40 to beg his pardon, for I have no right to
suppose that Bingley was the person
meant. It was all conjecture.
What is it you mean?
45
It is a circumstance which Darcy
could not wish to be generally known,
because if it were to get round to the
ladys family, it would be an unpleasant
50 thing.
You may depend upon my not
mentioning it.
55 And remember that I have not much
reason for supposing it to be Bingley.
What he told me was merely this: that he
congratulated himself on having lately
saved a friend from the inconveniences
60 of a most imprudent marriage, but
without mentioning names or any other
particulars, and I only suspected it to be
Bingley from believing him the kind of
young man to get into a scrape of that
65 sort, and from knowing them to have been
157
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
tutora es la que ejercen? Les da mucho
que hacer? Las chicas de su edad son a ve-
ces un poco difciles de gobernar, y si tie-
ne el mismo carcter que el seor Darcy,
le debe de gustar tambin hacer su santa
voluntad.
Mientras hablaba, Elizabeth observ que
el coronel la miraba muy serio, y la forma
en que le pregunt en seguida que cmo
supona que la seorita Darcy pudiera dar-
les algn quebradero de cabeza, convenci
a Elizabeth de que, poco o mucho, se haba
acercado a la verdad. La joven contest a
su pregunta directamente:
No se asuste. Nunca he odo decir de
ella nada malo y casi asegurara que es una
de las mejores criaturas del mundo. Es el
ojo derecho de ciertas seoras que conoz-
co: la seora Hurst y la seorita Bingley.
Me parece que me dijo usted que tambin
las conoca.
Algo, s. Su hermano es un ca-
ballero muy agradable, ntimo ami-
go de Darcy.
Oh, s! dijo Elizabeth secamen-
te. El seor Darcy es increblemente
amable con el seor Bingley y lo cuida de
un modo extraordinario.
Lo cuida? S, realmente, creo que
lo cuida precisamente en lo que mayo-
res cuidados requiere. Por algo que me
cont cuando venamos hacia aqu,
presumo que Bingley le debe mucho.
Pero debo pedirle que me perdone, por-
que no tengo derecho a suponer que
Bingley fuese la persona a quien Darcy
se refera. Son slo conjeturas.
Qu quiere decir?
Es una cosa que Darcy no
quisiera que se divulgase,
pues si llegase a odos de la
familia de la dama, resultara
muy desagradable.
No se preocupe, no lo di-
vulgar.
Tenga usted en cuenta que carezco de
pruebas para suponer que se trata de Bingley.
Lo que Darcy me dijo es que se ale-
graba de haber librado hace poco a
X u n a m i g o d e _____________ c i e r t o
casamiento muy imprudente;
pero no ci t n o m b r e s n i d e -
t a l l e s , y y o s o s p ech que el amigo
era Bingley s l o p o r q u e m e p a r e c e
u n joven muy a propsito para seme-
jante caso , y p o r q u e s q u e e s t u v i e -
 Austen Pride
together the whole of last summer.
D i d M r. D a r c y g i v e y o u
reasons for this
5 interference?
I understood that there were some
very strong objections against the lady.
10 And what arts did he use to separate
them?
He did not talk to me of his own
arts, said Fitzwilliam, smiling. He only
15 told me what I have now told you.
Elizabeth made no answer, and
walked on, her heart swelling with
indignation. After watching her a little,
20 Fitzwilliam asked her why she was so
thoughtful.
I am thinking of what you have been
telling me, said she. Your cousins
25 conduct does not suit my feelings. Why
was he to be the judge?
You are rather disposed to call his
interference officious?
30
I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had
to decide on the propriety of his friends
inclination, or why, upon his own
judgement alone, he was to determine
35 and direct in what manner his friend was
to be happy. But, she continued,
recollecting herself, as we know none
of the particulars, it is not fair to condemn
him. It is not to be supposed that there
40 was much affection in the case.
That is not an unnatural surmise,
said Fitzwilliam, but it is a lessening of
the honour of my cousins triumph very
45 sadly.
This was spoken jestingly; but it
appeared to her so just a picture of Mr.
Darcy, that she would not trust herself
50 with an answer, and therefore, abruptly
changing the conversation talked on
indifferent matters until they reached the
Parsonage. There, shut into her own
room, as soon as their visitor left them,
55 she could think without interruption of
all that she had heard. It was not to be
supposed that any other people could be
meant than those with whom she was
connected. There could not exist in the
60 world TWO men over whom Mr. Darcy
could have such boundless influence.
That he had been concerned in the
measures taken to separate Bingley and
Jane she had never doubted; but she had
65 always attributed to Miss Bingley the
158
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
r o n j u n t o s t o d o e l _______ v e r a n o .
Le dijo a usted el seor
Darcy las razones que tuvo para
inmiscuirse en el asunto?
Yo entend que haba algunas objecio-
nes de peso en contra de la seorita.
Y qu artes us para separar-
les?
No habl de sus artimaas dijo
Fitzwilliam sonriendo. Slo me con-
t lo que acabo de decirle.
Elizabeth no hizo ningn comentario y
sigui caminando con el corazn henchido
de indignacin. Despus de observarla un
poco, Fitzwilliam le pregunt por qu esta-
ba tan pensativa.
Estoy pensando en lo que usted me
ha dicho respondi Elizabeth. La con-
ducta de su primo no me parece nada bien.
Por qu tena que ser l el juez?
Quiere decir que su intervencin fue
indiscreta?
No veo qu derecho puede te-
ner el seor Darcy para decidir sobre
una inclinacin de su amigo y por qu
haya de ser l el que dirija y determi-
ne, a su juicio, de qu modo ha de ser
su amigo feliz. Pero continu, re-
portndose, no sabiendo detalles,
no est bien censurarle. Habr que
creer que el amor no tuvo mucho que
ver en este caso.
Es de suponer dijo
Fitzwilliam, pero eso amino-
ra muy tristemente el triunfo de
mi primo.
Esto ltimo lo dijo en broma, pero
a Elizabeth le pareci un retrato tan
exacto de Darcy que crey intil con-
X testar. Cambi _________ de conver-
sacin y se puso a hablar de cosas
intrascendentes hasta que llegaron a
la casa. En cuanto el coronel se fue,
Elizabeth se encerr en su habitacin
y pens sin interrupcin en todo lo
que haba odo. No caba suponer que
el coronel se refiriese a otras perso-
nas que a Jane y a Bingley. No po-
dan existir dos hombres sobre los
cuales ejerciese Darcy una influencia
tan ilimitada. Nunca haba dudado de
que Darcy haba tenido que ver en las
medidas tomadas para separar a
Bingley y a Jane; pero el plan y el
principal papel siempre lo haba atri-
 Austen Pride
principal design and arrangement of
them. If his own vanity, however, did not
mislead him, HE was the cause, his pride
and caprice were the cause, of all that
5 Jane had suffered, and still continued to
suffer. He had ruined for a while every
hope of happiness for the most
affectionate, generous heart in the world;
and no one could say how lasting an evil
10 he might have inflicted.
There were some very strong
objections against the lady, were
Colonel Fitzwilliams words; and those
15 strong objections probably were, her
having one uncle who was a country
attorney, and another who was in business
in London.
20 To Jane herself, she exclaimed,
there could be no possibility of
objection; all loveliness and goodness as
she is!her understanding excellent, her
mind improved, and her manners
25 captivating. Neither could anything be
urged against my father, who, though
with some peculiarities, has abilities Mr.
Darcy himself need not disdain, and
respectability which he will probably
30 never each. When she thought of her
mother, her confidence gave way a little;
but she would not allow that any
objections THERE had material weight
with Mr. Darcy, whose pride, she was
35 convinced, would receive a deeper
wound from the want of importance in
his friends connections, than from their
want of sense; and she was quite decided,
at last, that he had been partly governed
40 by this worst kind of pride, and partly by
the wish of retaining Mr. Bingley for his
sister.
The agitation and tears which the
45 subject occasioned, brought on a
headache; and it grew so much worse
towards the evening, that, added to her
unwillingness to see Mr. Darcy, it
determined her not to attend her cousins
50 to Rosings, where they were engaged to
drink tea. Mrs. Collins, seeing that she was
really unwell, did not press her to go and
as much as possible prevented her
husband from pressing her; but Mr.
55 Collins could not conceal his apprehension
of Lady Catherines being rather displeased by
her staying at home.
60
65
159
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
buido a la seorita Bingley. Sin em-
bargo, si su propia vanidad no le ofus-
caba, l era el culpable; su orgullo y
su capricho eran la causa de todo lo
que Jane haba sufrido y segua su-
friendo an. Por l haba desapareci-
do toda esperanza de felicidad en el
corazn ms amable y generoso del
mundo, y nadie poda calcular todo el
mal que haba hecho.
El coronel Fitzwilliam haba
dicho que haba algunas obje-
ciones de peso contra la seori-
ta. Y esas objeciones seran se-
guramente el tener un to aboga-
do de pueblo y otro comercian-
te en Londres...
Contra Jane pensaba Elizabeth
no haba ninguna objecin posible.
Ella es el encanto y la bondad perso-
nificados! Su inteligencia es excelen-
te; su talento, inmejorable; sus moda-
les, cautivadores. Nada haba que ob-
jetar tampoco contra su padre que, en
medio de sus rarezas, posea aptitudes
que no desdeara el propio Darcy y
una respetabilidad que acaso ste no al-
canzase nunca. Al acordarse de su ma-
dre, su confianza cedi un poquito;
pero tampoco admiti que Darcy pudie-
se oponerle ninguna objecin de peso,
pues su orgullo estaba segura de ello
daba ms importancia a la falta de
categora de los posibles parientes de
su amigo, que a su falta de sentido. En
resumidas cuentas, haba que pensar
que le haba impulsado por una parte
el ms empedernido orgullo y por otra
su deseo de conservar a Bingley para
su hermana.
La agitacin y las lgrimas le
dieron a Elizabeth un dolor de ca-
beza que aument por la tarde, y
sumada su dolencia a su deseo de
n o v e r a D a r c y, d e c i d i n o a c o m -
paar a s us primos a Ros ing s, d o n -
de estaban invitados a tomar el t.
La seora Collins, al ver que esta-
ba realmente indispuesta, no insis-
ti, e impidi en todo lo posible
que su marido lo hiciera; pero
Collins no pudo ocultar su temor de
que lady Catherine tomase a mal la
ausencia de Elizabeth.

flutter
I verbo intransitivo
1 (pjaro, insecto, hoja) revolotear
2 (bandera) ondear, flamear
3 (corazn) latir, palpitar
II verbo transitivo
1 (alas) batir, agitar
to flutter ones eyelashes, hacer ojitos
III nombre
1 revoloteo, palpitacin
2 fam GB Dep apuesta pequea
Austen Pride
Chapter 34
When they were gone, Elizabeth, as
if intending to exasperate herself as much
5 as possible against Mr. Darcy, chose for
her employment the examination of all
the letters which Jane had written to her
since her being in Kent. They contained
no actual complaint, nor was there any
10 revival of past occurrences, or any
communication of present suffering. But
in all, and in almost every line of each,
there was a want of that cheerfulness
which had been used to characterise her
15 style, and which, proceeding from the
serenity of a mind at ease with itself and
kindly disposed towards everyone, had
been scarcely ever clouded. Elizabeth
noticed every sentence conveying the
20 idea of uneasiness, with an attention
which it had hardly received on the first
perusal. Mr. Darcys shameful boast of
what misery he had been able to inflict,
gave her a keener sense of her sisters
25 sufferings. It was some consolation to
think that his visit to Rosings was to end
on the day after the nextand, a still
greater, that in less than a fortnight she
should herself be with Jane again, and
30 enabled to contribute to the recovery of
her spirits, by all that affection could do.
She could not think of Darcys leaving
Kent without remembering that his
35 cousin was to go with him; but Colonel
Fitzwilliam had made it clear that he had
no intentions at all, and agreeable as he
was, she did not mean to be unhappy
about him.
40
While settling this point, she was
suddenly roused by the sound of the door-
bell, and her spirits were a little fluttered
by the idea of its being Colonel
45 Fitzwilliam himself, who had once before
called late in the evening, and might now
come to inquire particularly after her. But
this idea was soon banished, and her
spirits were very differently affected,
50 when, to her utter amazement, she saw
Mr. Darcy walk into the room. In an
hurried manner he immediately began an
inquiry after her health, imputing his visit
to a wish of hearing that she were better.
55 She answered him with cold civility. He
sat down for a few moments, and then
getting up, walked about the room.
Elizabeth was surprised, but said not a
word. After a silence of several minutes,
60 he came towards her in an agitated
manner, and thus began:
In vain I have struggled. It will not
do. My feelings will not be repressed.
65 You must allow me to tell you how
160
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Captulo XXXIV
Cuando todos se haban ido,
Elizabeth, como si se propusiera
e x a s p e r a r s e m s a n c o n t r a D a r c y,
se dedic a repasar todas las car-
tas que haba recibido de Jane
desde que se hallaba en Kent. No
contenan lamentaciones ni nada
que denotase que se acordaba de
lo pasado ni que indicase que su-
fra por ello; pero en conjunto y
casi en cada lnea faltaba la ale-
gra que sola caracterizar el es-
tilo de Jane, alegra que, como era
natural en un carcter tan tran-
quilo y afectuoso, casi nunca se
haba eclipsado. Elizabeth se fi-
jaba en todas las frases revelado-
ras de desasosiego, con una aten-
cin que no haba puesto en la pri-
mera lectura. El vergonzoso alar-
de de Darcy por el dao que ha-
ba causado le haca sentir ms vi-
vamente el sufrimiento de su her-
mana. Le consolaba un poco pen-
sar que dentro de dos das estara
de nuevo al lado de Jane y podra
contribuir a que recobrase el ni-
mo con los cuidados que slo el
c a r i o p u e d e d a r.
No poda pensar en la marcha de
Darcy sin recordar que su primo se iba
con l; pero el coronel Fitzwilliam le
haba dado a entender con claridad que
no poda pensar en ella.________ ____
X ____________________ _________ ___
________ ___
Mientras estaba meditando todo
esto, la sorprendi la campanilla
de la puerta, y abrig la esperanza
de que fuese el mismo coronel
Fitzwilliam que ya una vez las ha-
ba visitado por la tarde y a lo me-
jor iba a preguntarle cmo se en-
contraba. Pero pronto desech esa
idea y sigui pensando en sus co-
sas cuando, con total sobresalto,
vio que Darcy entraba en el saln.
Inmediatamente empez a pregun-
tarle, muy acelerado, por su salud,
atribuyendo la visita a su deseo de
s a b e r q u e s e e n c o n t r a b a m e j o r.
Ella le contest corts pero fra-
mente. Elizabeth estaba asombra-
da pero no dijo ni una palabra.
Despus de un silencio de varios
minutos se acerc a ella y muy agi-
tado declar:
He luchado en vano. Ya no puedo ms.
Soy incapaz de contener mis sentimientos.
Permtame que le diga que la admiro y la
 Austen Pride
ardently I admire and love you.
Elizabeths astonishment was beyond
expression. She stared, coloured,
5 doubted, and was silent. This he
considered sufficient encouragement;
and the avowal [confesin] of all that he
felt, and had long felt for her, immediately
followed. He spoke well; but there were
10 feelings besides those of the heart to be
detailed; and he was not more eloquent on the
subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense
of her inferiorityof its bei n g a
degradationof the family obstacles
15 w h i c h h a d a l w a y s o p p o s e d t o
inclination, were dwelt on with a
warmth which seemed due to the
consequence he was wounding, but was
very unlikely to recommend his suit.
20
In spite of her deeply-rooted
dislike, she could not be insensible to
t h e c o m p l i m e n t o f s u c h a m a n s
affection, and though her intentions
25 did not vary for an instant, she was at
first sorry for the pain he was to
receive; till, roused to resentment by
his subsequent language, she lost all
c o m p a s s i o n i n a n g e r. S h e t r i e d ,
30 however, to compose herself to answer
him with patience, when he should have
done. He concluded with representing
to her the strength of that attachment
which, in spite of all his endeavours,
35 he had found impossible to conquer;
and with expressing his hope that it
would now be rewarded by her
acceptance of his hand. As he said this,
she could easily see that he had no
40 doubt of a favourable answer. He SPOKE
of apprehension and anxiety, but his
countenance expressed real security. Such
a circumstance could only exasperate
farther, and, when he ceased, the colour
45 rose into her cheeks, and she said:
In such cases as this, it is, I believe,
the established mode to express a sense
of obligation for the sentiments avowed,
50 however unequally they may be returned.
It is natural that obligation should be felt,
and if I could FEEL gratitude, I would
now thank you. But I cannotI have
never desired your good opinion, and you
55 have certainly bestowed it most
unwillingly. I am sorry to have
occasioned pain to anyone. It has been
most unconsciously done, however, and
I hope will be of short duration. The
60 feelings which, you tell me, have long
prevented the acknowledgment of your
regard, can have little difficulty in
overcoming it after this explanation.
65 Mr. Darcy, who was leaning against
161
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
amo apasionadamente.
El estupor de Elizabeth fue inex-
presable. Enrojeci, se qued mirn-
dole fijamente, indecisa y muda. El lo
interpret como un signo favorable y
sigui manifestndole todo lo que
senta por ella desde haca tiempo. Se
explicaba bien, pero no slo de su
amor tena que hablar, y no fue ms
elocuente en el tema de la ternura que
en el del orgullo. La inferioridad de
Elizabeth, la degradacin que significaba
para l, los obstculos de familia que el
buen juicio le haba hecho anteponer siem-
pre a la estimacin. Hablaba de estas co-
sas con un ardor que reflejaba todo lo que
le heran, pero todo ello no era lo ms in-
dicado para apoyar su demanda.
A pesar de toda la antipata tan pro-
fundamente arraigada que le tena,
Elizabeth no pudo permanecer insen-
sible a las manifestaciones de afecto de
un hombre como Darcy, y aunque su
opinin no vari en lo ms mnimo, se
entristeci al principio por la decep-
cin que iba a llevarse; pero el lengua-
je que ste emple luego fue tan insul-
tante que toda la compasin se convir-
ti en ira. Sin embargo, trat de con-
testarle con calma cuando acab de
hablar. Concluy asegurndole la fir-
meza de su amor que, a pesar de todos
sus esfuerzos, no haba podido vencer,
y esperando que sera recompensado
con la aceptacin de su mano. Por su
manera de hablar, Elizabeth advirti
que Darcy no pona en duda que su res-
puesta sera favorable. Hablaba de te-
mores y de ansiedad, pero su aspecto
revelaba una seguridad absoluta. Esto
la exasperaba an ms y cuando l ter-
min, le contest con las mejillas en-
cendidas por la ira:
En estos casos creo que se acos-
tumbra a expresar cierto agradecimien-
to por los sentimientos manifestados,
aunque no puedan ser igualmente
correspondidos. Es natural que se sien-
ta esta obligacin, y si yo sintiese gra-
titud, le dara las gracias. Pero no pue-
do; nunca he ambicionado su conside-
racin, y usted me la ha otorgado muy
en contra de su voluntad. Siento haber
hecho dao a alguien, pero ha sido
inconscientemente, y espero que ese
dao dure poco tiempo. Los mismos
sentimientos que, segn dice, le impi-
dieron darme a conocer sus intencio-
nes durante tanto tiempo, vencern sin
dificultad ese sufrimiento.
Darcy, que estaba apoyado en la
 Austen Pride
the mantelpiece with his eyes fixed on
her face, seemed to catch her words with
no less resentment than surprise. His
complexion [tez/cariz] became pale with
5 anger, and the disturbance of his mind
was visible in every feature. He was
struggling for the appearance of
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- composure, and would not open his lips
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero till he believed himself to have attained
compostura es tambin repair, mending, 10 it. The pause was to Elizabeths feelings
tidiness, agreement
dreadful. At length, with a voice of forced
calmness, he said:
And this is all the reply which I am
15 to have the honour of expecting! I might,
perhaps, wish to be informed why, with
so little ENDEAVOUR at civility, I am
thus rejected. But it is of small
importance.
20
I might as well inquire, replied she,
why with so evident a desire of
offending and insulting me, you chose
to tell me that you liked me against your
25 will, against your reason, and even
against your character? Was not this
some excuse for incivility, if I WAS
uncivil? But I have other provocations.
You know I have. Had not my feelings
30 decided against youhad they been
indifferent, or had they even been
favourable, do you think that any
consideration would tempt me to accept
the man who has been the means of
35 ruining, perhaps for ever, the happiness
of a most beloved sister?
As she pronounced these words, Mr.
Darcy changed colour; but the emotion
40 was short, and he listened without
attempting to interrupt her while she
continued:
I have every reason in the world
45 to think ill of you. No motive can
excuse the unjust and ungenerous part
you acted THERE. You dare not, you
cannot deny, that you have been the
principal, if not the only means of
50 dividing them from each otherof
expose (to) y exponer se refieren a poner a la
vista, exhibir, mostrar, arriesgar, pero cada exposing one to the censure of the
voz aiiade matices nuevos: to expose recal- world for caprice and instability, and
ca la idea negativa de divulgar / revelar / the other to its derision for disappointed
sacar a la luz [secretos, ideas], desenmas- hopes, and involving them both in
carar [fraude, delito], descubrir / demostrar 55 misery of the acutest kind.
[falsedad, debilidad], mientras que exponer
es ms positivo para to explain / detail
[ideas]. Exposition es exposicin [exhibi- She paused, and saw with no slight
cin, feria de muestras, explicacin], pero indignation that he was listening with
oexposicin se aplica tambin a exposure [a1 an air which proved him wholly
sol, a1 aire, fotos], danger / risk [peligro], 60 unmoved by any feeling of remorse. He
expos Fechos, ideas]. Worlds fair es
exposicidn universal / mundial. even looked at her with a smile of
affected incredulity.
Can you deny that you have done it?
65 she repeated.
162
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
repisa de la chimenea con los ojos
clavados en el rostro de Elizabeth,
pareca recibir sus palabras con tan-
to resentimiento como sorpresa. Su
tez palideci de rabia y todas sus
facciones mostraban la turbacin de
su nimo. Luchaba por guardar la
compostura, y no abrira los labios
hasta que creyese haberlo consegui-
do. Este silencio fue terrible para
Elizabeth. Por fin, forzando la voz
para aparentar calma, dijo:
Y es sta toda la respuesta
que voy a tener el honor de espe-
rar? Quiz debiera preguntar por
qu se me rechaza con tan escasa
cortesa. Pero no tiene la menor
importancia.
Tambin podra yo replic Elizabeth
preguntar por qu con tan evidente pro-
psito de ofenderme y de insultarme me dice
que le gusto en contra de su voluntad, con-
tra su buen juicio y hasta contra su modo de
ser. No es sta una excusa para mi falta de
cortesa, si es que en realidad la he cometi-
do? Pero, adems, he recibido otras provo-
caciones, lo sabe usted muy bien. Aunque
mis sentimientos no hubiesen sido contra-
rios a los suyos, aunque hubiesen sido
indiferentes o incluso favorables, cree us-
ted que habra algo que pudiese tentarme a
aceptar al hombre que ha sido el culpable
de arruinar, tal vez para siempre, la felici-
dad de una hermana muy querida?
Al or estas palabras, Darcy
mud de color; pero la conmo-
cin fue pasajera y sigui escu-
chando sin intencin de inte-
rrumpirla.
Yo tengo todas las razones del mun-
do para tener un mal concepto de usted
continu Elizabeth. No hay nada que
pueda excusar su injusto y ruin proceder.
No se atrever usted a negar que fue el
principal si no el nico culpable de la se-
paracin del seor Bingley y mi hermana,
exponiendo al uno a las censuras de
la gente por caprichoso y voluble, y
al otro a la burla por sus fallidas es-
peranzas, sumindolos a los dos en
la mayor desventura.
Hizo una pausa y vio, indignada, que
Darcy la estaba escuchando con un aire que
indicaba no hallarse en absoluto conmovi-
do por ningn tipo de remordimiento. In-
cluso la miraba con una sonrisa de petulan-
te incredulidad.
Puede negar que ha hecho esto?
repiti ella.
 Austen Pride
With assumed tranquillity he then
replied: I have no wish of denying that I
did everything in my power to separate
5 my friend from your sister, or that I rejoice
in my success. Towards HIM I have been
kinder than towards myself.
Elizabeth disdained the appearance of
10 noticing this civil reflection, but its
meaning did not escape, nor was it likely
to conciliate her.
But it is not merely this affair, she
15 continued, on which my dislike is
founded. Long before it had taken place
my opinion of you was decided. Your
character was unfolded in the recital
which I received many months ago from
20 Mr. Wickham. On this subject, what can
you have to say? In what imaginary act
of friendship can you here defend
yourself? or under what
misrepresentation can you here impose
25 upon others?
You take an eager interest in that
gentlemans concerns, said Darcy, in a
less tranquil tone, and with a heightened
30 colour.
Who that knows what his
misfortunes have been, can help feeling
an interest in him?
35
His misfortunes! repeated Darcy
contemptuously; yes, his misfortunes
have been great indeed.
infliction pena, castigo 40 And of your infliction, cried
Elizabeth with energy. You have
reduced him to his present state of
povertycomparative poverty. You have
withheld the advantages which you must
45 know to have been designed for him. You
have deprived the best years of his life
of that independence which was no less
his due than his desert. You have done
all this! and yet you can treat the mention
50 of his misfortune with contempt and
ridicule.
And this, cried Darcy, as he walked
with quick steps across the room, is your
55 opinion of me! This is the estimation in
which you hold me! I thank you for
explaining it so fully. My faults,
according to this calculation, are heavy
indeed! But perhaps, added he, stopping
60 in his walk, and turning towards her,
these offenses might have been
overlooked, had not your pride been hurt
by my honest confession of the scruples
that had long prevented my forming any
65 serious design. These bitter accusations
163
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Fingiendo estar sereno, Darcy contest:
No he de negar que hice todo lo
que estuvo en mi mano para separar a
mi amigo de su hermana, ni que me ale-
gro del resultado. He sido ms amable
con l que conmigo mismo.
Elizabeth desde aparentar que
notaba esa sutil reflexin, pero no se
le escap su significado, y no consi-
gui conciliarla.
Pero no slo en esto se funda mi an-
tipata continu Elizabeth . Mi opinin
de usted se form mucho antes de que este
asunto tuviese lugar. Su modo de ser que-
d revelado por una historia que me con-
t el seor Wickham hace algunos meses.
X _________ Q u p u e d e d e c i r a
esto? Con qu acto ficticio de
amistad puede defenderse aho-
ra? Con qu falsedad puede
justificar en este caso su domi-
nio sobre los dems?
Se interesa usted muy vivamente por
lo que afecta a ese caballero dijo Darcy
en un tono menos tranquilo y con el rostro
enrojecido.
Quin, que conozca las penas
que ha pasado, puede evitar sentir in-
ters por l?
Las penas que ha pasado! ex-
clam Darcy despectivamente. S,
X realmente , unas penas inmensas...
Por su culpa! exclam
Elizabeth con energa. Usted
le redujo a su actual relativa po-
breza. Usted le neg el porvenir
q u e , c o m o b i e n d e b e s a b e r, e s t a -
ba destinado para l. En los me-
jores aos de la vida le priv de
una independencia a la que no
slo tena derecho sino que me-
reca. Hizo todo esto! Y an es
capaz de ridiculizar y burlarse
de sus penas...
Y sa es grit Darcy mientras se
paseaba como una exhalacin por el cuarto
la opinin que tiene usted de m! sta
es la estimacin en la que me tiene! Le doy
las gracias por habrmelo explicado tan
abiertamente. Mis faltas, segn su clculo,
son verdaderamente enormes. Pero puede
aadi detenindose y volvindose hacia
ella que estas ofensas hubiesen sido pa-
sadas por alto si no hubiese herido su orgu-
llo con mi honesta confesin de los reparos
que durante largo tiempo me impidieron
tomar una resolucin. Me habra ahorrado

unalloyed adj. 1 Not in mixture with other 5 unalloyed inclination; by reason, by
metals; pure. 2 Complete; unqualified:
unalloyed blessings; unalloyed relief.
10 me to rejoice in the inferiority of your
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi-
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero
compostura es tambin repair, mending,
tidiness, agreement
Austen Pride
might have been suppressed, had I, with
greater policy, concealed my struggles,
and flattered you into the belief of my
being impelled by unqualified,
reflection, by everything. But disguise of
every sort is my abhorrence. Nor am I
ashamed of the feelings I related. They
were natural and just. Could you expect
connections?to congratulate myself on
the hope of relations, whose condition in
life is so decidedly beneath my own?
15 Elizabeth felt herself growing
more angry every moment; yet she
tried to the utmost to speak with
composure [calmness] when she said:
20 You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you
suppose that the mode of your declaration
affected me in any other way, than as it
spared the concern which I might have
felt in refusing you, had you behaved in
25 a more gentlemanlike manner.
S h e s a w h i m s t a r t
a t t h i s , but he said nothing, and
she continued:
30
You could not have made the offer of
your hand in any possible way that would
have tempted me to accept it.
35 Again his astonishment was obvious;
and he looked at her with an expression
of mingled incredulity and mortification.
She went on:
40 From the very beginningfrom the
first moment, I may almost sayof my
acquaintance with you, your manners,
impressing me with the fullest belief of
your arrogance, your conceit, and your
45 selfish disdain of the feelings of others,
were such as to form the groundwork of
disapprobation on which succeeding
events have built so immovable a dislike;
and I had not known you a month before
50 I felt that you were the last man in the
world whom I could ever be prevailed on
to marry.
You have said quite enough, madam.
55 I perfectly comprehend your feelings, and
have now only to be ashamed of what my
own have been. Forgive me for having
taken up so much of your time, and
accept my best wishes for your health and
60 happiness.
And with these words he hastily left
the room, and Elizabeth heard him the
next moment open the front door and quit
65 the house.
164
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
estas amargas acusaciones si hubiese sido
ms hbil y le hubiese ocultado mi lucha,
halagndola al hacerle creer que haba dado
este paso impulsado por la razn, por la re-
flexin, por una incondicional y pura incli-
nacin, por lo que sea. Pero aborrezco todo
tipo de engao y no me avergenzo de los
sentimientos que he manifestado, eran na-
turales y justos. Cmo poda suponer us-
ted que me agradase la inferioridad de su
familia y que me congratulase por la pers-
pectiva de tener unos parientes cuya condi-
cin estn tan por debajo de la ma?
La irritacin de Elizabeth cre-
ca a cada instante; aun as inten-
t con todas sus fuerzas expresar-
se con mesura cuando dijo:
Se equivoca usted, seor Darcy,
si supone que lo que me ha afectado
es su forma de declararse; si se figu-
ra que me habra evitado el mal rato
de rechazarle si se hubiera compor-
tado de modo ms caballeroso.
Elizabeth se dio cuenta de que estaba a
punto de interrumpirla, pero no dijo nada y
ella continu:
Usted no habra podido ofrecerme su
mano de ningn modo que me hubiese ten-
tado a aceptarla.
De nuevo su asombro era obvio. La
mir con una expresin de increduli-
dad y humillacin al mismo tiempo, y
ella sigui diciendo:
Desde el principio, casi desde
el primer instante en que le conoc,
sus modales me convencieron de su
arrogancia, de su vanidad y de su
egosta desdn hacia los sentimien-
tos ajenos; me disgustaron de tal
modo que hicieron nacer en m la
desaprobacin que los sucesos pos-
teriores convirtieron en firme des-
agrado; y no haca un mes an que le
conoca cuando supe que usted sera
el ltimo hombre en la tierra con el
que podra casarme.
Ha dicho usted bastante, seo-
rita. Comprendo perfectamente sus
sentimientos y slo me resta aver-
gonzarme de los mos. Perdone por
haberle hecho perder tanto tiempo,
y acepte mis buenos deseos de sa-
lud y felicidad.
Dicho esto sali precipitadamente de
la habitacin, y Elizabeth le oy en se-
guida abrir la puerta de la entrada y salir
de la casa.
 Austen Pride
The tumult of her mind, was
now painfully great. She knew
not how to support herself, and
5 f r o m actual weakness sat down and X
cried for half-an-hour. Her astonishment,
as she reflected on what had passed, was
increased by every review of it. That she
should receive an offer of marriage from
10 Mr. Darcy! That he should have been in
love with her for so many months! So
much in love as to wish to marry her in
spite of all the objections which had
made him prevent his friends marrying
15 her sister, and which must appear at least
with equal force in his own casewas
almost incredible! It was gratifying to
have inspired unconsciously so strong an
affection. But his pride, his abominable
20 pridehis shameless avowal
[confesin] of what he had done with
respect to Janehis unpardonable
assurance in acknowledging, though he
could not justify it, and the unfeeling
25 manner in which he had mentioned Mr.
Wickham, his cruelty towards whom he
had not attempted to deny, soon
overcame the pity which the
excited y excitado conllevan la idea de alegre,
entusiasta, pero excited tiene ms consideration of his attachment had for
denotaciones, como nervioso, agitado, aca- 30 a moment excited. Sh e c o n t i n u e d i n
lorado, emocionante. To excite y excitar se
refieren a estimular, entusiasmar, pero to ex- very agitated reflections till the
cite significa adems emocionar / conmover, s o u n d o f L a d y C a t h e r i n e s
poner nervioso / agitado, provocar [emocio-
nes], instigar [desrdenes], alborotar [gen- carriage made her feel how
te], y to get excited es acalorarse. A su vez, unequal she was to encounter
excitar se usa para to raise [dudas], arouse
[curiosidad, apetito]. Excitedly significa agi- 35 C h a r l o t t e s o b s e r v a t i o n , a n d
tada- o acaloradamente. h u r r i e d her away to her room.
Dont get excited = no te pongas nervioso.
40
Chapter 35
45 Elizabeth awoke the next
morning to the same thoughts and
meditations which had at length closed her
eyes. She could not yet recover from the surprise
of what had happened; it was impossible to think
50 of anything else; and, totally indisposed for
employment, she resolved, soon after breakfast,
to indulge herself in air and exercise. She was
proceeding directly to her favourite walk, when
the recollection of Mr. Darcys sometimes coming
55 there stopped her, and instead of entering the park, she
turned up th e l a n e , w h i c h l e d
farther from the
turnpike-road. The park
p a l i n g w a s s t i l l the
60 boundary on one side, and she soon
passed one of the gates into the
ground.
After walking two or three times
65 along that part of the lane, she was
165
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
La confusin de su mente le haca
sufrir intensamente. No poda soste-
nerse de pie y tuvo que sentarse por-
que las piernas _____ le flaqueaban.
Llor durante media hora. Su asom-
bro al recordar lo ocurrido creca
cada vez ms. Haber recibido una
proposicin de matrimonio de Darcy
que haba estado enamorado de ella
durante tantos meses, y tan enamora-
do que quera casarse a pesar de to-
das las objeciones que le haban in-
ducido a impedir que su amigo se ca-
sara con Jane, y que debieron pasar
con igual fuerza en su propio caso, re-
sultaba increble. Le era grato haber
inspirado un afecto tan vehemente.
Pero el orgullo, su abominable orgu-
llo, su desvergonzada confesin de lo
que hab a h e c h o c o n J a n e , s u i m -
perdonable descaro al recono-
cerlo sin ni siquiera tratar de
disculparse, y la insensibilidad
con que haba hablado de
W i c kham a pesar de no haber negado
su cr u e l dad para c o n l , no tardaron
en prevalecer sobre la compasin q u e
h a b a s entido al pensar
e n s u a m o r . S i g u i i n m e r sa en
sus agitados pensamientos, hasta que
el ruido del carruaje de lady
Catherine le hizo darse cuenta de que
no estaba en condiciones de encon-
trarse con Charlotte, y subi corrien-
do a su cuarto.
Captulo XXXV
Elizabeth se despert a la maana si-
guiente con los mismos pensamientos y
cavilaciones con que se haba dormido.
No lograba reponerse de la sorpresa de lo
acaecido; le era imposible pensar en otra
cosa. Incapaz de hacer nada, en cuanto de-
sayun decidi salir a tomar el aire y a
hacer ejercicio. Se encaminaba directa-
mente hacia su paseo favorito, cuando
record que Darcy iba alguna vez por all;
se detuvo y en lugar de entrar en la finca
tom otra vereda en direccin contraria a
la calle donde estaba la barrera de
portazgo, y que estaba an limitada por
la empalizada de R o s i n g s , y p r o n -
to pas por delante de una de
las portillas que daba acceso a
la finca.
Despus de pasear dos o tres veces
a lo largo de aquella parte del cami-

composure quiere decir compostura [comedi-
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero
compostura es tambin repair, mending,
tidiness, agreement
dusgust el sustantivo disgust es asco, repug- 45 sentiments or renewal of those offers
nancia, aversin, mientras que disgusto tra-
duce displeasure, misfortune, argument,
minor quarrel, trouble, sorrow; el adjetivo
disgusted es hastiado, asqueado, indignado,
mientras que disgustado es annoyed,
displeased, angry.
Austen Pride
tempted, by the pleasantness of the
morning, to stop at the gates and look into
the park. The five weeks which she had
now passed in Kent had made a great
5 difference in the country, and every day
was adding to the verdure of the early
trees. She was on the point of continuing
her walk, when she caught a glimpse of a
gentleman within the sort of grove which
10 edged the park; he was moving that way;
and, fearful of its being Mr. Darcy, she
was directly retreating. But the person
who advanced was now near enough to
see her, and stepping forward with
15 eagerness, pronounced her name. She had
turned away; but on hearing herself
called, though in a voice which proved it
to be Mr. Darcy, she moved again
towards the gate. He had by that time
20 reached it also, and, holding out a letter,
which she instinctively took, said, with a
look of haughty composure [calmness],
I have been walking in the grove some
time in the hope of meeting you. Will you
25 do me the honour of reading that letter?
An d t h e n , w i t h a s l i g h t b o w ,
turned again into the plantation,
and was soon out of sight.
30 With no expectation of pleasure, but
with the strongest curiosity, Elizabeth
opened the letter, and, to her still
increasing wonder, perceived an
envelope containing two sheets of letter-
35 paper, written quite through, in a very
close hand. The envelope itself was
likewise full. Pursuing her way along the
lane, she then began it. It was dated from
Rosings, at eight oclock in the morning,
40 and was as follows:
Be not alarmed, madam, on
receiving this letter, by the apprehension
of its containing any repetition of those
which were last night so disgusting to
you. I write without any intention of
paining you, or humbling myself, by
dwelling on wishes which, for the
50 happiness of both, cannot be too soon
forgotten; and the effort which the
formation and the perusal of this letter
must occasion, should have been spared,
had not my character required it to be
55 written and read. You must, therefore,
pardon the freedom with which I demand
your attention; your feelings, I know, will
bestow [grant] it unwillingly, but I
demand it of your justice.
60
Two offenses of a very different
nature, and by no means of equal
magnitude, you last night laid to my
charge. The first mentioned was, that,
65 regardless of the sentiments of either, I
166
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
no, le entr la tentacin, en vista de
lo deliciosa que estaba la maana, de
pararse en las portillas y contemplar
la finca. Las cinco semanas que lleva-
ba en Kent haba transformado mucho
la campia, y cada da verdeaban ms
los rboles tempranos. Se dispona a
continuar su paseo, cuando vislumbr
a un caballero en la alameda que bor-
deaba la finca; el caballero caminaba
en direccin a ella, y Elizabeth, te-
miendo que fuese Darcy, retrocedi al
instante. Pero la persona, que se ade-
lantaba, estaba ya lo suficientemente
cerca para verla; sigui andando de prisa
y pronunci su nombre. Ella se haba vuel-
to, pero al or aquella voz en la que
reconoci a Darcy, continu en direc-
cin a la puerta. El caballero la alcan-
z y, mostrndole una carta que ella
tom instintivamente, le dijo con
X una mirada altiva __________:
He estado paseando por la alameda
durante un rato esperando encontrarla. Me
conceder el honor de leer esta carta?
Y entonces, con una ligera inclinacin,
se encamin de nuevo hacia los plantos y
pronto se perdi de vista.
Sin esperar ningn agrado, pero
con gran curiosidad, Elizabeth
abri la carta, y su asombro fue en
aumento al ver que el sobre conte-
na dos pliegos completamente es-
critos con una letra muy apretada.
Incluso el sobre estaba escrito.
Prosiguiendo su paseo por el cami-
n o , l a e m p e z a l e e r. E s t a b a f e c h a -
da en Rosings a las ocho de la ma-
ana y deca lo siguiente:
No se alarme, seorita, al reci-
bir esta carta, ni crea que voy a re-
petir en ella mis sentimientos o a
renovar las proposiciones que tan-
to le molestaron anoche. Escribo
sin ninguna intencin de afligirla ni
de humillarme yo insistiendo en
unos deseos que, para la felicidad
de ambos, no pueden olvidarse tan
fcilmente; el esfuerzo de redactar
y de leer esta carta poda haber sido
evitado si mi modo de ser no me
obligase a escribirla y a que usted
la lea. Por lo tanto, perdneme que
tome la libertad de solicitar su
atencin; aunque ya s que habr de
concedrmela de mala gana, se lo
pido en justicia.
Ay e r m e a c u s u s t e d d e d o s
ofensas de naturaleza muy diversa y
de muy distinta magnitud. La prime-
ra fue el haber separado al seor
Bingley de su hermana, sin conside-

blast
1 explosin
2 onda expansiva: the blast could be felt
for miles, la explosin se sinti en varias
millas a la redonda
3 (de viento) rfaga
4 (de bocina, trompeta) toque
5 at full blast, a todo volumen
II verbo transitivo
1 (hacer saltar, barrer, arrasar) volar:
they blasted open the door, volaron la
puerta
2 arremeter contra, arrasar, arruinar
III excl blast (it)!, maldita sea!
blast v. 1tr. blow up (rocks etc.) with explosives.
2 tr. a) wither, shrivel, or blight (a plant,
animal, limb, etc.) (blasted oak). b) destroy,
ruin (blasted her hopes). c strike with divine 20
anger; curse. 3 intr. & tr. make or cause to
make a loud or explosive noise (blasted
away on his trumpet). 4 tr. colloq. reprimand
severely. 5 colloq. a) tr. shoot; shoot at. b)
intr. shoot. blasted adj. & adv. attrib.adj.
damned; annoying (that blasted dog!). 25
adv. colloq. damned; extremely (its blasted
cold).
liberal 1 generoso, dadivoso, magnnimo 2
liberal 3 abundante 4 libre
liberal 1 a). Generoso, desprendido, desinteresado. 30
Tolerante. 1 b) Que ejerce una profesin liberal tra-
dicionalmente de las artes o profesiones que ante
todo requieren el ejercicio del entendimiento.
2. Favorable a las libertades intelectuales y
profesionables del individuo y a las polticas del Es-
tado y a las Humanidades.
(Nota: parece estarse perdiendo el primer significa- 35
do en favor del segundo.)
Austen Pride
had detached Mr. Bingley from your
sister, and the other, that I had, in
defiance of various claims, in defiance
of honour and humanity, ruined the
5 immediate prosperity and blasted the X
prospects of Mr. Wickham.
W i l f u l l y a n d w a n t o n l y to have
thrown off the companion of my youth,
the acknowledged favourite of my father,
10 a young man who had scarcely any other
dependence than on our patronage, and
who had been brought up to expect its
exertion, would be a depravity, to which
the separation of two young persons,
15 whose affection could be the growth of
only a few weeks, could bear no
comparison. But from the severity of that
blame which was last night so liberally
bestowed, respecting each circumstance,
I shall hope to be in the future secured,
when the following account of my actions
and their motives has been read. If, in
the explanation of them, which is due to
myself, I am under the necessity of
relating feelings which may be offensive
to yours, I can only say that I am sorry.
The necessity must be obeyed, and
further apology would be absurd.
I had not been long in
H e r t f o r d s h i r e , b e f o r e I s a w, i n
common with others, that Bingley
preferred your elder sister to any other
young woman in the country. But it was
not till the evening of the dance at
Netherfield that I had any apprehension
of his feeling a serious attachment. I had
often seen him in love before. At that ball,
while I had the honour of dancing with
40 you, I was first made acquainted, by Sir
William Lucass accidental information,
that Bingleys attentions to your sister
had given rise to a general expectation
of their marriage. He spoke of it as a
45 certain event, of which the time alone
could be undecided. From that moment I
observed my friends behaviour
attentively; and I could then perceive that
his partiality for Miss Bennet was beyond
50 what I had ever witnessed in him. Your
sister I also watched. Her look and
manners were open, cheerful, and
engaging as ever, but without any
symptom of peculiar regard, and I
55 remained convinced from the evenings
scrutiny, that though she received his
attentions with pleasure, she did not
invite them by any participation of
sentiment. If YOU have not been
60 mistaken here, I must have been in error.
Your superior knowledge of your sister
must make the latter probable. If it be so,
if I have been misled by such error to
inflict pain on her, your resentment has
65 not been unreasonable. But I shall not
167
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
racin a los sentimientos de ambos; y
el otro que, a pesar de determinados
derechos y haciendo caso omiso del
honor y de la humanidad, arruin la
prosperidad inmediata y d e s t r u e l
f u t u r o d e l s e o r Wi c k h a m . H a b e r
abandonado despiadada e intencionadamente
al compaero de mi juventud y al fa-
vorito de mi padre, a un joven que
casi no tena ms porvenir que el de
nuestra rectora y que haba sido
educado para su ejercicio, sera una
depravacin que no podra compa-
rarse con la separacin de dos j-
venes cuyo afecto haba sido fruto
de tan slo unas pocas semanas.
Pero espero que retire usted la se-
vera censura que tan abiertamente
me dirigi anoche, cuando haya le-
do la siguiente relacin de mis ac-
tos con respecto a estas dos circuns-
tancias y sus motivos. Si en la ex-
plicacin que no puedo menos que
dar, me veo obligado a expresar sen-
timientos que la ofendan, slo pue-
do decir que lo lamento. Hay que so-
meterse a la necesidad y cualquier
disculpa sera absurda.
No haca mucho que estaba en
Hertfordshire cuando observ, como todo
el mundo, que el seor Bingley distingua a
su hermana mayor mucho ms que a ningu-
na de las dems muchachas de la localidad;
pero hasta la noche del baile de
Netherfield no vi que su cario fuese
formal. Varias veces le haba visto an-
tes enamorado. En aquel baile, mien-
tras tena el honor de estar bailando con
usted, supe por primera vez, por una
casual informacin de sir William
Lucas, que las atenciones de Bingley
para con su hermana haban hecho con-
cebir esperanzas de matrimonio; me ha-
bl de ello como de una cosa resuelta
de la que slo haba que fijar la fecha.
Desde aquel momento observ cuida-
dosamente la conducta de mi amigo y
pude notar que su inclinacin hacia la
seorita Bennet era mayor que todas las
que haba sentido antes. Tambin estu-
di a su hermana. Su aspecto y sus ma-
neras eran francas, alegres y atractivas
como siempre, pero no revelaban nin-
guna estimacin particular. Mis obser-
vaciones durante aquella velada me de-
jaron convencido de que, a pesar del
placer con que reciba las atenciones
de mi amigo, no le corresponda con los
mismos sentimientos. Si usted no se ha
equivocado con respecto a esto, ser
que yo estaba en un error. Como sea
que usted conoce mejor a su hermana,
debe ser ms probable lo ltimo; y si
es as, si movido por aquel error la he
 Austen Pride
scruple to assert, that the serenity of your
sisters countenance and air was such as
might have given the most acute observer
a conviction that, however amiable her
5 temper, her heart was not likely to be
easily touched. That I was desirous of
believing her indifferent is certainbut
I will venture to say that my investigation
and decisions are not usually influenced
10 by my hopes or fears. I did not believe
her to be indifferent because I wished it;
I believed it on impartial conviction, as
truly as I wished it in reason. My
objections to the marriage were not
15 merely those which I last night
acknowledged to have the utmost force
of passion to put aside, in my own case;
the want of connection could not be so
great an evil to my friend as to me. But
20 there were other causes of repugnance;
causes which, though still existing, and
existing to an equal degree in both
instances, I had myself endeavoured to
forget, because they were not
25 immediately before me. These causes
must be stated, though briefly. The
situation of your mothers family, though
objectionable, was nothing in
comparison to that total want of propriety
30 so frequently, so almost uniformly
betrayed by herself, by your three
younger sisters, and occasionally even by
your father. Pardon me. It pains me to
offend you. But amidst your concern for
35 the defects of your nearest relations, and
your displeasure at this representation of
them, let it give you consolation to
consider that, to h ave conducted
yourselves so as to avoid any share of the
40 like censure, is praise no less generally
bestowed on you and your elder sister,
than it is honourable to the sense and
disposition of both. I will only say farther
that from what passed that evening, my
45 opinion of all parties was confirmed, and
every inducement heightened which could
have led me before, to preserve my friend
from what I esteemed a most unhappy
connection. He left Netherfield for
50 London, on the day following, as you, I
am certain, remember, with the design of
soon returning.
The part which I acted is now to be
55 explained. His sisters uneasiness had
excited y excitado conllevan la idea de alegre, been equally excited with my own; our
entusiasta, pero excited tiene ms coincidence of feeling was soon
denotaciones, como nervioso, agitado, aca-
lorado, emocionante. To excite y excitar se discovered, and, alike sensible that no
refieren a estimular, entusiasmar, pero to ex- time was to be lost in detaching their
cite significa adems emocionar / conmover,
poner nervioso / agitado, provocar [emocio- 60 brother, we shortly resolved on joining X
nes], instigar [desrdenes], alborotar [gen- him directly in London. We accordingly
te], y to get excited es acalorarse. A su vez,
excitar se usa para to raise [dudas], arouse wentand there I readily engaged in the
[curiosidad, apetito]. Excitedly significa agi- office of pointing out to my friend the
tada- o acaloradamente.
Dont get excited = no te pongas nervioso. certain evils of such a choice. I described,
65 and enforced them earnestly. But,
168
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
hecho sufrir, su resentimiento no es in-
motivado. Pero no vacilo en afirmar
que el aspecto y el aire de su hermana
podan haber dado al ms sutil obser-
vador la seguridad de que, a pesar de
su carcter afectuoso, su corazn no
pareca haber sido afectado. Es cierto
que yo deseaba creer en su indiferen-
cia, pero le advierto que normalmente
mis estudios y mis conclusiones no se
dejan influir por mis esperanzas o te-
mores. No la crea indiferente porque
me convena creerlo, lo crea con ab-
soluta imparcialidad. Mis objeciones a
esa boda no eran exactamente las que
anoche reconoc que slo podan ser su-
peradas por la fuerza de la pasin,
como en mi propio caso; la despropor-
cin de categora no sera tan grave en
lo que atae a mi amigo como en lo que
a m se refiere; pero haba otros obst-
culos que, a pesar de existir tanto en el
caso de mi amigo como en el mo, ha-
bra tratado de olvidar puesto que no
me afectaban directamente. Debo de-
cir cules eran, aunque lo har breve-
mente. La posicin de la familia de su
madre, aunque cuestionable, no era
nada comparado con la absoluta incon-
veniencia mostrada tan a menudo, casi
constantemente, por dicha seora, por
sus tres hermanas menores y, en oca-
siones, incluso por su padre. Perdne-
me, me duele ofenderla; pero en medio
de lo que le conciernen los defectos de
sus familiares ms prximos y de su dis-
gusto por la mencin que hago de los
mismos, consulese pensando que el
hecho de que tanto usted como su her-
mana se comporten de tal manera que
no se les pueda hacer de ningn modo
los mismos reproches, las eleva an ms
en la estimacin que merecen. Slo dir
que con lo que pas aquella noche se
confirmaron todas mis sospechas y au-
mentaron los motivos que ya antes hu-
bieran podido impulsarme a preservar a
mi amigo de lo que consideraba como
una unin desafortunada. Bingley se
march a Londres al da siguiente, como
usted recordar, con el propsito de re-
gresar muy pronto.
Falta ahora explicar mi intervencin
en el asunto. El disgusto de sus hermanas
se haba exasperado tambin y pronto
descubrimos que coincidamos en nues-
tras apreciaciones. Vimos que no haba
tiempo que perder si queramos separar a
Bingley de su hermana, y ______ decidi-
mos irnos con l a Londres. Nos
trasladamos all y al punto me dedi-
qu a hacerle comprender a mi ami-
go los peligros de su eleccin. Se
los enumer y se los describ con

liberal 1 generoso, dadivoso, magnnimo 2
liberal 3 abundante 4 libre
liberal 1 a). Generoso, desprendido, desinteresado.
Tolerante. 1 b) Que ejerce una profesin liberal tra-
dicionalmente de las artes o profesiones que ante
todo requieren el ejercicio del entendimiento.
2. Favorable a las libertades intelectuales y
profesionables del individuo y a las polticas del Es-
tado y a las Humanidades.
(Nota: parece estarse perdiendo el primer significa-
do en favor del segundo.)
Austen Pride
however this remonstrance [protest]
might have staggered or delayed his
determination, I do not suppose that it
would ultimately have prevented the
5 marriage, had it not been seconded by
the assurance that I hesitated not in
giving, of your sisters indifference. He
had before believed her to return his
affection with sincere, if not with equal
10 regard. Bu t B i n g l e y h a s g r e a t
n a t u r a l m o d e s t y , with a stronger
dependence on my judgement than on his
own. To convince him, therefore, that he
had deceived himself, was no very
15 difficult point. To persuade him against
returning into Hertfordshire, when that
conviction had been given, was scarcely
the work of a moment. I cannot blame
myself for having done thus much. There
20 is but one part of my conduct in the whole
affair on which I do not reflect with
satisfaction; it is that I condescended to
adopt the measures of art so far as to
conceal from him your sisters being in
25 town. I knew it myself, as it was known to
Miss Bingley; but her brother is even yet
ignorant of it. That they might have met
without ill consequence is perhaps
probable; but his regard did not appear to
30 me enough extinguished for him to see her
without some danger. Perhaps this
concealment, this disguise was beneath
me; it is done, however, and it was done
for the best. On this subject I have nothing
35 more to say, no other apology to offer. If I
have wounded your sisters feelings, it was
unknowingly done and though the
motives which governed me may to you
very naturally appear insufficient, I have
40 not yet learnt to condemn them.
With respect to that other, more
weighty accusation, of having injured Mr.
Wickham, I can only refute it by laying
45 before you the whole of his connection
with my family. Of what he has
PARTICULARLY accused me I am
ignorant; but of the truth of what I shall
relate, I can summon more than one
50 witness of undoubted veracity.
Mr. Wickham is the son of a very
respectable man, who had for many years
the management of all the Pemberley
55 estates, and whose good conduct in the
discharge of his trust naturally inclined
my father to be of service to him; and on
George Wickham, who was his godson,
his kindness was therefore liberally
60 bestowed. My father supported him at
school, and afterwards at Cambridge
most important assistance, as his own
X
father, always poor from the
extravagance of his wife, would have
65 been unable to give him a gentlemans
169
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
empeo. Pero, aunque ello poda h a-
ber conseguido que su determinacin
vacilase o se aplazara, no creo que hu-
biese impedido al fin y al cabo la boda,
a no ser por el convencimiento que lo-
gr inculcarle de la indiferencia de su
hermana. Hasta entonces Bingley haba
credo que ella corresponda a su afec-
to con sincero aunque no igual inters.
Pero Bingley posee una gran modestia
natural y, adems, cree de buena fe que
mi sagacidad es mayor que la suya.
Con todo, no fue fcil convencerle de
que se haba engaado. Una vez con-
vencido, el hacerle tomar la decisin
de no volver a Hertfordshire fue
cuestin de un instante. No veo en
todo esto nada vituperable contra m.
Una sola cosa en todo lo que hice me
parece reprochable: el haber accedi-
do a tomar las medidas procedentes
para que Bingley ignorase la presen-
cia de su hermana en la ciudad. Yo
saba que estaba en Londres y la se-
orita Bingley lo saba tambin; pero
mi amigo no se ha enterado todava.
Tal vez si se hubiesen encontrado, no
habra pasado nada; pero no me pa-
reca que su afecto se hubiese
extinguido lo suficiente para que pu-
diese volver a verla sin ningn peli-
gro. Puede que esta ocultacin sea
indigna de m, pero cre mi deber ha-
cerlo. Sobre este asunto no tengo ms
que decir ni ms disculpa que ofrecer.
Si he herido los sentimientos de su
hermana, ha sido involuntariamente,
y aunque mis mviles puedan pare-
cerle insuficientes, yo no los encuen-
tro tan condenables.
Con respecto a la otra acusacin ms
importante de haber perjudicado al se-
or Wickham, slo la puedo combatir ex-
plicndole detalladamente la relacin de
ese seor con mi familia. Ignoro de qu
me habr acusado en concreto, pero hay
ms de un testigo fidedigno que pueda
corroborarle a usted la veracidad de
cuanto voy a contarle.
El seor Wickham es hijo de un hom-
bre respetabilsimo que tuvo a su cargo du-
rante muchos aos la administracin de to-
dos los dominios de Pemberley, y cuya ex-
celente conducta inclin a mi padre a
favorecerle, como era natural; el cario
de mi progenitor se manifest, por lo tan-
to, generosamente en George Wickham,
que era su ahijado. Coste su educacin
en un colegio y luego en Cambridge,
______________ _______ p u e s s u _____
p a d r e , constantemente empobrecido
por las extravagancias de su mujer, no
habra podido darle la educacin de un

vicious 1 bad-tempered, spiteful (a vicious dog;
vicious remarks). 2 violent, severe (a vicious
attack). 3 of the nature of or addicted to vice.
4 (of language or reasoning etc.) faulty or
unsound.
Malicioso, horroroso, feroz, despiadado, de-
sabrido
vicious feroz, salvaje, fiero, despiadado, san-
guinario, virulento, atroz, malicioso, mal-
intencionado, nefasto, fatal, abominable,
depravado, desabrido
vicious no es vicioso, sino feroz / fiero [perro,
animal], bad-tempered, spiteful, furioso,
de mil de demonios [temperamento], des-
piadado / sanguinario [criminal], virulen-
to, fuerte [dolor], arisco [caballo], malicio-
so, rencoroso, malsano, nocivo, atroz / ho-
rrible [crimen], malintencionado, y se usa
para describir personas, animales o cosas.
En cambio vicioso solo se aplica a perso-
nas para licentious, depraved / perverted y,
en tono menos serio, defective, faulty,
habit-forming, spoiled [mimado] y, refirin-
dose a bosque o jungla, luxuriant / lush /
thick [frondoso].
Dissipation es disipacin como dispersidn,
derroche, desvanecimiento, desperdicio, 65
pero a veces se degrada a libertinaje
Austen Pride
education. My father was not only
fond of this young mans society,
whose manner were always engaging;
he had also the highest opinion of him,
5 and hoping the church would be his
profession, intended to provide for
him in it. As for myself, it is many,
many years since I first began to think
of him in a very different manner. The
10 v icious propensitiesthe want of
principle, which he was careful to guard
from the knowledge of his best friend,
could not escape the observation of a
young man of nearly the same age with
15 himself, and who had opportunities of
seeing him in unguarded moments, which
Mr. Darcy could not have. Here again shall
give you painto what degree you only
can tell. But whatever may be the sentiments
20 which Mr. Wickham has created, a suspicion
of their nature shall not prevent me from
unfolding his real characterit adds even
another motive.
25 My excellent father died about five
years ago; and his attachment to Mr.
Wickham was to the last so steady, that
in his will he particularly recommended
it to me, to promote his advancement in
30 the best manner that his profession might
allowand if he took orders, desired that
a valuable family living might be his as
soon as it became vacant. There was also
a legacy of one thousand pounds. His
35 own father did not long survive mine, and
within half a year from these events, Mr.
Wickham wrote to inform me that, having
finally resolved against taking orders, he
hoped I should not think it unreasonable
40 for him to expect some more immediate
pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the
preferment, by which he could not be
benefited. He had some intention, he
added, of studying law, and I must be
45 aware that the interest of one thousand
pounds would be a very insufficient
support therein. I rather wished, than
believed him to be sincere; but, at any
rate, was perfectly ready to accede to his
50 proposal. I knew that Mr. Wickham ought
not to be a clergyman; the business was
therefore soon settledhe resigned all
claim to assistance in the church, were it
possible that he could ever be in a
55 situation to receive it, and accepted in
return three thousand pounds. All
connection between us seemed now
dissolved. I thought too ill of him to
invite him to Pemberley, or admit his
60 society in town. In town I believe he
chiefly lived, but his studying the law was
a mere pretence, and being now free from
all restraint, his life was a life of idleness
and dissipation. For about three years I
heard little of him; but on the decease of
170
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
caballero. Mi padre no slo gustaba de
la compaa del muchacho, que era
siempre muy zalamero, sino que form
de l el ms alto juicio y crey que la
Iglesia podra ser su profesin, por lo
que procur proporcionarle los medios
para ello. Yo, en cambio, hace muchos
aos que empec a tener de Wickham
una idea muy diferente. La propensin
X a vicios y la falta de principios que cui-
daba de ocultar a su mejor amigo, no
pudieron escapar a la observacin de
un muchacho casi de su misma edad que
tena ocasin de sorprenderle en mo-
mentos de descuido que el seor Darcy
no vea. Ahora tendr que apenarla de
nuevo hasta un grado que slo usted
puede calcular, pero cualesquiera que
sean los sentimientos que el seor
Wickham haya despertado en usted, esta
sospecha no me impedir
desenmascararle, sino, al contrario, ser
para m un aliciente ms.
Mi excelente padre muri hace cin-
co aos, y su afecto por el seor
Wickham sigui tan constante hasta el
fin, que en su testamento me recomen-
d que le apoyase del mejor modo que
su profesin lo consintiera; si se orde-
naba sacerdote, mi padre deseaba que
se le otorgase un beneficio capaz de
sustentar a una familia, a la primera va-
cante. Tambin le legaba mil libras. El
padre de Wickham no sobrevivi mucho al
mo. Y medio ao despus de su muerte,
el joven Wickham me escribi infor-
mndome que por fin haba resuelto
no ordenarse, y que, a cambio del be-
neficio que no haba de disfrutar, es-
peraba que yo le diese alguna venta-
ja pecuniaria ms inmediata. Aada
que pensaba seguir la carrera de De-
recho, y que deba hacerme cargo de
que los intereses de mil libras no po-
dan bastarle para ello. Ms que
creerle sincero, yo deseaba que lo
fuese; pero de todos modos acced a
su proposicin. Saba que el seor
Wickham no estaba capacitado para
ser clrigo; as que arregl el asunto.
l renunci a toda pretensin de ayu-
da en lo referente a la profesin sa-
cerdotal, aunque pudiese verse en el
caso de tener que adoptarla, y acept
tres mil libras. Todo pareca zanjado
entre nosotros. Yo tena muy mal con-
cepto de l para invitarle a Pemberley
o admitir su compaa en la capital.
Creo que vivi casi siempre en Lon-
dres, pero sus estudios de Derecho no
fueron ms que un pretexto y como no
haba nada que le sujetase, se entreg
libremente al ocio y a la disipacin. 
Estuve tres aos sin saber casi nada de
 Austen Pride
the incumbent of the living which had
been designed for him, he applied to me
again by letter for the presentation. His
circumstances, he assured me, and I had
5 no difficulty in believing it, were
exceedingly bad. He had found the law a
most unprofitable study, and was now
absolutely resolved on being ordained,
if I would present him to the living in
10 questionof which he trusted there
could be little doubt, as he was well
assured that I had no other person to
provide for, and I could not have
forgotten my revered fathers intentions.
15 You will hardly blame me for refusing to
comply with this entreaty, or for resisting
every repetition to it. His resentment
was in proportion to the distress of his
circumstancesand he was doubtless as
20 violent in his abuse of me to others as X
in his reproaches to myself. After this
period every appearance of
acquaintance was dropped. How he
lived I know not. But last summer he
obtrude v. 1 intr. be or become obtrusive. 2 tr.
25 was again most painfully obtruded on
my notice .
(often foll. by on, upon) thrust forward
(oneself, ones opinion, etc.) importunately.
I must now mention a circumstance
which I would wish to forget myself, and
30 which no obligation less than the present
should induce me to unfold to any human
being. Having said thus much, I feel no X
doubt of your secrecy. My sister, who is
more than ten years my junior, was left
35 to the guardianship of my mother s
nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and myself.
About a year ago, she was taken from
school, and an establishment formed for
her in London; and last summer she went
40 with the lady who presided over it, to
Ramsgate; and thither also went Mr.
Wickham, undoubtedly by design; for
there proved to have been a prior
acquaintance between him and Mrs.
45 Younge, in whose character we were most
unhappily deceived; and by her
connivance and aid, he so far
recommended himself to Georgiana,
whose affectionate heart retained a strong
50 impression of his kindness to her as a
child, that she was persuaded to believe
herself in love, and to consent to an
elopement. She was then but fifteen,
which must be her excuse; and after
55 stating her imprudence, I am happy to
add, that I owed the knowledge of it to
herself. I joined them unexpectedly a day
or two before the intended elopement,
and then Georgiana, unable to support the
60 idea of grieving and offending a brother
whom she almost looked up to as a father,
acknowledged the whole to me. You may
imagine what I felt and how I acted.
Regard for my sisters credit and feelings
65 prevented any public exposure; but I
171
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
l, pero a la muerte del poseedor de la
rectora que se le haba destinado, me
mand una carta pidindome que se la
otorgara. Me deca, y no me era dif-
cil creerlo, que se hallaba en muy mala
situacin, opinaba que la carrera de
derecho no era rentable, y que estaba
completamente decidido a ordenarse si
yo le conceda la rectora en cuestin,
cosa que no dudaba que hara, pues sa-
ba que no dispona de nadie ms para
ocuparla y por otra parte no podra ol-
vidar los deseos de mi venerable pa-
dre. Creo que no podr usted censu-
rarme por haberme negado a compla-
cer esta demanda e impedir que se re-
pitiese. El resentimiento de Wickham
fue proporcional a lo calam i t o s o d e
sus circunstancias, y sin duda
habl de m ante la gente con la mis-
ma violencia con que me injuri direc-
tamente. Despus de esto, se rompi
todo tipo de relacin en t r e l y y o .
Ignoro cmo vivi. Pero el lti-
mo verano tuve de l noticias muy
X desagradables.
Tengo que referirle a usted algo,
ahora, que yo mismo querra olvidar y
que ninguna otra circunstancia que la pre-
sente podra inducirme a desvelar a nin-
gn ser humano. ___________ No dudo
que me guardar usted el secreto. Mi
hermana, que tiene diez aos menos que
yo, qued bajo la custodia del sobrino
de mi madre, el coronel Fitzwilliam y
la ma. Hace aproximadamente un ao
sali del colegio y se instal en Londres.
El verano pasado fue con su institutriz
a Ramsgate, adonde fue tambin el se-
or Wickham expresamente, con toda
seguridad, pues luego supimos que la se-
ora Younge y l haban estado en con-
tacto. Nos habamos engaado, por des-
gracia, sobre el modo de ser de la insti-
tutriz. Con la complicidad y ayuda de
sta, Wickham se dedic a seducir a
Georgiana, cuyo afectuoso corazn se
impresion fuertemente con sus atencio-
nes; era slo una nia y creyendo estar
enamorada consinti en fugarse. No te-
na entonces ms que quince aos, lo
cual le sirve de excusa. Despus de ha-
ber confesado su imprudencia, tengo la
satisfaccin de aadir que supe aquel
proyecto por ella misma. Fui a Ramsgate
y les sorprend un da o dos antes de la
planeada fuga, y entonces Georgiana,
incapaz de afligir y de ofender a su her-
mano a quien casi quera como a un pa-
dre, me lo cont todo. Puede usted ima-
ginar cmo me sent y cmo actu. Por
consideracin al honor y a los senti-
mientos de mi hermana, no di un escn-
dalo pblico, pero escrib al seor Wick-
 Austen Pride
wrote to Mr. Wickham, who left the place
immediately, and Mrs. Younge was of
course removed from her charge. Mr.
Wickhams chief object was
5 unquestionably my sister s fortune,
which is thirty thousand pounds; but I
cannot help supposing that the hope of
revenging himself on me was a strong
inducement. His revenge would have
10 been complete indeed.
This, madam, is a faithful narrative
of every event in which we have been
concerned together; and if you do not
15 absolutely reject it as false, you will, I
hope, acquit me henceforth of cruelty
towards Mr. Wickham. I know not in what
manner, under what form of falsehood he
had imposed on you; but his success is
20 not perhaps to be wondered at. Ignorant
as you previously were of everything
concerning either, detection could not be
in your power, and suspicion certainly
not in your inclination.
25
You may possibly wonder why all
this was not told you last night; but I was
not then master enough of myself to know
what could or ought to be revealed. For
30 the truth of everything here related, I can
appeal more particularly to the testimony
of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who, from our
near relationship and constant intimacy,
and, still more, as one of the executors
35 of my fathers will, has been unavoidably
acquainted with every particular of these
transactions. If your abhorrence of ME
should make MY assertions valueless,
you cannot be prevented by the same
40 cause from confiding in my cousin; and
that there may be the possibility of
consulting him, I shall endeavour to find
some opportunity of putting this letter in
your hands in the course of the morning.
45 I will only add, God bless you.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY
50
55 Chapter 36
If Elizabeth, when Mr. Darcy gave her
the letter, did not expect it to contain a
renewal of his offers, she had formed no
60 expectation at all of its contents. But such
as they were, it may well be supposed how
eagerly she went through them, and what
a contrariety of emotion they excited. Her
feelings as she read were scarcely to be
65 defined. With amazement did she first
172
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ham, quien se march inmediatamente.
La seora Younge, como es natural, fue
despedida en el acto. El principal obje-
tivo del seor Wickham era, indudable-
mente, la fortuna de mi hermana, que as-
ciende a treinta mil libras, pero no pue-
do dejar de sospechar que su deseo de
vengarse de m entraba tambin en su
propsito. Realmente habra sido una
venganza completa.
sta es, seorita, la fiel narra-
cin de lo ocurrido entre l y yo; y
si no la rechaza usted como absoluta-
mente falsa, espero que en adelante
me retire la acusacin de haberme
portado cruelmente con el seor
Wickham. No s de qu modo ni con
qu falsedad la habr embaucado;
pero no hay que extraarse de que lo
haya conseguido, pues ignoraba us-
ted todas estas cuestiones. Le era
imposible averiguarlas y no se sen-
ta inclinada a sospecharlas.
Puede que se pregunte por qu no
se lo cont todo anoche, pero entonces
no era dueo de m mismo y no saba
qu poda o deba revelarle. Sobre la
verdad de todo lo que le he narrado,
puedo apelar al testimonio del coronel
Fitzwilliam, quien, por nuestro estrecho
parentesco y constante trato, y an ms
por ser uno de los albaceas del testamen-
to de mi padre, ha tenido que enterarse
forzosamente de todo lo sucedido. Si el
odio que le inspiro invalidase mis ase-
veraciones, puede usted consultar con
mi primo, contra quien no tendr usted
ningn motivo de desconfianza; y para
que ello sea posible, intentar encon-
trar la oportunidad de hacer llegar a
sus manos esta carta, en la misma ma-
ana de hoy. Slo me queda aadir:
Que Dios la bendiga.
Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Captulo XXXVI
No esperaba Elizabeth, cuando
Darcy le dio la carta, que en ella repi-
tiese su proposicin, pero no tena ni
idea de qu poda contener. Al descu-
brirlo, bien se puede suponer con qu
rapidez l a l e y y c u n e n c o n t r a d a s
s e n s a c i o n e s v i n o a s u s c i t a r l e . Ha-
bra sido difcil definir sus sentimien-
tos. Al principio crey con asombro
 Austen Pride
understand that he believed any apology
to be in his power; and steadfastly was
she persuaded, that he could have no
explanation to give, which a just
5 sense of shame would not conceal.
Wi t h a s t r o n g p r e j u d i c e a g a i n s t
everything he might say, she began his
account of what had happened at
Netherfield. She read with an
10 eagerness which hardly left her power
of comprehension, and from
impatience of knowing what the next
sentence might bring, was incapable
of attending to the sense of the one
15 before her eyes. His belief of her
sister s insensibility she instantly
resolved to be false; and his account
of the real, the worst objections to the
match, made her too angry to have any
20 wish of doing him justice. He
expressed no regret for what he had
done which satisfied her; his style
was not penitent, but haughty. It was
all pride and insolence.
25
But when this subject was succeeded
by his account of Mr. Wickhamwhen
she read with somewhat clearer attention
a relation of events which, if true, must
30 overthrow every cherished opinion of his
worth, and which bore so alarming an
affinity to his own history of himself
her feelings were yet more acutely
painful and more difficult of definition.
35 Astonishment, apprehension, and even
horror, oppressed her. She wished to
discredit it entirely, repeatedly
exclaiming, This must be false! This
cannot be! This must be the grossest
40 falsehood!and when she had gone
through the whole letter, though scarcely
knowing anything of the last page or two,
put it hastily away, protesting that she
would not regard it, that she would never
45 look in it again.
In this perturbed state of mind, with
thoughts that could rest on nothing, she
walked on; but it would not do; in half a
50 minute the letter was unfolded again, and
collecting herself as well as she could,
she again began the mortifying perusal
of all that related to Wickham, and
commanded herself so far as to examine
55 the meaning of every sentence. The
account of his connection with the
Pemberley family was exactly what he
had related himself; and the kindness of
the late Mr. Darcy, though she had not
60 before known its extent, agreed equally
well with his own words. So far each
recital confirmed the other; but when she
came to the will, the difference was great.
What Wickham had said of the living was
65 fresh in her memory, and as she recalled
173
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
que Darcy querra disculparse lo me-
jor que pudiese, pero en seguida se
convenci firmemente de que no po-
dra darle ninguna explicacin que el
ms elemental sentido de la dignidad no
aconsejara ocultar. Con gran prejuicio
contra todo lo que l pudiera decir, em-
pez a leer su relato acerca de lo suce-
dido en Netherfield. Sus ojos recorran
el papel con tal ansiedad que apenas te-
na tiempo de comprender, y su impa-
ciencia por saber lo que deca la frase
siguiente le impeda entender el sentido
de la que estaba leyendo. Al instante dio
por hecho que la creencia de Darcy en
la indiferencia de su hermana era falsa,
y las peores objeciones que pona a
aquel matrimonio la enojaban demasia-
do para poder hacerle justicia. A ella le
satisfaca que no expresase ningn arre-
pentimiento por lo que haba hecho; su
estilo no revelaba contricin, sino alta-
nera. En sus lneas no vea ms que or-
gullo e insolencia.
Pero cuando pas a lo concernien-
te a Wickham, ley ya con mayor aten-
cin. Ante aquel relato de los hechos
que, de ser autntico, haba de destruir
toda su buena opinin del joven, y que
guardaba una alarmante afinidad con
lo que el mismo Wickham haba conta-
do, sus sentimientos fueron an ms
penosos y ms difciles de definir; el
desconcierto, el recelo e incluso el
horror la opriman. Hubiese querido
desmentirlo todo y exclam repetidas
veces: Eso tiene que ser falso, eso
no puede ser! Debe de ser el mayor
de los embustes! Acab de leer la
carta, y sin haberse enterado apenas
de la ltima o las dos ltimas pginas,
la guard rpidamente y quejndose se
dijo que no la volvera a mirar, que no
quera saber nada de todo aquello.
En semejante estado de perturbacin,
asaltada por mil confusos pensamientos, si-
gui paseando; pero no sirvi de nada; al
cabo de medio minuto sac de nuevo la car-
ta y sobreponindose lo mejor que pudo, co-
menz otra vez la mortificante lectura de lo
que a Wickham se refera, dominndose
hasta examinar el sentido de cada frase. Lo
de su relacin con la familia de Pemberley
era exactamente lo mismo que l haba di-
cho, y la bondad del viejo seor Darcy, a
pesar de que Elizabeth no haba sabido has-
ta ahora hasta dnde haba llegado, tambin
coincidan con lo indicado por el propio
Wickham. Por lo tanto, un relato confirma-
ba el otro, pero cuando llegaba al tema del
testamento la cosa era muy distinta. Todo lo
que ste haba dicho acerca de su beneficio
eclesistico estaba fresco en la memoria de
 Austen Pride
his very words, it was impossible not to
feel that there was gross duplicity on one
side or the other; and, for a few moments,
she flattered herself that her wishes did not err.
5 But when she read and re-read with the
closest attention, the particulars
immediately following of Wickhams
resigning all pretensions to the living, of
his receiving in lieu so considerable a
10 sum as three thousand pounds, again was
she forced to hesitate. She put down the
letter, weighed every circumstance with
what she meant to be impartiality
deliberated on the probability of each
15 statementbut with little success. On
both sides it was only assertion. Again
she read on; but every line proved more
clearly that the affair, which she had
believed it impossible that any
20 contrivance could so represent as to
render Mr. Darcys conduct in it less than
infamous, was capable of a turn which
must make him entirely blameless
throughout the whole.
25
profligacy, disipacin 1 Accin y efecto de The extravagance and general profligacy
disipar o disiparse. Derroche 2 Disolu- which he scrupled not to lay at Mr.
cin, relajamiento moral. Inmoralidad. Li-
bertinaje. Wickhams charge, exceedingly shocked
profligate 1 licentious; dissolute. 2 her; the more so, as she could bring no
recklessly extravagant prodigality, the trit 30 proof of its injustice. She had never heard
of spending extravagantly. of him before his entrance into the
shire Militia, in which he had engaged at
the persuasion of the young man who, on
meeting him accidentally in town, had
35 there renewed a slight acquaintance. Of
his former way of life nothing had been
known in Hertfordshire but what he told
himself. As to his real character, had
information been in her power, she had
40 never felt a wish of inquiring. His
countenance, voice, and manner had
established him at once in the possession
of every virtue. She tried to recollect
some instance of goodness, some
45 distinguished trait of integrity or
benevolence, that might rescue him from
the attacks of Mr. Darcy; or at least, by
the predominance of virtue, atone for
those casual errors under which she
50 would endeavour to class what Mr.
Darcy had described as the idleness
and vice of many years continuance.
But no such recollection befriended
her. She could see him instantly before
55 her, in every charm of air and address;
but she could remember no more
substantial good than the general
approbation of the neighb o u r h o o d ,
and the regard which his social
60 powers had gained him in the mess .
After pausing on this point a considerable
while, she once more continued to read.
But, alas! the story which followed, of his
designs on Miss Darcy, received some
65 confirmation from what had passed
174
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
la joven, y al recordar sus palabras tuvo que
reconocer que haba doble intencin en
uno u otro lado, y por unos instantes
crey que sus deseos no la engaaban.
Pero cuando ley y reley todo lo su-
cedido a raz de haber rehusado
Wickham a la rectora, a cambio de
lo cual haba recibido una suma tan
considerable como tres mil libras, no
pudo menos que volver a dudar. Do-
bl la carta y pes todas las circuns-
tancias con su pretendida imparciali-
dad, meditando sobre las probabilida-
des de sinceridad de cada relato, pero
no adelant nada; de uno y otro lado
no encontraba ms que afirmaciones.
Se puso a leer de nuevo, pero cada l-
nea probaba con mayor claridad que
aquel asunto que ella no crey que pu-
diese ser explicado ms que como una
infamia en detrimento del proceder de
Darcy, era susceptible de ser expues-
to de tal modo que dejaba a Darcy to-
talmente exento de culpa.
Lo de los vicios y la prodigalidad
que Darcy no vacilaba en imputarle a
Wickham, la indignaba en exceso, tanto
ms cuanto que no tena pruebas para
rebatir el testimonio de Darcy. Elizabeth
no haba odo hablar nunca de Wickham
antes de su ingreso en la guarnicin del
condado, a lo cual le haba inducido su
encuentro casual en Londres con un jo-
ven a quien slo conoca superficial-
mente. De su antigua vida no se saba
en Hertfordshire ms que lo que l mis-
mo haba contado. En cuanto a su ver-
d a d e r o c a r c t e r, y a p e s a r d e q u e
Elizabeth tuvo ocasin de analizarlo,
nunca sinti deseos de hacerlo; su as-
pecto, su voz y sus modales le dotaron
instantneamente de todas las virtudes.
Trat de recordar algn rasgo de noble-
za, algn gesto especial de integridad o
de bondad que pudiese librarle de los ata-
ques de Darcy, o, por lo menos, que el
predominio de buenas cualidades le com-
pensara de aquellos errores casuales, que
era como ella se empeaba en califi-
car lo que Darcy tildaba de holgaza-
nera e inmoralidad arraigados en l
desde siempre. Se imagin a Wickham
delante de ella, y lo record con todo
el encanto de su trato, pero aparte de
la aprobacin general de que disfru-
taba en la localidad y la considera-
cin que por su simpata haba gana-
do entre sus camaradas, Elizabeth no
pudo hallar nada ms en su favor.
Despus de haber reflexionado largo
rato sobre este punto, reanud la lec-
tura. Pero lo que vena a continuacin
sobre la aventura con la seorita
Darcy fue confirmado en parte por la
 Austen Pride
between Colonel Fitzwilliam and herself
only the morning before; and at last she
was referred for the truth of every particular
to Colonel Fitzwilliam himselffrom
5 whom she had previously received the
information of his near concern in all his
cousins affairs, and whose character she
had no reason to question. At one time
she had almost resolved on applying to
10 him, but the idea was checked by the
awkwardness of the application, and at
length wholly banished by the
conviction that Mr. Darcy would never
have hazarded such a proposal, if he had
15 not been well assured of his cousins
corroboration.
She perfectly remembered
everything that had passed in
20 conversation between Wickham and
herself, in their first evening at Mr.
Phillipss. Many of his expressions were
still fresh in her memory. She was NOW
struck with the impropriety of such
25 communications to a stranger, and
wondered it had escaped her before. She
saw the indelicacy of putting himself
forward as he had done, and the
inconsistency of his professions with his
30 conduct. She remembered that he had
boasted of having no fear of seeing Mr.
Darcythat Mr. Darcy might leave the
country, but that HE should stand his
ground; yet he had avoided the
35 Netherfield ball the very next week. She
remembered also that, till the
Netherfield family had quitted the
country, he had told his story to no one
but herself; but that after their removal
40 it had been everywhere discussed; that
he had then no reserves, no scruples in
sinking Mr. Darcys character, though he
had assured her that respect for the
expose (to) y exponer se refieren a poner a la father would always prevent his
vista, exhibir, mostrar, arriesgar, pero cada 45
exposing the son.
voz aiiade matices nuevos: to expose re-
calca la idea negativa de divulgar / revelar
/ sacar a la luz [secretos, ideas], desenmas- How differently did everything
carar [fraude, delito], descubrir / demos- now appear in which he was
trar [falsedad, debilidad], mientras que ex- concerned! His attentions to Miss
poner es ms positivo para to explain / 50 King were now the consequence of
detail [ideas]. Exposition es exposicin views solely and hatefully
[exhibicin, feria de muestras, explicacin],
pero oexposicin se aplica tambin a mer cenary; and the mediocrity of her
exposure [a1 sol, a1 aire, fotos], danger / fortune proved no longer the moderation
risk [peligro], expos Fechos, ideas]. of his wishes, but his eagerness to grasp
55 at anything. His behaviour to herself
tolerable aceptable, soportable, pasable could now have had no tolerable motive;
he had either been deceived with regard
to her fortune, or had b e e n g r a t i f y i n g
his vanity by encouraging the
60 p r e f e r e n c e w h i c h s h e b e l i e v e d
she had most incautiously shown.
Every lingering struggle in his
favour grew fainter and fainter;
a n d i n f a r t h e r j u s t i f i c a t i o n o f M r.
65 D a r c y , s h e c o u l d no t b u t a l l o w
175
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
conversacin que Elizabeth haba te-
nido la maana anterior con el coro-
nel Fitzwilliam; y, al final de la carta,
Darcy apelaba, para probar la verdad de
todo, al propio coronel, cuya interven-
cin en todos los asuntos de su primo
Elizabeth conoca por anticipado, y cuya
veracidad no tena motivos para poner
en entredicho. Estuvo a punto de recu-
rrir a l, pero se contuvo al pensar lo
violento que sera dar ese paso;
desechndolo, al fin, convencida de que
Darcy no se habra arriesgado nunca a
proponrselo sin tener la absoluta segu-
ridad de que su primo corroborara sus
afirmaciones.
Recordaba perfectamente
t o d o l o q u e Wi c k h a m l e d i j o
cuando hablaron por primera
vez en casa del seor Philips;
muchas de sus expresiones esta-
b a n a n ntegramente en su memoria.
Ahora se daba cuenta de lo impropio de
tales confidencias a una persona extraa
y se admiraba de no haber cado antes en
ello. Vea la falta de delicadeza que im-
plicaba el ponerse en evidencia de aquel
modo, y la incoherencia de sus declara-
ciones con su conducta. Se acordaba de
que se jact de no temer ver a Darcy y
de que ste tendra que irse, pero que l
no se movera, lo que no le impidi eva-
dirse para no asistir al baile de
Netherfield a la semana siguiente. Tam-
bin recordaba que hasta que la familia
de Netherfield no haba abandonado el
condado, no cont su historia nada ms
que a ella, pero desde su marcha, la cita-
da historia corri de boca en boca, y
Wickham no tuvo el menor escrpulo en
hundir la reputacin de Darcy, por ms
que anteriormente le haba asegurado a
Elizabeth que el respeto al padre le im-
X pedira siempre agraviar al hijo.
Qu diferente le pareca ahora todo
lo que se refera a Wickham! Sus aten-
ciones para con la seorita King eran
ahora nica y exclusivamente la
consecuencia de sus odiosas perspecti-
vas de cazador de dotes, y la mediocri-
dad de la fortuna de la seorita ya no eran
la prueba de la moderacin de sus ambi-
ciones, sino el afn de agarrarse a cual-
quier cosa. Su actitud con Elizabeth no
poda tener ahora un motivo aceptable:
o se haba engaado al principio en cuan-
to a sus bienes, o haba tratado de hala-
gar su propia vanidad alimentando la pre-
ferencia que ella le demostr incauta-
mente. Todos los esfuerzos que haca
para defenderle se iban debilitando pro-
gresivamente. Y para mayor justificacin
de Darcy, no pudo menos que reconocer
 Austen Pride
M r. Bingley, when questioned by Jane,
had long ago asserted his blamelessness
in the affair; that proud and repulsive
as were his manners, she had never, in
5 the whole course of their acquaintance
an acquaintance which had latterly
brought them much together, and given
her a sort of intimacy with his ways
seen anything that betrayed him to be
unprincipled adj. lacking or not based on 10 unprincipled or unjustanything that
good moral principles. Sin escrpulos, c- spoke him of irreligious or immoral habits;
nico
that among his own connections he was
esteemed and valuedthat even Wickham
had allowed him merit as a brother, and
15 that she had often heard him speak so
affectionately of his sister as to prove him
capable of SOME amiable feeling; that
had his actions been what Mr. Wickham
represented them, so gross a violation of
20 everything right could hardly have been
concealed from the world; and that
friendship between a person capable of it,
and such an amiable man as Mr. Bingley,
was incomprehensible.
25
She grew absolutely ashamed of
herself. Of neither Darcy nor
Wi c k h a m c o u l d s h e t h i n k w i t h o u t
feeling she had been blind, partial,
30 prejudiced, absurd.
How despicably I have acted!
she cried; I, who have prided myself
on my discernment! I, who have
35 valued myself on my abilities! who have
often disdained the generous candour X
[franqueza] of my sister, and gratified
my vanity in useless or blameable
mistrust! How humiliating is this
40 discovery! Yet, how just a humiliation!
Had I been in love, I could not have been
more wretchedly blind! But vanity, not
love, has been my folly. Pleased with the
preference of one, and offended by the
45 neglect of the other, on the very
beginning of our acquaintance, I have
courted prepossession and ignorance, and
driven reason away, where either were
concerned. Till this moment I never knew
50 myself.
From herself to Janefrom Jane to
Bingley, her thoughts were in a line which
soon brought to her recollection that Mr.
55 Darcys explanation THERE had
appeared very insufficient, and she read
it again. Widely different was the effect
of a second perusal. How could she deny
that credit to his assertions in one
60 instance, which she had been obliged to
give in the other? He declared himself to
be totally unsuspicious of her sisters
attachment; and she could not help
remembering what Charlottes opinion
65 had always been. Neither could she deny
176
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
que Bingley, al ser interrogado por
Jane, proclam tiempo atrs la inocen-
cia de Darcy en aquel asunto; que por
muy orgulloso y repelente que fuese,
nunca, en todo el curso de sus relacio-
nes con l relaciones que ltimamen-
te les haban acercado mucho, permi-
tindole a ella conocer ms a fondo su
carcter, le haba visto hacer nada
innoble ni injusto, nada por lo que pu-
diera tachrsele de irreligioso o inmo-
ral; que entre sus amigos era aprecia-
do y querido, y que hasta el mismo
Wickham haba reconocido que era un
buen hermano. Ella tambin le haba
odo hablar de su hermana con un afec-
to tal que demostraba que tena buenos
sentimientos. Si hubiese sido como
Wickham le pintaba, capaz de tal vio-
lacin de todos los derechos, habra
sido difcil que nadie lo supiera, y la
amistad entre un ser semejante y un
hombre tan amable como Bingley ha-
bra sido incomprensible.
Lleg a avergonzarse de s misma.
No poda pensar en Darcy ni en
Wickham sin reconocer que haba sido
parcial, absurda, que haba estado cie-
ga y llena de prejuicios.
De qu modo tan despreciable he
obrado pens, yo que me enorgulle-
ca de mi perspicacia! Yo que me he
vanagloriado de mi talento, que he desde-
ado el generoso candor de mi hermana y
he halagado mi vanidad con recelos in-
tiles o censurables! Qu humillante es
todo esto, pero cmo merezco esta hu-
millacin! Si hubiese estado enamorada
de Wickham, no habra actuado con tan
lamentable ceguera. Pero la vanidad, y
no el amor, ha sido mi locura. Complaci-
da con la preferencia del uno y ofendida
con el desprecio del otro, me he entrega-
do desde el principio a la presuncin y a
la ignorancia, huyendo de la razn en
cuanto se trataba de cualquiera de los
dos. Hasta este momento no me conoca
a m misma.
De s misma a Jane y de Jane a Bingley,
sus pensamientos recorran un camino que
no tard en conducirla a recordar que la ex-
plicacin que Darcy haba dado del asunto
de stos le haba parecido muy insuficiente,
y volvi a leerla. El efecto de esta segunda
lectura fue muy diferente. Cmo no poda
dar crdito a lo que Darcy deca sobre uno
de los puntos, si se haba visto forzada a
drselo en el otro? Darcy declaraba haber
sospechado siempre que Jane no senta nin-
gn amor por Bingley, y Elizabeth record
cul haba sido la opinin de Charlotte. Tam-
poco poda discutir la exactitud de su des-

sensible se refiere a cuerdo, razonable, acertado [gus-
to, idea, plan], sensato, mdico [precio], pruden-
te, lgico, consciente, prctico / cmodo [ropa,
calzado], mientras que el espaiiol sensible tradu-
ce sensitive, feeling, sentient, regrettable,
noticeable / marked, sizable, deplorable, ten-
der, sore [adolorido].
sensibility es sensibilidad, en el sentido de habili-
dad de sentir, receptividad, en el mundo perso-
nal, y adems precisin, en el mundo mecnico;
el plural sensibilities se usa para susceptibilidad,
sentimientos delicados, delicadeza; a su vez, sen-
sibilidad traduce sensitivity, como percepcin por
1os sentidos, radio, TV, foto.
sensibility n. (pl. -ies)
1 capacity to feel (little finger lost its sensibility).
2 a) openness to emotional impressions, susceptibility,
sensitiveness (sensibility to kindness). b) an
exceptional or excessive degree of this (sense and
sensibility).
3 (in pl.) a tendency to feel offended etc.
sensibilidad
1. f. Facultad de sentir, propia de los seres animados.
2. Propensin natural del hombre a dejarse llevar de
los afectos de compasin, humanidad y ternura.
3. Calidad de las cosas sensibles.
4. Grado o medida de la eficacia de ciertos aparatos
cientficos, pticos, etc. 25 the rest of her family; and as she
5. Capacidad de respuesta a muy pequeas excitacio-
nes, estmulos o causas.
sensato
1. adj. Prudente, cuerdo, de buen juicio.
Austen Pride
the justice of his description of Jane. She
felt that Janes feelings, though fervent,
were little displayed, and that there was
a constant complacency in her air and
5 manner not often united with great
sensibility.
When she came to that part of the
letter in which her family were
10 mentioned in terms of such mortifying,
yet merited reproach, her sense of shame
was severe. The justice of the charge
struck her too forcibly for denial, and
the circumstances to which he
15 particularly alluded as having passed at
the Netherfield ball, and as confirming
all his first disapprobation, could not
have made a stronger impression on his
mind than on hers.
20
The compliment to herself and her
sister was not unfelt. It soothed, but it
could not console her for the contempt
which had thus been self-attracted by
considered that Janes disappointment
had in fact been the work of her nearest
relations, and reflected how materially
the credit of both must be hurt by such
30 i m p r o p r i e t y o f c o n d u c t , s h e f e l t
depressed beyond anything she had
ever known before.
After wandering along the lane for
35 two hours, giving way to every variety
of thoughtre-considering events,
determining probabilities, and
reconciling herself, as well as she
could, to a change so sudden and so
40 important, fatigue, and a recollection
of her long absence, made her at length
return home; and she entered the house
with the wish of appearing cheerful as
usual , a n d t h e r e s o l u t i o n o f
45 r e p r e s s i n g s u c h r e f l e c t i o n s a s
must make her unfit for
conversation.
She was immediately told that the
50 two gentlemen from Rosings had each
called during her absence; Mr. Darcy,
only for a few minutes, to take leave
but that Colonel Fitzwilliam had been
sitting with them at least an hour, hoping
55 for her return, and almost resolving to
walk after her till she could be found.
E l i z a b e t h c o u l d b u t j u s t AFFECT
concern in missing him; she really
rejoiced at it. Colonel Fitzwilliam was
60 no longer an object; she could think only
of her letter.
65
177
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
cripcin de Jane; a Elizabeth le constaba que
los sentimientos de su hermana, aunque fer-
vientes, haban sido poco exteriorizados; y
que la constante complacencia en su aire y
maneras a menudo no iba unida a una gran
sensibilidad.
Cuando lleg a la parte de la carta
donde Darcy mencionaba a su familia
en trminos de tan humillantes aunque
merecidos reproches, Elizabeth sinti
verdadera vergenza. La justicia de sus
acusaciones le pareca demasiado evi-
dente para que pudiera negarla, y las cir-
cunstancias a las que aluda en particu-
lar como ocurridas en el baile de
Netherfield, no le podan haber impre-
sionado a l ms de lo que le haban abo-
chornado a ella.
El elogio que Darcy les tributaba a
ella y a su hermana no le pas inadver-
tido. La halag, pero no pudo consolar-
se por el desprecio que implicaba para
el resto de la familia; y al considerar que
los sinsabores de Jane haban sido en
realidad obra de su misma familia, y al
reflexionar en lo mal parado que haba
de quedar el crdito de ambas por aque-
lla conducta impropia, sinti un abati-
miento que hasta entonces no haba co-
nocido.
Despus de andar dos horas a lo lar-
go del camino dando vueltas a la di-
versidad de sus pensamientos, conside-
rando de nuevo los hechos, determinan-
do posibilidades y hacindose paulati-
namente a tan repentino e importante
cambio, la fatiga y el acordarse del
tiempo que haca que estaba fuera la
hicieron regresar a la casa. Entr en
ella con el propsito de aparentar su
alegra de siempre y resuelta a reprimir
los pensamientos que la asediaban, ya que
de otra forma no sera capaz de mantener
conversacin alguna.
Le dijeron que lo dos caballeros
de Rosings haban estado all du-
rante su ausencia; Darcy slo por
breves instantes, para despedirse;
pero que el coronel Fitzwilliam se
haba quedado una hora por lo me-
nos, para ver si ella llegaba y casi
dispuesto a ir en su busca. A
Elizabeth apenas le afectaba la par-
tida del coronel; en realidad se ale-
grab a . __________ ___ __ __ _ __ _ _ __
X _ __ _______ ___ Slo poda pensar en
la carta de Darcy.
 Austen Pride
Chapter 37
The two gentlemen left Rosings the
next morning, and Mr. Collins having
5 been in waiting near the lodges, to make
them his parting obeisance, was able to
bring home the pleasing intelligence, of
their appearing in very good health, and
tolerable aceptable, soportable, pasable in as tolerable spirits as could be
10 expected, after the melancholy scene so
lately gone through at Rosings. To
Rosings he then hastened, to console
Lady Catherine and her daughter; and on
his return brought back, with great
15 satisfaction, a message from her ladyship,
importing that she felt herself so dull as
to make her very desirous of having them
all to dine with her.
20 Elizabeth could not see Lady
Catherine without recollecting that, had
she chosen it, she might by this time
have been presented to her as her future
niece; nor could she think, without a
25 s m i l e , o f w h a t h e r l a d y s h i p s
indignation would have been. What would
she have said? how would she have behaved?
were questions with which she amused
herself.
30
Their first subject was the diminution
of the Rosings party. I assure you, I feel
it exceedingly, said Lady Catherine; I
believe no one feels the loss of friends
35 so much as I do. But I am particularly
attached to these young men, and know
them to be so much attached to me! They
were excessively sorry to go! But so they
always are. The dear Colonel rallied his
40 spirits tolerably till just at last; but Darcy
seemed to feel it most acutely, more, I
think, than last year. His attachment to
Rosings certainly increases.
45 Mr. Collins had a compliment, and an
allusion to throw in here, which were
kindly smiled on by the mother and
daughter.
50 Lady Catherine observed, after
dinner, that Miss Bennet seemed out of
spirits, and immediately accounting for
it by herself, by supposing that she did
not like to go home again so soon, she
55 added:
But if that is the case, you must write
to your mother and beg that you may stay
a little longer. Mrs. Collins will be very
60 glad of your company, I am sure.
I am much obliged to your ladyship
for your kind invitation, replied
Elizabeth, but it is not in my power to
65 accept it. I must be in town next
178
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Captulo XXXVII
Ambos caballeros abandonaron
Rosings a la maana siguiente. Collins
estuvo a la espera cerca de los templetes
de la entrada para darles el saludo de
despedida, y llev a casa la grata no-
ticia de que parecan estar bien y con
nimo pasable como era de esperar
despus de la melanclica escena que
debi de haber tenido un lugar en
Rosings. Collins vol, pues, a
Rosings para consolar a lady
Catherine y a su hija, y al volver tra-
jo con gran satisfaccin un mensaje
de Su Seora que se hallaba muy tris-
te y deseaba que todos fuesen a co-
mer con ella.
Elizabeth no pudo ver a lady
Catherine sin recordar que, si
h u b i e r a q u e r ido, h a b r a s i d o p r e -
sentada a e l l a c o m o s u f u t u r a
s o brina; n i t a m p o c o p o d a p e n s a r,
s i n s o n r e r, e n l o q u e s e
h a b r a i n d i g n a d o . Qu ha-
X b r a d i c h o ? Q u h a b r a hecho?
L e haca gracia preguntarse todas es-
tas cosas.
De lo primero que se habl fue de la
X merma sufrida en las tertulias de Rosings.
Les aseguro que lo siento mucho
dijo lady Catherine; creo que nadie la-
menta tanto como yo la prdida de los ami-
gos. Pero, adems, quiero tanto a esos mu-
chachos y ellos me quieren tanto a m! Esta-
ban tristsimos al marcharse, como siempre
que nos separamos. El coronel se mantuvo
firme hasta el final, pero la pena de Darcy
era mucho ms aguda, ms que el ao pasa-
do, a mi juicio. No dudo que su cario por
Rosings va en aumento.
Collins tuvo un cumplido y
una alusin al asunto, que madre
y hija acogieron con una amable
sonrisa.
Despus de la comida lady Catherine ob-
serv que la seorita Bennet pareca estar
baja de nimo. Al punto se lo explic a su
manera suponiendo que no le seduca la
idea de volver tan pronto a casa de sus pa-
dres, y le dijo:
Si es as, escriba usted a su madre
para que le permita quedarse un poco ms.
Estoy segura de que la seora Collins se
alegrar de tenerla a su lado.
Agradezco mucho a Su Seora
tan amable invitacin repuso
Elizabeth, pero no puedo aceptarla.
Tengo que estar en Londres el prxi-
 Austen Pride
Saturday.
Why, at that rate, you will have been
here only six weeks. I expected you to
5 stay two months. I told Mrs. Collins so
before you came. There can be no
occasion for your going so soon. Mrs.
Bennet could certainly spare you for
another fortnight.
10
But my father cannot. He wrote last
week to hurry my return.
Oh! your father of course may spare
15 you, if your mother can. Daughters are
never of so much consequence to a father.
And if you will stay another MONTH
complete, it will be in my power to take
one of you as far as London, for I am
20 going there early in June, for a week; and
as Dawson does not object to the
barouche-box, there will be very good
room for one of youand indeed, if the
weather should happen to be cool, I
25 should not object to taking you both, as
you are neither of you large.
Yo u a r e a l l k i n d n e s s , m a d a m ;
but I believe we must abide by
30 o u r o r i g i n a l p l a n .
Lady Catherine seemed resigned.
Mrs. Collins, you must send a servant
with them. You know I always speak my
35 mind, and I cannot bear the idea of two
young women travelling post by
themselves. It is highly improper. You
must contrive to send somebody. I have
the greatest dislike in the world to that
40 sort of thing. Young women should
always be properly guarded and attended,
according to their situation in life. When
my niece Georgiana went to Ramsgate
last summer, I made a point of her having
45 two men-servants go with her. Miss
Darcy, the daughter of Mr. Darcy, of
Pemberley, and Lady Anne, could not
have appeared with propriety in a
dif ferent manner. I am excessively
50 attentive to all those things. You must
send John with the young ladies, Mrs.
Collins. I am glad it occurred to me to
mention it; for it would really be
discreditable to YOU to let them go
55 alone.
My uncle is to send a servant for us.
Oh! Your uncle! He keeps a man-
60 servant, does he? I am very glad you
have somebody who thinks of these
things. Where shall you change horses?
Oh! Bromley, of course. If you mention
my name at the Bell, you will be attended
65 to.
179
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
mo sbado.
Cmo! Entonces no habr estado
usted aqu ms que seis semanas. Yo espe-
raba que estara dos meses; as se lo dije a
la seora Collins antes de que usted llegara.
No hay motivo para que se vaya tan pronto.
La seora Bennet no tendr inconveniente
en prescindir de usted otra quincena.
Pero mi padre, s; me escribi la semana
pasada pidindome que volviese pronto.
Si su madre puede pasar sin us-
ted, su padre tambin podr. Las hi-
jas nunca son tan necesarias para los
padres como para las madres. Y si
quisiera usted pasar aqu otro mes,
podra llevarla a Londres, porque he
de ir a primeros de junio a pasar una
semana; y como a Danson no le im-
portar viajar en el pescante, queda-
r sitio para una de ustedes, y si el
tiempo fuese fresco, no me opondra
a llevarlas a las dos, ya que ninguna
de ustedes es gruesa.
Es usted muy amable, seora; pero creo
que no tendremos ms remedio que hacer
lo que habamos pensado en un principio.
Lady Catherine pareci resignarse.
Seora Collins, tendr usted
que mandar a un sirviente con ellas.
Ya s a b e q u e s i e m p r e d i g o l o q u e
siento, y no puedo soportar la idea
de que dos muchachas viajen solas
en la diligencia. No est bien. Bus-
que usted la manera de que alguien
las acompae. No hay nada que me
desagrade tanto como eso. Las jve-
nes tienen que ser siempre guarda-
das y atendidas segn su posicin.
Cuando mi sobrina Georgiana fue a
Ramsgate el verano pasado, insist
en que fueran con ellas dos criados
varones; de otro modo, sera impro-
pio de la seorita Darcy, la hija del
seor Darcy de Pemberley y de lady
Anne. Pongo mucho cuidado en es-
tas cosas. Mande usted a John con las
muchachas, seora Collins. Me ale-
gro de que se me haya ocurrido, pues
sera deshonroso para usted enviar-
las solas.
Mi to nos mandar un criado.
Ah! Un to de ustedes! Con-
que tiene criado? Celebro que tengan
a alguien que piense en estas cosas.
Dnde cambiarn los caballos? Oh!
En Bromley, desde luego. Si cita mi
nombre en La Campana la atende-
rn muy bien.

excited y excitado conllevan la idea de alegre,
entusiasta, pero excited tiene ms
denotaciones, como nervioso, agitado, aca-
lorado, emocionante. To excite y excitar se
refieren a estimular, entusiasmar, pero to ex-
cite significa adems emocionar / conmover, 30
poner nervioso / agitado, provocar [emocio-
nes], instigar [desrdenes], alborotar [gen-
te], y to get excited es acalorarse. A su vez,
excitar se usa para to raise [dudas], arouse
[curiosidad, apetito]. Excitedly significa agi-
tada- o acaloradamente.
Dont get excited = no te pongas nervioso.
Austen Pride
Lady Catherine had many other
questions to ask respecting their journey,
and as she did not answer them all
5 herself, attention was necessary, which
Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her;
or, with a mind so occupied, she might
have forgotten where she was. Reflection
must be reserved for solitary hours;
10 whenever she was alone, she gave way
to it as the greatest relief; and not a day
went by without a solitary walk, in which
she might indulge in all the delight of
unpleasant recollections.
15
Mr. Darcys letter she was in a fair
way of soon knowing by heart. She
studied every sentence; and her feelings
towards its writer were at times widely
20 different. When she remembered the
style of his address, she was still full of
indignation; but when she considered
how unjustly she had condemned and
upbraided him, her anger was turned
25 against herself; and his disappointed
feelings became the object of
compassion. His attachment excited
gratitude, his general character respect;
but she could not approve him; nor could
she for a moment repent her refusal, or
feel the slightest inclination ever to see
him again. In her own past behaviour,
there was a constant source of vexation
and regret; and in the unhappy defects of
35 her family, a subject of yet heavier
chagrin. They were hopeless of remedy.
Her father, contented with laughing at
them, would never exert himself to
restrain the wild giddiness of his
40 youngest daughters; and her mother, with
manners so far from right herself, was
entirely insensible of the evil. Elizabeth
had frequently united with Jane in an
endeavour to check the imprudence of
45 Catherine and Lydia; but while they
w e r e s u p p o r t e d b y t h e i r m o t h e r s
indulgence, what chance could there
be of improvement? Catherine,
weak-spirited, irritable, and
50 completely under Lydias guidance,
had been always affronted by their
advice; and Lydia, self-willed and
careless, would scarcely give them a
hearing. They were ignorant, idle,
55 and vain. While there was an officer
in Meryton, they would flirt with
him; and while Meryton was within
a walk of Longbourn, they would be
going there forever.
60
Anxiety on Janes behalf was another
prevailing concern; and Mr. Darcys
explanation, by restoring Bingley to all
her former good opinion, heightened the
65 sense of what Jane had lost. His affection
180
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Lady Catherine tena otras muchas
preguntas que hacer sobre el viaje y como
no todas las contestaba ella, Elizabeth
tuvo que prestarle atencin; fue una suer-
te, pues de otro modo, con lo ocupada
que tena la cabeza, habra llegado a ol-
vidar en dnde estaba. Tena que reser-
var sus meditaciones para sus horas de
soledad; cuando estaba sola se entrega-
ba a ellas como su mayor alivio; no pa-
saba un da sin que fuese a dar un paseo
para poder sumirse en la delicia de sus
desagradables recuerdos.
Ya casi saba de memoria la car-
t a d e D a r c y. E s t u d i a b a s u s f r a s e s
una por una, y los sentimientos ha-
cia su autor eran a veces sumamen-
te encontrados. Al fijarse en el tono en
que se diriga a ella, se llenaba de in-
dignacin, pero cuando consideraba con
cunta injusticia le haba condenado y
vituperado, v o l v a s u i r a c o n t r a s
m i s m a y s e co m p a d e c a d e l d e s e n -
g a o d e D a r c y. S u a m o r p o r e l l a
X e x c i t a b a su gratitud, y su modo de ser
en general, su respeto; pero no poda
aceptarlo y ni por un momento se arre-
pinti de haberle rechazado ni experi-
ment el menor deseo de volver a verle.
El modo en que ella se haba comporta-
do la llenaba de vergenza y de pesar
constantemente, y los desdichados de-
fectos de su familia le causaban una
desazn horrible. No tenan remedio. Su
padre se limitaba a burlarse de sus her-
manas menores, pero nunca intentaba
contener su impetuoso desenfreno; y su
madre, cuyos modales estaban tan lejos
de toda correccin, era completamente
insensible al peligro. Elizabeth se ha-
ba puesto muchas veces de acuerdo con
Jane para reprimir la imprudencia de
Catherine y Lydia, pero mientras las
apoyase la indulgencia de su madre,
qu esperanzas haba de que se corri-
giesen? Catherine, de carcter dbil e
irritable y absolutamente sometida a la
direccin de Lydia, se haba sublevado
siempre contra sus advertencias; y
Lydia, caprichosa y desenfadada, no les
haca el menor caso. Las dos eran igno-
rantes, perezosas y vanas. Mientras que-
dara un oficial en Meryton, coquetea-
ran con l, y mientras Meryton estuvie-
se a tan poca distancia de Longbourn
nada poda impedir que siguieran yen-
do all toda su vida.
La ansiedad por la suerte de Jane era
otra de sus preocupaciones predominan-
tes. La explicacin de Darcy, al restable-
cer a Bingley en el buen concepto que de
l tena previamente, le haca darse mejor
 Austen Pride
was proved to have been sincere, and his
conduct cleared of all blame, unless any
could attach to the implicitness of his
confidence in his friend. How grievous
5 then was the thought that, of a situation
so desirable in every respect, so replete
with advantage, so promising for
happiness, Jane had been deprived, by
the folly and indecorum of her own
10 family!
When to these recollections was
added the development of Wickhams
character, it may be easily believed that
15 the happy spirits which had seldom been
depressed before, were now so much
affected as to make it almost impossible
for her to appear tolerably cheerful.
20 Their engagements at Rosings were
as frequent during the last week of her
stay as they had been at first. The very
last evening was spent there; and her
ladyship again inquired minutely into the
25 particulars of their journey, gave them
directions as to the best method of
packing, and was so urgent on the
necessity of placing gowns in the only
right way, that Maria thought herself
30 obliged, on her return, to undo all the
work of the morning, and pack her trunk
afresh.
When they parted, Lady Catherine,
35 with great condescension, wished them
a good journey, and invited them to
come to Hunsford again next year; and
Miss de Bourgh exerted herself so far
as to curtsey and hold out her hand to
40 both.
45
Chapter 38
On Saturday morning Elizabeth and
50 Mr. Collins met for breakfast a few
minutes before the others appeared; and
he took the opportunity of paying the
parting civilities which he deemed
indispensably necessary.
55
I know not, Miss Elizabeth, said he,
whether Mrs. Collins has yet expressed
her sense of your kindness in coming to
us; but I am very certain you will not
60 leave the house without receiving her
thanks for it. The favor of your company
has been much felt, I assure you. We
know how little there is to tempt anyone
to our humble abode. Our plain manner
65 of living, our small rooms and few
181
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
cuenta de lo que Jane haba perdido. El
cario de Bingley era sincero y su con-
ducta haba sido intachable si se excep-
tuaba la ciega confianza en su amigo. Qu
triste, pues, era pensar que Jane se haba
visto privada de una posicin tan desea-
ble en todos los sentidos, tan llena de ven-
tajas y tan prometedora en dichas, por la
insensatez y la falta de decoro de su pro-
pia familia!
Cuando a todo esto se aada el descu-
brimiento de la verdadera personalidad de
Wickham, se comprenda fcilmente que el
espritu jovial de Elizabeth, que raras veces
se haba sentido deprimido, hubiese deca-
do ahora de tal modo que casi se le haca
imposible aparentar un poco de alegra.
Las invitaciones a Rosings fueron tan
frecuentes durante la ltima semana de su
estancia en Hunsford, como al principio. La
ltima velada la pasaron all, y Su Seora
volvi a hacer minuciosas preguntas sobre
los detalles del viaje, les dio instrucciones
sobre el mejor modo de arreglar los bales,
e insisti tanto en la necesidad de colocar
los vestidos del nico modo que tena por
bueno, que cuando volvieron a la casa,
Mara se crey obligada a deshacer todo su
trabajo de la maana y tuvo que hacer de
nuevo el equipaje.
Cuando se fueron, lady Catherine
X _____________ se dign desearles fe-
liz viaje y las invit a volver a
Hunsford el ao entrante. La seori-
ta de Bourgh llev su esfuerzo hasta
la cortesa de tenderles la mano a las
dos.
Captulo XXXVIII
El sbado por la maana Elizabeth y
Collins se encontraron a la hora del desayu-
no unos minutos antes de que aparecieran
los dems; y aprovech la oportunidad para
hacerle los cumplidos de la despedida que
consideraba absolutamente necesarios.
Ignoro, seorita Elizabeth le dijo
, si la seora Collins le ha expresado cun-
to agradece su amabilidad al haber veni-
do; pero estoy seguro de que lo har antes
de que abandone usted esta casa. Hemos
apreciado enormemente el favor de su com-
paa ________. Sabemos lo poco tentador
que puede ser para nadie el venir a nuestra
humilde morada. Nuestro sencillo modo de
vivir, nuestras pequeas habitaciones, nues-
 Austen Pride
domestics, and the little we see of the
world, must make Hunsford extremely
dull to a young lady like yourself; but I
hope you will believe us grateful for the
5 condescension, and that we have done
everything in our power to prevent your
spending your time unpleasantly.
Elizabeth was eager with her thanks
10 and assurances of happiness. She had
spent six weeks with great enjoyment;
and the pleasure of being with Charlotte,
and the kind attentions she had received,
must make HER feel the obliged. Mr.
15 Collins was gratified, and with a more
smiling solemnity replied:
It gives me great pleasure to hear
that you have passed your time not
20 disagreeably. We have certainly done
our best; and most fortunately having
it in our power to introduce you to
very superior society, and, from our
connection with Rosings, the frequent
25 means of varying the humble home
scene, I think we may flatter
ourselves that your Hunsford visit
cannot have been entirely irksome .
Our situation with regard to Lady
30 Catherines family is indeed the sort of
extraordinary advantage and blessing
which few can boast. You see on what a
footing we are. You see how continually
we are engaged there. In truth I must
35 acknowledge that, with all the
disadvantages of this humble parsonage,
I should not think anyone abiding in it
an object of compassion, while they are
sharers of our intimacy at Rosings.
40
Words were insufficient for the
elevation of his feelings; and he was
obliged to walk about the room, while
Elizabeth tried to unite civility and truth
45 in a few short sentences.
You may, in fact, carry a very
favourable report of us into
Hertfordshire, my dear cousin. I flatter
50 myself at least that you will be able to
do so. Lady Catherines great attentions
to Mrs. Collins you have been a daily
witness of; and altogether I trust it does
not appear that your friend has drawn an
55 unfortunatebut on this point it will be
as well to be silent. Only let me assure
you, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that I can
from my heart most cordially wish you
equal felicity in marriage. My dear
60 Charlotte and I have but one mind and
one way of thinking. There is in
everything a most remarkable
resemblance of character and ideas
between us. We seem to have been
65 designed for each other.
182
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
tros pocos criados y nuestro aislamiento, han
de hacer de Hunsford un lugar extremada-
mente triste para una joven como usted. Pero
espero que crea en nuestra gratitud por su
condescendencia y en que hemos hecho todo
lo que estaba a nuestro alcance para impe-
dir que se aburriera.
Elizabeth le dio las gracias
efusivamente y dijo que estaba muy con-
tenta. Haba pasado seis semanas muy
felices; y el placer de estar con Charlotte
y las amables atenciones que haba re-
cibido, la haban dejado muy satisfecha.
Collins lo celebr y con solemnidad,
pero ms sonriente, repuso:
Me proporciona el mayor gusto sa-
ber que ha pasado usted el tiempo agra-
dablemente. Se ha hecho, realmente,
todo lo que se ha podido; hemos tenido
la suprema suerte de haber podido pre-
sentarla a usted a la ms alta sociedad,
y los frecuentes medios de variar el hu-
milde escenario domstico que nos han
facilitado nuestras relaciones con
Rosings, nos permiten esperar que su
visita le haya sido grata. Nuestro trato
con la familia de lady Catherine es real-
mente una ventaja extraordinaria y una
bendicin de la que pocos pueden alar-
dear. Ha visto en qu situacin estamos
en Rosings, cuntas veces hemos sido
invitados all. Debo reconocer sincera-
mente que, con todas las desventajas de
esta humilde casa parroquial, nadie que
aqu venga podr compadecerse mien-
tras puedan compartir nuestra intimidad
con la familia de Bourgh.
Las palabras eran insuficientes para la
elevacin de sus sentimientos y se vio obli-
gado a pasearse por la estancia, mientras
Elizabeth trataba de combinar la verdad
con la cortesa en frases breves.
As, pues, podr usted llevar
buenas noticias nuestras a
Hertfordshire, querida prima. Al me-
nos sta es mi esperanza. Ha sido tes-
tigo diario de las grandes atenciones
de lady Catherine para con la seora
Collins, y confo en que no le habr
parecido que su amiga no es feliz.
Pero en lo que se refiere a este punto
mejor ser que me calle. Permtame
slo asegurarle, querida seorita
Elizabeth, que le deseo de todo cora-
zn igual felicidad en su matrimonio.
Mi querida Charlotte y yo no tenemos
ms que una sola voluntad y un solo
modo de pensar. Entre nosotros exis-
ten en todo muy notables semejanzas
de carcter y de ideas; parecemos he-
chos el uno para el otro.
 Austen Pride
Elizabeth could safely say that it was
a great happiness where that was the case,
and with equal sincerity could add, that
5 she firmly believed and rejoiced in his
domestic comforts. She was not sorry,
however, to have the recital of them
interrupted by the lady from whom they
sprang. Poor Charlotte! it was
10 melancholy to leave her to such society!
But she had chosen it with her eyes open;
and though evidently regretting that her
visitors were to go, she did not seem to
ask for compassion. Her home and her
15 housekeeping, her parish and her poultry,
and all their dependent concerns, had not
yet lost their charms.
At length the chaise arrived, the
20 trunks were fastened on, the parcels
placed within, and it was pronounced to
be ready. After an affectionate parting
between the friends, Elizabeth was
attended to the carriage by Mr. Collins,
25 and as they walked down the garden he
was commissioning her with his best
respects to all her family, not forgetting
his thanks for the kindness he had
received at Longbourn in the winter, and
30 his compliments to Mr. and Mrs.
Gardiner, though unknown. He then
handed her in, Maria followed, and the
door was on the point of being closed,
when he suddenly reminded them, with
35 some consternation, that they had
hitherto forgotten to leave any message
for the ladies at Rosings.
But, he added, you will of course
40 wish to have your humble respects
delivered to them, with your grateful
thanks for their kindness to you while you
have been here.
45 Elizabeth made no objection; the door
was then allowed to be shut, and the
carriage drove off.
Good gracious! cried Maria, after
50 a few minutes silence, it seems but a
day or two since we first came! and yet
how many things have happened!
A great many indeed, said her
55 companion with a sigh.
We have dined nine times at Rosings,
besides drinking tea there twice! How
much I shall have to tell!
60
Elizabeth added privately, And how
much I shall have to conceal!
Their journey was performed without
65 much conversation, or any alarm; and
183
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Elizabeth pudo decir de veras que era
una gran alegra que as fuese, y con la mis-
ma sinceridad aadi que lo crea firme-
mente y que se alegraba de su bienestar do-
mstico; pero, sin embargo, no lament que
la descripcin del mismo fuese interrum-
pida por la llegada de la seora de quien
se trataba. Pobre Charlotte! Era triste
dejarla en semejante compaa! Pero ella
lo haba elegido conscientemente. Se vea
claramente que le dola la partida de sus
huspedes, pero no pareca querer que la
compadeciesen. Su hogar y sus quehace-
res domsticos, su parroquia, su gallinero
y todas las dems tareas anexas, todava
no haban perdido el encanto para ella.
Por fin lleg la silla de posta; se carga-
ron los bales, se acomodaron los paque-
tes y se les avis que todo estaba listo. Las
dos amigas se despidieron afectuosamente,
y Collins acompa a Elizabeth hasta el
coche. Mientras atravesaban el jardn le en-
carg que saludase afectuosamente de su
parte a toda la familia y que les repitiese
su agradecimiento por las bondades que le
haban dispensado durante su estancia en
Longbourn el ltimo invierno, y le enca-
reci que saludase tambin a los
Gardi n e r a p e s a r d e q u e n o l o s c o -
noca. Le ayud a subir al coche y
tras ella, a Mara. A punto de ce-
r r a r l a s p o r t e z u e l a s , Collins , cons-
ternado, les record que se haban
olvidado de encargarle algo para
las seoras de Rosings.
Pero aadi seguramente de-
searn que les transmitamos sus humil-
des respetos junto con su gratitud por
su amabilidad para con ustedes__ _ _ _
X _ __ _ __ ___ _.
Elizabeth no se opuso; se
cerr la portezuela y el ca-
rruaje parti.
Dios mo! exclam Mara al cabo
de unos minutos de silencio. Parece que
fue ayer cuando llegamos y, sin embargo,
cuntas cosas han ocurrido!
Muchas, es cierto contest su com-
paera en un suspiro.
Hemos cenado nueve veces en
Rosings, y hemos tomado el t all dos ve-
ces. Cunto tengo que contar!
Elizabeth aadi para sus adentros: Y
yo, cuntas cosas tengo que callarme!
El viaje transcurri sin mucha
conversacin y sin ningn incidente
 Austen Pride
within four hours of their leaving
Hunsford they reached Mr. Gardiners
house, where they were to remain a few
days.
5
Jane looked well, and Elizabeth had
little opportunity of studying her spirits,
amidst the various engagements which X
the kindness of her aunt had reserved for
10 them. But Jane was to go home with her,
and at Longbourn there would be leisure
enough for observation.
It was not without an effort,
15 meanwhile, that she could wait even for
Longbourn, before she told her sister of
Mr. Darcys proposals. To know that she
had the power of revealing what would
so exceedingly astonish Jane, and must,
20 at the same time, so highly gratify
whatever of her own vanity she had not
yet been able to reason away, was such a
temptation to openness as nothing could
have conquered but the state of
25 indecision in which she remained as to
the extent of what she should
communicate; and her fear, if she once
entered on the subject, of being hurried
into repeating something of Bingley
30 which might only grieve her sister
further.
35
40 Chapter 39
It was the second week in May, in
which the three young ladies set out
together from Gracechurch Street for the
45 town of , in Hertfordshire; and, as
they drew near the appointed inn where
Mr. Bennets carriage was to meet them,
they quickly perceived, in token of the
coachmans punctuality, both Kitty and
50 Lydia looking out of a dining-room
upstairs. These two girls had been above
an hour in the place, happily employed
in visiting an opposite milliner, watching
the sentinel on guard, and dressing a
55 salad and cucumber.
After welcoming their
sisters, they triumphantly
displayed a table set out with
60 s u c h c o l d m e a t a s a n i n n l a r d e r
usually affords, exclaiming,
Is not this nice? Is not this
an agreeable surprise?
65 And we mean to treat you all, added
184
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
y a las cuatro horas de haber salido
de Hunsford llegaron a casa de los
Gardiner, donde iban a pasar unos
pocos das.
Jane tena muy buen aspecto, y Elizabeth casi
no tuvo lugar de examinar su estado de nimo,
pues ___________ su ta les tena pre-
paradas un sinfn de invitaciones.
Pero Jane iba a regresar a Longbourn en com-
paa de su hermana y, una vez all, habra
tiempo de sobra para observarla.
Elizabeth se contuvo a duras
penas para no contarle hasta
entonces las proposiciones de
D a r c y. Q u s o r p r e s a s e i b a a
l l e v a r, y q u g r a t i f i c a n t e s e r a
para la vanidad que Elizabeth
todava no era capaz de domi-
nar! Era una tentacin tan fuer-
te, que no habra podido resis-
tirla a no ser por la indecisin
en que se hallaba, por la exten-
sin de lo que tena que
comunicar y por el temor de
que si empezaba a hablar se ve-
ra forzada a mencionar a
B i n g l e y, c o n l o q u e s l o c o n s e -
guira entristecer ms an a su
hermana.
Captulo XXXIX
En la segunda semana de mayo, las tres
muchachas partieron juntas de
Gracechurch Street, en direccin a la ciu-
dad de X, en Hertfordshire. Al llegar cer-
ca de la posada en donde tena que espe-
rarlas el coche del seor Bennet, vieron
en seguida, como una prueba de la pun-
tualidad de cochero, a Catherine y a Lydia
que estaban al acecho en el comedor del
piso superior. Haban pasado casi una hora
en el lugar felizmente ocupadas en visitar
la sombrerera de enfrente, en contemplar
al centinela de guardia y en aliar una en-
salada de pepino.
Despus de dar la bienvenida a sus
hermanas les mostraron triunfalmente
una mesa dispuesta con todo el fiambre
que puede hallarse normalmente en la
despensa de una posada y exclamaron:
No es estupendo? No es una
sorpresa agradable?
Queremos convidaros a todas aa-
 Austen Pride
Lydia, but y o u m u s t l e n d u s t h e
m o n e y, f o r w e h a v e j u s t s p e n t
ours at the shop out there.
Then, showing her purchases
5 Look here, I have bought this bonnet. I
do not think it is very pretty; but I thought
I might as well buy it as not. I shall pull
it to pieces as soon as I get home, and
see if I can make it up any better.
10
And when her sisters abused it as
ugly, she added, with perfect unconcern,
Oh! but there were two or three much
uglier in the shop; and when I have
15 bought some prettier-coloured satin to
trim it with fresh, I think it will be very
tolerable aceptable, soportable, pasable tolerable. Besides, it will not much
signify what one wears this summer, after
the shire have left Meryton, and they
20 are going in a fortnight.
Are they indeed! cried Elizabeth,
with the greatest satisfaction.
25 They are going to be encamped near
Brighton; and I do so want papa to take
us all there for the summer! It would be
such a delicious scheme; and I dare say
would hardly cost anything at all.
30 Mamma would like to go too of all
things! Only think what a miserable
summer else we shall have!
Yes, thought Elizabeth, THAT would
35 be a delightful scheme indeed, and
completely do for us at once. Good Heaven!
Brighton, and a whole campful of
soldiers, to us, who have been overset
already by one poor regiment of militia,
40 and the monthly balls of Meryton!
Now I have got some news for
you, said Lydia, as they sat
down at table. What do you
45 t h i n k ? I t i s e x c e l l e n t n e w s
capital newsand about a certain
person we all like!
Jane and Elizabeth looked at each
50 other, and the waiter was told he need
not stay. Lydia laughed, and said:
Ay e , t h a t i s j u s t l i k e y o u r
formality and discretion. You thought
55 the waiter must not hear, as if he
cared! I dare say he often hears worse
things said than I am going to say. But
he is an ugly fellow! I am glad he is
gone. I never saw such a long chin in
60 my life. Well, but now for my news;
it is about dear Wickham; too good
for the waiter, is it not? There is no
danger of Wickhams marrying Mary
King. Theres for you! She is gone
65 down to her uncle at Liverpool: gone
185
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
di Lydia; pero tendris que prestarnos
el dinero, porque acabamos de gastar el
nuestro en la tienda de ah fuera.
Y, enseando sus compras, agreg:
Mirad qu sombrero me he compra-
do. No creo que sea muy bonito, pero pens
que lo mismo daba comprarlo que no; lo
deshar en cuanto lleguemos a casa y ver
si puedo mejorarlo algo.
Las hermanas lo encontraron fesimo,
pero Lydia, sin darle importancia, respondi:
Pues en la tienda haba dos
o tres mucho ms feos. Y cuando
compre un raso de un color ms
bonito, lo arreglar y creo que
no quedar mal del todo. Adems, poco
importa lo que llevemos este verano, por-
que la guarnicin del condado se va de
Meryton dentro de quince das.
S, de veras? exclam
Elizabeth satisfechsima.
Va n a a c a m p a r c e r c a d e
Brighton. A ver si pap nos
lleva all este verano. Sera
un plan estupendo y costara
muy poco. A mam le apetece
ir ms que ninguna otra cosa.
Imaginad, si no, qu triste
verano nos espera!
S pens Elizabeth, sera un plan
realmente estupendo y muy propio para
nosotras. No nos faltara ms que eso.
Brighton y todo un campamento de sol-
dados, con lo trastornadas que ya nos
han dejado un msero regimiento y los
bailes mensuales de Meryton.
Te n g o q u e d a r o s a l g u n a s n o -
t i c i a s d i j o Ly d i a c u a n d o s e s e n -
taron a la mesa. Qu creis?
Es lo ms sensacional que podis imaginaros;
una nueva importantsima acerca de cierta
persona que a todas nos gusta.
Jane y Elizabeth se miraron y dijeron al
criado que ya no lo necesitaban. Lydia se
ri y dijo:
Ah!, eso revela vuestra for-
malidad y discrecin. Creis que
e l criado iba a escuchar? Como si le im-
portase! Apostara a que oye a menudo co-
sas mucho peores que las que voy a contaros.
Pero es un tipo muy feo; me alegro de que
se haya ido; nunca he visto una barbilla tan
larga. Bien, ahora vamos a las noticias; se
refieren a nuestro querido Wickham; son de-
masiado buenas para el criado, verdad? No
hay peligro de que Wickham se case con
Mary King. Nos lo reservamos. Mary King
X se ha marchado a Liverpool, a casa de su ta, y
 Austen Pride
to stay. Wickham is safe.
And Mary King is safe! added
Elizabeth; safe from a connection
5 imprudent as to fortune.
She is a great fool for going away, if
she liked him.
10 But I hope there is no strong
attachment on either side, said Jane.
I am sure there is not on HIS. I will
answer for it, he never cared three straws
15 about herwho could about such a nasty
little freckled thing?
Elizabeth was shocked to think that,
however incapable of such coarseness of
20 EXPRESSION herself, the coarseness of
the SENTIMENT was little other than her
own breast had harboured and fancied
liberal 1 generoso, dadivoso, magnnimo 2 liberal!
liberal 3 abundante 4 libre
liberal 1 a). Generoso, desprendido, desinteresado.
Tolerante. 1 b) Que ejerce una profesin liberal tra- 25 As soon as all had ate, and the elder
dicionalmente de las artes o profesiones que ante ones paid, the carriage was ordered; and
todo requieren el ejercicio del entendimiento.
2. Favorable a las libertades intelectuales y
after some contrivance, the whole party,
profesionables del individuo y a las polticas del Es- with all their boxes, work-bags, and
tado y a las Humanidades. parcels, and the unwelcome addition of
(Nota: parece estarse perdiendo el primer significa-
do en favor del segundo.)
30 Kittys and Lydias purchases, were
seated in it.
How nicely we are all crammed in,
cried Lydia. I am glad I bought my
35 bonnet, if it is only for the fun of having
another bandbox! Well, now let us be
quite comfortable and snug, and talk and
laugh all the way home. And in the
first place, let us hear what has
40 happened to you all since you went
away. Have you seen any pleasant
men? Have you had any flirting?
I was in great hopes that one of you
would have got a husband before you
45 came back. Jane will be quite an old maid
soon, I declare. She is almost three-and-
twenty! Lord, how ashamed I should be
of not being married before three-and-
twenty! My aunt Phillips wants you so to
50 get husbands, you cant think. She says
Lizzy had better have taken Mr. Collins;
but I do not think there would have been
any fun in it. Lord! how I should like to
be married before any of you; and then I
55 would chaperon you about to all the balls.
Dear me! we had such a good piece of
fun the other day at Colonel Forsters.
Kitty and me were to spend the day there,
and Mrs. Forster promised to have a little
60 dance in the evening; (by the bye, Mrs.
Forster and me are SUCH friends!) and
so she asked the two Harringtons to
come, but Harriet was ill, and so Pen was
forced to come by herself; and then, what
65 do you think we did? We dressed up
186
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
no volver. Wickham est a salvo!
Y Mary King est a salvo tambin
aadi Elizabeth, a salvo de una boda
imprudente para su felicidad.
Pues es bien tonta yndose,
si le quiere.
Pero supongo que no habra mucho
amor entre ellos dijo Jane.
Lo que es por parte de l, estoy segu-
ra de que no; Mary nunca le import tres
pitos. Quin podra interesarse por una cosa
tan asquerosa y tan llena de pecas?
Elizabeth se escandaliz al pensar
que, aunque ella fuese incapaz de expre-
sar semejante ordinariez, el sentimiento
no era muy distinto del que ella misma
haba abrigado en otro tiempo y admiti-
do como liberal.
En cuanto hubieron comido y las mayo-
res hubieron pagado, pidieron el coche y,
despus de organizarse un poco, todas las
muchachas, con sus cajas, sus bolsas de la-
bor, sus paquetes y la mal acogida adicin
de las compras de Catherine y Lydia, se aco-
modaron en el vehculo.
X Qu apretaditas vamos! excla-
m Lydia. Me alegro de haber com-
prado el sombrero, aunque slo sea por el
gusto de tener otra sombrerera! Bueno,
X vamos a ponernos cmodas y ____ a char-
lar y rer todo el camino hasta que llegue-
mos a casa. Primeramente oigamos lo que
os ha pasado a vosotras desde que os fuis-
teis. Habis conocido a algn hombre
interesante? Habis tenido algn flirt?
Tena grandes esperanzas de que una de
vosotras pescara marido antes de vol-
ver. Jane pronto va a hacerse vieja. Casi
tiene veintitrs aos! Seor, qu ver-
genza me dara a m, si no me casara
antes de los veintitrs...! No os podis
figurar las ganas que tiene la ta Philips
de que os casis. Dice que Lizzy habra
hecho mejor en aceptar a Collins; pero
yo creo que habra sido muy aburrido.
Seor, cmo me gustara casarme an-
tes que vosotras! Entonces sera yo la
que os acompaara a los bailes. Lo
que nos divertimos el otro da en casa
de los Forster! Catherine y yo fuimos
a pasar all el da, y la seora Forster
nos prometi que dara un pequeo
baile por la noche. Cmo la seora
Forster y yo somos tan amigas! As que
invit a las Harrington, pero como
Harriet estaba enferma, Pen tuvo que
venir sola; y entonces, qu creerais
que hicimos? Disfrazamos de mujer a
 Austen Pride
Chamberlayne in womans clothes on purpose
to pass for a lady, only think what fun! Not
a soul knew of it , b u t C o l o n e l a n d
Mrs. Forster, and Kitty and me,
5 except my aunt, for we were forced
to borrow one of her gowns; and you
cannot imagine how well he loo ked!
W h e n D e n n y, a n d Wi c k h a m , a n d
Pr att, and two or three more of the
10 men came in, they did not know him
in the least. Lord! how I laughed! and
so did Mrs. Forster. I thought I should
have died. And THAT made the men
suspect something, and then they soon
15 found out what was the matter.
With such kinds of histories of their
parties and good jokes, did Lydia,
assisted by Kittys hints and additions,
20 endeavour to amuse her companions all
the way to Longbourn. Elizabeth listened
as little as she could, but there was no
escaping the frequent mention of
Wickhams name.
25
Their reception at home was most
kind. Mrs. Bennet rejoiced to see Jane
in undiminished beauty; and more than
once during dinner did Mr. Bennet say
30 voluntarily to Elizabeth:
I am glad you are come back, Lizzy.
Their party in the dining-room was
35 large, for almost all the Lucases came
to meet Maria and hear the news; and
various were the subjects that occupied
them: Lady Lucas was inquiring of
Maria, after the welfare and poultry of
40 her eldest daughter; Mrs. Bennet was
doubly engaged, on one hand collecting
an account of the present fashions from
Jane, who sat some way below her, and,
on the other, retailing them all to the
45 younger Lucases; and Lydia, in a voice
rather louder than any other persons,
was enumerating the various pleasures
of the morning to anybody who would
hear her.
50
Oh! Mary, said she, I wish you had
gone with us, for we had such fun! As we
went along, Kitty and I drew up the
blinds, and pretended there was nobody
55 in the coach; and I should have gone so
all the way, if Kitty had not been sick;
and when we got to the George, I do think
we behaved very handsomely, for we
treated the other three with the nicest cold
60 luncheon in the world, and if you would
have gone, we would have treated you
too. And then when we came away it was
such fun! I thought we never should have
got into the coach. I was ready to die of
65 laughter. And then we were so merry all
187
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Chamberlayne para que pasase por una
dama. Os imaginis qu risa? No lo
saba nadie, slo el coronel, la seora
Forster, Catherine y yo, aparte de mi
ta, porque nos vimos obligadas a pe-
dirle prestado uno de sus vestidos; no
os podis figurar lo bien que estaba.
Cuando llegaron Denny, Wickham,
Pratt y dos o tres caballeros ms, no
lo conocieron ni por lo ms remoto.
Ay, cmo me re! Y lo que se ri la
seora Forster! Cre que me iba a mo-
rir de risa. Y entonces, eso les hizo
sospechar algo y en seguida descubrie-
ron la broma.
Con historias parecidas de fiestas y bro-
mas, Lydia trat, con la ayuda de las indi-
caciones de Catherine, de entretener a sus
hermanas y a Mara durante todo el cami-
no hasta que llegaron a Longbourn.
Elizabeth intent escucharla lo menos po-
sible, pero no se le escaparon las frecuen-
tes alusiones a Wickham.
En casa las recibieron con todo el cari-
o. La seora Bennet se regocij al ver a
Jane tan guapa como siempre, y el seor
Bennet, durante la comida, ms de una vez
le dijo a Elizabeth de todo corazn:
Me alegro de que hayas vuelto, Lizzy.
La reunin en el comedor fue nume-
rosa, pues haban ido a recoger a Ma-
ra y a or las noticias, la mayora de
los Lucas. Se habl de muchas cosas.
Lady Lucas interrogaba a Mara, des-
de el otro lado de la mesa, sobre el
bienestar y el corral de su hija mayor;
la seora Bennet estaba doblemente
ocupada en averiguar las modas de
Londres que su hija Jane le explicaba
por un lado, y en transmitir los infor-
mes a las ms jvenes de las Lucas, por
el otro. Lydia, chillando ms que na-
die, detallaba lo que haban disfrutado
por la maana a todos los que quisie-
ran escucharla.
Oh, Mary! exclam. Cunto
me hubiese gustado que hubieras venido
con nosotras! Nos hemos divertido de lo
lindo! Cuando bamos Catherine y yo so-
las, cerramos todas las ventanillas para
hacer ver que el coche iba vaco, y ha-
bramos ido as todo el camino, si
Catherine no se hubiese mareado. Al lle-
gar al George fuimos tan generosas!,
obsequiamos a las tres con el aperitivo
ms estupendo del mundo, y si hubieses
venido t, te habramos invitado a ti tam-
bin. Y qu juerga a la vuelta! Pens que
no bamos a caber en el coche. Estuve a
punto de morirme de risa. Y todo el cami-
 Austen Pride
the way home! we talked and laughed so
loud, that anybody might have heard us
ten miles off!
5 To this Mary very gravely replied,
Far be it from me, my dear sister, to
depreciate such pleasures! They would
doubtless be congenial [pleasant, adecuado]
with the generality of female minds.
10 But I confess they would have no
charms for MEI should infinitely
prefer a book.
But of this answer Lydia heard not a
15 word. She seldom listened to anybody for
more than half a minute, and never
attended to Mary at all.
In the afternoon Lydia was urgent
20 with the rest of the girls to walk to
Meryton, and to see how everybody went
on; but Elizabeth steadily opposed the
scheme. It should not be said that the
Miss Bennets could not be at home half
25 a day before they were in pursuit of the
officers. There was another reason too for
her opposition. She dreaded seeing Mr.
Wickham again, and was resolved to
avoid it as long as possible. The comfort
30 to HER of the regiments approaching
removal was indeed beyond expression.
In a fortnight they were to goand once
gone, she hoped there could be nothing
more to plague her on his account.
35
She had not been many hours at home
before she found that the Brighton
scheme, of which Lydia had given them
a hint at the inn, was under frequent
40 discussion between her parents.
Elizabeth saw directly that her father had
not the smallest intention of yielding; but
his answers were at the same time so
vague and equivocal, that her mother,
45 though often disheartened, had never yet
despaired of succeeding at last.
50
Chapter 40
55
Elizabeths impatience to acquaint
Jane with what had happened could no
longer be overcome; and at length,
resolving to suppress every particular in
60 which her sister was concerned, and
preparing her to be surprised, she related
to her the next morning the chief of the
scene between Mr. Darcy and herself.
65 Miss Bennets astonishment was soon
188
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
no lo pasamos brbaro; hablbamos y rea-
mos tan alto que se nos habra podido or
a diez millas.
Mary replic gravemente:
Lejos de m, querida herma-
na, est el despreciar esos place-
r e s . S e r n p r o p i o s, s i n d u d a , d e l a
mayora de las mujeres. Pero con-
fieso que a m no me hacen ningu-
na gracia; habra preferido mil ve-
ces antes un libro.
Pero Lydia no oy una palabra de su
observacin. Rara vez escuchaba a na-
die ms de medio minuto, y a Mary nun-
ca le haca ni caso.
Por la tarde Lydia propuso con
insistencia que fuesen todas a
Meryton para ver cmo estaban to-
dos; pero Elizabeth se opuso enrgi-
camente. No quera que se dijera que
las seoritas Bennet no podan estar-
se en casa medio da sin ir detrs de
los oficiales. Tena otra razn para
oponerse: tema volver a ver a
Wickham, cosa que deseaba evitar en
todo lo posible. La satisfaccin que
senta por la partida del regimiento
era superior a cuanto pueda expre-
sarse. Dentro de quince das ya no es-
taran all, y esperaba que as se li-
brara de Wickham para siempre.
No llevaba muchas horas en casa,
cuando se dio cuenta de que el plan de
Brighton de que Lydia les haba infor-
mado en la posada era discutido a me-
nudo por sus padres. Elizabeth compren-
di que el seor Bennet no tena la me-
nor intencin de ceder, pero sus contes-
taciones eran tan vagas y tan equvocas,
que la madre, aunque a veces se desco-
razonaba, no perda las esperanzas de
salirse al fin con la suya.
Captulo XL
Elizabeth no pudo contener por
ms tiempo su impaciencia por contar-
le a Jane todo lo que haba sucedido.
Al fin resolvi suprimir todo lo que se
refiriese a su hermana, y ponindola
en antecedentes de la sorpresa, a la
maana siguiente le relat lo ms im-
portante de su escena con Darcy.
El gran cario que Jane senta por
 Austen Pride
lessened by the strong sisterly
partiality which made any admiration
of Elizabeth appear perfectly natural;
and all surprise was shortly lost in other feelings.
5 She was sorry that Mr. Darcy should
have delivered his sentiments in a
manner so little suited to recommend
them; but still more was she grieved
for the unhappiness which her sister s
10 refusal must have given him.
His being so sure of succeeding was
wrong, said she, and certainly ought
not to have appeared; but consider how
15 much it must increase his
disappointment!
Indeed, replied Elizabeth, I am
heartily sorry for him; but he has other
20 feelings, which will probably soon drive
away his regard for me. You do not blame
me, however, for refusing him?
Blame you! Oh, no.
25
But you blame me for having spoken
so warmly of Wickham?
NoI do not know that you were
30 wrong in saying what you did.
But you WILL know it, when I tell you
what happened the very next day.
35 She then spoke of the letter, repeating
the whole of its contents as far as they
concerned George Wickham. What a
stroke was this for poor Jane! who would
willingly have gone through the world
40 without believing that so much
wickedness existed in the whole race of
mankind, as was here collected in one
individual. Nor was Darcys vindication,
though grateful to her feelings, capable
45 of consoling her for such discovery. Most
earnestly did she labour to prove the
probability of error, and seek to clear the
one without involving the other.
50 This will not do, said Elizabeth;
you never will be able to make both of
them good for anything. Take your
choice, but you must be satisfied with
only one. There is but such a quantity
55 of merit between them; just enough to
make one good sort of man; and of late
it has been shifting about pretty much.
For my part, I am inclined to believe it
all Darcys; but you shall do as you
60 choose.
It was some time, however, before a
smile could be extorted from Jane.
65 I do not know when I have been more
189
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Elizabeth disminuy su asombro, pues
todo lo que fuese admiracin por ella
le pareca perfectamente natural.
Fueron otros sus sentimientos.
Le dola que Darcy se hubiese expre-
sado de aquel modo tan poco adecua-
do para hacerse agradable, pero to-
dava le afliga ms el pensar en la
desdicha que la negativa de su her-
mana le habra causado.
Fue un error el creerse tan se-
guro del xito dijo y claro est
que no debi delatarse; pero figra-
te lo que le habr pesado y lo mal que
se sentir ahora!
Es cierto repuso Elizabeth,
lo siento de veras por l; pero su orgu-
llo es tan grande que no tardar mucho
en olvidarme. Te parece mal que le
haya rechazado?
Parecerme mal? De ningn modo.
Pero no te habr gustado que le haya
X hablado con tanto nfasis de Wickham.
No s si habrs hecho mal en ha-
blarle como lo hiciste.
Pues lo vas a saber cuando te haya
contado lo que sucedi al da siguiente.
Entonces Elizabeth le habl de la car-
ta, repitindole todo su contenido en lo
que slo a George Wickham se refera.
Fue un duro golpe para la pobre Jane.
Habra dado la vuelta al mundo sin sos-
pechar que en todo el gnero humano
pudiese caber tanta perversidad como la
que encerraba aquel nico individuo. Ni
siquiera la justificacin de Darcy, por
muy grata que le resultara, bastaba para
consolarla de semejante revelacin. In-
tent con todas sus fuerzas sostener que
poda haber algn error, tratando de de-
fender al uno sin inculpar al otro.
No te servir de nada le dijo
Elizabeth; nunca podrs decir que
los dos son buenos. Elige como quie-
ras; pero o te quedas con uno o con
otro. Entre los dos no renen ms que
una cantidad de mritos justita para un
solo hombre decente. Ya nos hemos
engaado bastante ltimamente. Por
mi parte, me inclino a creer todo lo
que dice Darcy; t vers lo que deci-
des.
Pas mucho rato antes de que Jane pu-
diese sonrer.
No s qu me ha sorprendido ms

abusive
1 (= offensive) ofensivo, insultante; to become
abusive ponerse grosero
2 (physically) [person] que maltrata; [relationship]
de malos tratos
3 (sexually) [person] que abusa (sexualmente);
[relationship] de abuso sexual
4 [practice] abusivo
abusive ofensivo, grosero, injurioso,
maltratador, insultante
abusivo excessive, exorbitant, misused,
improper
Austen Pride
shocked, said she. Wickham so very
bad! It is almost past belief. And poor
Mr. Darcy! Dear Lizzy, only consider
what he must have suffered. Such a
5 disappointment! and with the knowledge
of your ill opinion, too! and having to
relate such a thing of his sister! It is really
too distressing. I am sure you must feel
it so.
10
Oh! no, my regret and compassion
are all done away by seeing you so full
of both. I know you will do him such
ample justice, that I am growing every
15 moment more unconcerned and
indifferent. Your profusion makes me
saving; and if you lament over him much
longer, my heart will be as light as a
feather.
20
Poor Wickham! there is such an
expression of goodness in his
countenance! such an openness and
gentleness in his manner!
25
There certainly was some great
mismanagement in the education of those
two young men. One has got all the
goodness, and the other all the
30 appearance of it.
I never thought Mr. Darcy so
deficient in the APPEARANCE of it as
you used to do.
35
And yet I meant to be uncommonly
clever in taking so decided a dislike to
him, without any reason. It is such a spur
to ones genius, such an opening for wit,
40 to have a dislike of that kind. One may
be continually abusive without saying
anything just; but one cannot always be
laughing at a man without now and then
stumbling on something witty.
45
L i z z y, w h e n y o u f i r s t r e a d
that letter, I am sure you could not treat
the matter as you do now.
50 Indeed, I could not. I was
uncomfortable enough, I may say
u n h a p p y. A n d w i t h n o o n e t o s p e a k
to about what I felt, no Jane to
comfort me and say that I had not
55 b e e n s o v e r y w e a k a n d v a i n a n d
nonsensical as I knew I had! Oh!
how I wanted you!
How unfortunate that you should
60 have used such very strong expressions
in speaking of Wickham to Mr. Darcy,
for now they DO appear wholly
undeserved.
65 Certainly. But the misfortune of
190
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
dijo al fin. Que Wickham sea tan
malvado! Casi no puede creerse. Y el
pobre Darcy! Querida Elizabeth, pien-
sa slo en lo que habr sufrido. Qu de-
cepcin! Y encima confesarle la mala
opinin que tenas de l! Y tener que
contar tales cosas de su hermana! Es
verdaderamente espantoso. No te pa-
rece?
Oh, no! Se me ha quitado toda la
pena y toda la compasin al ver que t las
sientes por las dos. S que, con que t le
hagas justicia, basta. S que puedo estar
cada vez ms despreocupada e indiferen-
te. Tu profusin de lamentos me salva. Y
si sigues compadecindote de l mucho
tiempo, mi corazn se har tan insensible
como una roca.
Pobre Wickham! Parece tan bueno,
tan franco!
S, es cierto; debi de haber
una mala direccin en la educacin
de estos dos jvenes; uno acapar
toda la bondad y el otro todas las
buenas apariencias.
Yo n u n c a c o n s i d e r q u e l a s
apariencias de Darcy eran tan ma-
las como t decas.
Pues ya ves, yo me tena por muy lis-
ta cuando le encontraba tan antiptico, sin
ningn motivo. Sentir ese tipo de antipa-
tas es como un estmulo para la inteligen-
cia, es como un rasgo de ingenio. Se pue-
de estar hablando mal continuamente de
alguien sin decir nada justo; pero no es
posible estar siempre rindose de una per-
sona sin dar alguna vez en el clavo.
Estoy segura, Elizabeth, de que
X al leer la carta de Darcy, por primera
vez, no pensaste as.
No habra podido, es cierto. Estaba
tan molesta, o, mejor dicho, tan triste. Y lo
peor de todo era que no tena a quin con-
fiar mi pesar. No tener a nadie a quien ha-
blar de lo que senta, ninguna Jane que me
consolara y me dijera que no haba sido tan
frgil, tan vana y tan insensata como yo me
crea! Qu falta me hiciste!
Haber atacado a Darcy de ese modo
por defender a Wickham, y pensar ahora que
no lo mereca!
Es cierto; pero estaba amargada
 Austen Pride
speaking with bitterness is a most natural
consequence of the prejudices I had been
encouraging. There is one point on which
I want your advice. I want to be told
5 whether I ought, or ought not, to make
our acquaintances in general understand
Wickhams character.
Miss Bennet paused a little, and then
10 replied, Surely there can be no occasion
expose (to) y exponer se refieren a poner a la for exposing him so dreadfully. What is
vista, exhibir, mostrar, arriesgar, pero cada
voz aiiade matices nuevos: to expose recal-
your opinion?
ca la idea negativa de divulgar / revelar /
sacar a la luz [secretos, ideas], desenmas- That it ought not to be attempted.
carar [fraude, delito], descubrir / demostrar 15 Mr. Darcy has not authorised me to make
[falsedad, debilidad], mientras que exponer his communication public. On the
es ms positivo para to explain / detail
[ideas]. Exposition es exposicin [exhibi- contrary, every particular relative to his
cin, feria de muestras, explicacin], pero sister was meant to be kept as much as
oexposicin se aplica tambin a exposure [a1 possible to myself; and if I endeavour to
sol, a1 aire, fotos], danger / risk [peligro], 20 undeceive people as to the rest of his
expos Fechos, ideas]. Worlds fair es conduct, who will believe me? The
exposicidn universal / mundial.
general prejudice against Mr. Darcy is so
violent, that it would be the death of half
the good people in Meryton to attempt
25 to place him in an amiable light. I am not
equal to it. Wickham will soon be gone;
and therefore it will not signify to anyone
here what he really is. Some time hence
it will be all found out, and then we may
30 laugh at their stupidity in not knowing it
before. At present I will say nothing
about it.
You are quite right. To have his
35 errors made public might ruin him for
ever. He is now, perhaps, sorry for what
he has done, and anxious to re-establish
a character. We must not make him
desperate.
40
The tumult of Elizabeths mind was
allay v.tr. 1 diminish (fear, suspicion, etc.) [fears] allayed [calmar] by this conversation.
aquietar, calmar. 2 relieve or alleviate (pain,
hunger, etc.), [doubts] despejar She had got rid of two of the secrets
allay 1 quench, slake, allay, assuage satisfy which had weighed on her for a fortnight,
(thirst); The cold water quenched his thirst 45 and was certain of a willing listener in
2 still, allay, relieve, ease lessen the intensity Jane, whenever she might wish to talk
of or calm;
again of either. But there was still
something lurking behind, of which
prudence forbade the disclosure. She
50 dared not relate the other half of Mr.
Darcys letter, nor explain to her sister
how sincerely she had been valued by her
friend. Here was knowledge in which no
sensible se refiere a cuerdo, razonable, acertado one could partake; and she was sensible
[gusto, idea, plan], sensato, mdico [precio], pru- 55 that nothing less than a perfect
dente, lgico, consciente, prctico / cmodo
[ropa, calzado], mientras que el espaol sensi- understanding between the parties could
ble traduce sensitive, feeling, sentient, justify her in throwing off this last
regrettable, noticeable / marked, sizable, de-
plorable, tender, sore [adolorido]. Sensibility encumbrance of mystery. And then,
es sensibilidad, en el sentido de habilidad de said she, if that very improbable event
sentir, receptividad, en el mundo personal, y
adems precisin, en el mundo mecnico; el 60 should ever take place, I shall merely be
plural sensibilities se usa para susceptibilidad, able to tell what Bingley may tell in a
sentimientos delicados, delicadeza; a su vez,
sensibilidad traduce sensitivity, como percep- much more agreeable manner himself.
cin por los sentidos, radio, TV, foto. The liberty of communication cannot be
mine till it has lost all its value!
65
191
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
por los prejuicios que haba ido alimen-
tando. Necesito que me aconsejes en una
cosa. Debo o no debo divulgar lo que
he sabido de Wickham? _____________
_ _________________ _________ ______
__ ___________ _______________ _____
X
_____ ___________
Jane medit un rato y luego dijo:
Creo que no hay por qu
p o n e r l e e n t a n m a l l u g a r. T
qu opinas?
Que tienes razn. Darcy no me
ha autorizado para que difunda lo que
me ha revelado. Al contrario, me ha
dado a entender que debo guardar la
mayor reserva posible sobre el asunto
de su hermana. Y, por otra parte, aun-
que quisiera abrirle los ojos a la gente
sobre su conducta en las dems cosas,
quin me iba a creer? El prejuicio en
contra de Darcy es tan fuerte que la
mitad de las buenas gentes de Meryton
moriran antes de tener que ponerle en
un pedestal. No sirvo para eso.
Wickham se ir pronto, y es mejor que
me calle. Dentro de algn tiempo se
descubrir todo y entonces podremos
rernos de la necedad de la gente por
no haberlo sabido antes. Por ahora no
dir nada.
Me parece muy bien. Si propa-
gases sus defectos podras arruinar-
le para siempre. A lo mejor se arre-
piente de lo que hizo y quiere enmen-
darse. No debemos empujarle a la
desesperacin.
El tumulto de la mente de
Elizabeth se apacigu con esta conver-
sacin. Haba descargado uno de los
dos secretos que durante quince das
haban pesado sobre su alma, y saba
que Jane la escuchara siempre de buen
grado cuando quisiese hablar de ello.
Pero todava ocultaba algo que la pru-
dencia le impeda revelar. No se atre-
va a descubrir a su hermana la otra mi-
tad de la carta de Darcy, ni decirle con
cunta sinceridad haba sido amada por
su amigo. E r a u n s e c r e t o s u y o
que con nadie poda compar-
tir, y saba que slo un
acuerdo entre Jane y
B i n g l e y justificara su
X
c o n f e s i n . Y a u n e n -
t o n c e s s e d e c a
s l o podra contarle lo
q u e e l m i s m o Bingley creye-
s e c o n v e n i e n t e p a r t i ciparle. No ten-
dr libertad para revelar este secreto has-
ta que haya perdido todo su valor.
 Austen Pride
She was now, on being settled at
home, at leisure to observe the real state
of her sisters spirits. Jane was not happy.
She still cherished a very tender affection
5 for Bingley. Having never even fancied
herself in love before, her regard had all
the warmth of first attachment, and, from
her age and disposition, greater
steadiness than most first attachments
10 often boast; and so fervently did she
value his remembrance, and prefer him
to every other man, that all her good
sense, and all her attention to the feelings
of her friends, were requisite to check the
15 indulgence of those regrets which must
have been injurious to her own health and
their tranquillity.
Well, Lizzy, said Mrs. Bennet one
20 day, what is your opinion NOW of this
sad business of Janes? For my part, I am
determined never to speak of it again to
anybody. I told my sister Phillips so the
other day. But I cannot find out that Jane
25 saw anything of him in London. Well, he
is a very undeserving young manand I
do not suppose theres the least chance
in the world of her ever getting him now.
There is no talk of his coming to
30 Netherfield again in the summer; and I
have inquired of everybody, too, who is
likely to know.
I do not believe he will ever live at
35 Netherfield any more.
Oh well! it is just as he chooses.
Nobody wants him to come. Though I
shall always say he used my daughter
40 extremely ill; and if I was her, I would
not have put up with it. Well, my comfort
is, I am sure Jane will die of a broken
heart; and then he will be sorry for what
he has done.
45
But as Elizabeth could not receive
comfort from any such expectation, she
made no answer.
50 Well, Lizzy, continued her mother,
soon afterwards, and so the Collinses
live very comfortable, do they? Well,
well, I only hope it will last. And what
sort of table do they keep? Charlotte is
55 an excellent manager, I dare say. If she
is half as sharp as her mother, she is
saving enough. There is nothing
extravagant in THEIR housekeeping, I
dare say.
60
No, nothing at all.
A great deal of good management,
depend upon it. Yes, yes. THEY will take
65 care not to outrun their income. THEY
192
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Como estaba todo el da en casa,
tena ocasin de estudiar el verda-
dero estado de nimo de su herma-
na. Jane no era feliz; todava que-
ra a Bingley tiernamente. Nunca
hasta entonces haba estado enamo-
rada, y su cario tena todo el fue-
go de un primer amor, pero su edad
y su carcter le daban una firmeza
que no suelen tener los amores pri-
meros. No poda pensar ms que en
Bingley y se requera todo su buen
sentido y su atencin a su familia
para moderar aquellos recuerdos
que podan acabar con su salud y
con la tranquilidad de los que la
rodeaban.
Bueno, Elizabeth dijo un da
la seora Bennet, dime cul es aho-
ra tu opinin sobre el triste asunto de
Jane. Yo estoy decidida a no volver a
hablar de ello. As se lo dije el otro
da a mi hermana Philips. Pero no
puedo creer que Jane no haya visto a
Bingley en Londres. Realmente, es un
desalmado y no creo que haya la me-
nor probabilidad de que lo consiga.
No se habla de que vaya a volver a
Netherfield este verano, y eso que he
preguntado a todos los que pueden
estar enterados.
No creo que vuelva ms a
Netherfield.
M u y b i e n . Va l e m s a s . N i
falta que hace. Aunque yo siempre
dir que se ha portado psimamen-
te con mi hija, y yo que ella no se
lo habra aguantado. Mi nico con-
suelo es que Jane morir del cora-
zn y entonces Bingley se arrepen-
tir de lo que ha hecho.
Pero Elizabeth, que no poda
consolarse con esas esperanzas se
qued callada.
Dime continu la madre,
viven muy bien los Collins, ver-
dad? Bien, bien, espero que les dure
mucho tiempo. Y qu tal comen?
Estoy segura de que Charlotte es una
excelente administradora. Si es la
mitad de aguda que su madre, aho-
rrar muchsimo. N o c r e o
X q u e h a g a n m u c h o s
e x c e s o s .
No, en absoluto.
De ello depende la buena ad-
m i n i s t r a c i n . Ya , y a ; s e c u i d a r n
mucho de no derrochar su sueldo.
 Austen Pride
will never be distressed for money. Well,
much good may it do them! And so, I
suppose, they often talk of having
Longbourn when your father is dead.
5 They look upon it as quite their own, I
dare say, whenever that happens.
It was a subject which they could not
mention before me.
10
No; it would have been strange if
they had; but I make no doubt they often
talk of it between themselves. Well, if
they can be easy with an estate that is
15 not lawfully their own, so much the
better. I should be ashamed of having one
that was only entailed on me. X z a r a ___ _______ ____ ____ __.
20
25
Chapter 41
The first week of their return was
soon gone. The second began. It was the
30 last of the regiments stay in Meryton,
and all the young ladies in the
apace swiftly, quickly, rapidly, speedily neighbourhood were drooping apace. X
The dejection was almost universal. The
elder Miss Bennets alone were still able
35 to eat, drink, and sleep, and pursue the
usual course of their employments. Very
frequently were they reproached for this
insensibility by Kitty and Lydia, whose
own misery was extreme, and who could X
40 not comprehend such hard-heartedness in
any of the family.
Good Heaven! what is to become of
us? What are we to do? would they often
45 exclaiming the bitterness of woe. How
can you be smiling so, Lizzy?
Their affectionate mother shared all
their grief; she remembered what she had
50 herself endured on a similar occasion,
five-and-twenty years ago.
I am sure, said she, I cried for two
days together when Colonel Miller s
55 regiment went away. I thought I should
have broken my heart.
I am sure I shall break MINE, said
Lydia.
60
If one could but go to Brighton!
observed Mrs. Bennet.
Oh, yes!if one could but go to
65 B r i g h t o n !
But papa is so
193
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Nunca tendrn apuros de dinero.
Que les aproveche! Y me figuro
que hablarn a menudo de adqui-
rir Longbourn cuando muera tu
padre, y de que ya lo considerarn
suyo en cuanto esto suceda.
Nunca mencionaron este tema delan-
te de m.
Claro, no habra estado bien;
pero no me cabe la menor duda de que
lo hablan muchas veces entre ellos.
Bueno, si se contentan con una pose-
sin que legalmente no es suya, all
ellos. A m m e a v e r g o n -
Captulo XLI
Pas pronto la primera semana del regre-
so, y entraron en la segunda, que era la lti-
ma de la estancia del regimiento en Meryton.
Las jvenes de la localidad
languidecan __________ _______ ;
la tristeza era casi general.
Slo las hijas mayores de los Bennet
eran capaces de comer, beber y dor-
mir como si no pasara nada.
Catherine y Lydia les reprochaban
a menudo su insensibilidad. Estaban
muy abatidas y no podan compren-
der tal dureza de corazn en miem-
bros de su propia familia.
Dios mo! Qu va a ser de noso-
tras? Qu vamos a hacer? exclama-
X ban desoladas. Cmo puedes sonrer
de esa manera, Elizabeth?
Su cariosa madre comparta su pe-
sar y se acordaba de lo que ella misma
haba sufrido por una ocasin semejante
haca veinticinco aos.
Recuerdo deca que llor dos
das seguidos cuando se fue el regimien-
to del coronel Miller, cre que se me iba
a partir el corazn.
El mo tambin se har pedazos
dijo Lydia.
Si al menos pudiramos ir a
Brighton! suspir la seora Bennet.
Oh, s! Si al menos pudiramos
ir a Brighton! Pero pap es tan poco
 Austen Pride
disagreeable.
A little sea-bathing would set me up
forever.
5
And my aunt Phillips is sure it
would do ME a great deal of good,
added Kitty.
10 Such were the kind of lamentations
resounding perpetually through
Longbourn House. Elizabeth tried to be
diverted by them; but all sense of
pleasure was lost in shame. She felt anew
15 the justice of Mr. Darcys objections; and
never had she been so much disposed to
pardon his interference in the views of
his friend.
20 But the gloom of Lydias prospect was
shortly cleared away; for she received
an invitation from Mrs. Forster, the wife
of the colonel of the regiment, to
accompany her to Brighton. This
25 invaluable friend was a very young
woman, and very lately married. A
resemblance in good humour and good
spirits had recommended her and Lydia
to each other, and out of their THREE
30 months acquaintance they had been
intimate TWO.
The rapture of Lydia on this occasion,
her adoration of Mrs. Forster, the delight
35 of Mrs. Bennet, and the mortification of
Kitty, are scarcely to be described.
Wholly inattentive to her sister s
feelings, Lydia flew about the house in
restless ecstasy, calling for everyones
40 congratulations, and laughing and talking
with more violence than ever; whilst the
luckless Kitty continued in the parlour
repine express discontent; complain; kick; repined at her fate in terms as
plain; sound off; quetch; kvetch unreasonable as her accent was peevish
45 [complaining].
I cannot see why Mrs. Forster should
not ask ME as well as Lydia, said she,
Though I am NOT her particular friend.
50 I have just as much right to be asked as
she has, and more too, for I am two years
older.
In vain did Elizabeth attempt to make
55 her reasonable, and Jane to make her
resigned. As for Elizabeth herself, this
invitation was so far from exciting in her
the same feelings as in her mother and
Lydia, that she considered it as the death
60 warrant of all possibility of common
sense for the latter; and detestable as such
a step must make her were it known, she
could not help secretly advising her
father not to let her go. She represented
65 to him all the improprieties of Lydias
194
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
complaciente!
Unos baos de mar me dejaran como
nueva.
Y ta Philips asegura que a m tam-
bin me sentaran muy bien aadi
Catherine.
Estas lamentaciones resonaban de
continuo en la casa de Longbourn.
Elizabeth trataba de mantenerse aisla-
da, pero no poda evitar la vergenza.
Reconoca de nuevo la justicia de las
observaciones de Darcy, y nunca se
haba sentido tan dispuesta a perdonar-
le por haberse opuesto a los planes de
su amigo.
P e r o l a m e l a n c o l a d e Ly d i a n o
tard en disiparse, pues recibi
una invitacin de la seora
F o r s t e r, l a e s p o s a d e l c o r o n e l d e l
regimiento, para que la acompa-
ase a Brighton. Esta inapreciable
a m i g a d e Ly d i a e r a m u y j o v e n y
haca poco que se haba casado.
Como las dos eran igual de alegres
y animadas, congeniaban perfecta-
mente y a los tres meses de cono-
cerse eran ya ntimas.
El entusiasmo de Lydia y la adoracin
que le entr por la seora Forster, la satis-
faccin de la seora Bennet, y la mortifi-
cacin de Catherine, fueron casi indescrip-
tibles. Sin preocuparse lo ms mnimo por
el disgusto de su hermana, Lydia corri por
la casa completamente extasiada, pidien-
do a todas que la felicitaran, riendo y ha-
blando con ms mpetu que nunca, mien-
tras la pobre Catherine continuaba en el
saln lamentando su mala suerte en tr-
minos poco razonables y con un humor de
perros.
No veo por qu la seora
Forster no me invita a m tambin
deca, aunque Lydia sea su amiga
particular. Tengo el mismo derecho
que ella a que me invite, y ms an,
porque yo soy mayor.
En vano procur Elizabeth que en-
trase en razn y en vano pretendi Jane
que se resignase. La dichosa invitacin
despert en Elizabeth sentimientos bien
distintos a los de Lydia y su madre;
comprendi claramente que ya no ha-
ba ninguna esperanza de que la seora
Bennet diese alguna prueba de sentido
comn. No pudo menos que pedirle a
su padre que no dejase a Lydia ir a
Brighton, pues semejante paso poda
tener funestas consecuencias. Le hizo
 Austen Pride
general behaviour, the little advantage
she could derive from the friendship of
such a woman as Mrs. Forster, and the
probability of her being yet more
5 imprudent with such a companion at
Brighton, where the temptations must be
greater than at home. He heard her
attentively, and then said:
10 Lydia will never be easy until she
has exposed herself in some public place
or other, and we can never expect her to
do it with so little expense or
inconvenience to her family as under the
15 present circumstances.
If you were aware, said Elizabeth,
of the very great disadvantage to us all
which must arise from the public notice
20 of Lydias unguarded and imprudent
mannernay, which has already arisen
from it, I am sure you would judge
differently in the affair.
25 Already arisen? repeated Mr.
Bennet. What, has she frightened away
some of your lovers? Poor little Lizzy!
But do not be cast down. Such squeamish
youths as cannot bear to be connected
30 with a little absurdity are not worth a
regret. Come, let me see the list of pitiful
fellows who have been kept aloof by
Lydias folly.
35 Indeed you are mistaken. I have no
resent take offence at such injuries to resent. It is not of
particular, but of general evils, which I
am now complaining. Our importance,
our respectability in the world must be
40 affected by the wild volatility, the
assurance and disdain of all restraint
which mark Lydias character. Excuse
me, for I must speak plainly. If you, my
dear father, will not take the trouble of
45 checking her exuberant spirits, and of
teaching her that her present pursuits are
not to be the business of her life, she will
soon be beyond the reach of amendment.
Her character will be fixed, and she will,
50 at sixteen, be the most determined flirt
that ever made herself or her family
ridiculous; a flirt, too, in the worst and
meanest degree of flirtation; without any
tolerable aceptable, soportable, pasable attraction beyond youth and a tolerable
55 person; and, from the ignorance and
emptiness of her mind, wholly unable to
ward off any portion of that universal
contempt which her rage for admiration
will excite. In this danger Kitty also is
60 comprehended. She will follow wherever
Lydia leads. Vain, ignorant, idle, and
absolutely uncontrolled! Oh! my dear
father, can you suppose it possible that
they will not be censured and despised
65 wherever they are known, and that their
195
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ver la inconveniencia de Lydia, las es-
casas ventajas que poda reportarle su
amistad con la seora Forster, y el peli-
gro de que con aquella compaa redo-
b l a s e l a i m p r u d e n c i a d e Ly d i a e n
Brighton, donde las tentaciones seran
mayores. El seor Bennet escuch con
atencin a su hija y le dijo:
Lydia no estar tranquila hasta
que haga el ridculo en pblico en un
sitio u otro, y nunca podremos espe-
rar que lo haga con tan poco gasto y
X sacrificio para su familia como en esta
ocasin.
Si supieras replic
Elizabeth los grandes daos que
nos puede acarrear a todos lo que diga
la gente del proceder inconveniente
e indiscreto de Lydia, y los que ya nos
ha acarreado, estoy segura de que
pensaras de modo muy distinto.
X Que ya nos ha acarreado! ex-
clam el seor Bennet. Ha ahuyen-
tado a alguno de tus pretendientes? Po-
bre Lizzy! Pero no te aflijas. Esos jve-
nes tan delicados que no pueden sopor-
tar tales tonteras no valen la pena. Ven,
dime cules son los remilgados galanes
a quienes ha echado atrs la locura de
Lydia.
N o m e e n t i e n d e s . N o m e
X quejo de eso. No denuncio pe-
ligros concretos, sino genera-
les. Nuestro prestigio y nues-
tra respetabilidad ante la gen-
te sern perjudicados por la ex-
trema ligereza, el desdn y el
d e s e n f r e n o d e Ly d i a . Perdona, pero
tengo que hablarte claramente. Si t,
querido padre, no quieres tomarte la
molestia de reprimir su euforia, de ense-
arle que no debe consagrar su vida a sus
actuales pasatiempos, dentro de poco
ser demasiado tarde para que se enmiende.
S u c a r c t e r s e a f i r m a r y a l o s d i e-
cisis aos ser una coqueta incorregi-
ble que no slo se pondr en ridculo a s
misma, sino a toda su familia; coqueta, adems,
en el peor y ms nfimo grado de coquetera, sin
ms atractivo que su juventud y sus regulares
prendas fsicas; i g n o r a n t e y d e c a -
b e z a h u e c a , i n c a p a z de reparar
en lo ms mnimo el desprecio general
que provocar su afn de ser admirada.
Catherine se encuentra en el mis-
mo peligro, porque ir donde Lydia
la lleve; v ana, ignorante, perezosa y
absoluta m e n t e i n controlada. Padre,
p u e d e s c r e e r q u e n o l a s c r i t i c a r n
y las despreciarn e n d o n d e q u i e -
ra que vayan, y que no envol-

disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame;
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon-
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa
Austen Pride
sisters will not be often involved in the
disgrace?
Mr. Bennet saw that her whole heart
5 was in the subject, and affectionately
taking her hand said in reply:
Do not make yourself uneasy, my
love. Wherever you and Jane are known
10 you must be respected and valued; and
you will not appear to less advantage for
having a couple ofor I may say, three
very silly sisters. We shall have no peace
at Longbourn if Lydia does not go to
15 Brighton. Let her go, then. Colonel
Forster is a sensible man, and will keep
her out of any real mischief; and she is
luckily too poor to be an object of prey
to anybody. At Brighton she will be of
20 less importance even as a common flirt
than she has been here. The officers will
find women better worth their notice. Let
us hope, therefore, that her being there
may teach her her own insignificance. At
25 any rate, she cannot grow many degrees
worse, without authorising us to lock her
up for the rest of her life.
With this answer Elizabeth was forced
30 to be content; but her own opinion
continued the same, and she left him
disappointed and sorry. It was not in her
nature, however, to increase her
vexations by dwelling on them. She was
35 confident of having performed her duty,
and to fret over unavoidable evils, or
augment them by anxiety, was no part of
her disposition.
40 Had Lydia and her mother known the
substance of her conference with her
father, their indignation would hardly
have found expression in their united
volubility. In Lydias imagination, a visit
45 to Brighton comprised every possibility
of earthly happiness. She saw, with the
creative eye of fancy, the streets of that
gay bathing-place covered with officers.
She saw herself the object of attention,
50 to tens and to scores of them at present
unknown. She saw all the glories of the
campits tents stretched forth in
beauteous uniformity of lines, crowded
with the young and the gay, and dazzling
55 with scarlet; and, to complete the view,
she saw herself seated beneath a tent,
tenderly flirting with at least six officers
at once.
60 Had she known her sister sought to
tear her from such prospects and such
realities as these, what would have been
her sensations? They could have been
understood only by her mother, who
65 might have felt nearly the same. Lydias
196
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
X v e r n e n s u d esgracia a las dems
hermanas?
El seor Bennet se dio cuenta de que
Elizabeth hablaba con el corazn. Le tom
la mano afectuosamente y le contest:
No te intranquilices, amor mo.
T y Jane seris siempre respetadas
y queridas en todas partes, y no pa-
receris menos aventajadas por tener
dos o quiz tres hermanas muy ne-
cias. No habr paz en Longbourn si
Lydia no va a Brighton. Djala que,
vaya. El coronel Forster es un
h o m bre sensato y la vigilar. Y ella es
por suerte demasiado pobre para ser ob-
jeto de la rapia de nadie. Su coquete-
ra tendr menos importancia en
Brighton que aqu, pues los oficiales
encontrarn all mujeres ms atractivas.
De modo que le servir para compren-
der se propia insignificancia. De todas
formas, ya no puede empeorar mucho,
y si lo hace, tendramos entonces sufi-
cientes motivos para encerrarla bajo lla-
ve el resto de su vida.
Elizabeth tuvo que contentarse con
esta respuesta; pero su opinin segua
siendo la misma, y se separ de su pa-
dre pesarosa y decepcionada. Pero su
carcter le impeda acrecentar sus
sinsabores insistiendo en ellos. Crea
que haba cumplido con su deber y no
estaba dispuesta a consumirse pen-
sando en males inevitables o a aumen-
tarlos con su ansiedad.
Si Lydia o su madre hubiesen sabido
lo que Elizabeth haba estado hablando
con su padre, su indignacin no habra
tenido lmites. Una visita a Brighton era
para Lydia el dechado de la felicidad te-
rrenal. Con su enorme fantasa vea las
calles de aquella alegre ciudad costera
plagada de oficiales; se vea a s misma
atrayendo las miradas de docenas y do-
cenas de ellos que an no conoca. Se
imaginaba en mitad del campamento, con
sus tiendas tendidas en la hermosa unifor-
midad de sus lneas, llenas de jvenes
alegres y deslumbrantes con sus trajes de
color carmes; y para completar el cua-
dro se imaginaba a s misma sentada jun-
to a una de aquellas tiendas y coquetean-
do tiernamente con no menos de seis ofi-
ciales a la vez.
Si hubiese sabido que su hermana
pretenda arrebatarle todos aquellos
sueos, todas aquellas realidades,
qu habra pasado? Slo su madre
habra sido capaz de comprenderlo,
pues casi senta lo mismo que ella. El
 Austen Pride
going to Brighton was all that consoled
her for her melancholy conviction of her
husbands never intending to go there
himself.
5
But they were entirely ignorant of
what had passed; and their raptures
continued, with little intermission, to the
very day of Lydias leaving home.
10
Elizabeth was now to see Mr.
Wickham for the last time. Having been
frequently in company with him since her
return, agitation was pretty well over; the
15 agitations of formal partiality entirely so.
Sh e h a d e v e n l e a r n t t o d e t e c t , i n
the very gentleness which had
dusgust el sustantivo disgust es asco, repug- first delighted her, an affectation
nancia, aversin, mientras que disgusto tra- a n d a s a m e n e s s t o d isgust and weary.
duce displeasure, misfortune, argument,
20 In his present behaviour to herself,
minor quarrel, trouble, sorrow; el adjetivo
disgusted es hastiado, asqueado, indignado, moreover, she had a fresh source of
mientras que disgustado es annoyed, displeasure, for the inclination he soon
displeased, angry. testified of renewing those intentions
which had marked the early part of their
25 acquaintance could only serve, after what
had since passed, to provoke her. She lost
all concern for him in finding herself thus
selected as the object of such idle and
frivolous gallantry; and while she
30 steadily repressed it, could not but feel
the reproof contained in his believing,
that however long, and for whatever
cause, his attentions had been withdrawn,
her vanity would be gratified, and her
35 preference secured at any time by their
renewal.
On the very last day of the regiments
remaining at Meryton, he dined, with
40 other of the officers, at Longbourn; and
so little was Elizabeth disposed to part
from him in good humour, that on his
making some inquiry as to the manner in
which her time had passed at Hunsford,
45 she mentioned Colonel Fitzwilliams and
Mr. Darcys having both spent three
weeks at Rosings, and asked him, if he
was acquainted with the former.
50 He looked surprised, displeased,
alarmed; but with a moments
recollection and a returning smile,
replied, that he had formerly seen him
often; and, after observing that he was a
55 very gentlemanlike man, asked her how
she had liked him. Her answer was
warmly in his favour. With an air of
indifference he soon afterwards added:
60 How long did you say he was at
Rosings?
Nearly three weeks.
65 And you saw him frequently?
197
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
viaje de Lydia a Brighton era lo nico
que la consolaba de su melanclica
conviccin de que jams lograra lle-
var all a su marido.
Pero ni la una ni la otra sospe-
chaban lo ocurrido, y su entusiasmo
continu hasta el mismo da en que
Lydia sali de casa.
Elizabeth iba a ver ahora a
Wickham por ltima vez. Haba esta-
do con frecuencia en su compaa des-
de que regres de Hunsford, y su agi-
tacin se haba calmado mucho; su
antiguo inters por l haba desapare-
cido por completo. Haba aprendido a
descubrir en aquella amabilidad que al
principio le atraa una cierta afectacin que
ahora le repugnaba. Por otra parte, la ac-
titud de Wickham para con ella aca-
baba de disgustarla, p u e s e l j o v e n
manifestaba deseos de renovar
su galanteo, y despus de todo
lo ocurrido Elizabeth no poda
menos que sublevarse. R e f r e n
con firmeza sus vanas y
____________ __________ _________
frvolas atenciones, sin dejar de
sentir la ofensa que implicaba la
creencia de Wickham de que por ms
tiempo que la hubiese tenido abando-
nada y cualquiera que fuese la causa
de su abandono, la halagara y con-
quistara de nuevo slo con volver a
solicitarla.
El ltimo da de la estancia del
r e g i m i e n t o e n M e r y t o n , Wi c k h a m
cen en Longbourn con otros ofi-
ciales. Elizabeth estaba tan poco
dispuesta a soportarle que cuando
Wickham le pregunt qu tal lo ha-
ba pasado en Hunsford, le respon-
di que el coronel Fitzwilliam y
Darcy haban pasado tres semanas
en Rosings, y quiso saber si cono-
ca al primero.
Wi c k h a m p a r e c i s o r p r e n d i d o ,
molesto y alarmado; pero se repuso
en seguida y con una sonrisa contes-
t que en otro tiempo le vea a menu-
do. Dijo que era todo un caballero y
le pregunt si le haba gustado.
Elizabeth respondi que s con entu-
siasmo. Pero despus Wickham aa-
di, con aire indiferente:
Cunto tiempo dice que estuvo el
coronel en Rosings?
Cerca de tres semanas.
Y le vea con frecuencia?
 Austen Pride
Yes, almost every day.
His manners are very different from
5 his cousins.
Yes, very different. But I think Mr.
Darcy improves upon acquaintance.
10 Indeed! cried Mr. Wickham with a
look which did not escape her. And
pray, may I ask? But checking
himself, he added, in a gayer tone, Is it
in address that he improves? Has he
15 deigned to add aught [anything at all]
of civility to his ordinary style?for I
dare not hope, he continued in a lower
and more serious tone, that he is
improved in essentials.
20
Oh, no! said Elizabeth . In
essentials, I believe, he is very much what
he ever was.
25 While she spoke, Wickham looked as
if scarcely knowing whether to rejoice
over her words, or to distrust their
meaning. There was a something in her
countenance which made him listen with
30 an apprehensive and anxious attention,
while she added:
When I said that he improved on
acquaintance, I did not mean that his
35 mind or his manners were in a state of
improvement, but that, from knowing him
better, his disposition was better
understood.
40 Wickhams alarm now appeared in a
heightened complexion and agitated
look; for a few minuted he was silent,
till, shaking off his embarrassment, he
turned to her again, and said in the
45 gentlest of accents:
You, who so well know my feeling
towards Mr. Darcy, will readily
comprehend how sincerely I must rejoice
50 that he is wise enough to assume even
the APPEARANCE of what is right. His
pride, in that direction, may be of
service, if not to himself, to many
others, for it must only deter him from
55 such foul misconduct as I have suffered
by. I only fear that the sort of cautiousness
to which you, I imagine, have been
alluding, is merely adopted on his visits to
his aunt, of whose good opinion and
60 judgement he stands much in awe. His fear
of her has always operated, I know, when
they were together; and a good deal is to
be imputed to his wish of forwarding the
match with Miss de Bourgh, which I am
65 certain he has very much at heart.
198
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Casi todos los das.
Es muy diferente de su
primo.
S, en efecto. Pero creo que el seor
Darcy gana mucho en cuanto se le trata.
Va y a ! e x c l a m Wi c k h a m
con una mirada que a Elizabeth no
le pas inadvertida. En qu?
pero, reprimindose, continu en
tono ms jovial: En los modales?
Se ha dignado portarse ms correc-
tamente que de costumbre? Porque
no puedo creer continu en voz
ms baja y seria que haya mejora-
do en lo esencial.
X O h , n o ! ___________ E n l o
esencial sigue siendo el de
siempre.
Wi c k h a m n o s a b a s i a l e g r a r s e
con sus palabras o desconfiar de su
significado. Haba un algo en el
aire de Elizabeth que le hizo es-
cuchar con ansiosa atencin y con
recelo lo que la joven dijo a con-
tinuacin:
Al decir que gana con el tra-
to, no quiero dar a entender que su
modo de ser o sus maneras hayan
mejorado, sino que al conocerle
m e j o r, m s f c i l m e n t e s e c o m p r e n -
de su actitud.
La alarma de Wickham se delat en-
tonces por su rubor y la agitacin de su
mirada; se qued callado unos instantes
hasta que logr vencer su embarazo y diri-
gindose de nuevo a Elizabeth dijo en el
tono ms amable:
Usted que conoce tan bien mi
resentimiento contra el seor Darcy,
comprender cun sinceramente me
he de alegrar de que sea lo bastante
astuto para asumir al menos una co-
rreccin exterior. Con ese sistema su
orgullo puede ser til, si no a l; a
muchos otros, pues le apartar del
mal comportamiento del que yo fui
vctima. Pero mucho me temo que esa
especie de prudencia a que usted pa-
rece aludir la emplee nicamente en
sus visitas a su ta, pues no le con-
viene conducirse mal en su presencia.
S muy bien que siempre ha cuidado
las apariencias delante de ella con el
deseo de llevar a buen fin su boda con
la seorita de Bourgh, en la que pone
todo su empeo.
 Austen Pride
Elizabeth could not repress a smile at
this, but she answered only by a slight
inclination of the head. She saw that he
5 wanted to engage her on the old subject
of his grievances, and she was in no
humour to indulge him. The rest of the
evening passed with the APPEARANCE,
on his side, of usual cheerfulness, but
10 with no further attempt to distinguish
Elizabeth; and they parted at last with
mutual civility, and possibly a mutual
desire of never meeting again.
15 When the party broke up, Lydia
returned with Mrs. Forster to Meryton,
from whence they were to set out early
the next morning. The separation
between her and her family was rather
20 noisy than pathetic. Kitty was the only
one who shed tears; but she did weep
from vexation and envy. Mrs. Bennet
was diffuse in her good wishes for the
felicity of her daughter, and impressive
25 in her injunctions that she should not
miss the opportunity of enjoying herself
as much as possibleadvice which
there was every reason to believe would
be well attended to; and in the
30 clamorous happiness of Lydia herself in
bidding farewell, the more gentle adieus
of her sisters were uttered without being
heard.
35
40
Chapter 42
Had Elizabeths opinion been all
45 drawn from her own family, she could not
have formed a very pleasing opinion of
conjugal felicity or domestic comfort.
Her father, captivated by youth and
beauty, and that appearance of good
50 humour which youth and beauty
generally give, had married a woman
whose weak understanding and illiberal
mind had very early in their marriage put
and end to all real affection for her.
55 Respect, esteem, and confidence had
vanished for ever; and all his views of
domestic happiness were overthrown.
But Mr. Bennet was not of a disposition
to seek comfort for the disappointment
60 which his own imprudence had brought
on, in any of those pleasures which too
often console the unfortunate for their
folly of their vice. He was fond of the
country and of books; and from these
65 tastes had arisen his principal
199
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Elizabeth no pudo reprimir una son-
risa al or esto; pero no contest ms que
con una ligera inclinacin de cabeza. Ad-
virti que Wickham iba a volver a hablar
del antiguo tema de sus desgracias, y no
estaba de humor para permitrselo. Du-
rante el resto de la velada Wickham fin-
gi su acostumbrada alegra, pero ya no
intent cortejar a Elizabeth. Al fin se se-
pararon con mutua cortesa y tambin
probablemente con el mutuo deseo de no
volver a verse nunca.
A l t e r m i n a r l a t e r t u l i a , Ly d i a s e
fue a Meryton con la seora
F o r s t e r, d e d o n d e i b a n a p a r t i r
temprano a la maana siguiente. Su
despedida de la familia fue ms
ruidosa que pattica. Catherine fue
l a n i c a q u e llor, aunque de humilla-
cin y de envidia. L a s e o r a B e n n e t
________________ _________
X ____________ _____________
_____________ ___l e d e s e a s u
hija que se divirtiera tanto
como pudiese, consejo que la
muchacha estaba dispuesta a
seguir al pie de la letra. Y su
alboroto al despedirse fue
tan clamoroso, que ni siquie-
ra oy el gentil adis de sus
hermanas.
Captulo XLII
Si la opinin de Elizabeth se derivase
de lo que vea en su propia familia, no po-
dra haber formado una idea muy agrada-
ble de la felicidad conyugal y del bienes-
tar domstico. Su padre, cautivado por la
juventud y la belleza, y la aparente ilu-
sin y alegra que ambas conllevan, se ha-
ba casado con una mujer cuyo dbil en-
tendimiento y espritu mezquino haban
puesto fin a todo el afecto ya en los co-
mienzos de su matrimonio. El respeto, la
estima y la confianza se haban desvane-
cido para siempre; y todas las perspecti-
vas de dicha del seor Bennet dentro del
hogar se haban venido abajo. Pero l no
era de esos hombres que buscan consuelo
por los efectos de su propia imprudencia
en los placeres que a menudo confortan a
los que han llegado a ser desdichados por
sus locuras y sus vicios. Amaba el campo
y los libros y ellos constituan la
fuente de sus principales goces.
 Austen Pride
enjoyments. To his wife he was very little
otherwise indebted, than as her ignorance
and folly had contributed to his
amusement. This is not the sort of
5 happiness which a man would in general
wish to owe to his wife; but where other
powers of entertainment are wanting, the X
true philosopher will derive benefit from
such as are given.
10
Elizabeth, however, had never been
blind to the impropriety of her fathers
behaviour as a husband. She had always
seen it with pain; but respecting his
15 abilities, and grateful for his affectionate
treatment of herself, she endeavoured to
forget what she could not overlook, and
to banish from her thoughts that continual
breach of conjugal obligation and
expose (to) y exponer se refieren a poner a la 20 decorum which, in exposing his wife to
vista, exhibir, mostrar, arriesgar, pero cada the contempt of her own children, was
voz aiiade matices nuevos: to expose recal- so highly reprehensible. But she had
ca la idea negativa de divulgar / revelar / never felt so strongly as now the
sacar a la luz [secretos, ideas], desenmas-
carar [fraude, delito], descubrir / demostrar disadvantages which must attend the
[falsedad, debilidad], mientras que exponer 25 children of so unsuitable a marriage, nor
es ms positivo para to explain / detail ever been so fully aware of the evils
[ideas]. Exposition es exposicin [exhibi- arising from so ill-judged a direction of
cin, feria de muestras, explicacin], pero talents; talents, which, rightly used, might
oexposicin se aplica tambin a exposure [a1
sol, a1 aire, fotos], danger / risk [peligro], at least have preserved the respectability
expos Fechos, ideas]. Worlds fair es 30 of his daughters, even if incapable of
exposicidn universal / mundial. enlarging the mind of his wife.
When Elizabeth had rejoiced over
Wickhams departure she found little
35 other cause for satisfaction in the loss of
the regiment. Their parties abroad were
less varied than before, and at home she
had a mother and sister whose constant
repinings at the dullness of everything
40 around them threw a real gloom over
their domestic circle; and, though Kitty
might in time regain her natural degree
of sense, since the disturbers of her brain
were removed, her other sister, from
45 whose disposition greater evil might be
apprehended, was likely to be hardened
in all her folly and assurance by a
situation of such double danger as a
watering-place and a camp. Upon the
50 whole, therefore, she found, what has
been sometimes been found before, that
an event to which she had been looking
with impatient desire did not, in taking
place, bring all the satisfaction she had
55 promised herself. It was consequently
necessary to name some other period for
the commencement of actual felicity
to have some other point on which her
wishes and hopes might be fixed, and by
60 again enjoying the pleasure of
anticipation coincide con anticipacin [previsin], pero a anticipation, console herself for the X
menudo toma un matiz ms positive, como ilusin, present, and prepare for another
esperanza, expectacin, en cambio anticipacin [anticipo] disappointment. Her tour to the Lakes
se usa a menudo como advance payment. El verbo to
was now the object of her happiest
anticipate es cada da ms comn para anticipar [prever,
adelantar], tan comn como esperar, con la misma idea. 65 thoughts; it was her best consolation for
200
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
A su mujer no le deba ms que
la risa que su ignorancia y su lo-
cura le proporcionaban de vez en
c u a n d o . s a n o es la clase de feli-
cidad que un hombre deseara deber a
su esposa; pero a falta de ___ ____
_______ ___________ ______ ______ ...
El buen filsofo slo saca beneficio de
donde lo hay.
Elizabeth, no obstante, nunca haba
dejado de reconocer la inconveniencia
de la conducta de su padre como mari-
do. Siempre la haba observado con
pena, pero respetaba su talento y le
agradeca su cario, por lo que procu-
raba olvidar lo que no poda ignorar y
apartar de sus pensamientos su conti-
nua infraccin de los deberes conyugales
y del decoro que, por el hecho de exponer a
su esposa al desprecio de sus propias hijas,
era tan sumamente reprochable. Pero nunca
haba sentido como entonces los males que
puede causar a los hijos un matrimonio mal
avenido, ni nunca se haba dado cuenta tan
claramente de los peligros que entraa la di-
reccin errada del talento, talento que, bien
empleado, aunque no hubiese bastado para
aumentar la inteligencia de su mujer, habra
podido, al menos, conservar la respetabili-
dad de las hijas.
Si bien es cierto que Elizabeth
se alegr de la ausencia de
Wi c k h a m , n o p u e d e d e c i r s e q u e l e
regocijara la partida del regimien-
to. Sus salidas eran menos fre-
cuentes que antes, y las constan-
t e s quejas de su madre y su hermana
por el aburrimiento en que haban ca-
do entristecan la casa. Y aunque
Catherine llegase a recobrar el sentido
comn perdido al haberse marchado los
causantes de su perturbacin, su otra
hermana, de cuyo modo de ser podan
esperar todas las calamidades, estaba en
peligro de afirmar su locura y su desca-
ro, pues hallndose al lado de una playa
y un campamento, su situacin era do-
blemente amenazadora. En resumidas
cuentas, vea ahora lo que ya otras veces
haba comprobado, que un acontecimien-
to anhelado con impaciencia no poda, al
realizarse, traerle toda la satisfaccin que
era de esperar. Era preciso, por lo tanto,
abrir ot r o p e r o d o p a r a e l c o m i e n -
zo de su felicidad, sealar otra
meta para la consecucin de sus
deseos y d e s u s e s p e r a n z a s , q u e
alegrndola con otro placer
a n t i c i p a d o , l a c o nsolase de lo
presente y la preparase para otro
d e s e n g a o. Su viaje a los Lagos se
convirti en el objeto de sus pensa-
mientos ms dichosos y constituy su
 Austen Pride
all the uncomfortable hours which the
discontentedness of her mother and Kitty
made inevitable; and could she have
included Jane in the scheme, every part
5 of it would have been perfect.
But it is fortunate, thought she,
that I have something to wish for. Were
the whole arrangement complete, my
10 disappointment would be certain. But
here, by carrying with me one ceaseless
source of regret in my sisters absence, I
may reasonably hope to have all my
expectations of pleasure realised. A
15 scheme of which every part promises
delight can never be successful; and
general disappointment is only warded
off by the defence of some little peculiar
vexation.
20
When Lydia went away she promised
to write very often and very minutely to
her mother and Kitty; but her letters were
always long expected, and always very
25 short. Those to her mother contained
little else than that they were just returned
from the library, where such and such
officers had attended them, and where
she had seen such beautiful ornaments as
30 made her quite wild; that she had a new
gown, or a new parasol, which she would
have described more fully, but was
obliged to leave off in a violent hurry, as
Mrs. Forster called her, and they were
35 going off to the camp; and from her
correspondence with her sister, there was
still less to be learntfor her letters to
Kitty, though rather longer, were much
too full of lines under the words to be
40 made public.
After the first fortnight or three weeks
of her absence, health, good humour, and
cheerfulness began to reappear at
45 Longbourn. Everything wore a happier
aspect. The families who had been in
town for the winter came back again, and
summer finery and summer engagements
arose. Mrs. Bennet was restored to her
querulous peevish, complaining 50 usual querulous serenity; and, by the
middle of June, Kitty was so much
recovered as to be able to enter
Meryton without tears; an event of such
happy promise as to make Elizabeth
55 hope that by the following Christmas
she might be so tolerably reasonable as
not to mention an officer above once a
d a y, u n l e s s , b y s o m e c r u e l a n d
malicious arrangement at the Wa r
60 Office, another regiment should be
quartered in Meryton.
The time fixed for the beginning of
their northern tour was now fast
65 approaching, and a fortnight only was
201
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
mejor refugio en las desagradables ho-
ras que el descontento de su madre y
de Catherine hacan inevitables. Y si
hubiese podido incluir a Jane en el
plan, todo habra sido perfecto.
Es una suerte pensaba te-
ner algo que desear. Si todo fuese
completo, algo habra, sin falta, que
me decepcionase. Pero ahora, llevn-
dome esa fuente de aoranza que
ser la ausencia de Jane, puedo pen-
sar razonablemente que todas mis ex-
pectativas de placer se vern colma-
das. Un proyecto que en todas sus
partes promete dichas, nunca sale
bien; y no te puedes librar de algn
contratiempo, si no tienes una peque-
a contrariedad.
Lydia, al marcharse, prometi es-
cribir muy a menudo y con todo deta-
lle a su madre y a Catherine, pero sus
cartas siempre se hacan esperar mu-
cho y todas eran breves. Las dirigidas
a su madre decan poco ms que aca-
baban de regresar de la sala de lectura
donde las haban saludado tales y cua-
les oficiales, que el decorado de la sala
era tan hermoso que le haba quitado
el sentido, que tena un vestido nuevo
o una nueva sombrilla que describira
ms extensamente, pero que no poda
porque la seora Forster la esperaba
para ir juntas al campamento... Por la
correspondencia dirigida a su herma-
na, menos se poda saber an, pues sus
cartas a Catherine, aunque largas, te-
nan muchas lneas subrayadas que no
podan hacerse pblicas.
Despus de las dos o tres semanas
de la ausencia de Lydia, la salud y el
buen humor empezaron a reinar en
Longbourn. Todo presentaba mejor as-
pecto. Volvan las familias que haban
pasado el invierno en la capital y
resurgan las galas y las invitaciones
del verano. La seora Bennet se repu-
so de su estado quejumbroso y hacia
mediados de junio Catherine estaba ya
lo bastante consolada para poder en-
trar en Meryton sin lgrimas. Este he-
cho era tan prometedor, que Elizabeth
crey que en las prximas Navidades
Catherine sera ya tan razonable que
no mencionara a un oficial ni una sola
vez al da, a no ser que por alguna
cruel y maligna orden del ministerio
de la Guerra se acuartelara en Mery-
ton un nuevo regimiento.
La poca fijada para la excursin al
Norte ya se aproximaba; no faltaban ms
que dos semanas, cuando se recibi una
 Austen Pride
wanting of it, when a letter arrived from
Mrs. Gardiner, which at once delayed
its commencement and curtailed its
e x t e n t . M r. G a r d i n e r w o u l d b e
5 prevented by business from setting out
till a fortnight later in July, and must
be in London again within a month, and
as that left too short a period for them
to go so far, and see so much as they
10 had proposed, or at least to see it with
the leisure and comfort they had built
on, they were obliged to give up the
Lakes, and substitute a more
contracted tour, and, according to the
15 present plan, were to go no farther
northwards than Derbyshire. In that county
there was enough to be seen to occupy the
chief of their three weeks; and to Mrs.
Gardiner it had a peculiarly strong attraction.
20 The town where she had formerly passed
some years of her life, and where they were
now to spend a few days, was probably as
great an object of her curiosity as all the
celebrated beauties of Matlock, Chatsworth,
25 Dovedale, or the Peak.
Elizabeth was excessively
disappointed; she had set her heart on
seeing the Lakes, and still thought there
30 might have been time enough. But it was
her business to be satisfiedand
certainly her temper to be happy; and all
was soon right again.
35 With the mention of Derbyshire there
were many ideas connected. It was
impossible for her to see the word
without thinking of Pemberley and its
owner. But surely, said she, I may
40 enter his county without impunity, and
rob it of a few petrified spars without his
perceiving me.
The period of expectation was now
45 doubled. Four weeks were to pass away
before her uncle and aunts arrival. But
they did pass away, and Mr. and Mrs.
Gardiner, with their four children, did at
length appear at Longbourn. The
50 children, two girls of six and eight years
old, and two younger boys, were to be
left under the particular care of their
cousin Jane, who was the general
favourite, and whose steady sense and
55 sweetness of temper exactly adapted her
for attending to them in every way
teaching them, playing with them, and
loving them.
60 The Gardiners stayed
only one night at Longbourn, and set off
the next morning with Elizabeth in
pursuit of novelty and amusement. One
enjoyment was certainthat of
65 suitableness of companions; a
202
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
carta de la seora Gardiner que aplaza-
ba la fecha de la misma y, a la vez, abre-
viaba su duracin. Los negocios del se-
or Gardiner le impedan partir hasta
dos semanas despus de comenzado ju-
lio, y tena que estar de vuelta en Lon-
dres en un mes; y como esto reduca de-
masiado el tiempo para ir hasta tan lejos
y para que viesen todas las cosas que ha-
ban proyectado, o para que pudieran ver-
las con el reposo y comodidad suficien-
tes, no haba ms remedio que renunciar
a los Lagos y pensar en otra excursin
ms limitada, en vista de lo cual no pa-
saran de Derbyshire. En aquella comar-
ca haba bastantes cosas dignas de verse
como para llenar la mayor parte del tiem-
po de que disponan, y, adems, la seo-
ra Gardiner senta una atraccin muy es-
pecial por Derbyshire __________ _____.
La ciudad donde haba pasado varios aos
de su vida acaso resultara para ella tan
interesante como todas las clebres be-
llezas de Matlock, Chatsworth,
Dovedale o el Peak.
Elizabeth se sinti muy defrauda-
da; le haca mucha ilusin ir a los La-
gos, y crea que habra habido tiem-
po de sobra para ello. Pero, de todas
formas, deba estar satisfecha, segu-
ramente lo pasaran bien, y no tard
mucho en conformarse.
Para Elizabeth, el nombre de
Derbyshire iba unido a muchas
otras cosas. Le haca pensar en
Pemberley y en su dueo. Pero
se deca podr entrar en su
condado impunemente y hurtarle
algunas piedras sin que l se d
cuenta.
La espera se le hizo entonces
d o b l e m e n t e l a rg a . F a l t a b a n c u a t r o
semanas para que llegasen sus tos.
Pero, al fin, pasaron y los seores
Gardiner se presentaron en
Longbourn con sus cuatro hijos.
Los nios dos chiquillas de seis
y ocho aos de edad respecti-
vamente, y dos varones ms peque-
os iban a quedar bajo el cuida-
do especial de su prima Jane, fa-
vorita de todos, cuyo dulce y tran-
quilo temperamento era ideal para
instruirlos, jugar con ellos y que-
rerlos.
Los Gardiner durmieron en
Longbourn aquella noche y a la maa-
na siguiente partieron con Elizabeth en
busca de novedades y esparcimiento.
Tenan un placer asegurado: eran los
tres excelentes compaeros de viaje,
 Austen Pride
suitableness which comprehended health
and temper to bear inconveniences
cheerfulness to enhance every pleasure
and affection and intelligence, which
5 might supply it among themselves if there
were disappointments abroad.
It is not the object of this work to give
a description of Derbyshire, nor of any
10 of the remarkable places through which
their route thither lay; Oxford, Blenheim,
Warwick, Kenilworth, Birmingham, etc.
are sufficiently known. A small part of
Derbyshire is all the present concern. To
15 the little town of Lambton, the scene of
Mrs. Gardiners former residence, and
where she had lately learned some
acquaintance still remained, they bent
their steps, after having seen all the
20 principal wonders of the country; and
within five miles of Lambton, Elizabeth
found from her aunt that Pemberley was
situated. It was not in their direct r o a d ,
nor more than a mile or two out
25 of it. In talking over their route
the evening before, Mrs.
G a r d i n e r e x p r e s s e d an inclination to
see the place again. Mr. Gardiner
declared his willingness, and Elizabeth
30 was applied to for her approbation.
My love, should not you like to see
a place of which you have heard so
much? said her aunt; a place, too, with
35 which so many of your acquaintances are
connected. Wickham passed all his youth
there, you know.
Elizabeth was distressed. She felt
40 that she had no business at Pemberley,
and was obliged to assume a
disinclination for seeing it. She must
own that she was tired of seeing great
houses; after going over so many, she
45 really had no pleasure in fine carpets
or satin curtains.
Mrs. Gardiner abused her stupidity.
If it were merely a fine house richly
50 furnished, said she, I should not care
about it myself; but the grounds are
delightful. They have some of the finest
woods in the country.
55 Elizabeth said no morebut her mind
could not acquiesce. The possibility of
meeting Mr. Darcy, while viewing the
place, instantly occurred. It would be
dreadful! She blushed at the very idea,
60 and thought it would be better to speak
openly to her aunt than to run such a risk.
But against this there were objections;
and she finally resolved that it could be
the last resource, if her private inquiries
65 to the absence of the family were
203
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
lo que supona salud y carcter a pro-
psito para soportar incomodidades,
alegra para aumentar toda clase de felicidad,
y cario e inteligencia p a r a s u -
X p l i r c u a l q u i e r
c o n t r a t i e m p o .
No vamos a describir aqu
Derbyshire, ni ninguno de los notables
lugares que atravesaron: Oxford, Blen-
heim, Warwick, Kenelworth,
Birmingham y todos los dems, son so-
bradamente conocidos. No vamos a re-
ferirnos ms que a una pequea parte de
Derbyshire. Hacia la pequea ciudad de
Lambton, escenario de la juventud de
la seora Gardiner, donde ltimamente
haba sabido que residan an algunos co-
nocidos, encaminaron sus pasos los via-
jeros, despus de haber visto las princi-
pales maravillas de la comarca. Elizabeth
supo por su ta que Pemberley estaba a
unas cinco millas de Lambton. No les
coga de paso, pero no tenan que des-
viarse ms que una o dos millas para vi-
sitarlo. Al hablar de su ruta la tarde an-
terior, la seora Gardiner manifest de-
seos de volver a ver Pemberley. El seor
Gardiner no puso inconveniente y soli-
cit la aprobacin de Elizabeth.
Querida le dijo su ta, no
te gustara ver un sitio del que tan-
to has odo hablar y que est
relacionado con tantos conocidos
tuyos? Ya sabes que Wickham pas
all toda su juventud.
Elizabeth estaba angustiada. Sinti que
nada tena que hacer en Pemberley y se
vio obligada a decir que no le interesaba.
Tuvo que confesar que estaba cansada de
las grandes casas, despus de haber visto
tantas; y que no encontraba ningn placer
X en ver primorosas alfombras y cortinas
de raso.
La seora Gardiner censur su tontera.
Si slo se tratase de una casa ri-
camente amueblada dijo tampo-
co me interesara a m; pero la finca
es una maravilla. Contiene uno de los
ms bellos bosques del pas.
Elizabeth no habl ms, pero ya no
tuvo punto de reposo. Al instante pas por
su mente la posibilidad de encontrarse con
Darcy mientras visitaban Pemberley. Se-
ra horrible! Slo de pensarlo se rubori-
z, y crey que valdra ms hablar con cla-
ridad a su ta que exponerse a semejante
riesgo. Pero esta decisin tena sus incon-
venientes, y resolvi que no la adoptara
ms que en el caso de que sus indagacio-
nes sobre la ausencia de la familia del pro-

flutter
I verbo intransitivo
1 (pjaro, insecto, hoja) revolotear
2 (bandera) ondear, flamear
3 (corazn) latir, palpitar
II verbo transitivo
1 (alas) batir, agitar
to flutter ones eyelashes, hacer ojitos
III nombre
1 revoloteo, palpitacin
2 fam GB Dep apuesta pequea
Austen Pride
unfavourably answered.
Accordingly, when she retired at
night, she asked the chambermaid
5 whether Pemberley were not a very fine
place? what was the name of its
proprietor? and, with no little alarm,
whether the family were down for the
summer? A most welcome negative
10 followed the last questionand her
alarms now being removed, she was at
leisure to feel a great deal of curiosity to
see the house herself; and when the
subject was revived the next morning,
15 and she was again applied to, could
readily answer, and with a proper air of
indifference, that she had not really any
dislike to the scheme. To Pemberley,
therefore, they were to go.
20
25
Chapter 43
30 Elizabeth, as they drove along ,
watched for the first appearance of
Pemberley Woods with some
perturbation; and when at length they
turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in
35 a high flutter.
The park was very large, and
contained great variety of ground. They
entered it in one of its lowest points,
40 and drove for some time through a
beautiful wood stretching over a wide
extent.
Elizabeths mind was too full for
45 conversation, but she saw and admired
every remarkable spot and point of view.
They gradually ascended for half-a-mile,
and then found themselves at the top of
a considerable eminence, where the wood
50 ceased, and the eye was instantly caught
by Pemberley House, situated on the
opposite side of a valley, into which the
road with some abruptness wound. It was
a large, handsome stone building,
55 standing well on rising ground, and
backed by a ridge of high woody hills;
and in front, a stream of some natural
importance was swelled into greater, but
without any artificial appearance. Its
60 banks were neither formal nor falsely
adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She
had never seen a place for which nature
had done more, or where natural beauty
had been so little counteracted by an
65 awkward taste. They were all of them
204
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
pietario fuesen negativas.
En consecuencia, al irse a descan-
sar aquella noche pregunt a la ca-
marera si Pemberley era un sitio muy
bonito, cul era el nombre de su due-
o y por fin, con no poca preocupa-
cin, si la familia estaba pasando el
verano all. La negativa que sigui a
esta ltima pregunta fue la ms bien
recibida del mundo. Desaparecida ya
su inquietud, sinti gran curiosidad
hasta por la misma casa, y cuando a
la maana siguiente se volvi a pro-
poner el plan y le consultaron, res-
pondi al instante, con evidente aire
de indiferencia, que no le disgusta-
b a l a i d e a . Por lo tanto salieron para
Pemberley.
Captulo XLIII
E l i z a b e t h ________________
divis los bosques de
Pemberley con cierta turba-
cin, y cuando por fin llega-
ron a la puerta, su corazn
lata fuertemente.
La finca era enorme y comprenda
gran variedad de tierras. Entraron por
uno de los puntos ms bajos y pasearon
largamente a travs de un hermoso bos-
que que se extenda sobre su amplia su-
perficie.
La mente de Elizabeth estaba demasia-
do ocupada para poder conversar; pero ob-
servaba y admiraba todos los parajes nota-
bles y todas las vistas. Durante media milla
subieron una cuesta que les condujo a una
loma considerable donde el bosque se inte-
rrumpa y desde donde vieron en seguida la
casa de Pemberley, situada al otro lado del
valle por el cual se deslizaba un camino algo
abrupto. Era un edificio de piedra, amplio y
hermoso, bien emplazado en un altozano
que se destacaba delante de una cadena de
elevadas colinas cubiertas de bosque, y te-
na enfrente un arroyo bastante caudaloso
que corra cada vez ms potente, comple-
tamente natural y salvaje. Sus orillas no eran
regulares ni estaban falsamente adornadas
con obras de jardinera. Elizabeth se qued
maravillada. Jams haba visto un lugar ms
favorecido por la naturaleza o donde la be-
lleza natural estuviese menos deteriorada
por el mal gusto. Todos estaban llenos de
 Austen Pride
warm in their admiration; and at that
moment she felt that to be mistress of
Pemberley might be something!
5 They descended the hill, crossed the
bridge, and drove to the door; and, while
examining the nearer aspect of the
house, all her apprehension of meeting
its owner returned. She dreaded lest the
10 chambermaid had been mistaken. On
applying to see the place, they were
admitted into the hall; and Elizabeth, as
they waited for the housekeeper, had
leisure to wonder at her being where she
15 was.
The h o u s e k e e p e r came ; aX
respectable-looking elderly woman,
much less fine, and more civil, than she
20 had any notion of finding her. They
followed her into the dining-parlour. It
was a large, well proportioned room,
handsomely fitted up. Elizabeth, after
slightly surveying it, went to a window
25 to enjoy its prospect. The hill, crowned
with wood, which they had descended,
receiving increased abruptness from the
distance, was a beautiful object. Every
disposition of the ground was good; and
30 she looked on the whole scene, the river,
the trees scattered on its banks and the
winding of the valley, as far as she could
trace it, with delight. As they passed into
other rooms these objects were taking
35 different positions; but from every
window there were beauties to be seen.
The rooms were lofty and handsome,
and their furniture suitable to the fortune
of its proprietor; but Elizabeth saw, with
40 admiration of his taste, that it was
neither gaudy nor uselessly fine; with
less of splendour, and more real elegance,
than the furniture of Rosings.
45 And of this place, thought she, I
might have been mistress! With these
rooms I might now have been familiarly
acquainted! Instead of viewing them as
a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them
50 as my own, and welcomed to them as
visitors my uncle and aunt. But no,
recollecting herselfthat could never
be; my uncle and aunt would have been
lost to me; I should not have been
55 allowed to invite them.
This was a lucky recollectionit
saved her from something very like
regret.
60
She longed to inquire of the
housekeeper whether her master was
really absent, but had not the courage for
it. At length however, the question was
65 asked by her uncle; and she turned away
205
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
admiracin, y Elizabeth comprendi enton-
ces lo que podra significar ser la seora de
Pemberley.
Bajaron la colina, cruzaron un puen-
te y siguieron hasta la puerta. Mientras
examinaban el aspecto de la casa de cer-
ca, Elizabeth temi otra vez encontrar-
se con el dueo. Y si la camarera se
hubiese equivocado? Despus de pedir
permiso para ver la mansin, les intro-
dujeron en el vestbulo. Mientras espe-
raban al ama de llaves, Elizabeth tuvo
tiempo para maravillarse de encontrar-
se en semejante lugar.
El ama de llaves era una mujer de
edad, de aspecto respetable, mucho
menos estirada y mucho ms corts de
lo que Elizabeth haba imaginado. Los
llev al comedor. Era una pieza de
buenas proporciones y elegantemente
amueblada. Elizabeth la mir ligera-
mente y se dirigi a una de las venta-
nas para contemplar la vista. La coli-
na coronada de bosque por la que ha-
ban descendido, a distancia resulta-
ba ms abrupta y ms hermosa. Toda
la disposicin del terreno era buena;
mir con delicia aquel paisaje: el arro-
yo, los rboles de las orillas y la cur-
va del valle hasta donde alcanzaba la
vista. Al pasar a otras habitaciones, el
paisaje apareca en ngulos distintos,
pero desde todas las ventanas se divi-
saban panoramas magnficos. Las pie-
zas eran altas y bellas, y su mobilia-
rio estaba en armona con la fortuna
de su propietario. Elizabeth not, ad-
mirando el gusto de ste, que no ha-
ba nada llamativo ni cursi y que ha-
ba all menos pompa pero ms ele-
gancia que en Rosings.
Y pensar se deca que ha-
bra podido ser duea de todo esto!
Estas habitaciones podran ahora
ser las mas! En lugar de visitarlas
como una forastera, podra disfru-
tarlas y recibir en ellas la visita de
mis tos! Pero no repuso reco-
brndose, no habra sido posible,
hubiese tenido que renunciar a mis
tos; no se me hubiese permitido in-
vitarlos.
Esto la reanim y la salv
de algo parecido al arrepenti-
miento.
Quera averiguar por el ama de lla-
ves si su amo estaba de veras ausente,
pero le faltaba valor. Por fin fue su to
el que hizo la pregunta y Elizabeth se
volvi asustada cuando la seora

intimate state or make known, manifestarse, indi-
car, notificar, dar a entender, a conocer.
intimations hints, insinuaciones, indicios
intimation 1 (= suggestion) indicacin f; did you
have any intimation that this would happen?
hubo algo que te hiciera pensar que esto sucede-
ra? 2 (= hint) insinuacin f
intimacin exigencia, requerimiento
intimar. 1. tr. Requerir, exigir el cumplimiento de
algo, especialmente con autoridad o fuerza para 45
obligar a hacerlo. 2. intr. Introducirse en el afecto
o nimo de alguien, estrechar la amistad con l.
Intim con mi hermano. 3. prnl. Dicho de un
cuerpo u otra cosa material: Introducirse por los
poros o espacios huecos de algo.
intimation 1 (= suggestion) indicacin f; did you have
any intimation that this would happen? hubo
algo que te hiciera pensar que esto sucedera? 2 50
(= hint) insinuacin f
Austen Pride
with alarm, while Mrs. Reynolds replied
that he was, adding, But we expect him
to-morrow, with a large party of friends.
How rejoiced was Elizabeth that their
5 own journey had not by any circumstance
been delayed a day!
Her aunt now called her to look at a
picture. She approached and saw the
10 likeness of Mr. Wickham, suspended,
amongst several other miniatures, over
the mantelpiece. Her aunt asked her,
smilingly, how she liked it. The
housekeeper came forward, and told them
15 it was a picture of a young gentleman,
the son of her late masters steward, who
had been brought up by him at his own
expense. He is now gone into the army,
she added; but I am afraid he has turned
20 out very wild.
Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece
with a smile, but Elizabeth could not
return it.
25
And that, said Mrs. Reynolds,
pointing to another of the miniatures, is
my masterand very like him. It was
drawn at the same time as the other
30 about eight years ago.
I have heard much of your masters
fine person, said Mrs. Gardiner, looking
at the picture; it is a handsome face. But,
35 Lizzy, you can tell us whether it is like
or not.
Mrs. Reynolds respect for Elizabeth
seemed to increase on this intimation of
40 her knowing her master.
Does that young lady know Mr.
Darcy?
Elizabeth coloured, and said: A
little.
And do not you think him a very
handsome gentleman, maam?
Yes, very handsome.
I am sure I know none so handsome;
but in the gallery upstairs you will see a
55 finer, larger picture of him than this. This
room was my late masters favourite
room, and these miniatures are just as
they used to be then. He was very fond
of them.
60
This accounted to Elizabeth for Mr.
Wickhams being among them.
Mrs. Reynolds then directed their
65 attention to one of Miss Darcy, drawn
206
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Reynolds dijo que s, aadiendo:
Pero le esperamos maana. Va a ve-
nir con muchos amigos.
Elizabeth se alegr de que su viaje no
se hubiese aplazado un da por cualquier
circunstancia.
Su ta la llam para que viese
un cuadro. Elizabeth se acerc y
v i o u n r e t r a t o d e Wi c k h a m e n c i m a
de la repisa de la chimenea entre
otras miniaturas. Su ta le pregun-
t sonriente qu le pareca. El ama
de llaves vino a decirles que aquel
era una joven hijo del ltimo ad-
m i n i s t r a d o r d e s u s e o r, e d u c a d o
por ste a expensas suyas.
A h o r a h a e n t r a d o e n e l e j r-
cito aadi y creo que es un
bala perdida.
La seora Gardiner mir a su sobrina
con una sonrisa, pero Elizabeth se qued
muy seria.
Y ste dijo la seora Reynolds
indicando otra de las miniaturas es
mi amo, y est muy parecido. Lo pin-
taron al mismo tiempo que el otro,
har unos ocho aos.
He odo hablar mucho de la dis-
tincin de su amo replic la seora
Gardiner contemplando el retrato, es
guapo. Elizabeth, dime si est o no pa-
recido.
El respeto de la seora Reynolds hacia
Elizabeth pareci aumentar al ver que co-
noca a su seor
Conoce la seorita al seor
Darcy?
Elizabeth se sonroj y respondi:
Un poco.
Y no cree la seorita que es un caba-
llero muy apuesto?
S, muy guapo.
Jurara que es el ms guapo que he
visto; pero en la galera del piso de arriba
vern ustedes un retrato suyo mejor y ms
grande. Este cuarto era el favorito de mi
anterior seor, y estas miniaturas estn tal
y como estaban en vida suya. Le gustaban
mucho.
Elizabeth se explic entonces porque
estaba entre ellas la de Wickham.
La seora Reynolds les ense enton-
ces un retrato de la seorita Darcy, pinta-
 Austen Pride
when she was only eight years old.
And is Miss Darcy as handsome as
her brother? said Mrs. Gardiner.
5
Oh! yesthe handsomest young
lady that ever was seen; and so
accomplished!She plays and sings all
day long. In the next room is a new
10 instrument just come down for hera
present from my master; she comes here
to-morrow with him.
Mr. Gardiner, whose manners were
15 very easy and pleasant, encouraged her
communicativeness by his questions and
X
remarks; Mrs. Reynolds, either by pride
or attachment, had evidently great
pleasure in talking of her master and his
20 sister.
Is your master much at Pemberley in
the course of the year?
25 Not so much as I could wish, sir;
but I dare say he may spend half his
time here; and Miss Darcy is always
down for the summer months.
30 Except, thought Elizabeth, when
she goes to Ramsgate.
If your master would marry, you
might see more of him.
35
Yes, sir; but I do not know when
THAT will be. I do not know who is good
enough for him.
40 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.
45 I say no more than the truth, and
everybody will say that knows him,
replied the other. Elizabeth thought this
was going pretty far; and she listened
with increasing astonishment as the
50 housekeeper added, I have never known
a cross word from him in my life, and I
have known him ever since he was four
years old.
55 This was praise, of all others most
extraordinary, most opposite to her ideas.
That he was not a good-tempered man
had been her firmest opinion. Her
vvido tiene sentido potico de vivaz, eficaz, vigoroso, keenest attention was awakened; she
de ingenio agudo 60 longed to hear more, and was grateful to
vivo [sentido figurado] si tiene relacin con vivo her uncle for saying:
(brasas vivas), claro, grfico [relato], intenso [recuer-
do], brillante [color]
There are very few people of whom
so much can be said. You are lucky in
65 having such a master.
207
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
do cuando slo tena ocho aos.
Y la seorita Darcy es tan guapa
como su hermano?
Oh, s! Es la joven ms bella
que se haya visto jams! Y tan apli-
cada! Toca y canta todo el da. En la
siguiente habitacin hay un piano nue-
vo que le acaban de traer, regalo de
mi seor. Ella tambin llegar maa-
na con l.
E l s e o r G a r d i n e r, c o n a m a b i -
lidad y destreza, le tiraba de la
l e n g u a ___________ _________
________ , y la seora Reynolds, por or-
gullo y por afecto, se complaca eviden-
temente en hablar de su seor y de la
hermana.
Viene su seor muy a menudo a
Pemberley a lo largo del ao?
No tanto como yo querra, seor;
pero dira que pasa aqu la mitad del
tiempo; la seorita Darcy siempre est
aqu durante los meses de verano.
Excepto pens Elizabeth
cuando va a Ramsgate.
Si su amo se casara, lo ve-
ra usted ms.
S, seor; pero no s cuan-
do ser. No s si habr alguien
que lo merezca.
Los seores Gardiner se sonrieron.
Elizabeth no pudo menos que decir:
Si as lo cree, eso dice mucho en fa-
vor del seor Darcy.
No digo ms que la verdad y lo que
dira cualquiera que le conozca replic
la seora Reynolds. Elizabeth crey que
la cosa estaba yendo demasiado lejos, y
escuch con creciente asombro lo que
continu diciendo el ama de llaves.
Nunca en la vida tuvo una palabra
de enojo conmigo. Y le conozco desde
que tena cuatro aos.
Era un elogio ms importante que to-
dos los otros y ms opuesto a lo que
Elizabeth pensaba de Darcy. Siempre
crey firmemente que era hombre de
mal carcter. Con viva curiosidad es-
peraba seguir oyendo lo que deca el
ama, cuando su to observ:
Pocas personas hay de quienes se
pueda decir eso. Es una suerte para us-
ted tener un seor as.
 Austen Pride
Yes, sir, I know I am. If I were to go
through the world, I could not meet with
a better. But I have always observed, that
5 they who are good-natured when
children, are good-natured when they
grow up; and he was always the sweetest-
tempered, most generous-hearted boy in
the world.
10
Elizabeth almost stared at
h e r. C a n t h i s b e M r. D a r c y ?
thought she.
15 His father was an excellent
m a n , s a i d M r s . G a r d i n e r.
Yes, maam, that he was indeed; and
his son will be just like himjust as
20 affable to the poor.
Elizabeth listened, wondered,
doubted, and was impatient for more.
Mrs. Reynolds could interest her on no
25 other point. She related the subjects of
the pictures, the dimensions of the rooms,
and the price of the furniture, in vain, Mr.
Gardiner, highly amused by the kind of
family prejudice to which he attributed
30 her excessive commendation of her
master, soon led again to the subject; and
she dwelt with energy on his many merits
as they proceeded together up the great
staircase.
35
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
40 is not one of his tenants or servants but
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
45 young men.
In what an amiable light does this
place him! thought Elizabeth.
50 This fine account of him, whispered
her aunt as they walked, is not quite
consistent with his behaviour to our poor
friend.
55 Perhaps we might be deceived.
That is not very likely; our authority
was too good.
60 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
65 that it was but just done to give pleasure
208
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
S, seor; es una suerte. Aun-
que diese la vuelta al mundo, no en-
c o n t r a r a o t r o m e j o r. S i e m p r e m e
he fijado en que los que son bon-
dadosos de pequeos, siguen
sindolo de mayores. Y el seor
Darcy era el nio ms dulce y ge-
neroso de la tierra.
Elizabeth se qued mirando fijamen-
te a la anciana: Puede ser se Darcy?,
pens.
Creo que su padre era una excelente
persona agreg la seora Gardiner.
S, seora; s que lo era, y su
hijo es exactamente como l, igual
de bueno con los pobres.
Elizabeth oa, se admiraba, dudaba y
deseaba saber ms. La seora Reynolds
no lograba llamar su atencin con ningu-
na otra cosa. Era intil que le explicase el
tema de los cuadros, las dimensiones de
las piezas y el valor del mobiliario. El se-
or Gardiner, muy divertido ante lo que
l supona prejuicio de familia y que ins-
piraba los rendidos elogios de la anciana
a su seor, no tard en insistir en sus pre-
guntas, y mientras suban la gran escale-
ra, la seora Reynolds sigui ensalzando
los muchos mritos de Darcy.
Es el mejor seor y el mejor amo
que pueda haber; no se parece a los
atolondrados jvenes de hoy en da
que no piensen ms que en s mismos.
No hay uno solo de sus colonos y cria-
dos que no le alabe. Algunos dicen que
es orgulloso, pero yo nunca se lo he
notado. Me figuro que lo encuentran
orgulloso porque no es bullanguero
como los dems.
En qu buen lugar lo sita todo
esto, pens Elizabeth.
Tan delicado elogio cuchiche su
ta mientras seguan visitando la casa
no se aviene con lo que hizo a nuestro
pobre amigo.
Tal vez estemos equivocados.
No es probable; lo sabemos de muy
buena tinta.
En el amplio corredor de arriba se les mos-
tr un lindo aposento recientemente ador-
nado con mayor elegancia y tono ms cla-
ro que los departamentos inferiores, y se
les dijo que todo aquello se haba hecho
para complacer a la seorita Darcy, que se
 Austen Pride
to Miss Darcy, who had taken a liking to
the room when last at Pemberley.
He is certainly a good brother, said
5 Elizabeth, as she walked towards one of
the windows.
Mrs. Reynolds anticipated Miss
Darcys delight, when she should enter
10 the room. And this is always the way
with him, she added. Whatever can
give his sister any pleasure is sure to be
done in a moment. There is nothing he
would not do for her.
15
The picture-gallery, and two or three
of the principal bedrooms, were all that
remained to be shown. In the former were
many good paintings; but Elizabeth knew
20 nothing of the art; and from such as had
been already visible below, she had
willingly turned to look at some drawings
of Miss Darcys, in crayons, whose
subjects were usually more interesting,
25 and also more intelligible.
In the gallery there were many
family portraits, but they could have
little to fix the attention of a stranger.
30 Elizabeth walked in quest of the only
face whose features would be known
to her. At last it arrested herand
she beheld a striking resemblance to
Mr. Darcy, with such a smile over the face
35 as she remembered to have sometimes
seen when he looked at her. She stood
several minutes before the picture, in
earnest contemplation, and returned to it
again before they quitted the gallery. Mrs.
40 Reynolds informed them that it had been
taken in his fathers lifetime.
There was certainly at this moment,
in Elizabeths mind, a more gentle
45 sensation towards the original than she
had ever felt at the height of their
acquaintance. The commendation
bestowed on him by Mrs. Reynolds was
of no trifling nature. What praise is more
50 valuable than the praise of an intelligent
servant? As a brother, a landlord, a
master, she considered how many
peoples happiness were in his
guardianship!how much of pleasure or
55 pain was it in his power to bestow!how
much of good or evil must be done by
him! Every idea that had been brought
forward by the housekeeper was
favourable to his character, and as she
60 stood before the canvas on which he was
represented, and fixed his eyes upon
herself, she thought of his regard with a
deeper sentiment of gratitude than it had
ever raised before; she remembered its
65 warmth, and softened its impropriety of
209
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
haba aficionado a aquella habitacin la
ltima vez que estuvo en Pemberley.
Es realmente un buen hermano
dijo Elizabeth dirigindose a una de
las ventanas.
La seora Reynolds dijo que la seorita
Darcy se quedara encantada cuando viese
aquella habitacin.
Y es siempre as aadi
, se desvive por complacer a su
hermana. No hay nada que no hi-
ciera por ella.
Ya no quedaban por ver ms que la
galera de pinturas y dos o tres de los
principales dormitorios. En la primera
haba varios cuadros buenos, pero
Elizabeth no entenda nada de arte, y
entre los objetos de esa naturaleza que
ya haba visto abajo, no mir ms que
unos cuantos dibujos en pastel de la se-
orita Darcy de tema ms interesante y
ms inteligible para ella.
En la galera haba tambin varios
retratos de familia, pero no era fcil
que atrajesen la atencin de un extra-
o. Elizabeth los recorri buscando el
nico retrato cuyas facciones poda re-
conocer. Al llegar a l se detuvo, no-
tando su sorprendente exactitud. El ros-
tro de Darcy tena aquella misma son-
risa que Elizabeth le haba visto cuan-
do la miraba. Permaneci varios mi-
nutos ante el cuadro, en la ms atenta
contemplacin, y aun volvi a mirarlo
antes de abandonar la galera. La seo-
ra Reynolds le comunic que haba sido
hecho en vida del padre de Darcy.
Elizabeth senta en aquellos mo-
mentos mucha mayor inclinacin
por el original de la que haba sen-
tido en el auge de sus relaciones.
Las alabanzas de la seora
Reynolds no eran ninguna nimie-
dad. Qu elogio puede ser ms
valioso que el de un criado inteli-
gente? Cunta gente tena puesta
su felicidad en las manos de Darcy
en calidad de hermano, de propie-
tario y de seor! Cunto placer y
cunto dolor poda otorgar ! Cun-
to mal y cunto bien poda hacer!
To d o l o d i c h o p o r e l a m a d e l l a v e s
le enalteca. Al estar ante el lienzo
en el que l estaba retratado, le pa-
reci a Elizabeth que sus ojos la
miraban, y pens en su estima ha-
cia ella con una gratitud mucho ms
profunda de la que antes haba sen-
tido; Elizabeth record la fuerza y
el calor de sus palabras y mitig su
 Austen Pride
expression.
When all of the house that was open
to general inspection had been seen, they
5 returned downstairs, and, taking leave of
the housekeeper, were consigned over to
the gardener, who met them at the hall-
door.
10 As they walked across the hall
towards the river, Elizabeth turned back
to look again; her uncle and aunt stopped
also, and while the former was
conjecturing as to the date of the
15 building, the owner of it himself suddenly
came forward from the road, which led
behind it to the stables.
They were within twenty yards of
20 each other, and so abrupt was his
appearance, that it was impossible to
avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met,
and the cheeks of both were overspread
with the deepest blush. He absolutely
25 started, and for a moment seemed
immovable from surprise; but shortly
recovering himself, advanced towards the
party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- terms of perfect composure [calmness],
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero 30 at least of perfect civility.
compostura es tambin repair, mending,
tidiness, agreement
She had instinctively turned away; but
stopping on his approach, received his
compliments with an embarrassment
35 impossible to be overcome. Had his first
appearance, or his resemblance to the
picture they had just been examining,
been insufficient to assure the other two
that they now saw Mr. Darcy, the
40 gardener s expression of surprise, on
beholding his master, must immediately
have told it. They stood a little aloof
while he was talking to their niece, who,
astonished and confused, scarcely dared
45 lift her eyes to his face, and knew not
what answer she returned to his civil
inquiries after her family. Amazed at the
alteration of his manner since they last
parted, every sentence that he uttered was
50 increasing her embarrassment; and
every idea of the impropriety of her being
found there recurring to her mind, the few
minutes in which they continued were
some of the most uncomfortable in her
55 life. Nor did he seem much more at ease;
when he spoke, his accent had none of
its usual sedateness; and he repeated his
inquiries as to the time of her having left
Longbourn, and of her having stayed in
60 Derbyshire, so often, and in so hurried a
way, as plainly spoke the distraction
of his thoughts.
At length every idea seemed to fail
65 him; and, after standing a few moments
210
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
falta de decoro.
Ya h a b a n v i s t o t o d o l o q u e
mostraba al pblico de la casa; ba-
jaron y se despidieron del ama de
llaves, quien les confi a un jardi-
nero que esperaba en la puerta del
vestbulo.
Cuando atravesaban la pradera camino
del arroyo, Elizabeth se volvi para contem-
plar de nuevo la casa. Sus tos se detuvie-
ron tambin, y mientras el seor Gardiner
se haca conjeturas sobre la poca del edifi-
cio, el dueo de ste sali de repente de
detrs de la casa por el sendero que condu-
ca a las caballerizas.
Estaban a menos de veinte yardas,
y su aparicin fue tan sbita que re- 
sult imposible evitar que los viera.
Los ojos de Elizabeth y Darcy se en-
contraron al instante y sus rostros se
cubrieron de intenso rubor. l par en
seco y durante un momento se qued
inmvil de sorpresa; se recobr en se-
guida y, adelantndose hacia los visi-
tantes, habl a Elizabeth, si no en tr-
minos de perfecta compostura, al me-
nos con absoluta cortesa.
Ella se haba vuelto instintivamente,
pero al acercarse l se detuvo y recibi
sus cumplidos con embarazo. Si el as-
pecto de Darcy a primera vista o su pa-
recido con los retratos que acababan de
contemplar hubiesen sido insuficientes
para revelar a los seores Gardiner que
tenan al propio Darcy ante ellos, el
asombro del jardinero al encontrarse
con su seor no les habra dejado lugar
a dudas. Aguardaron a cierta distancia
mientras su sobrina hablaba con l.
Elizabeth, atnita y confusa, apenas se
atreva a alzar los ojos hacia Darcy y
no saba qu contestar a las preguntas que
l haca sobre su familia. Sorprendida por
el cambio de modales desde que se ha-
ban separado por ltima vez, cada frase
que deca aumentaba su cohibicin, y
como entre tanto pensaba en lo impro-
pio de haberse encontrado all, los po-
cos momentos que estuvieron juntos fue-
ron los ms intranquilos de su existen-
cia. Darcy tampoco pareca ms dueo
de s que ella; su acento no tena nada
de la calma que le era habitual, y segua
preguntndole cundo haba salido de
Longbourn y cunto tiempo llevaba en
Derbyshire, con tanto desorden, y tan apre-
surado, que a las claras se vea la agitacin
de sus pensamientos.
Por fin pareci que ya no saba
qu decir; permaneci unos instan-

disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame;
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon-
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa
sensible se refiere a cuerdo, razonable, acertado
[gusto, idea, plan], sensato, mdico [precio], pru-
dente, lgico, consciente, prctico / cmodo 45
[ropa, calzado], mientras que el espaol sensi-
ble traduce sensitive, feeling, sentient,
regrettable, noticeable / marked, sizable, de-
plorable, tender, sore [adolorido]. Sensibility
es sensibilidad, en el sentido de habilidad de
sentir, receptividad, en el mundo personal, y
adems precisin, en el mundo mecnico; el 50
plural sensibilities se usa para susceptibilidad,
sentimientos delicados, delicadeza; a su vez,
sensibilidad traduce sensitivity, como percep-
cin por los sentidos, radio, TV, foto.
Austen Pride
without saying a word, he suddenly
recollected himself, and took leave.
The others then joined her, and
5 expressed admiration of his figure; but
Elizabeth heard not a word, and wholly
engrossed by her own feelings, followed
them in silence. She was overpowered by
shame and vexation. Her coming there
10 was the most unfortunate, the most ill-
judged thing in the world! How strange
it must appear to him! In what a
disgraceful light might it not strike so
vain a man! It might seem as if she had
15 purposely thrown herself in his way
again! Oh! why did she come? Or, why
did he thus come a day before he was
expected? Had they been only ten
minutes sooner, they should have been
20 beyond the reach of his discrimination;
for it was plain that he was that moment
arrivedthat moment alighted from his
horse or his carriage. She blushed again
and again over the perverseness of the
25 meeting. And his behaviour, so strikingly
alteredwhat could it mean? That he
should even speak to her was amazing!
but to speak with such civility, to inquire
after her family! Never in her life had she
30 seen his manners so little dignified, never
had he spoken with such gentleness as on
this unexpected meeting. What a contrast
did it offer to his last address in Rosings
Park, when he put his letter into her
35 hand! She knew not what to think, or how
to account for it.
They had now entered a beautiful
walk by the side of the water, and every
40 step was bringing forward a nobler fall
of ground, or a finer reach of the woods
to which they were approaching; b u t i t
was some time before Elizabeth
was sensible of any of it; and, though
she answered mechanically to the
repeated appeals of her uncle and aunt,
and seemed to direct her eyes to such
objects as they pointed out, she
distinguished no part of the scene. Her
thoughts were all fixed on that one spot of
Pemberley House, whichever it might be,
where Mr. Darcy then was. She longed to
know what at the moment was passing in
his mindin what manner he thought of
55 her, and whether, in defiance of everything,
she was still dear to him. Perhaps he had
been civil only because he felt himself at
ease; yet there had been THAT in his voice
which was not like ease. Whether he had
60 felt more of pain or o f p l e a s u r e i n
see i n g h e r s h e c o u l d n o t t e l l ,
but he certainly had not seen her with
composure.
65 At length, however, the remarks of her
211
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
tes sin pronunciar palabra, se re-
port de pronto y se despidi.
Los seores Gardiner se reunieron con
Elizabeth y elogiaron la buena presencia de
Darcy; pero ella no oa nada; embebida en
sus pensamientos, los sigui en silencio. Se
hallaba dominaba por la vergenza y la con-
trariedad. Cmo se le haba ocurrido ir
all? Haba sido la decisin ms desafor-
tunada y disparatada del mundo! Qu ex-
trao tena que parecerle a Darcy!
Cmo haba de interpretar aquello un
hombre tan vanidoso! Su visita a
Pemberley parecera hecha adrede para ir
en su busca. Por qu habra ido? Y l,
por qu habra venido un da antes? Si
ellos mismos hubiesen llegado a
Pemberley slo diez minutos ms tem-
prano, no habran coincidido, pues era evi-
dente que Darcy acababa de llegar, que
en aquel instante bajaba del caballo o del
coche. Elizabeth no dejaba de aver-
gonzarse de su desdichado encuentro. Y
el comportamiento de Darcy, tan notable-
mente cambiado, qu poda significar?
Era sorprendente que le hubiese dirigido
la palabra, pero an ms que lo hiciese
con tanta finura y que le preguntase por
su familia. Nunca haba visto tal sencillez
en sus modales ni nunca le haba odo ex-
presarse con tanta gentileza. Qu con-
traste con la ltima vez que la abord en
la finca de Rosings para poner en sus
manos la carta! Elizabeth no saba qu
pensar ni cmo juzgar todo esto.
Entretanto, haban entrado en un her-
moso paseo paralelo al arroyo, y a cada
paso apareca ante ellos un declive del te-
rreno ms bello o una vista ms impresio-
nante de los bosques a los que se aproxi-
maban. Pero pas un tiempo hasta que
Elizabeth se diese cuenta de todo aque-
llo, y aunque responda mecnicamente a
las repetidas preguntas de sus tos y pare-
ca dirigir la mirada a los objetos que
le sealaban, no distingua ninguna
parte del paisaje. Sus pensamientos
no podan apartarse del sitio de la
mansin de Pemberley, cualquiera
que fuese, en donde Darcy deba de
encontrarse. Anhelaba saber lo que
en aquel momento pasaba por su
mente, qu pensara de ella y si to-
d a v a l a q u e r r a . P u e d e q u e s u c o r-
tesa obedeciera nicamente a que
ya la haba olvidado; pero haba
algo en su voz que denotaba inquie-
tud. No poda adivinar s i D a r c y
sinti placer o pesar al verla;
pero lo cierto es que pareca
desconcertado.
Las observaciones de sus acompa-
 Austen Pride
companions on her absence of mind
arouse incite, awaken, suscitar, incitar, despertar aroused her, and she felt the necessity
of appearing more like herself.
5 They entered the woods, and bidding
adieu to the river for a while, ascended
some of the higher grounds; when, in
spots where the opening of the trees gave
the eye power to wander, were many
10 charming views of the valley, the
opposite hills, with the long range of
woods overspreading many, and
occasionally part of the stream. Mr.
Gardiner expressed a wish of going round
15 the whole park, but feared it might be
beyond a walk. With a triumphant smile
they were told that it was ten miles round.
It settled the matter; and they pursued the
accustomed circuit; which brought them
20 again, after some time, in a descent
among hanging woods, to the edge of the
water, and one of its narrowest parts.
They crossed it by a simple bridge, in
character with the general air of the
25 scene; it was a spot less adorned than any
they had yet visited; and the valley, here
contracted into a glen, allowed room
only for the stream, and a narrow walk
amidst the rough coppice-wood which
30 bordered it. Elizabeth longed to explore
its windings; but when they had crossed
the bridge, and perceived their distance
from the house, Mrs. Gardiner, who was
not a great walker, could go no farther,
35 and thought only of returning to the
carriage as quickly as possible. Her niece
was, therefore, obliged to submit, and
they took their way towards the house on
the opposite side of the river, in the
40 nearest direction; but their progress was
slow, for Mr. Gardiner, though seldom
able to indulge the taste, was very fond
of fishing, and was so much engaged in
watching the occasional appearance of
45 some trout in the water, and talking to
the man about them, that he advanced but
little. Whilst wandering on in this slow
manner, they were again surprised, and
Elizabeths astonishment was quite equal
50 to what it had been at first, by the sight
of Mr. Darcy approaching them, and at
no great distance. The walk here being
here less sheltered than on the other side,
allowed them to see him before they met.
55 Elizabeth, however astonished, was at
least more prepared for an interview than
before, and resolved to appear and to
speak with calmness, if he really intended
to meet them. For a few moments, indeed,
60 she felt that he would probably strike into
some other path. The idea lasted while a
turning in the walk concealed him from
their view; the turning past, he was
immediately before them. With a glance,
65 she saw that he had lost none of his recent
212
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
antes sobre su falta de atencin, la
despertaron y le hicieron comprender que
deba aparentar serenidad.
Penetraron en el bosque y alejndo-
se del arroyo por un rato, subieron a
uno de los puntos ms elevados, desde
el cual, por los claros de los rboles,
poda extenderse la vista y apreciar
magnficos panoramas del valle y de las
colinas opuestas cubiertas de arboleda,
y se divisaban tambin partes del arro-
yo. El seor Gardiner hubiese querido
dar la vuelta a toda la finca, pero te-
ma que el paseo resultase demasiado
largo. Con sonrisa triunfal les dijo el
jardinero que la finca tena diez millas
de longitud, por lo que decidieron no
dar la vuelta planeada, y se dirigieron
de nuevo a una bajada con rboles in-
clinados sobre el agua en uno de los
puntos ms estrechos del arroyo. Lo
cruzaron por un puente sencillo en armo-
na con el aspecto general del paisaje. Aquel
paraje era el menos adornado con artifi-
cios de todos los que haban visto. El valle,
convertido aqu en caada, slo dejaba
espacio para el arroyo y para un estre-
cho paseo en medio del rstico soto que
lo bordeaba. Elizabeth quera explorar
sus revueltas, pero en cuanto pasaron
el puente y pudieron apreciar lo le-
jos que estaban de la casa, la seora
Gardiner, que no era amiga de cami-
nar, no quiso seguir adelante y slo
pens en volver al coche lo antes po-
sible. Su sobrina se vio obligada a
ceder y emprendieron el regreso ha-
cia la casa por el lado opuesto al
arroyo y por el camino ms corto.
Pero andaban muy despacio porque
el seor Gardiner era aficionado a la
pesca, aunque pocas veces poda de-
dicarse a ella, y se distraa cada poco
acechando la aparicin de alguna tru-
cha y comentndolo con el jardine-
ro. Mientras seguan su lenta marcha,
fueron sorprendidos de nuevo; y esta
vez el asombro de Elizabeth fue tan
grande como la anterior al ver a
Darcy encaminndose hacia ellos y
a corta distancia. Como el camino no
quedaba tan oculto como el del otro
lado, se vieron desde lejos. Por lo
tanto, Elizabeth estaba ms preveni-
da y resolvi demostrar tranquilidad en
su aspecto y en sus palabras si realmen-
te Darcy tena intencin de abordarles.
Hubo un momento en que crey firme-
mente que Darcy iba a tomar otro sen-
dero, y su conviccin dur mientras un
recodo del camino le ocultaba, pero pa-
sado el recodo, Darcy apareci ante ellos.
A la primera mirada not que
segua tan corts como haca un
 Austen Pride
civility; and, to imitate his politeness, she
began, as they met, to admire the beauty
of the place; but she had not got beyond
the words delightful, and charming,
5 when some unlucky recollections
obtruded, and she fancied that praise of
Pemberley from her might be
construe v.tr. 1 interpret (words or actions) mischievously construed. Her colour
(their decision can be construed in many changed, and she said no more.
ways). 2 (often foll. by with) combine 10
(words) grammatically (rely is construed Mrs. Gardiner was standing a little
with on). 3 analyse the syntax of (a
sentence). 4 translate word for word. behind; and on her pausing, he asked her
interpretar, inferir, traducir if she would do him the honour of
introducing him to her friends. This was
15 a stroke of civility for which she was
quite unprepared; and she could hardly
suppress a smile at his being now seeking
the acquaintance of some of those very
people against whom his pride had
20 revolted in his offer to herself. What will
be his surprise, thought she, when he
knows who they are? He takes them now
for people of fashion.
25 The introduction, however, was immediately
made; and as she named their relationship to herself,
she stole a sly [astuto/malicioso] look at him,
to see how he bore it, and was not without
the expectation of his decamping as fast
30 as he could from such disgrace ful
disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame; companions. That he was
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family). SURPRISED by the connection was
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful evident; he sustained it, however,
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
with fortitude, and so far from going
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from 35 away, turned his back with them, and
a position of honour; dismiss from favour. entered into conversation with Mr.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia, Gardiner. Elizabeth could not but be
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation; pleased, could not but triumph. It was
out of favour.
consoling that he should know she
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para 40 had some relations for whom there
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon- was no need to blush. She listened
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada most attentively to all that passed
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man- between them, and gloried in every
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
expression, every sentence of her
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin 45 uncle, which marked his intelligence,
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual his taste, or his good manners.
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es The conversation soon turned upon
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
fishing; and she heard Mr. Darcy invite
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de 50 him, with the greatest civility, to fish
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca- there as often as he chose while he
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar, continued in the neighbourhood, offering
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que at the same time to supply him with
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
fishing tackle, and pointing out those
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa 55 parts of the stream where there was
usually most sport. Mrs. Gardiner, who
was walking arm-in-arm with Elizabeth,
gave her a look expressive of wonder.
Elizabeth said nothing, but it gratified her
60 exceedingly; the compliment must be all
for herself. Her astonishment, however,
was extreme, and continually was she
repeating, Why is he so altered? From
what can it proceed? It cannot be for
65 MEit cannot be for MY sake that his
213
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
momento, y para imitar su bue-
na educacin comenz a admi-
rar la belleza del lugar; pero
no acababa de decir delicio-
so y encantador, cuando
pens que el elog i a r
P e m b e r l e y p o d r a s e r
m a l i n t e r p r e t a d o . Cambi
de color y no dijo ms.
La seora Gardiner vena un poco
ms atrs y Darcy aprovech el silen-
cio de Elizabeth para que le hiciese
el honor de presentarle a sus amigos.
Elizabeth no estaba preparada para
este rasgo de cortesa, y no pudo evi-
tar una sonrisa al ver que pretenda
conocer a una de aquellas personas
contra las que su orgullo se haba re-
belado al declarrsele. Cul ser su
sorpresa pens cuando sepa
quines son? Se figura que son gente
de alcurnia.
Hizo la presentacin al pun-
t o y, a l m e n c i o n a r e l p a r e n t e s -
X co, mir rpidamente a Darcy
para ver el efecto que le haca y
esper que huira a toda prisa de
X semejante c o m p a a . F u e e v i -
dente que Darcy se qued
sorprendido, pero se sobrepuso
y en lugar de seguir su camino
retrocedi con todos ellos y se
puso a conversar con el seor
G a r d i n e r. E l i z a b e t h n o p u d o m e -
nos que sentirse satisfecha y
triunfante. Era consolador que
Darcy supiera que tena parien-
tes de los que no haba por qu
a v e rg o n z a r s e . E s c u c h a t e n t a -
mente lo que decan y se ufan
de las frases y observaciones de
su to que demostraban su inte-
ligencia, su buen gusto y sus ex-
celentes modales.
La conversacin recay pronto
sobre la pesca, y Elizabeth oy que
Darcy invitaba a su to a ir a pes-
car all siempre que quisiera mien-
tras estuviesen en la ciudad veci-
na, ofrecindose incluso a procu-
r a r le aparejos y sealndole los pun-
tos del ro ms indicados para pescar. La
seora Gardiner, que paseaba del brazo de
Elizabeth, la miraba con expresin de in-
credulidad. Elizabeth no dijo nada, pero
estaba sumamente complacida; las atencio-
nes de Darcy deban dirigirse a ella segu-
ramente. Su asombro, sin embargo, era
extraordinario y no poda dejar de repetir-
se: Por qu estar tan cambiado? _____
X ______ _______ __ No puede ser por m, no
puede ser por mi causa que sus modales
 Austen Pride
manners are thus softened. My
reproofs at Hunsford could not work
such a change as this. It is impossible
that he should still love me.
5
After walking some time in this way,
the two ladies in front, the two gentlemen
behind, on resuming their places, after
descending to the brink of the river for
10 the better inspection of some curious
water-plant, there chanced to be a little
alteration. It originated in Mrs. Gardiner,
who, fatigued by the exercise of the
morning, found Elizabeths arm
15 inadequate to her support, and
consequently preferred her husbands.
Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece,
and they walked on together. After a short
silence, the lady first spoke. She wished
20 him to know that she had been assured
of his absence before she came to the
place, and accordingly began by
observing, that his arrival had been very
unexpected for your housekeeper,
25 she added, informed us that you would
certainly not be here till to-morrow; and
indeed, before we left Bakewell, we
understood that you were not
immediately expected in the country. He
30 acknowledged the truth of it all, and said
that business with his steward had
occasioned his coming forward a few
hours before the rest of the party with
whom he had been travelling. They will
35 join me early to-morrow, he continued,
and among them are some who will
claim an acquaintance with youMr.
Bingley and his sisters.
40 Elizabeth answered only by a slight
bow. Her thoughts were instantly driven
back to the time when Mr. Bingleys
name had been the last mentioned
between them; and, if she might judge by
45 his complexion, HIS mind was not very
differently engaged.
There is also one other person in the
party, he continued after a pause, who
50 more particularly wishes to be known to
you. Will you allow me, or do I ask too
much, to introduce my sister to your
acquaintance during your stay at
Lambton?
55
The surprise of such an application
was great indeed; it was too great for her
to know in what manner she acceded to
it. She immediately felt that whatever
60 desire Miss Darcy might have of being
acquainted with her must be the work of
her brother, and, without looking farther,
it was satisfactory; it was gratifying to
know that his resentment had not made
65 him think really ill of her.
214
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
se hayan suavizado tanto. Mis repro-
ches en Hunsford no pueden haber
efectuado una transformacin semejan-
te. Es imposible que an me ame.
Despus de andar un tiempo de esta
forma, las dos seoras delante y los dos
caballeros detrs, al volver a empren-
der el camino, despus de un descenso
al borde del ro para ver mejor una cu-
riosa planta acutica, hubo un cambio
de parejas. Lo origin la seora
Gardiner, que fatigada por el trajn del
da, encontraba el brazo de Elizabeth
demasiado dbil para sostenerla y pre-
firi, por lo tanto, el de su marido.
Darcy entonces se puso al lado de la
sobrina y siguieron as su paseo. Des-
pus de un corto silencio, Elizabeth
tom la palabra. Quera hacerle saber
que antes de ir a Pemberley se haba
cerciorado de que l no estaba y que su
llegada les era totalmente inesperada.
Su ama de llaves aadi
nos inform que no llegara usted
hasta maana; y aun antes de salir de
Bakewell nos dijeron que tardara
usted en volver a Derbyshire.
Darcy reconoci que as era,
pero unos asuntos que tena que
resolver con su administrador
le haban obligado a adelantar-
se a sus acompaantes.
Maana temprano conti-
nu s e reunirn todos c o n m i g o .
Entre ellos hay conocidos suyos
que desearn verla; el seor
Bingley y sus hermanas.
Elizabeth no hizo ms que una li-
gera inclinacin de cabeza. Se acor-
d al instante de la ltima vez que
el nombre de Bingley haba sido
mencionado entre ellos, y a juzgar
por la expresin de Darcy, l deba
estar pensando en lo mismo.
Con sus amigos viene tambin
una persona que tiene especial deseo
de conocerla a usted prosigui al
cabo de una pausa. Me permiti-
r, o es pedirle demasiado, que le
presente a mi hermana mientras es-
tn ustedes en Lambton?
Elizabeth se qued boquia-
bierta. No alcanzaba a imaginar
cmo poda pretender aquello la
seorita Darcy; pero en seguida
comprendi que el deseo de sta
era obra de su hermano, y sin sa-
car ms conclusiones, le pareci
m u y h a l a g a d o r. E r a g r a t o s a b e r
que Darcy no le guardaba
r e n c o r.
 Austen Pride
They now walked on in silence, each
of them deep in thought. Elizabeth was
not comfortable; that was impossible;
5 but she was flattered and pleased. His
wish of introducing his sister to her was
a compliment of the highest kind. They
outstrip dejar atrs, sobrepasar soon outstripped the others, and when
they had reached the carriage, Mr. and
10 Mrs. Gardiner were half a quarter of a
mile behind.
He then asked her to walk into the
housebut she declared herself not tired,
15 and they stood together on the lawn. At
such a time much might have been said,
and silence was very awkward. She
wanted to talk, but there seemed to be an
embargo on every subject. At last she
20 recollected that she had been travelling,
and they talked of Matlock and Dove
Dale with great perseverance. Yet time
and her aunt moved slowlyand her
patience and her ideas were nearly worn
25 our before the tte--tte was over. On
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiners coming up they
were all pressed to go into the house and
take some refreshment; but this was
declined, and they parted on each side
30 with utmost politeness. Mr. Darcy handed
the ladies into the carriage; and when it
drove off, Elizabeth saw him walking
slowly towards the house.
35 The observations of her uncle and
aunt now began; and each of them
pronounced him to be infinitely superior
to a n y t h i n g t h e y h a d e x p e c t e d .
He is perfectly well behaved,
40 polite, and unassuming [discreto],
said her uncle.
There IS something a little stately in
him, to be sure, replied her aunt, but it
45 is confined to his air, and is not
unbecoming. I can now say with the
housekeeper, that though some people
may call him proud, I have seen nothing
of it.
50
I was never more surprised than by
his behaviour to us. It was more than
civil; it was really attentive; and there
was no necessity for such attention. His
55 acquaintance with Elizabeth was very
trifling.
To be sure, Lizzy, said her aunt, he
is not so handsome as Wickham; or,
60 rather, he has not Wickhams
countenance, for his features are
perfectly good. But how came you to tell
me that he was so disagreeable?
65 Elizabeth excused herself as well as
215
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Siguieron andando en silencio, pro-
fundamente abstrados los dos en sus
pensamientos. Elizabeth no poda estar
tranquila, pero se senta adulada y com-
placida. La intencin de Darcy de pre-
sentarle a su hermana era una gentileza
excepcional. Pronto dejaron atrs a los
otros y, cuando llegaron al coche, los
seores Gardiner estaban a medio cuar-
to de milla de ellos.
Darcy la invit entonces a pasar a la
casa, pero Elizabeth declar que no estaba
cansada y esperaron juntos en el csped.
En aquel rato podan haber hablado de
muchas cosas, el silencio resultaba violen-
to. Ella quera hablar pero tena la mente
en blanco y todos los temas que se le ocu-
rran parecan estar prohibidos. Al fin re-
cord su viaje, y habl de Matlock y Dove
Dale con gran perseverancia. El tiempo
pasaba, su ta andaba muy despacio y la
paciencia y las ideas de Elizabeth se ago-
taban antes de que acabara el tetetete.
Cuando llegaron los seores Gardiner,
Darcy les invit a todos a entrar en la
casa y tomar un refrigerio; pero ellos
se excusaron y se separaron con la ma-
yor cortesa. Darcy les acompa hasta
el coche y cuando ste ech a andar,
Elizabeth le vio encaminarse despacio
hacia la casa.
Entonces empezaron los co-
mentarios de los tos; ambos de-
clararon que Darcy era superior
a cuanto poda imaginarse.
Su educacin es perfecta y su
X elegancia y sencillez admirables
dijo su to.
Hay en l un poco de al-
tivez aadi la ta pero slo
en su porte, y no le sienta mal.
Puedo decir, como el ama de
llaves, que aunque se le tache
de orgulloso, no se le nota
nada.
Su actitud con nosotros me ha
dejado atnito. Ha estado ms que
corts, ha estado francamente aten-
to y nada le obligaba a ello. Su
amistad con Elizabeth era muy su-
perficial.
__________ Claro que no es tan
guapo como Wickham repuso la ta
; o, mejor dicho, que no es tan bien
plantado, pero sus facciones son per-
fectas. Cmo pudiste decirnos que
era tan desagradable, Lizzy?
Elizabeth se disculp como pudo;
 Austen Pride
she could; said that she had liked him
better when they had met in Kent than
before, and that she had never seen him
so pleasant as this morning.
5
But perhaps he may be a little
whimsical in his civilities, replied her
uncle. Your great men often are; and
therefore I shall not take him at his word,
10 as he might change his mind another day,
and warn me off his grounds.
Elizabeth felt that they had entirely
misunderstood his character, but said
15 nothing.
From what we have seen of him,
continued Mrs. Gardiner, I really should
not have thought that he could have
20 behaved in so cruel a way by anybody as
he has done by poor Wickham. He has
not an ill-natured look. On the contrary,
there is something pleasing about his
mouth when he speaks. And there is
25 something of dignity in his countenance
that would not give one an unfavourable
idea of his heart. But, to be sure, the good
lady who showed us his house did give
him a most flaming character! I could
30 hardly help laughing aloud sometimes.
But he is a liberal master, I suppose, and
THAT in the eye of a servant
comprehends every virtue.
35 Elizabeth here felt herself called on
to say something in vindication of his
behaviour to Wickham; and therefore
gave them to understand, in as guarded a
manner as she could, that by what she had
40 heard from his relations in Kent, his
actions were capable of a very different
construction; and that his character was
by no means so faulty, nor Wickhams so
amiable, as they had been considered in
45 Hertfordshire. In confirmation of this,
she related the particulars of all the
pecuniary transactions in which they had
actually totalmente, realmente, de veras, en been connected, without actually naming
realidad, verdadero, de hecho, en serio her authority, but stating it to be such as
actual adjetivo real, verdadero, efectivo, con-
creto, autntico, mismo (very): give me an 50 such as might be relied on.
actual example, dame un ejemplo concreto
he has no actual job, no tiene trabajo propia- Mrs. Gardiner was surprised and
mente dicho concerned; but as they were now
Actual subraya el hecho de que algo es real o approaching the scene of her former
genuino y solo se puede colocar delante de
un sustantivo: Everybody believed I would 55 pleasures, every idea gave way to
win but the actual result was very different. the charm of recollection; and she
Todos pensaban que iba a ganar pero el re- was too much engaged in pointing
sultado final (real) fue muy distinto. out to her husband all the interesting
actual (En) 1 existing in fact; real (often as spots in its environs to think of
distinct from ideal). 2 existing now; current.
Usage Redundant use, as in tell me the ac- 60 anything else. Fatigued as she had
tual facts, is disp., but common. been by the mornings walk they had
no sooner dined than she set off
En Castellano ACTUAL se traduce por present again in quest of her former
o current: The current economic crisis will acquaintance, and the evening was
cause us many problems. La actual crisis eco-
nmica nos causar muchos problemas 65 spent in the satisfactions of a
216
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
dijo que al verse en Kent le haba agra-
dado ms que antes y que nunca le ha-
ba encontrado tan complaciente como
aquella maana.
Puede que sea un poco caprichoso
en su cortesa replic el to; esos se-
ores tan encopetados suelen ser as. Por
eso no le tomar la palabra en lo referente
a la pesca, no vaya a ser que otro da cam-
bie de parecer y me eche de la finca.
Elizabeth se dio cuenta de que estaban
completamente equivocados sobre su ca-
rcter, pero no dijo nada.
Despus de haberle visto aho-
ra, nunca habra credo que pudiese
portarse tan mal como lo hizo con
Wi c k h a m c o n t i n u l a s e o r a
Gardiner, no parece un desalma-
do. Al contrario, tiene un gesto muy
agradable al hablar. Y hay tambin
una dignidad en su rostro que a na-
die podra hacer pensar que no tie-
ne buen corazn. Pero, a decir ver-
dad, la buena mujer que nos ense
la casa exageraba un poco su carc-
ter. Hubo veces que casi se me es-
capaba la risa. Lo que pasa es que
d e b e s e r u n a m o m u y g e n e ro s o y
eso, a los ojos de un criado, equi-
vale a todas las virtudes.
Al or esto, Elizabeth crey que de-
ba decir algo en defensa del proceder
de Darcy con Wickham. Con todo el
cuidado que le fue posible, trat de in-
sinuarles que, por lo que haba odo
decir a sus parientes de Kent, sus ac-
tos podan interpretarse de muy dis-
tinto modo, y que ni su carcter era
tan malo ni el de Wickham tan bueno
como en Hertfordshire se haba cre-
do. Para confirmar lo dicho les refiri
los detalles de todas las transacciones
pecuniarias que haban mediado entre
ellos, sin mencionar cmo lo haba
sabido, pero afirmando que era rigu-
rosamente cierto.
A la seora Gardiner le sor-
prendi y sinti curiosidad por
el tema, pero como en aquel mo-
mento se acercaban al escenario
de sus antiguos placeres, cedi
al encanto de sus recuerdos y ya
no hizo ms que sealar a su
marido todos los lugares intere-
santes y sus alrededores. A pesar
de lo fatigada que estaba por el
paseo de la maana, en cuanto
cenaron salieron en busca de an-
tiguos conocidos, y la velada
transcurri con la satisfaccin
 Austen Pride
intercourse 1 trato, relaciones, communication intercourse renewed after many years
or dealings between individuals, nations, etc.
2 sexual intercourse, acto sexual, coito. 3 discontinuance.
communion between human beings and God.
The occurrences of the day were too
5 full of interest to leave Elizabeth much
attention for any of these new friends;
and she could do nothing but think, and
think with wonder, of Mr. Darcys
civility, and, above all, of his wishing her
10 to be acquainted with his sister.
15
Chapter 44
20 Elizabeth had settled it that Mr. Darcy
would bring his sister to visit her the very
day after her reaching Pemberley; and
was consequently resolved not to be out
of sight of the inn the whole of that
25 morning. But her conclusion was false;
for on the very morning after their arrival
at Lambton, these visitors came. They
had been walking about the place with
some of their new friends, and were just
30 returning to the inn to dress themselves
for dining with the same family, when the
sound of a carriage drew them to a
window, and they saw a gentleman and a
lady in a curricle driving up the street.
35 Elizabeth immediately recognizing the
livery, guessed what it meant, and
imparted no small degree of her surprise
to her relations by acquainting them with
the honour which she expected. Her uncle
40 and aunt were all amazement; and the
embarrassment of her manner as she
spoke, joined to the circumstance itself,
and many of the circumstances of the
preceding day, opened to them a new idea
45 on the business. Nothing had ever
suggested it before, but they felt that
there was no other way of accounting for
such attentions from such a quarter than
by supposing a partiality for their niece.
50 While these newly-born notions were
passing in their heads, the perturbation
of Elizabeths feelings was at every
moment increasing. She was quite
amazed at her own discomposure; but
55 amongst other causes of disquiet, she
dreaded lest the partiality of the brother
should have said too much in her favour;
and, more than commonly anxious to
please, she naturally suspected that every
60 power of pleasing would fail her.
She retreated from the window,
fearful of being seen; and as she walked
up and down the room, endeavouring to
65 compose herself, saw such looks of
217
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
d e l a s relaciones reanudadas des-
pus de muchos aos de interrupcin.
Los acontecimientos de aquel da haban
sido demasiado arrebatadores para que
Elizabeth pudiese prestar mucha atencin a
ninguno de aquellos nuevos amigos, y no
poda ms que pensar con admiracin en las
amabilidades de Darcy, y sobre todo en su
deseo de que conociera a su hermana.
Captulo XLIV
Elizabeth haba calculado que
Darcy llevara a su hermana a visi-
tarla al da siguiente de su llegada a
Pemberley, y en consecuencia, resol-
vi no perder de vista la fonda en
toda aquella maana. Pero se equi-
voc, pues recibi la visita el mismo da
que llegaron. Los Gardiner y Elizabeth
haban estado paseando por el pue-
blo con algunos de los nuevos ami-
gos, y regresaban en aquel momento
a la fonda para vestirse e ir a comer
con ellos, cuando el ruido de un ca-
rruaje les hizo asomarse a la venta-
na y vieron a un caballero y a una
seorita en un cabriol que suba por
la calle. Elizabeth reconoci al ins-
tante la librea de los lacayos, adivi-
n lo que aquello significaba y dej
a sus tos atnitos al comunicarles el
honor que les esperaba. Estaban
asustados; aquella visita, lo descon-
certada que estaba Elizabeth y las
circunstancias del da anterior les hi-
cieron formar una nueva idea del
asunto. No haba habido nada que lo
sugiriese anteriormente, pero ahora
se daban cuenta que no haba otro
modo de explicar las atenciones de
Darcy ms que suponindole intere-
sado por su sobrina. Mientras ellos
pensaban en todo esto, la turbacin
de Elizabeth aumentaba por momen-
tos. Le alarmaba su propio descon-
cierto, y entre las otras causas de su
desasosiego figuraba la idea de que
Darcy, en su entusiasmo, le hubiese
hablado de ella a su hermana con de-
masiado elogio. Deseaba agradar
ms que nunca, pero sospechaba que
no iba a poder conseguirlo.
Se retir de la ventana por te-
m o r a q u e l a v i e s e n , y, m i e n t r a s
paseaba de un lado a otro de la
habitacin, las miradas
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

inquiring surprise in her uncle and aunt interrogantes de sus tos la po-
as made everything worse. nan an ms nerviosa.

Miss Darcy and her brother appeared,
5 and this formidable introduction took
place. With astonishment did Elizabeth
see that her new acquaintance was at least
embarrased incmodo, azorado, turbado, as much embarrassed as herself. Since
aturdido o azarado, embarazoso, cohi- her being at Lambton, she had heard that
bido, avergonzante, ruborizante 10 Miss Darcy was exceedingly proud; but
azarar es ruborizarse por vergenza the observation of a very few minutes
azorar es sorprenderse, conturbarse, aturdir- convinced her that she was only
se, incomodarse, desconcertar
exceedingly shy. She found it difficult to
embarazado/a es preado/a (mal en Capotes obtain even a word from her beyond a
Cold Blood : 258) aunque en el Quijote 15 monosyllable.
se utilizaba embarazado/a con el signifi-
cado de en dificultades con ver 466.
Miss Darcy was tall, and on a larger
scale than Elizabeth; and, though little
more than sixteen, her figure was formed,
20 and her appearance womanly and
graceful 1 (elegant) [person, animal, building] elegante; graceful. She was less handsome than
[movement] elegante, airoso; [lines] grcil 2 (dignified)
digno
her brother; but there was sense and good
humour in her face, and her manners were
perfectly unassuming [discreto] and gentle.
25 Elizabeth, who had expected to find in
her as acute and unembarrassed an
observer as ever Mr. Darcy had been, was
much relieved by discerning such
different feelings.
30
They had not long been together
before Mr. Darcy told her that Bingley
was also coming to wait on her; and she
had barely time to express her
35 satisfaction, and prepare for such a
visitor, when Bingleys quick step was
heard on the stairs, and in a moment he
entered the room. All Elizabeths anger
against him had been long done away; but
40 had she still felt any, it could hardly have
stood its ground against the unaffected
cordiality with which he expressed
himself on seeing her again. He inquired
in a friendly, though general way, after
45 her family, and looked and spoke with
the same good-humoured ease that he had
ever done.
Por fin aparecieron la seorita
Darcy y su hermano y la gran presenta-
cin tuvo lugar. Elizabeth not con
asombro que su nueva conocida esta-
ba, al menos, tan turbada como ella. Des-
de que lleg a Lambton haba odo decir que
la seorita Darcy era extremadamente orgu-
llosa pero, despus de haberla observado
unos minutos, se convenci de que slo era
extremadamente tmida. Difcilmente con-
sigui arrancarle una palabra, a no ser unos
cuantos monoslabos.
La seorita Darcy era ms alta
que Elizabeth y, aunque no tena ms
que diecisis aos, su cuerpo estaba
ya formado y su aspecto era muy fe-
menino y grcil. No era tan guapa
como su hermano, pero su rostro re-
velaba inteligencia y buen carcter,
y sus modales eran sencillsimos y
gentiles. Elizabeth, que haba temi-
do que fuese una observadora tan
a g u d a y d e s e n v u e l t a c o m o D a r c y,
experiment un gran alivio al ver lo
distinta que era.
Poco rato llevaban de conversacin,
cuando Darcy le dijo a Elizabeth que
Bingley vendra tambin a visitarla, y ape-
nas haba tenido tiempo la joven de ex-
presar su satisfaccin y prepararse para
recibirle cuando oyeron los precipitados
pasos de Bingley en la escalera, y en se-
guida entr en la habitacin. Toda la in-
dignacin de Elizabeth contra l haba
desaparecido desde haca tiempo, pero si
todava le hubiese quedado algn rencor,
no habra podido resistirse a la franca cor-
dialidad que Bingley le demostr al verla
de nuevo. Le pregunt por su familia de
manera cariosa, aunque en general, y se
comport y habl con su acostumbrado
buen humor.

To Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner he was Los seores Gardiner acogieron a

excited y excitado conllevan la idea de alegre,
entusiasta, pero excited tiene ms
denotaciones, como nervioso, agitado, aca-
lorado, emocionante. To excite y excitar se
refieren a estimular, entusiasmar, pero to ex-
cite significa adems emocionar / conmover,
poner nervioso / agitado, provocar [emocio-
nes], instigar [desrdenes], alborotar [gen-
te], y to get excited es acalorarse. A su vez,
excitar se usa para to raise [dudas], arouse
[curiosidad, apetito]. Excitedly significa agi-
tada- o acaloradamente.
Dont get excited = no te pongas nervioso.
50 scarcely a less interesting personage than
to herself. They had long wished to see
him. The whole party before them,
indeed, excited a lively attention. The
suspicions which had just arisen of Mr.
55 Darcy and their niece directed their
observation towards each with an earnest
though guarded inquiry; and they soon
drew from those inquiries the full
conviction that one of them at least knew
60 what it was to love. Of the ladys
sensations they remained a little in doubt;
but that the gentleman was overflowing
with admiration was evident enough.
Bingley con el mismo inters que
Elizabeth. Haca tiempo que tenan ga-
nas de conocerle. A decir verdad, todos
los presentes les inspiraban la ms viva
curiosidad. Las sospechas que acababan
de concebir sobre Darcy y su sobrina les
llevaron a concentrar su atencin en
ellos examinndolos detenidamente,
aunque con disimulo, y muy pronto se
dieron cuenta de que al menos uno de
ellos estaba muy enamorado. Los senti-
mientos de Elizabeth eran algo dudosos,
pero era evidente que Darcy rebosaba
admiracin a todas luces.

65 Elizabeth, on her side, had much to Elizabeth, por su parte, tena mucho que

218

anxious 1 inquieto, angustiado, desasosegado, pre-
ocupado to be anxious about sthg, estar preocu-
pado por algo 2 (entusiasmado) interesado,
ansioso, con ganas : I am anxious to meet him,
tengo muchas ganas de conocerle
anxiety no es tanto ansiedad [deseo, afn] como pre-
ocupacin, inquietud, desasosiego, angustia,
mientras que ansiedad traduce longing, yearning,
desire. El adjetivo anxious es muy comb con di-
ferentes matices, desde intiresado [eager], muy de-
seoso, con ganas, hasta tonos negativos como pre-
ocupado, inquieto, angustiado, desasosegado.
Ansioso es negativo en general: greedy,
overambitious, gluttonous [voraz]. Como seiiala
E. Lorenzo (1996), hace aos que ansia, ansioso y
ansiar se usan como sus cognados ingleses y as lo
reconoce el DRAE (1992), que dice que ansia es
anhelo [yearning] y, ademis, angustia, congoja,
fatiga, inquietud; por lo tanto, equivale a anxiety.
Sin embargo, en varios pases ansia se usa simple-
mente para anhelo, deseo, ganas. A veces se usa el
plural ansias para referirse a nuseas, ganas de
vomitar [to feel sick, throw up].
To be anxious to = tener ganas de.
Anxious voice = tono angustiado.
Austen Pride
do. She wanted to ascertain the feelings
of each of her visitors; she wanted to
compose her own, and to make herself
agreeable to all; and in the latter object,
5 where she feared most to fail, she was
most sure of success, for those to whom
she endeavoured to give pleasure were
prepossessed in her favour. Bingley was
ready, Georgiana was eager, and Darcy
10 determined, to be pleased.
In seeing Bingley, her thoughts
naturally flew to her sister; and, oh! how
ardently did she long to know whether
15 any of his were directed in a like manner.
Sometimes she could fancy that he talked
less than on former occasions, and once
or twice pleased herself with the notion
that, as he looked at her, he was trying to
20 trace a resemblance. But, though this
might be imaginary, she could not be
deceived as to his behaviour to Miss
Darcy, who had been set up as a rival to
Jane. No look appeared on either side that
25 spoke particular regard. Nothing
occurred between them that could justify
the hopes of his sister. On this point she
was soon satisfied; and two or three little
circumstances occurred ere they parted,
30 which, in her anxious interpretation,
denoted a recollection of Jane not
untinctured by tenderness, and a wish of
saying more that might lead to the
mention of her, had he dared. He
35 observed to her, at a moment when the
others were talking together, and in a tone
which had something of real regret, that
it was a very long time since he
had had the pleasure of seeing
40 her; and, before she could
r e p l y, h e a d d e d , I t i s a b o v e
e i g h t m o n t h s . We h a v e n o t m e t
since the 26th of November,
when we were all dancing
45 together at Netherfield.
Elizabeth was pleased to find his
memory so exact; and he afterwards took
occasion to ask her, when unattended to
50 by any of the rest, whether ALL her
sisters were at Longbourn. There was not
much in the question, nor in the preceding
remark; but there was a look and a
manner which gave them meaning.
55
It was not often that she could turn
her eyes on Mr. Darcy himself; but,
whenever she did catch a glimpse, she
saw an expression of general
60 complaisance, and in all that he said she
heard an accent so removed from hauteur
or disdain of his companions, as
convinced her that the improvement of
manners which she had yesterday
65 witnessed however temporary its
219
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
hacer. Deba adivinar los sentimientos de
cada uno de sus visitantes y al mismo tiem-
po tena que contener los suyos y hacerse
agradable a todos. Bien es verdad que lo
ltimo, que era lo que ms miedo le daba,
era lo que con ms seguridad poda conse-
guir, pues los interesados estaban ya muy
predispuestos en su favor. Bingley estaba
listo, Georgiana lo deseaba y Darcy estaba
completamente decidido.
Al ver a Bingley, los pensamientos
de Elizabeth volaron, como es natural,
hacia su hermana, y se dedic afanosa-
mente a observar si alguno de los pen-
samientos de aqul iban en la misma di-
reccin. Se haca ilusiones pensando
que hablaba menos que en otras oca-
siones, y una o dos veces se complaci
en la idea de que, al mirarla, Bingley
trataba de buscar un parecido. Pero,
aunque todo eso no fuesen ms que fan-
tasas suyas, no poda equivocarse en
cuanto a su conducta con la seorita
Darcy, de la que le haban hablado
como presunta rival de Jane. No not
ni una mirada por parte del uno ni por
parte del otro que pudiese justificar las
esperanzas de la hermana de Bingley.
En lo referente a este tema se qued
plenamente satisfecha. Antes de que se
fueran, todava not por dos o tres pe-
queos detalles que Bingley se acor-
daba de Jane con ternura y pareca que
quera decir algo ms y que no se atreva.
En un momento en que los dems conver-
saban, lo dijo en un tono pesaroso:
Cunto tiempo haca que no tena el
gusto de verla!
Y, antes de que Elizabeth tuviese tiem-
po de responder, aadi:
Hace cerca de ocho meses. No nos
habamos visto desde el veintisis de no-
viembre cuando bailamos todos juntos en
Netherfield.
Elizabeth se alegr de ver que no le
fallaba la memoria. Despus, aprove-
chando que los dems estaban distra-
dos, le pregunt si todas sus hermanas
estaban en Longbourn. Ni la pregunta
ni el recuerdo anterior eran importan-
tes, pero la mirada y el gesto de Bingley
fueron muy significativos.
Elizabeth no miraba muy a me-
nudo a Darcy; pero cuando lo ha-
ca, vea en l una expresin de
complacencia y en lo que deca
perciba un acento que borraba
todo desdn o altanera hacia sus
acompaantes, y la convenca de
que la mejora de su carcter de
la que haba sido testigo el da an-
t e r i o r, a u n q u e f u e s e p a s a j e r a , h a -

disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame;
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon-
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa
diffidence, self-doubt, self-distrust lack of self-
confidence inseguridad, falta de confianza 35
en uno mismo
Austen Pride
existence might prove, had at least
outlived one day. When she saw him thus
seeking the acquaintance and courting the
good opinion of people with whom any
5 intercourse a few months ago would
have been a disgracewhen she saw him
thus civil, not only to herself, but to the
very relations whom he had openly
disdained, and recollected their last
10 lively scene in Hunsford Parsonagethe
difference, the change was so great, and
struck so forcibly on her mind, that she
could hardly restrain her astonishment
from being visible. Never, even in the
15 company of his dear friends at
Netherfield, or his dignified relations at
Rosings, had she seen him so desirous to
please, so free from self-consequence or
unbending reserve, as now, when no
20 importance could result from the success
of his endeavours, and when even the
acquaintance of those to whom his
attentions were addressed would draw
down the ridicule and censure of the
25 ladies both of Netherfield as Rosings.
Their visitors stayed with them
above half-an-hour; and when they arose
to depart, Mr. Darcy called on his sister
30 to join him in expressing their wish of
seeing Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, and Miss
Bennet, to dinner at Pemberley, before
they left the country. Miss Darcy, though
with a diffidence which marked her
little in the habit of giving invitations,
readily obeyed. Mrs. Gardiner looked
at her niece, desirous of knowing how
SHE, whom the invitation most
concerned, felt disposed as to its
40 acceptance, but Elizabeth had turned
away her head. Presuming however,
that this studied avoidance spoke
rather a momentary embarrassment
than any dislike of the proposal, and
45 seeing in her husband, who was fond
of society, a perfect willingness to
accept it, she ventured to engage for
her attendance, and the day after the
next was fixed on.
50
Bingley expressed great pleasure in
the certainty of seeing Elizabeth again,
having still a great deal to say to her, and
many inquiries to make after all their
55 Hertfordshire friends. Elizabeth,
construing all this into a wish of hearing
her speak of her sister, was pleased, and
on this account, as well as some others,
found herself, when their visitors left
60 them, capable of considering the last
half-hour with some satisfaction, though
while it was passing, the enjoyment of it
had been little. Eager to be alone, and
fearful of inquiries or hints from her
65 uncle and aunt, she stayed with them only
220
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ba durado, al menos, hasta la fecha.
Al verle intentando ser sociable, pro-
curando la buena opinin de los all
presentes, con los que tener algn
trato haca unos meses habra signi-
ficado para l una deshonra; al verle
tan corts, no slo con ella, sino con
los mismsimos parientes que haba
despreciado, y recordaba la violenta
escena en la casa parroquial de
Hunsford, la diferencia, el cambio era
tan grande, que a duras penas pudo
impedir que su asombro se hiciera vi-
sible. Nunca, ni en compaa de sus
queridos amigos en Netherfield, ni en
la de sus encopetadas parientes de
Rosings, le haba hallado tan ansioso
de agradar, tan ajeno a darse impor-
tancia ni a mostrarse reservado, como
ahora en que ninguna vanidad poda
obtener con el xito de su empeo, y
en que el trato con aquellos a quie-
nes colmaba de atenciones habra sido
censurado y ridiculizado por las se-
oras de Netherfield y de Rosings.
La visita dur una media hora, y
cuando se levantaron para despedir-
se, Darcy pidi a su hermana que
apoyase la invitacin a los Gardiner
y a la seorita Bennet, para que fue-
sen a cenar en Pemberley antes de
irse de la comarca. La seorita
Darcy, aunque con una timidez que
descubra su poca costumbre de ha-
cer invitaciones, obedeci al punto.
La seora Gardiner mir a su sobri-
na para ver cmo sta, a quien iba
dirigida la invitacin, la acogera;
pero Elizabeth haba vuelto la cabe-
za. Presumi, sin embargo, que su
estudiada evasiva significaba ms
bien un momentneo desconcierto
que disgusto por la proposicin, y
viendo a su marido, que era muy afi-
cionado a la vida social, deseoso de
a c c e d e r, s e a r r i e s g a a c e p t a r e n
nombre de los tres; y la fecha se fij
para dos das despus.
Bingley se manifest encantado de
saber que iba a volver a ver a Elizabeth,
pues tena que decirle an muchas co-
sas y hacerle muchas preguntas acerca
de todos los amigos de Hertfordshire.
Elizabeth crey entender que deseaba
orle hablar de su hermana y se qued
muy complacida. Este y algunos otros
detalles de la visita la dejaron dispues-
ta, en cuanto se hubieron ido sus ami-
gos, a recordarla con agrado, aunque du-
rante la misma se hubiese sentido un
poco incmoda. Con el ansia de estar
sola y temerosa de las preguntas o su-
posiciones de sus tos, estuvo con ellos
 Austen Pride
long enough to hear their favourable
opinion of Bingley, and then hurried
away to dress.
5 But she had no reason to fear Mr. and
Mrs. Gardiners curiosity; it was not their
wish to force her communication. It was
evident that she was much better
acquainted with Mr. Darcy than they had
10 before any idea of; it was evident that he
was very much in love with her. They saw
much to interest, but nothing to justify
inquiry.
15 Of Mr. Darcy it was now a matter of
anxiety to think well; and, as far as their
acquaintance reached, there was no fault
to find. They could not be untouched by
his politeness; and had they drawn his
20 character from their own feelings and his
servants report, without any reference to
any other account, the circle in
Hertfordshire to which he was known
would not have recognized it for Mr.
25 Darcy. There was now an interest,
however, in believing the housekeeper;
and they soon became sensible that the
authority of a servant who had known
him since he was four years old, and
30 whose own manners indicated
respectability, was not to be hastily
rejected. Neither had anything occurred
in the intelligence of their Lambton
friends that could materially lessen its
35 weight. They had nothing to accuse him
of but pride; pride he probably had, and
if not, it would certainly be imputed by
the inhabitants of a small market-town
where the family did not visit. It was
40 acknowledged, however, that he was a
liberal 1 generoso, dadivoso, magnnimo 2 liberal man, and did much good among
liberal 3 abundante 4 libre
liberal 1 a). Generoso, desprendido, desinteresado. the poor.
Tolerante. 1 b) Que ejerce una profesin liberal tra-
dicionalmente de las artes o profesiones que ante
todo requieren el ejercicio del entendimiento.
With respect to Wickham, the
2. Favorable a las libertades intelectuales y 45 travellers soon found that he was not held
profesionables del individuo y a las polticas del Es- there in much estimation; for though the
tado y a las Humanidades.
(Nota: parece estarse perdiendo el primer significa-
chief of his concerns with the son of his
do en favor del segundo.) patron were imperfectly understood, it
was yet a well-known fact that, on his
50 quitting Derbyshire, he had left many
debts behind him, which Mr. Darcy
afterwards discharged.
As for Elizabeth, her thoughts were
55 at Pemberley this evening more than the
last; and the evening, though as it passed
it seemed long, was not long enough to
determine her feelings towards ONE in
that mansion; and she lay awake two
60 whole hours endeavouring to make them
out. She certainly did not hate him. No;
hatred had vanished long ago, and she
had almost as long been ashamed of ever
feeling a dislike against him, that could
65 be so called. The respect created by the
221
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
el tiempo suficiente para or sus comen-
tarios favorables acerca de Bingley, y
se apresur a vestirse.
Pero estaba muy equivocada al temer la
curiosidad de los seores Gardiner, que no
tenan la menor intencin de hacerle hablar.
Era evidente que sus relaciones con Darcy
eran mucho ms serias de lo que ellos haban
credo, y estaba ms claro que el agua que l
estaba enamoradsimo de ella. Haban visto
muchas cosas que les interesaban, pero no
justificaban su indagacin.
Lo importante ahora era que Darcy
fuese un buen muchacho. Por lo que
ellos podan haber apreciado, no tena
peros. Sus amabilidades les haban
conmovido, y si hubiesen tenido que
describir su carcter segn su propia
opinin y segn los informes de su sir-
vienta, prescindiendo de cualquier otra
referencia, lo habran hecho de tal modo
que el crculo de Hertfordshire que le
conoca no lo habra reconocido. Desea-
ban ahora dar crdito al ama de llaves y
pronto convinieron en que el testimo-
nio de una criada que le conoca desde
los cuatro aos y que pareca tan respe-
table, no poda ser puesto en tela de jui-
cio. Por otra parte, en lo que decan sus
amigos de Lambton no haba nada ca-
paz de aminorar el peso de aquel
testimonio. No le acusaban ms que de
orgullo; orgulloso puede que s lo fue-
ra, pero, aunque no lo hubiera sido, los
habitantes de aquella pequea ciudad
comercial, donde nunca iba la familia
de Pemberley, del mismo modo le ha-
bran atribuido el calificativo. Pero de-
can que era muy generoso y que haca
mucho bien entre los pobres.
E n c u a n t o a Wi c k h a m , l o s v i a -
jeros vieron pronto que no se le te-
na all en mucha estima; no se sa-
ba lo principal de sus relaciones
c o n e l h i j o d e s u s e o r, p e r o e n
cambio era notorio el hecho de que
al salir de Derbyshire haba deja-
do una multitud de deudas que
Darcy haba pagado.
Elizabeth pens aquella noche en
Pemberley ms an que la anterior. Le pa-
reci largusima, pero no lo bastante para
determinar sus sentimientos hacia uno de
los habitantes de la mansin. Despus de
acostarse estuvo despierta durante dos ho-
ras intentando descifrarlos. No le odiaba,
eso no; el odio se haba desvanecido haca
mucho, y durante casi todo ese tiempo se
haba avergonzado de haber sentido con-
tra aquella persona un desagrado que pu-
diera recibir ese nombre. El respeto debi-
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

conviction of his valuable qualities, do a sus valiosas cualidades, aunque ad-

petulance no es petulancia, sino malhu-
mor, ma1 genio, irritabilidad, mientras
que petulancia sugiere insolence, 5
arrogance, flippancy. Insolencia, atre-
vimiento o descaro. Vana y ridcula pre-
suncin.
De modo paralelo, petulant es malhu-
morado, irritable, de ma1 genio, enojadi-
zo, caprichoso, quisquilloso; en cambio 10
petulante se usa para arrogant, vain, smug
[presumido], insolent, flippant. En la mis-
ma linea, petulantly es de mal humor, mien-
tras que petulantemente se refiere a
insolently.
acrimony n. (pl. -ies) bitterness of temper or 15
manner; ill feeling.
acrimonia 1. f. Aspereza de las cosas, espe-
cialmente al gusto o al olfato. Acritud 2. f.
Agudeza del dolor. 3. f. Aspereza o desabri-
miento en el carcter o en el trato.
20
25
30
35
40
though at first unwillingly admitted, had
for some time ceased to be repugnant to
her feeling; and it was now heightened
into somewhat of a friendlier nature, by
the testimony so highly in his favour, and
bringing forward his disposition in so
amiable a light, which yesterday had
produced. But above all, above respect
and esteem, there was a motive within her
of goodwill which could not be
overlooked. It was gratitude; gratitude,
not merely for having once loved her, but
for loving her still well enough to forgive
all the petulance and acrimony of her
manner in rejecting him, and all the
unjust accusations accompanying her
rejection. He who, she had been
persuaded, would avoid her as his
greatest enemy, seemed, on this
accidental meeting, most eager to
preserve the acquaintance, and without
any indelicate display of regard, or any
peculiarity of manner, where their two
selves only were concerned, was
soliciting the good opinion of her friends,
and bent on making her known to his
sister. Such a change in a man of so much
pride exciting not only astonishment but
gratitudefor to love, ardent love, it
must be attributed; and as such its
impression on her was of a sort to be
encouraged, as by no means unpleasing,
though it could not be exactly defined.
She respected, she esteemed, she was
grateful to him, she felt a real interest in
his welfare; and she only wanted to know
how far she wished that welfare to depend
upon herself, and how far it would be for
the happiness of both that she should
employ the power, which her fancy told
her she still possessed, of bringing on her
the renewal of his addresses.
mitido al principio contra su voluntad, ha-
ba contribuido a que cesara la hostilidad
de sus sentimientos y stos haban evolu-
cionado hasta convertirse en afectuosos
ante el importante testimonio en su favor
que haba odo y ante la buena disposicin
que l mismo haba mostrado el da an-
terior. Pero por encima de todo eso, por
encima del respeto y la estima, senta
Elizabeth otro impulso de benevolencia hacia
Darcy que no poda pasarse por alto. Era grati-
tud; gratitud no slo por haberla amado, sino
por amarla todava lo bastante para olvidar toda
la petulancia y mordacidad de su rechazo y
todas las injustas acusaciones que lo
acompaaron. l, que deba conside-
rarla as lo supona Elizabeth
como a su mayor enemiga, al encon-
trarla casualmente pareca deseoso de
conservar su amistad, y sin ninguna
demostracin de indelicadeza ni afec-
tacin en su trato, en un asunto que
slo a los dos interesaba, solicitaba
la buena opinin de sus amigos y se
decida a presentarle a su hermana.
Semejante cambio en un hombre tan
orgulloso no slo tena que inspirar
asombro, sino tambin gratitud, pues
haba que atribuirlo al amor, a un
amor apasionado. Pero, aunque esta
impresin era alentadora y muy con-
traria al desagrado, no poda definir-
la con exactitud. Le respetaba, le es-
timaba, le estaba agradecida, y desea-
ba vivamente que fuese feliz. No ne-
cesitaba ms que saber hasta qu pun-
to deseaba que aquella felicidad de-
pendiera de ella, y hasta qu punto
redundara en la felicidad de ambos
que emplease el poder que imagina-
ba poseer an de inducirle a renovar
su proposicin.

45 It had been settled in the evening Por la tarde la ta y la sobrina

between the aunt and the niece, that such
a striking civility as Miss Darcys in
coming to see them on the very day of
her arrival at Pemberley, for she had
50 reached it only to a late breakfast, ought
to be imitated, though it could not be
equalled, by some exertion of politeness
on their side; and, consequently, that it
would be highly expedient to wait on her
55 at Pemberley the following morning.
They were, therefore, to go. Elizabeth
was pleased; though when she asked
herself the reason, she had very little to
say in reply.
60
Mr. Gardiner left them soon after
breakfast. The fishing scheme had been
renewed the day before, and a positive
engagement made of his meeting some
65 of the gentlemen at Pemberley before
acordaron que una atencin tan ex-
traordinaria como la de la visita de
la seorita Darcy el mismo da de su
llegada a Pemberley donde haba
llegado poco despus del desayuno
deba ser correspondida, si no con
algo equivalente, por lo menos con
alguna cortesa especial. Por lo tan-
to, decidieron ir a visitarla a
Pemberley a la maana siguiente.
Elizabeth se senta contenta, a pesar
de que cuando se preguntaba por
qu, no alcanzaba a encontrar una
respuesta.
Despus del desayuno, el seor
Gardiner las dej. El ofrecimiento de la
pesca haba sido renovado el da anterior
y le haban asegurado que a medioda le
acompaara alguno de los caballeros de

222
 Austen Pride
noon.
10 Chapter 45
Convinced as Elizabeth now was that
Miss Bingleys dislike of her had
originated in jealousy, she could not help
15 feeling how unwelcome her appearance
at Pemberley must be to her, and was
curious to know with how much civility
on that ladys side the acquaintance
would now be renewed.
20
On reaching the house, they were
shown through the hall into the saloon,
render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen- whose northern aspect rendered it
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en-
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter delightful for summer. Its windows
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered 25 opening to the ground, admitted a most
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.),
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks; refreshing view of the high woody hills
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give behind the house, and of the beautiful
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4 oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.). scattered over the intermediate lawn.
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc.
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.) 30
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c In this house they were received by
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt Miss Darcy, who was sitting there with
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up, lady with whom she lived in London.
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are 35 Georgianas reception of them was very
Caesars). b show (obedience).
civil, but attended with all the
embarrassment which, though proceeding
from shyness and the fear of doing
wrong, would easily give to those who
40 felt themselves inferior the belief of her
being proud and reserved. Mrs. Gardiner
and her niece, however, did her justice,
and pitied her.
45 By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley they
were noticed only by a curtsey; and, on
their being seated, a pause, awkward as
such pauses must always be, succeeded
for a few moments. It was first broken
50 by Mrs. Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-
looking woman, whose endeavour to
introduce some kind of discourse proved
her to be more truly well-bred than either
of the others; and between her and Mrs.
55 Gardiner, with occasional help from
Elizabeth, the conversation was carried
on. Miss Darcy looked as if she wished
for courage enough to join in it; and
sometimes did venture a short sentence
60 when there was least danger of its being
heard.
Elizabeth soon saw that she was
herself closely watched by Miss Bingley,
65 and that she could not speak a word,
223
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Pemberley.
Captulo XLV
Elizabeth estaba ahora convencida de
que la antipata que por ella senta la seo-
rita Bingley provena de los celos. Com-
prenda, pues, lo desagradable que haba
de ser para aquella el verla aparecer en
Pemberley y pensaba con curiosidad en
cunta cortesa pondra por su parte para
reanudar sus relaciones.
Al llegar a la casa atravesaron el vest-
bulo y entraron en el saln cuya orientacin
al norte lo haca delicioso en verano. Las
ventanas abiertas de par en par brindaban
una vista refrigerante de las altas colinas po-
bladas de bosque que estaban detrs del
edificio, y de los hermosos robles y casta-
os de Espaa dispersados por la pradera
que se extenda delante de la casa.
En aquella pieza fueron recibi-
das por la seorita Darcy que las
esperaba junto con la seora
Hurst, la seorita Bingley y su
dama de compaa. La acogida de
Georgiana fue muy corts, pero do-
minada por aquella cortedad debi-
da a su timidez y al temor de ha-
cer las cosas mal, que le haba
d a d o f a m a d e o rg u l l o s a y r e s e r v a -
da entre sus inferiores. Pero la se-
ora Gardiner y su sobrina la com-
prendan y compadecan.
La seora Hurst y la seorita Bingley
les hicieron una simple reverencia y se
sentaron. Se estableci un silencio
molestsimo que dur unos instantes.
Fue interrumpido por la seora
Annesley, persona gentil y agradable
que, al intentar romper el hielo, mos-
tr mejor educacin que ninguna de
las otras seoras. La charla continu
entre ella y la seora Gardiner, con
algunas intervenciones de Elizabeth.
La seorita Darcy pareca desear te-
ner la decisin suficiente para tomar
parte en la conversacin, y de vez en
cuando aventuraba alguna corta fra-
se, cuando menos peligro haba de
que la oyesen.
Elizabeth se dio cuenta en se-
guida de que la seorita Bingley la
vigilaba estrechamente y que no
 Austen Pride
especially to Miss Darcy, without calling
her attention. This observation would not
have prevented her from trying to talk to
the latter, had they not been seated at an
5 inconvenient distance; but she was not
sorry to be spared the necessity of saying
much. Her own thoughts were employing
her. She expected every moment that
some of the gentlemen would enter the
10 room. She wished, she feared that the
master of the house might be amongst
them; and whether she wished or feared
it most, she could scarcely determine.
After sitting in this manner a quarter of
15 an hour without hearing Miss Bingleys
voice, Elizabeth was roused by receiving
from her a cold inquiry after the health
of her family. She answered with equal
indifference and brevity, and the others
20 said no more.
The next variation which their visit
afforded was produced by the entrance
of servants with cold meat, cake, and a
25 variety of all the finest fruits in season;
but this did not take place till after many
a significant look and smile from Mrs.
Annesley to Miss Darcy had been given,
to remind her of her post. There was now
30 employment for the whole partyfor
though they could not all talk, they could
all eat; and the beautiful pyramids of
grapes, nectarines, and peaches soon
collected them round the table.
35
While thus engaged, Elizabeth had a
fair opportunity of deciding whether she
most feared or wished for the appearance
of Mr. Darcy, by the feelings which
40 prevailed on his entering the room; and
then, though but a moment before she had
believed her wishes to predominate, she
began to regret that he came.
45 He had been some time with Mr.
Gardiner, who, with two or three other
gentlemen from the house, was engaged
by the river, and had left him only on
learning that the ladies of the family
50 intended a visit to Georgiana that
morning. No sooner did he appear than
Elizabeth wisely resolved to be perfectly
easy and unembarrassed; a resolution the
more necessary to be made, but perhaps
55 not the more easily kept, because she saw
that the suspicions of the whole party
were awakened against them, and that
there was scarcely an eye which did not
watch his behaviour when he first came
60 into the room. In no countenance was
attentive curiosity so strongly marked as
in Miss Bingleys, in spite of the smiles
which overspread her face whenever she
spoke to one of its objects; for jealousy
65 had not yet made her desperate, and her
224
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
poda decir una palabra, especial-
m e n t e a l a s e o r i t a D a r c y, s i n q u e
la otra agudizase el odo. No obs-
tante, su tenaz observacin no le
habra impedido hablar con
Georgiana si no hubiesen estado
tan distantes la una de la otra; pero
no le afligi el no poder hablar
mucho, as poda pensar ms libre-
mente. Deseaba y tema a la vez
que el dueo de la casa llegase, y
apenas poda aclarar si lo tema
ms que lo deseaba. Despus de
estar as un cuarto de hora sin or
l a v o z d e l a s e o r i t a B i n g l e y,
Elizabeth se sonroj al preguntar-
le aqulla qu tal estaba su fami-
lia. Contest con la misma indife-
rencia y brevedad y la otra no dijo
ms.
La primera variedad de la visita con-
sisti en la aparicin de unos criados que
traan fiambres, pasteles y algunas de las
mejores frutas de la estacin, pero esto
aconteci despus de muchas miradas
significativas de la seora Annesley a
Georgiana con el fin de recordarle sus de-
beres. Esto distrajo a la reunin, pues, aun-
que no todas las seoras pudiesen hablar,
por lo menos todas podran comer. Las
hermosas pirmides de uvas, albrchigos
y melocotones las congregaron en seguida
alrededor de la mesa.
Mientras estaban en esto,
Elizabeth se dedic a pensar si
tema o si deseaba que llegase
Darcy por el efecto que haba de
causarle su presencia; y aunque
un momento antes crey que ms
bien lo deseaba, ahora empeza-
ba a pensar lo contrario.
Darcy haba estado con el se-
o r G a r d i n e r, q u e p e s c a b a e n e l
ro con otros dos o tres caballe-
ros, pero al saber que las seoras
de su familia pensaban visitar a
G e o rg i a n a a q u e l l a m i s m a m a a n a ,
s e f u e a c a s a . A l v e r l e e n t r a r,
Elizabeth resolvi aparentar la
mayor naturalidad, cosa necesaria
pero difcil de lograr, pues le
constaba que toda la reunin es-
taba pendiente de ellos, y en cuan-
to Darcy lleg todos los ojos se
pusieron a examinarle. Pero en
ningn rostro asomaba la curiosi-
dad con tanta fuerza como en el
d e l a s e o r i t a B i n g l e y, a p e s a r d e
las sonrisas que prodigaba al ha-
blar con cualquiera; sin embargo,
sus celos no haban llegado hasta
hacerla desistir de sus atenciones
 Austen Pride
attentions to Mr. Darcy were by no means
over. Miss Darcy, on her brother s
entrance, exerted herself much more to
talk, and Elizabeth saw that he was
5 anxious for his sister and herself to get
acquainted, and forwarded as much as
possible, every attempt at conversation
on either side. Miss Bingley saw all this
likewise; and, in the imprudence of anger,
10 took the first opportunity of saying, with
sneering civility:
Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the
shire Militia removed from Meryton?
15 They must be a great loss to YOUR
family.
In Darcys presence she dared not
mention Wickhams name; but Elizabeth
20 instantly comprehended that he was
uppermost in her thoughts; and the
various recollections connected with him
gave her a moments distress; but
exerting herself vigorously to repel the
25 ill-natured attack, she presently answered
the question in a tolerably detached tone.
While she spoke, an involuntary glance
showed her Darcy, with a heightened
complexion, earnestly looking at her,
30 and his sister overcome with confusion,
and unable to lift up her eyes. Had Miss
Bingley known what pain she was then
giving her beloved friend, she
undoubtedly would have refrained from
35 the hint; but she had merely intended
to discompose Elizabeth by bringing
forward the idea of a man to whom she
believed her partial, to make her betray
a sensibility which might injure her in
40 D a r c y s o p i n i o n , a n d , p e r h a p s , t o
remind the latter of all the follies and
absurdities by which some part of her
family were connected with that corps.
Not a syllable had ever reached her of
45 Miss Darcys meditated elopement. To
no creature had it been revealed, where
secrecy was possible, except to
E l i z a b e t h ; a n d f r o m a l l B i n g l e y s
connections her brother was
50 particularly anxious to conceal it, from
the very wish which Elizabeth had long
ago attributed to him, of their becoming
hereafter her own. He had certainly
formed such a plan, and without
55 meaning that it should effect his
endeavour to separate him from Miss
Bennet, it is probable that it might add
something to his lively concern for the
welfare of his friend.
60
Elizabeths collected behaviour,
however, soon quieted his emotion; and
as Miss Bingley, vexed [angered] and
disappointed, dared not approach nearer
65 to Wickham, Georgiana also recovered
225
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
a Darcy. Georgiana, en cuanto
entr su hermano, se esforz ms
e n h a b l a r, y E l i z a b e t h c o m p r e n d i
que Darcy quera que las dos inti-
masen, para lo cual favoreca to-
das las tentativas de conversacin
por ambas partes. La seorita
Bingley tambin lo vea y con la
imprudencia propia de su ira,
aprovech la primera oportunidad
para decir con burlona finura:
Dgame, seorita Elizabeth, es
cierto que la guarnicin de Meryton ha
sido trasladada? Ha debido de ser una gran
prdida para su familia.
En presencia de Darcy no se atre-
vi a pronunciar el nombre de
Wi c k h a m , p e r o E l i z a b e t h a d i v i n
que tena aquel nombre en su pen-
samiento; los diversos recuerdos
que le despert la afligieron duran-
te un momento, pero se sobrepuso
con entereza para repeler aquel des-
carado ataque y respondi a la pre-
gunta en tono despreocupado. Al
hacerlo, una mirada involuntaria le
hizo ver a Darcy con el color encen-
dido, que la observaba atentamen-
te, y a su hermana completamente
confusa e incapaz de levantar los
ojos. Si la seorita Bingley hubiese
podido sospechar cunto apenaba a
su amado, se habra refrenado, in-
dudablemente; pero slo haba in-
tentado descomponer a Elizabeth sa-
cando a relucir algo relacionado con
un hombre por el que ella haba sido
parcial y para provocar en ella al-
gn movimiento en falso que la per-
judicase a los ojos de Darcy y que,
de paso, recordase a ste los absur-
dos y las locuras de la familia
Bennet. No saba una palabra de la
fuga de la seorita Darcy, pues se
haba mantenido estrictamente en
secreto, y Elizabeth era la nica per-
sona a quien haba sido revelada.
Darcy quera ocultarla a todos los
parientes de Bingley por aquel mis-
mo deseo, que Elizabeth le atribuy
tanto tiempo, de llegar a formar par-
te de su familia. Darcy, en efecto, te-
na este propsito, y aunque no fue
por esto por lo que pretendi sepa-
rar a su amigo de Jane, es probable
que se sumara a su vivo inters por
la felicidad de Bingley.
Pero la actitud de Elizabeth le
t r a n q u i l i z . L a s e o r i t a B i n g l e y,
humillada y decepcionada, no vol-
vi a atreverse a aludir a nada rela-
tivo a Wickham. Georgiana se fue re-
 Austen Pride
in time, though not enough to be able to
speak any more. Her brother, whose eye
she feared to meet, scarcely recollected
her interest in the affair, and the very
5 circumstance which had been designed
to turn his thoughts from Elizabeth
seemed to have fixed them on her more
and more cheerfully.
10 Their visit did not continue long after
the question and answer above
mentioned; and while Mr. Darcy was
attending them to their carriage Miss
Bingley was venting her feelings in
15 criticisms on Elizabeths person,
behaviour, and dress. But Georgiana
would not join her. Her brother s
recommendation was enough to ensure
her favour; his judgement could not err.
20 And he had spoken in such terms of
Elizabeth as to leave Georgiana without
the power of finding her otherwise than
lovely and amiable. When Darcy returned
to the saloon, Miss Bingley could not
25 help repeating to him some part of what
she had been saying to his sister.
How very ill Miss Eliza Bennet
looks this morning, Mr. Darcy, she
30 cried; I never in my life saw anyone so
much altered as she is since the winter.
She is grown so brown and coarse!
Louisa and I were agreeing that we
should not have known her again.
35
However little Mr. Darcy might have
liked such an address, he contented
himself with coolly replying that he
perceived no other alteration than her
40 being rather tanned, no miraculous
consequence of travelling in the
summer.
For my own part, she rejoined, I
45 must confess that I never could see any
beauty in her. Her face is too thin; her
complexion has no brilliancy; and her
features are not at all handsome. Her nose
wants characterthere is nothing marked
50 in its lines. Her teeth are tolerable, but
not out of the common way; and as for
her eyes, which have sometimes been
called so fine, I could never see anything
extraordinary in them. They have a sharp,
55 shrewish look, which I do not like at all;
and in her air altogether there is a self-
sufficiency without fashion, which is
tolerable aceptable, soportable, pasable intolerable.
60 Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that
Darcy admired Elizabeth, this was not the
best method of recommending herself;
but angry people are not always wise; and
in seeing him at last look somewhat
65 nettled, she had all the success she
226
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
cobrando, pero ya se qued
definitivamente callada, sin osar
afrontar las miradas de su hermano.
Darcy no se ocup ms de lo sucedi-
do, pero en vez de apartar su pensa-
miento de Elizabeth, la insinuacin
de la seorita Bingley pareci exci-
tar ms an su pasin.
Despus de la pregunta y contesta-
cin referidas, la visita no se prolong
mucho ms y mientras Darcy acompa-
aba a las seoras al coche, la seorita
Bingley se desahog criticando la con-
ducta y la indumentaria de Elizabeth.
Pero Georgiana no le hizo ningn caso.
El inters de su hermano por la seorita
Bennet era ms que suficiente para ase-
gurar su beneplcito; su juicio era infa-
lible, y le haba hablado de Elizabeth en
tales trminos que Georgiana tena que
encontrarla por fuerza amable y atrayen-
te. Cuando Darcy volvi al saln, la se-
orita Bingley no pudo contenerse y
tuvo que repetir algo de lo que ya le ha-
ba dicho a su hermana:
Qu mal estaba Elizabeth
Bennet, seor Darcy! excla-
X m . ___________________ Q u
cambiada la he encontrado desde el
invierno! Qu morena y qu poco
fina se ha puesto! Ni Louisa ni yo la
habramos reconocido.
La observacin le hizo a
Darcy muy poca gracia, pero se
contuvo y contest framente
que no le haba notado ms va-
riacin que la de estar tostada
por el sol, cosa muy natural via-
jando en verano.
Por mi parte prosigui la se-
orita Bingley confieso que nunca me
ha parecido guapa. Tiene la cara de-
masiado delgada, su color es apagado
y sus facciones no son nada bonitas;
su nariz no tiene ningn carcter y no
hay nada notable en sus lneas; tiene
unos dientes pasables, pero no son
nada fuera de lo comn, y en cuanto a
sus ojos tan alabados, yo no veo que
tengan nada extraordinario, miran de
un modo penetrante y adusto muy des-
agradable; y en todo su aire, en fin,
hay tanta pretensin y una falta de
buen tono que resulta intolerable.
Sabiendo como saba la seorita
Bingley que Darcy admiraba a Elizabeth,
se no era en absoluto el mejor modo de
agradarle, pero la gente irritada no suele
actuar con sabidura; y al ver que lo estaba
provocando, ella consigui el xito que es-
 Austen Pride
expected. He was resolutely silent,
however, and, from a determination of
making him speak, she continued:
5 I remember, when we first knew her
in Hertfordshire, how amazed we all were
to find that she was a reputed beauty; and
I particularly recollect your saying one
night, after they had been dining at
10 Netherfield, SHE a beauty!I should as
soon call her mother a wit. But
afterwards she seemed to improve on
you, and I believe you thought her rather
pretty at one time.
15
Yes, replied Darcy, who could
contain himself no longer, but THAT
was only when I first saw her, for it is
many months since I have considered her
20 as one of the handsomest women of my
acquaintance.
He then went away, and Miss Bingley
was left to all the satisfaction of having
25 forced him to say what gave no one any
pain but herself.
Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth talked of
all that had occurred during their visit,
30 as they returned , except what had
particularly interested them both. The
look and behaviour of everybody they
had seen were discussed, except of the
person who had mostly engaged their
35 attention. They talked of his sister, his
friends, his house, his fruitof
everything but himself; yet Elizabeth was
longing to know what Mrs. Gardiner
thought of him, and Mrs. Gardiner would
40 have been highly gratified by her nieces
beginning the subject.
45
50 Chapter 46
Elizabeth had been a good deal
disappointed in not finding a letter from
Jane on their first arrival at Lambton; and X
55 this disappointment had been renewed on
each of the mornings that had now been
repine express discontent; complain; kick; spent there; but on the third her repining X
plain; sound off; quetch; kvetch was over, and her sister justified, by the
receipt of two letters from her at once,
60 on one of which was marked that it had
been missent elsewhere. Elizabeth was
not surprised at it, as Jane had written
the direction remarkably ill.
65 They had just been preparing to walk
227
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
peraba. Sin embargo, l se qued callado,
pero la seorita Bingley tom la determi-
nacin de hacerle hablar y prosigui:
Recuerdo que la primera vez
que la vimos en Hertfordshire nos
extra que tuviese fama de guapa;
y recuerdo especialmente que una
noche en que haban cenado en
Netherfield, usted dijo: Si ella es
una belleza, su madre es un genio!
Pero despus pareci que le iba gus-
tando y creo que la lleg a conside-
rar bonita en algn tiempo.
S replic Darcy, sin poder
contenerse por ms tiempo, pero
eso fue cuando empec a conocerla,
porque hace ya muchos meses que
la considero como una de las muje-
res ms bellas que he visto.
Dicho esto , se fue y la seorita
Bingley se qued muy satisfecha de
haberle obligado a decir lo que slo
a ella le dola.
Camino de Lambton, la seora
Gardiner y Elizabeth comentaron todo
lo ocurrido en la visita, menos lo que
ms les interesaba a las dos. Discutie-
ron el aspecto y la conducta de todos,
sin referirse a la persona a la que ms
atencin haban dedicado. Hablaron de
su hermana, de sus amigos, de su casa,
de sus frutas, de todo menos de l mis-
mo, a pesar del deseo de Elizabeth de
saber lo que la seora Gardiner pen-
saba de Darcy, y de lo mucho que sta
se habra alegrado de que su sobrina
entrase en materia.
Captulo XLVI
Al llegar a Lambton, le disgust
a Elizabeth no encontrar carta de
Jane; _____________ ______ __________
el disgusto se renov todas las ma-
a n a s , ___ _ __________ _________
_________ ____ pero a la tercera recibi
dos cartas a la vez, en una de las cua-
les haba una nota diciendo que se
haba extraviado y haba sido desvia-
da a otro lugar, cosa que a Elizabeth
no le sorprendi, porque Jane haba
puesto muy mal la direccin.
En el momento en que llegaron las
 Austen Pride
as the letters came in; and her uncle and
aunt, leaving her to enjoy them in quiet,
set off by themselves. The one missent
must first be attended to; it had been
5 written five days ago. The beginning
contained an account of all their little
parties and engagements, with such news
as the country afforded; but the latter
half, which was dated a day later, and
10 written in evident agitation, gave more
important intelligence. It was to this
effect:
Since writing the above, dearest
15 Lizzy, something has occurred of a most
unexpected and serious nature; but I am
afraid of alarming yoube assured that
we are all well. What I have to say relates
to poor Lydia. An express came at twelve
20 last night, just as we were all gone to bed,
from Colonel Forster, to inform us that
she was gone off to Scotland with one of
his officers; to own the truth, with
Wickham! Imagine our surprise. To Kitty,
25 however, it does not seem so wholly
unexpected. I am very, very sorry. So
imprudent a match on both sides! But I
am willing to hope the best, and that his
character has been misunderstood.
30 Thoughtless and indiscreet I can easily
believe him, but this step (and let us
rejoice over it) marks nothing bad at
heart. His choice is disinterested at least,
for he must know my father can give her
35 nothing. Our poor mother is sadly
grieved. My father bears it better. How
thankful am I that we never let them know
what has been said against him; we must
forget it ourselves. They were off
40 Saturday night about twelve, as is
conjectured, but were not missed till
yesterday morning at eight. The express
was sent off directly. My dear Lizzy, they
must have passed within ten miles of us.
45 Colonel Forster gives us reason to expect
him here soon. Lydia left a few lines for
his wife, informing her of their intention.
I must conclude, for I cannot be long
from my poor mother. I am afraid you
50 will not be able to make it out, but I
hardly know what I have written.
Without allowing herself time for
consideration, and scarcely knowing
55 what she felt, Elizabeth on finishing this
letter instantly seized the other, and
opening it with the utmost impatience,
read as follows: it had been written a day
later than the conclusion of the first. X _____________________________
60
By this time, my dearest sister,
you have received my hurried letter;
I wish this may be more intelligible,
but though not confined for time, my
65 head is so bewildered that I cannot
228
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
dos cartas, se disponan a salir de pa-
seo, y para dejarla que las disfrutase
tranquilamente, sus tos se marcharon
solos. Elizabeth ley primero la carta
extraviada que llevaba un retraso de
cinco das. Al principio relataba las
pequeas tertulias e invitaciones, y
daba las pocas noticias que el campo
permita; pero la ltima mitad, fecha-
da un da despus y escrita con evi-
dente agitacin, deca cosas mucho
ms importantes:
Despus de haber escrito lo anterior,
queridsima Elizabeth, ha ocurrido algo
muy serio e inesperado; pero no te alar-
mes todos estamos bien. Lo que voy a de-
cirte se refiere a la pobre Lydia. Anoche a
las once, cuando nos bamos a acostar, lle-
g un expreso enviado por el coronel
Forster para informarnos de que nuestra
hermana se haba escapado a Escocia con
uno de los oficiales; para no andar con ro-
deos: con Wickham. Imagnate nuestra sor-
presa. Sin embargo, a Catherine no le pa-
reci nada sorprendente. Estoy muy triste.
Qu imprudencia por parte de ambos!
Pero quiero esperar lo mejor y que
Wickham no sea tan malo como se ha cre-
do, que no sea ms que ligero e indiscreto;
pues lo que ha hecho alegrmonos de
ello no indica mal corazn. Su eleccin,
al fin y al cabo, es desinteresada, porque
sabe que nuestro padre no le puede dar
nada a Lydia. Nuestra pobre madre est
consternada. Pap lo lleva mejor. Qu bien
hicimos en no decirles lo que supimos de
Wickham! Nosotras mismas debemos ol-
vidarlo. Se supone que se fugaron el sba-
do a las doce aproximadamente, pero no
se les ech de menos hasta ayer a las ocho
de la maana. Inmediatamente mandaron
el expreso. Querida Elizabeth, han debi-
do pasar a menos de diez millas de voso-
tros! El coronel Forster dice que vendr en
seguida. Lydia dej escritas algunas lneas
para la seora Forster comunicndole sus
propsitos. Tengo que acabar, pues no pue-
do extenderme a causa de mi pobre madre.
Temo que no entiendas lo escrito, pues ni
siquiera s lo que he puesto.
Sin tomar tiempo para meditar y
sin saber apenas lo que senta al
acabar la lectura de esta carta,
Elizabeth abri la otra con impa-
ciencia y ley lo que sigue, escrito
u n d a d e s p u s : ________________ __
A estas horas, queridsima
hermana, habrs recibido mi apre-
surada carta. Ojal la presente sea
ms inteligible; pero, aunque dis-
pongo de tiempo, mi cabeza est
 Austen Pride
answer for being coherent. Dearest
Lizzy, I hardly know what I would
write, but I have bad news for you,
and it cannot be delayed. Imprudent
5 as the marriage between Mr.
Wickham and our poor Lydia would
be, we are now anxious to be
assured it has taken place, for there
is but too much reason to fear they
10 are not gone to Scotland. Colonel
Forster came yesterday, having left
Brighton the day before, not many
hours after the express. Though
Lydias short letter to Mrs. F. gave
15 them to understand that they were
going to Gretna Green, something
was dropped by Denny expressing
his belief that W. never intended to
go there, or to marry Lydia at all,
20 which was repeated to Colonel F.,
who, instantly taking the alarm, set
of f from B. intending to trace their
route. He did trace them easily to
Clapham, but no further; for on
25 entering that place, they removed
into a hackney coach , and dismissed
the chaise that brought them from
Epsom. All that is known after this
is, that they were seen to continue
30 the London road. I know not what
to think. After making every
possible inquiry on that side
L o n d o n , C o l o n e l F. c a m e o n i n t o
Hertfordshire, anxiously renewing
35 them at all the turnpikes, and at the
inns in Barnet and Hatfield, but
without any successno such
people had been seen to pass
through. With the kindest concern
40 he came on to Longbourn, and broke
his apprehensions to us in a manner
most creditable to his heart. I am
sincerely grieved for him and Mrs.
F., but no one can throw any blame
45 on them. Our distress, my dear
Lizzy, is very great. My father and
mother believe the worst, but I
cannot think so ill of him. Many
circumstances might make it more
50 eligible for them to be married
privately in town than to pursue
their first plan; and even if HE could
form such a design against a young
w o m a n o f L y d i a s c o n n e c t i o n s ,
55 which is not likely, can I suppose
her so lost to everything?
Impossible! I grieve to find,
h o w e v e r , t h a t C o l o n e l F. i s n o t
disposed to depend upon their
60 marriage; he shook his head when I
expressed my hopes, and said he
fear W. was not a man to be trusted.
My poor mother is really ill, and
keeps her room. Could she exert
65 herself, it would be better; but this
229
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
tan aturdida que no puedo ser co-
herente. Eliza querida, preferira
no escribirte, pero tengo malas
noticias que darte y no puedo
aplazarlas. Por muy imprudente
q u e p u e d a s e r l a b o d a d e Wi c k h a m
y n u e s t r a p o b r e Ly d i a , e s t a m o s
ansiosos de saber que ya se ha
realizado, pues hay sobradas razo-
nes para temer que no hayan ido a
Escocia. El coronel Forster lleg
ayer; sali de Brighton pocas ho-
ras despus que el propio. A pe-
s a r d e q u e l a c a r t a d e Ly d i a a l a
seora Forster daba a entender
que iba a Gretna Green, Denny
dijo que l estaba enterado y que
Wi c kham jams pens en ir all ni
casarse con Lydia; el coronel Forster,
al saberlo, se alarm y sali al pun-
to de Brighton con la idea de darles
alcance. Sigui, en efecto, su rastro
con facilidad hasta Clapham, pero no
pudo continuar adelante, porque
ellos al llegar a dicho punto toma-
ron un coche de alquiler dejando l a
silla de postas que los haba lle-
vado desde Epsom. Y ya no se
sabe nada ms sino que se les vio
tomar el camino de Londres. No
s q u p e n s a r. D e s p u s d e h a b e r
hecho todas las investigaciones
posibles de all a Londres, el co-
ronel Forster vino a
Hertfordshire para repetirlas en
todos los portazgos y hosteras de
Barnet y Hatfield, pero sin nin-
gn resultado; nadie ha visto por
all a esas personas. Con el ma-
yor pesar lleg a Longbourn a
darnos cuenta de todo, de un
modo que le honra. Estoy de ve-
ras apenada por l y por su espo-
sa; nadie podr recriminarles.
Nuestra afliccin es muy grande.
Pap y mam esperan lo
p e o r , p ero yo no puedo creer que
Wickham sea tan malvado. Muchas
circunstancias pueden haberles impul-
sado a casarse en secreto en la capital
en vez de seguir su primer plan; y aun
en el caso de que l hubiese tramado
la perdicin de una muchacha de bue-
na fam i l i a c o m o L y d i a , c o s a q u e
no es probable, he de creerla a
ella tan perdida? Imposible. Me
desola, no obstante, ver que el
coronel Forster no confa en que
se hayan casado; cuando yo le
dije mis esperanzas, sacudi la
cabeza y manifest su temor de
q u e Wi c k h a m n o s e a d e f i a r. M i
pobre madre est enferma de ve-
ras y no sale de su cuarto. En
cuanto a mi padre, nunca le he

precious y precioso se usan como caro, costoso, va-
lioso, y precious se aplica a amistad o momen-
to, como inapreciable, grato, preciado, pero
puede degradar su denotacin para referirse a
amanerado, afectado / rebuscado [estilo], me- 40
lindroso, pero tambin se usa con cantidades
para considerable, mucho y, en estilo familiar,
para querido; en cambio, la primera acepcin
de precioso es pretty, beautiful, lovely y, en
sentido figurado, delightful, wonderful.
Precious tambin se usa como adverbio en el
habla comn para traducir muy, y preciosity tie- 45
ne matiz negativo de preciosismo, amaneramien-
to, mientras que preciosidad es positivo para
charm, beauty, marvel.
supersede v.tr. 1 a adopt or appoint another person
or thing in place of. b set aside; cease to employ.
2 (of a person or thing) take the place of. Reem-
plazar, sustituir, suplantar, desbancar
Austen Pride
is not to be expected. And as to my
father, I never in my life saw him
so affected. Poor Kitty has anger for
having concealed their attachment;
5 but as it was a matter of confidence,
one cannot wonder. I am truly glad,
dearest Lizzy, that you have been
spared something of these
distressing scenes; but now, as the
10 first shock is over, shall I own that
I long for your return? I am not so
selfish, however, as to press for it,
if inconvenient. Adieu! I take up my
pen again to do what I have just told
15 you I would not; but circumstances
are such that I cannot help earnestly
begging you all to come here as soon
as possible. I know my dear uncle
and aunt so well, that I am not afraid
20 of requesting it, though I have still
something more to ask of the former.
My father is going to London with
Colonel Forster instantly, to try to
discover her. What he means to do I
25 am sure I know not; but his
excessive distress will not allow him
to pursue any measure in the best
and safest way, and Colonel Forster
is obliged to be at Brighton again
30 to-morrow evening. In such and
e x i g e n c e , m y u n c l e s a d v i c e a n d
assistance would be everything in
the world; he will immediately
comprehend what I must feel, and I
35 rely upon his goodness.
Oh! where, where is my uncle?
cried Elizabeth, darting from her seat as
she finished the letter, in eagerness to
follow him, without losing a moment of
the time so precious; but as she reached
the door it was opened by a servant, and
Mr. Darcy appeared. Her pale face and
impetuous manner made him start, and
before he could recover h i m s e l f t o
speak, she, in whose mind e v e r y
i d e a w a s s u p e r s e d e d b y Ly d i a s
s i t u a t i o n , h a s t i l y e x c l a i m e d , I
beg your pardon, but I must leave you. I
50 must find Mr. Gardiner this moment, on
business that cannot be delayed; I have
not an instant to lose.
Good God! what is the matter?
55 c r i e d h e , w i t h m o r e f e e l i n g t h a n
politeness; then recollecting himself,
I will not detain you a minute; but let
me, or let the servant go after Mr. and
M r s . G a r d i n e r. Yo u a r e n o t w e l l
60 enough; you cannot go yourself.
Elizabeth hesitated, but her knees
trembled under her and she felt how little
would be gained by her attempting to
65 pursue them. Calling back the servant,
230
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
visto tan afectado. La pobre
Catherine est desesperada por
haber encubierto los amores de
Lydia y Wickham, pero no hay que
extraarse de que las nias se hicie-
sen confidencias. Queridsima
Lizzy, m e a l e g r o s i n c e r a m e n t e d e
que te hayas ahorrado estas do-
l o r o s a s escenas. Pero ahora que el pri-
mer golpe ya ha pasado, te confieso que
anhelo tu regreso. No soy egosta, sin
embargo, hasta el extremo de rogarte
que vuelvas si no puedes. Adis. Tomo
de nuevo la pluma para hacer lo que
acabo de decirte que no hara, pero las
circunstancias son tales que no puedo
menos que suplicaros a los tres que
vengis cuanto antes. Conozco tan bien
a nuestros queridos tos, que no dudo
que accedern. A nuestro to tengo, ade-
ms, que pedirle otra c o s a . M i p a d r e
v a a i r a L o n d r e s c o n el coronel
Forster para ver si la e n c u e n t r a n .
N o s q u p i e n s a n h a c e r, p e r o
est tan abatido que no podr
tomar las medidas mejores y
ms expeditivas, y el c o r o n e l
Forster no tiene ms remedio
que estar en Brighton m a a -
n a p o r l a n o c h e . E n e sta
situacin, los consejos y la
asistencia de nuestro to se-
ran de gran utilidad. l se
har cargo de esto; cuento con
su bondad.
Dnde, dnde est mi to?
exclam Elizabeth alzndose de la si-
lla en cuanto termin de leer _____
X _________y resuelta a no perder un
X solo instante ______; pero al llegar a la
puerta, un criado la abra y entraba Darcy.
El plido semblante y el mpetu de
Elizabeth le asustaron. Antes de que l se
hubiese podido recobrar lo suficiente para
dirigirle la palabra, Elizabeth, que no po-
da pensar ms que en la situacin de
Lydia, exclam precipitadamente:
Perdneme, pero tengo que dejarle;
necesito hablar inmediatamente con el se-
or Gardiner de un asunto que no puede de-
morarse; no hay tiempo que perder.
Dios mo! De qu se trata? pre-
gunt l con ms sentimiento que cortesa;
despus, reponindose, dijo: No quiero
detenerla ni un minuto; pero permtame que
sea yo el que vaya en busca de los seores
Gardiner o mande a un criado. Usted no
puede ir en esas condiciones.
Elizabeth dud; pero le tembla-
ban las rodillas y comprendi que
no ganara nada con tratar de
alcanzarlos. Por consiguiente, lla-
 Austen Pride
therefore, she commissioned him, though
in so breathless an accent as made her
almost unintelligible, to fetch his master
and mistress home instantly.
5
On his quitting the room she sat down,
unable to support herself, and looking so
miserably ill, that it was impossible for
Darcy to leave her, or to refrain from
10 saying, in a tone of gentleness and
commiseration, Let me call your maid.
Is there nothing you could take to give
you present relief? A glass of wine; shall
I get you one? You are very ill.
15
No, I thank you, she replied,
endeavouring to recover herself. There
is nothing the matter with me. I am quite
well; I am only distressed by some
20 dreadful news which I have just received
from Longbourn.
She burst into tears as she alluded to
it, and for a few minutes could not speak
25 another word. Darcy, in wretched
suspense, could only say something
indistinctly of his concern, and observe
her in compassionate silence. At length
she spoke again. I have just had a letter
30 from Jane, with such dreadful news. It
cannot be concealed from anyone. My
younger sister has left all her friends
has eloped; has thrown herself into the
power ofof Mr. Wickham. They are
35 gone off together from Brighton. YOU
know him too well to doubt the rest. She
has no money, no connections, nothing
that can tempt him toshe is lost for
ever.
40
Darcy was fixed in astonishment.
When I consider, she added in a yet
more agitated voice, that I might have
prevented it! I, who knew what he was.
45 Had I but explained some part of it
onlysome part of what I learnt, to my
own family! Had his character been
known, this could not have happened. But
it is allall too late now.
50
I am grieved indeed, cried Darcy;
grievedshocked. But is it certain
absolutely certain?
55 Oh, yes! They left Brighton
together on Sunday night, and were
traced almost to London, but not
beyond; they are certainly not
gone to Scotland.
60
And what has been done, what has
been attempted, to recover her?
My father is gone to London, and
65 Jane has written to beg my uncles
231
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
m al criado y le encarg que tra-
jera sin dilacin a sus seores,
aunque dio la orden con voz tan
apagada que casi no se le oa.
Cuando el criado sali de la estancia,
Elizabeth se desplom en una silla, incapaz
de sostenerse. Pareca tan descompuesta,
que Darcy no pudo dejarla sin decirle en
tono afectuoso y compasivo:
Vo y a l l a m a r a s u d o n c e l l a .
X _____________ Qu podra tomar para
aliviarse? Un vaso de vino? Voy a trar-
selo. Usted est enferma.
No, gracias contest Elizabeth
tratando de serenarse. No se trata de
nada mo. Yo estoy bien. Lo nico que
me pasa es que estoy desolada por una
horrible noticia que acabo de recibir de
Longbourn.
Al decir esto rompi a llorar y es-
tuvo unos minutos sin poder hablar.
Darcy, afligido y suspenso, no dijo
ms que algunas vaguedades sobre su
inters por ella, y luego la observ en
silencio. Al fin Elizabeth prosigui:
He tenido carta de Jane y me da
unas noticias espantosas que a nadie
pueden ocultarse. Mi hermana menor
nos ha abandonado, se ha fugado, se
ha entregado a... Wickham. Los dos
se han escapado de Brighton. Usted
conoce a Wickham demasiado bien
para comprender lo que eso signifi-
ca. Lydia no tiene dinero ni nada que
a l le haya podido tentar... Est per-
dida para siempre.
Darcy se qued inmvil de estupor.
Cuando pienso aadi
Elizabeth an ms agitada que yo
habra podido evitarlo! Yo que saba
quin era Wickham! Si hubiese ex-
plicado a mi familia slo una parte,
algo de lo que supe de l! Si le hubie-
sen conocido, esto no habra pasado.
Pero ya es tarde para todo.
Estoy horrorizado exclam Darcy
X _______________ . Pero es cierto,
absolutamente cierto?
Por desgracia! Se fueron de
Brighton el domingo por la noche y les han
seguido las huellas hasta cerca de Londres,
pero no ms all; es indudable que no han
ido a Escocia.
Y qu se ha hecho, qu han intenta-
do hacer para encontrarla?
Mi padre ha ido a Londres y Jane
escribe solicitando la inmediata ayuda

disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame;
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon-
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa
Austen Pride
immediate assistance; and we shall be
off, I hope, in half-an-hour. But nothing
can be doneI know very well that
nothing can be done. How is such a man
5 to be worked on? How are they even to
be discovered? I have not the smallest
hope. It is every way horrible!
Darcy shook his head in silent
10 acquiescence.
When MY eyes were opened to his
real characterOh! had I known what I
ought, what I dared to do! But I knew
15 notI was afraid of doing too much.
Wretched, wretched mistake!
Darcy made no answer. He seemed
scarcely to hear her, and was walking up
20 and down the room in earnest meditation,
his brow contracted, his air gloomy.
Elizabeth soon observed, and instantly
understood it. Her power was sinking;
everything MUST sink under such a
25 proof of family weakness, such an
assurance of the deepest disgrace. She
could neither wonder nor condemn, but
the belief of his self-conquest brought
nothing to her consolatory to her bosom,
30 afforded no palliation of her distress. It
was, on the contrary, exactly calculated
to make her understand her own wishes;
and never had she so honestly felt that
she could have loved him, as now, when
35 all love must be vain.
But self, though it would intrude,
could not engross her. Lydiathe
humiliation, the misery she was bringing
40 on them all, soon swallowed up every
private care; and covering her face with
her handkerchief, Elizabeth was soon lost
to everything else; and, after a pause of
several minutes, was only recalled to a
45 sense of her situation by the voice of her
companion, who, in a manner which,
though it spoke compassion, spoke
likewise restraint, said, I am afraid you
have been long desiring my absence, nor
50 have I anything to plead in excuse of my
s t a y, b u t r e a l , t h o u g h u n a v a i l i n g
concern. Would to Heaven that anything
could be either said or done on my part
that might offer consolation to such
55 distress! But I will not torment you with
vain wishes, which may seem purposely
to ask for your thanks. This unfortunate
affair will, I fear, prevent my sisters
having the pleasure of seeing you at
60 Pemberley to-day.
Oh, yes. Be so kind as to apologise
for us to Miss Darcy. Say that urgent
business calls us home immediately.
65 Conceal the unhappy truth as long as it
232
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
de mi to; espero que nos iremos den-
tro de media hora. Pero no se puede
hacer nada, s que no se puede hacer
nada. Cmo convencer a un hombre
semejante? Cmo descubrirles? No
tengo la menor esperanza. Se mire
como se mire es horrible.
Darcy asinti con la cabeza en
silencio.
Oh, si cuando abr los ojos
y v i q u i n e r a Wi c k h a m h u b i e s e
hecho lo que deba! Pero no me
atrev, tem excederme. Qu des-
dichado error!
Darcy no contest. Pareca que ni siquie-
ra la escuchaba; paseaba de un lado a otro de
la habitacin absorto en sus cavilaciones, con
el ceo fruncido y el aire sombro. Elizabeth
le observ, y al instante lo comprendi todo.
La atraccin que ejerca sobre l se haba ter-
minado; todo se haba terminado ante aquella
prueba de la indignidad de su familia y ante la
certeza de tan profunda desgracia. Ni le ex-
traaba ni poda culparle. Pero la
creencia de que Darcy se haba reco-
brado, no consol su dolor ni atenu
su desesperacin. Al contrario, sirvi
para que la joven se diese cuenta de sus
propios sentimientos, y nunca sinti tan
sinceramente como en aquel momento
que poda haberle amado, cuando ya
todo amor era imposible.
Pero ni esta consideracin logr
distraerla. No pudo apartar de su pensamien-
to a Lydia, ni la humillacin y el infortunio
en que a todos les haba sumi-
d o __________ ___. Se cubri el ros-
tro con un pauelo y olvid todo lo
dems. D e s p u s d e u n s i l e n c i o d e
varios minutos, o y l a
v o z d e D a r c y q u e
d e m a n e r a c o m p a s i -
v a , a u n q u e r e s e r -
v a d a , l e d e c a :
Me temo que desea que me vaya,
y no hay nada que disculpe mi presen-
cia; pero me ha movido un verdadero
aunque intil inters. Ojal pudiese
decirle o hacer algo que la consolase en
semejante desgracia! Pero no quiero
atormentarla con vanos deseos que pa-
receran formulados slo para que me
diese usted las gracias. Creo que este
desdichado asunto va a privar a mi her-
mana del gusto de verla a usted hoy en
Pemberley.
Oh, s! Tenga la bondad de excu-
sarnos ante la seorita Darcy. Dgale que
cosas urgentes nos reclaman en casa sin de-
mora. Ocltele la triste verdad, aunque ya
 Austen Pride
is possible, I know it cannot be long.
He readily assured her of his secrecy;
again expressed his sorrow for her
5 distress, wished it a happier conclusion
than there was at present reason to hope,
and leaving his compliments for her
relations, with only one serious, parting
look, went away.
10
As he quitted the room, Elizabeth felt
how improbable it was that they should
ever see each other again on such terms
of cordiality as had marked their several
15 meetings in Derbyshire; and as she threw
a retrospective glance over the whole of
their acquaintance, so full of
contradictions and varieties, sighed at the
perverseness of those feelings which
20 would now have promoted its
continuance, and would formerly have
rejoiced in its termination.
If gratitude and esteem are good
25 foundations of affection, Elizabeths
change of sentiment will be neither
improbable nor faulty. But if otherwise
if regard springing from such sources is
unreasonable or unnatural, in comparison
30 of what is so often described as arising
on a first interview with its object, and
even before two words have been
exchanged, nothing can be said in her
defence, except that she had given
35 somewhat of a trial to the latter method
in her partiality for Wickham, and that
its ill success might, perhaps, authorise
her to seek the other less interesting mode
of attachment. Be that as it may, she saw
40 him go with regret; and in this early
example of what Lydias infamy must
produce, found additional anguish as she
reflected on that wretched business.
Never, since reading Janes second letter,
45 had she entertained a hope of Wickhams
meaning to marry her. No one but Jane,
she thought, could flatter herself with
such an expectation. Surprise was the
least of her feelings on this development.
50 While the contents of the first letter
remained in her mind, she was all
surpriseall astonishment that Wickham
should m arry a girl whom it was
impossible he could marry for money; and
55 how Lydia could ever have attached him
had appeared incomprehensible. But now
it was all too natural. For such an
attachment as this she might have
sufficient charms; and though she did not
60 suppose Lydia to be deliberately engaging
in an elopement without the intention of
marriage, she had no difficulty in
believing that neither her virtue nor her
understanding would preserve her from
65 falling an easy prey.
233
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
s que no va a serle muy fcil.
Darcy le prometi ser discreto,
se condoli de nuevo por la desgra-
cia, le dese que el asunto no
acabase tan mal como poda espe-
rarse y encargndole que saludase a
sus parientes se despidi slo con
una mirada, muy serio.
Cuando Darcy sali de la habitacin,
Elizabeth comprendi cun poco proba-
ble era que volviesen a verse con la cor-
dialidad que haba caracterizado sus en-
cuentros en Derbyshire. Rememor la
historia de sus relaciones con Darcy, tan
llena de contradicciones y de cambios,
y apreci la perversidad de los senti-
mientos que ahora le hacan desear que
aquellas relaciones continuasen, cuan-
do antes le haban hecho alegrarse de
que terminaran.
Si la gratitud o la estima son
buenas bases para el afecto, la
transformacin de los sentimien-
tos de Elizabeth no parecer im-
probable ni condenable. Pero si
no es as, si el inters que nace de
esto es menos natural y razonable
que el que brota espontneamen-
te, como a menudo se describe,
del primer encuentro y antes de
haber cambiado dos palabras con
el objeto de dicho inters, no po-
dr decirse en defensa de
Elizabeth ms que una cosa: que
e n s a y c o n Wi c k h a m e s t e s i s t e m a
y que los malos resultados que le
dio la autorizaban quizs a incli-
narse por el otro mtodo, aunque
fuese menos apasionante. Sea
como sea, vio salir a Darcy con
g r a n p e s a r, y e s t e p r i m e r e j e m p l o
de las desgracias que poda oca-
s i o n a r l a i n f a m i a d e Ly d i a a u m e n -
t la angustia que le causaba el
p e n s a r e n a q u e l desastroso asunto.
En cuanto ley la segunda carta
de Jane, no crey que Wickham qui-
siese casarse con Lydia. Nadie ms
que Jane poda tener aquella espe-
ranza. La sorpresa era el ltimo de
sus sentimientos. Al leer la primera
carta se asombr de que Wickham
fuera a casarse con una muchacha
que no era un buen partido y no en-
t e n d a c m o Ly d i a h a b a p o d i d o
atraerle. Pero ahora lo vea todo cla-
ro. Lydia era bonita, y aunque no
supona que se hubiese comprometi-
do a fugarse sin ninguna intencin de
matrimonio, Elizabeth saba que ni su
virtud ni su buen juicio podan preser-
varla de caer como presa fcil.
 Austen Pride
She had never perceived, while the
regiment was in Hertfordshire, that Lydia
had any partiality for him; but she was
5 convinced that Lydia wanted only
encouragement to attach herself to
anybody. Sometimes one officer,
sometimes another, had been her
favourite, as their attentions raised them
10 in her opinion. Her affections had
continually been fluctuating but never
without an object. The mischief of
neglect and mistaken indulgence towards
such a girloh! how acutely did she now
15 feel it!
She was wild to be at hometo hear,
to see, to be upon the spot to share with
Jane in the cares that must now fall
20 wholly upon her, in a family so deranged,
a father absent, a mother incapable of
exertion, and requiring constant
attendance; and though almost persuaded
that nothing could be done for Lydia, her
25 uncles interference seemed of the utmost
importance, and till he entered the room
her impatience was severe. Mr. and Mrs.
Gardiner had hurried back in alarm,
supposing by the servants account that
30 their niece was taken suddenly ill; but
satisfying them instantly on that head, she
eagerly communicated the cause of their
summons, reading the two letters aloud,
and dwelling on the postscript of the last
35 with trembling energy, though Lydia had
never been a favourite with them, Mr. and
Mrs. Gardiner could not but be deeply
afflicted. Not Lydia only, but all were
concerned in it; and after the first
40 exclamations of surprise and horror, Mr.
Gardiner promised every assistance in his
power. Elizabeth, though expecting no less,
thanked him with tears of gratitude; and all
three being actuated by one spirit, everything
45 relating to their journey was speedily settled.
They were to be off as soon as possible.
B u t w h a t i s t o b e d o n e a b o u t
P e m b e r l e y ? c r i e d M r s . G a r d i n e r.
John told us Mr. Darcy was here
50 when you sent for us; was it so?
Yes; and I told him we should not
be able to keep our engagement.
THAT is all settled.
55
What is all settled? repeated
t h e o t h e r, a s s h e r a n i n t o h e r r o o m
to prepare. And are they upon
such terms as for her to disclose
60 t h e r e a l t r u t h ? O h , t h a t I k n e w
how it was!
But wishes were vain, or at least could
only serve to amuse her in the hurry and
65 confusion of the following hour. Had
234
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Mientras el regimiento estuvo en
Hertfordshire, jams not que
Ly d i a s e s i n t i e s e a t r a d a p o r
Wi c k h a m ; p e r o e s t a b a c o n v e n c i d a
de que slo necesitaba que le hicie-
ran un poco de caso para enamorar-
se de cualquiera. Tan pronto le gus-
taba un oficial como otro, segn las
atenciones que stos le dedicaban.
Siempre haba mariposeado, sin
ningn objeto fijo. Cmo pagaban
ahora el abandono y la indulgencia
en que haban criado a aquella
nia!
No vea la hora de estar en casa para ver,
or y estar all, y compartir con Jane los cui-
dados que requera aquella familia tan tras-
tornada, con el padre ausente y la madre in-
capaz de ningn esfuerzo y a la que haba
que atender constantemente. Aunque estaba
casi convencida de que no se podra hacer
nada por Lydia, la ayuda de su to le pareca
de mxima importancia, por lo que hasta que
le vio entrar en la habitacin padeci el su-
plicio de una impaciente espera. Los seores
Gardiner regresaron presurosos y alarmados,
creyendo, por lo que le haba contado el cria-
do, que su sobrina se haba puesto enferma
repentinamente. Elizabeth les tranquiliz so-
bre este punto y les comunic en seguida la
causa de su llamada leyndoles las dos
cartas e insistiendo en la posdata con tr-
mula energa. Aunque los seores
Gardiner nunca haban querido mucho a
Lydia, la noticia les afect profundamen-
te. La desgracia alcanzaba no slo a
Lydia, sino a todos. Despus de las pri-
meras exclamaciones de sorpresa y de
horror, el seor Gardiner ofreci toda la
ayuda que estuviese en su mano.
Elizabeth no esperaba menos y les dio las
gracias con lgrimas en los ojos. Movi-
dos los tres por un mismo espritu dispu-
sieron todo para el viaje rpidamente.
Y qu haremos con Pemberley?
pregunt la seora Gardiner. John nos ha
dicho que el seor Darcy estaba aqu cuan-
do le mandaste a buscarnos. Es cierto?
S; le dije que no estbamos en dis-
posicin de cumplir nuestro compromiso.
Eso ya est arreglado.
Eso ya est arreglado repiti la se-
ora Gardiner mientras corra al otro cuar-
to a prepararse. Estn en tan estrechas re-
laciones como para haberle revelado la ver-
dad? Cmo me gustara descubrir lo que
ha pasado!
Pero su curiosidad era intil. A lo
sumo le sirvi para entretenerse en
la prisa y la confusin de la hora si-

actually totalmente, realmente, de veras, en
realidad, verdadero, de hecho, en serio
actual adjetivo real, verdadero, efectivo, con-
creto, autntico, mismo (very): give me an
actual example, dame un ejemplo concreto
he has no actual job, no tiene trabajo propia-
mente dicho
Actual subraya el hecho de que algo es real o
genuino y solo se puede colocar delante de
un sustantivo: Everybody believed I would
win but the actual result was very different. 45
Todos pensaban que iba a ganar pero el re-
sultado final (real) fue muy distinto.
actual (En) 1 existing in fact; real (often as
distinct from ideal). 2 existing now; current.
Usage Redundant use, as in tell me the ac-
tual facts, is disp., but common.
En Castellano ACTUAL se traduce por present
o current: The current economic crisis will
cause us many problems. La actual crisis eco-
nmica nos causar muchos problemas
Austen Pride
Elizabeth been at leisure to be idle, she
would have remained certain that all
employment was impossible to one so
wretched as herself; but she had her share
5 of business as well as her aunt, and
amongst the rest there were notes to be
written to all their friends at Lambton,
with false excuses for their sudden
departure. An hour, however, saw the
10 whole completed; and Mr. Gardiner
meanwhile having settled his account at
the inn, nothing remained to be done but
to go; and Elizabeth, after all the misery
of the morning, found herself, in a shorter
15 space of time than she could have
supposed, seated in the carriage, and on
the road to Longbourn.
20
25
Chapter 47
I have been thinking it over again,
Elizabeth, said her uncle, as they drove
30 from the town; and really, upon serious
consideration, I am much more inclined
than I was to judge as your eldest sister
does on the matter. It appears to me so
very unlikely that any young man should
35 form such a design against a girl who is
by no means unprotected or friendless,
and who was actually staying in his
colonels family, that I am strongly
inclined to hope the best. Could he expect
40 that her friends would not step forward?
Could he expect to be noticed again by
the regiment, after such an affront to
Colonel Forster? His temptation is not
adequate to the risk!
Do you really think so? cried
Elizabeth, brightening up for a moment.
Upon my word, said Mrs.
50 G a r diner, I begin to be of your
uncles opinion. It is really too great
a violation of decency, honour, and
interest, for him to be guilty of. I
cannot think so very ill of Wickham.
55 Can you yourself, Lizzy, so wholly
give him up, as to believe him
capable of it?
Not, perhaps, of neglecting his own
60 interest; but of every other neglect I can
believe him capable. If, indeed, it should
be so! But I dare not hope it. Why should
they not go on to Scotland if that had
been the case?
65
235
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
guiente. Si Elizabeth se hubiese po-
dido estar con los brazos cruzados,
habra credo que una desdichada
como ella era incapaz de cualquier
trabajo, pero estaba tan ocupada
como su ta y, para colmo, haba que
escribir tarjetas a todos los amigos
de Lambton para explicarles con fal-
sas excusas su repentina marcha. En
una hora estuvo todo despachado. El
seor Gardiner liquid mientras tan-
to la cuenta de la fonda y ya no falt
ms que partir. Despus de la tristeza
de la maana, Elizabeth se encontr
en menos tiempo del que haba su-
puesto sentada en el coche y camin
de Longbourn.
Captulo XLVII
He estado pensndolo otra vez,
Elizabeth le dijo su to cuando
salan de la ciudad, y finalmen-
te, despus de serias consideracio-
nes, me siento inclinado a adoptar
el parecer de tu hermana mayor. Me
parece poco probable que Wickham
quiera hacer dao a una muchacha
que no carece de proteccin ni de
amigos y que estaba viviendo con
l a f a m i l i a F o r s t e r. N o i b a a s u p o -
ner que los amigos de la chica se
quedaran con los brazos cruzados,
ni que l volvera a ser admitido en
el regimiento tras tamaa ofensa a
su coronel. La tentacin no es pro-
porcional al riesgo.
Lo crees as de veras? pregunt
Elizabeth animndose por un momento.
Yo tambin empiezo a ser de la opi-
nin de tu to dijo la seora Gardiner
. Es una violacin demasiado grande de la
decencia, del honor y del propio inters,
para haber obrado tan a la ligera. No pue-
do admitir que Wickham sea tan insensa-
to. Y t misma, Elizabeth, le tienes en tan
mal concepto para creerle capaz de una
locura semejante?
No lo creo capaz de olvidar su
propia conveniencia, pero s de olvidar
todo lo que no se refiera a ello. Ojal
fuese como vosotros decs! Yo no me
atrevo a esperarlo. Y si no, por qu no
han ido a Escocia?

disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame;
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon-
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa
Austen Pride
In the first place, replied Mr.
Gardiner, there is no absolute proof that
they are not gone to Scotland.
5 Oh! but their removing from the
chaise into a hackney coach is such a
presumption! And, besides, no traces of
them were to be found on the Barnet
road.
10
Well, thensupposing them to be in
London. They may be there, though for
the purpose of concealment, for no more
exceptional purpose. It is not likely that
15 money should be very abundant on either
side; and it might strike them that they
could be more economically, though less
expeditiously, married in London than in
Scotland.
20
But why all this secrecy? Why any
fear of detection? Why must their
marriage be private? Oh, no, nothis is
not likely. His most particular friend, you X
25 see by Janes account, was persuaded of
his never intending to marry her.
Wickham will never marry a woman
without some money. He cannot afford it. X
And what claims has Lydiawhat
30 attraction has she beyond youth, health,
and good humour that could make him,
for her sake, forego every chance of
benefiting himself by marrying well? As
to what restraint the apprehensions of
35 disgrace in the corps might throw on a
dishonourable elopement with her, I am X
not able to judge; for I know nothing of
the effects that such a step might produce.
But as to your other objection, I am afraid
40 it will hardly hold good. Lydia has no
brothers to step forward; and he might
imagine, from my fathers behaviour,
from his indolence and the little attention
he has ever seemed to give to what was
45 going forward in his family, that HE X
would do as little, and think as little about
it, as any father could do, in such a
matter.
50 But can you think that Lydia is so
lost to everything but love of him as to
consent to live with him on any terms
other than marriage?
55 It does seem, and it is most shocking
indeed, replied Elizabeth, with tears in
her eyes, that a sisters sense of decency
and virtue in such a point should admit
of doubt. But, really, I know not what to
60 say. Perhaps I am not doing her justice.
But she is very young; she has never been
taught to think on serious subjects; and
for the last half-year, nay, for a
twelvemonthshe has been given up to
65 nothing but amusement and vanity. She
236
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
En primer lugar contest el se-
or Gardiner, no hay pruebas de que
no hayan ido.
Qu mejor prueba que el ha-
ber dejado la silla de postas y ha-
ber tomado un coche de alquiler?
Adems, no pasaron por el camino
de Barnet.
Bueno, supongamos que es-
tn en Londres. Pueden no haberlo
hecho ms que con el propsito de
ocultarse. No es probable que nin-
guno de los dos ande sobrado de
dinero, y habrn credo que les
saldra ms barato casarse en Lon-
dres que en Escocia, aunque les
sea ms difcil.
Pero a qu ese secreto? Por
qu tienen que casarse a escondidas?
Sabes por Jane que el ms ntimo ami-
go de Wickham asegura que nunca
pens casarse con Lydia. Wickham no
se casar jams con una mujer que no
tenga dinero, porque l no puede
afrontar lo gastos de un matrimonio. Y qu
merecimientos tiene Lydia, qu atractivos,
aparte de su salud, de su juventud y de su
buen humor, para que Wickham renuncie
por ella a la posibilidad de hacer un buen
casamiento? N o p u e d o a p r e c i a r c o n
e x a c t i t u d h a s t a qu punto l e h a d e
perjudicar en el Cuerpo una fuga
d e s h o n r o s a , pues i g n o r o l a s me-
did a s q u e se toman en estos casos,
pero en cuanto a tus restantes objecio-
nes, me parece difcil que puedan soste-
nerse. Lydia no tiene h e r manos que to-
men cartas en el asunto; y d a d o e l
c a r c t e r d e m i p a d r e , su
indolencia y la poca aten-
cin que siempre ha presta-
do a su familia, Wi c k h a m
ha podido creer que no
se lo tomara muy a la
tremenda.
Pero cmo supones que Lydia sea tan
inconsiderada para todo lo que no sea amar-
le, que consienta en vivir con l de otra
manera que siendo su mujer legtima?
As parece replic Elizabeth
con los ojos llenos de lgrimas, y
es espantoso tener que dudar de la de-
cencia y de la virtud de una hermana.
Pero en realidad no s qu decir. Tal
vez la juzgo mal, pero es muy joven,
nunca se le ha acostumbrado a pensar
en cosas serias, y durante el ltimo
medio ao, o ms bien durante un ao
entero, no ha hecho ms que correr en
pos de las diversiones y de la vanidad.
 Austen Pride
dispose (to) y disponer significan colocar, has been allowed to dispose of her time
ordenar, acomodar, pero cada voz tiene in the most idle and frivolous manner,
otras denotaciones: to dispose of traduce and to adopt any opinions that came in
tirar, arrojar, desechar, eliminar, librarse de, her way. Since the shire were first
despachar [asunto], resolver, emplear / ocu- 5 quartered in Meryton, nothing but love,
par [tiempo], ceder [derechos], consumir / flirtation, and officers have been in her
comerse, terminar / concluir, traspasar head. She has been doing everything in
[propiedad], matar / liquidar, vencer [en her power by thinking and talking on the
pelea, boxeo], derribar [avibn]. A su vez, subject, to give greaterwhat shall I call
disponer tiene sus propios usos, como to 10 it? susceptibility to her feelings; which
have available, make use of [utilizar], are naturally lively enough. And we all
order, command, y disponerse equivale a know that Wickham has every charm of
to prepare I make ready to; disponer de person and address that can captivate a
sugiere to have available, own, y dispo- woman.
nerse a traduce to prepare, get ready. El 15
adjetivo disposable se usa para desechable, But you see that Jane, said her aunt,
para tirar, y disposal traduce eliminacin does not think so very ill of Wickham
[de basura] y, como adjetivo, de basura. as to believe him capable of the attempt.
20 Of whom does Jane ever think ill?
And who is there, whatever might be their
former conduct, that she would think
capable of such an attempt, till it were
proved against them? But Jane knows, as
25 well as I do, what Wickham really is. We
both know that he has been profligate
[dissolute] in every sense of the word; that
he has neither integrity nor honour; that
he is as false and deceitful as he is
30 insinuating.
And do you really know all this?
cried Mrs. Gardiner, whose curiosity as
to the mode of her intelligence was all
35 alive.
I do indeed, replied Elizabeth,
colouring. I told you, the other day, of
his infamous behaviour to Mr. Darcy; and
40 you yourself, when last at Longbourn,
heard in what manner he spoke of the man
who had behaved with such forbearance
liberal 1 generoso, dadivoso, magnnimo 2 and liberality towards him. And there are
liberal 3 abundante 4 libre
liberal 1 a). Generoso, desprendido, desinteresado. other circumstances which I am not at
Tolerante. 1 b) Que ejerce una profesin liberal tra- 45 libertywhich it is not worth while to
dicionalmente de las artes o profesiones que ante relate; but his lies about the whole
todo requieren el ejercicio del entendimiento.
2. Favorable a las libertades intelectuales y Pemberley family are endless. From what
profesionables del individuo y a las polticas del Es- he said of Miss Darcy I was thoroughly
tado y a las Humanidades. prepared to see a proud, reserved,
(Nota: parece estarse perdiendo el primer significa-
do en favor del segundo.) 50 disagreeable girl. Yet he knew to the
contrary himself. He must know that she
was as amiable and unpretending as we
have found her.
55 But does Lydia know nothing of this?
can she be ignorant of what you and Jane
seem so well to understand?
Oh, yes!that, that is the worst of
60 all. Till I was in Kent, and saw so much
both of Mr. Darcy and his relation
Colonel Fitzwilliam, I was ignorant of the
truth myself. And when I returned home,
the shire was to leave Meryton in a
65 week or fortnights time. As that was the
237
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Se le ha dejado que se entregara al
ocio y a la frivolidad y que no hiciese
ms que lo que se le antojaba. Desde
que la guarnicin del condado se
acuartel en Meryton, no pens ms
que en el amor, en el coqueteo y en
los oficiales. Hizo todo lo que pudo
para excitar, cmo lo dira?, la sus-
ceptibilidad de sus sentimientos, que
ya son lo bastante vivos por naturale-
za. Y todos sabemos que Wickham
posee en su persona y en su trato to-
dos los encantos que pueden cautivar
a una mujer.
Pero ya ves insisti su ta
que tu hermana no cree a Wickham
capaz de tal atentado.
Jane nunca cree nada malo
de nadie. Y mucho menos tratn-
dose de una cosa as, hasta que
no se lo hayan demostrado. Pero
Jane sabe tan bien como yo quin
e s Wi c k h a m . L a s d o s s a b e m o s
que es un libertino en toda la
extensin de la palabra, que ca-
rece de integridad y de honor y
que es tan falso y engaoso como
atractivo.
Ests segura? pregunt la
seora Gardiner que arda en deseos
de conocer la fuente de informacin
de su sobrina.
Segursima replic Elizabeth,
sonrojndose. Ya te habl el otro da
de su infame conducta con el seor
Darcy, y t misma oste la ltima vez en
Longbourn de qu manera hablaba d e l
hombre que con tanta indulgencia
y generosidad le ha tratado. Y an hay
otra circunstancia que no estoy autoriza-
da... que no vale la pena contar. Lo cierto
es que sus embustes sobre la familia de
Pemberley no tienen fin. Por lo que nos
haba dicho de la seorita Darcy, yo cre
que sera una muchacha altiva, reservada
y antiptica. Sin embargo, l saba que era
todo lo contrario. El debe saber muy bien,
como nosotros hemos comprobado, cun
afectuosa y sencilla es.
Y Lydia n o e s t e n t e r a d a d e
nada de eso? Cmo ignora lo que
Jane y t sabis?
Tienes razn. Hasta que
estuve en Kent y trat al se-
or Darcy y a su primo el
c o r o n e l Fitzwilliam, yo tampoco
lo supe. Cuando llegu a mi casa, l a guar-
nicin del condado iba a salir de Meryton
dentro de tres semanas, de modo

apparent 1 evident, manifest, patent, plain
clearly apparent or obvious to the mind or 5 the good opinion which all the
senses; the effects of the drought are
apparent to anyone who sees the parched
fields; evident hostility; manifest
disapproval; patent advantages; made
his meaning plain; it is plain that he is no Forster, the necessity of opening her eyes
reactionary 2 ostensible, seeming(a) 10 to his character never occurred to me.
appearing as such but not necessarily so;
for all his apparent wealth he had no
money to pay the rent; the committee
investigated some apparent
discrepancies; the ostensible truth of
their theories; his seeming honesty 3 15 enough from my thoughts.
readily apparent to the eye; angry for no
apparent reason; had no visible means
of support
Austen Pride
case, neither Jane, to whom I related the
whole, nor I, thought it necessary to make
our knowledge public; for of what use
could it apparently be to any one, that
neighbourhood had of him should then
be overthrown? And even when it was q u e Ly d i a i r a c o n l o s s e o r e s
settled that Lydia should go with Mrs. Forster a Brighton, jams se me
That SHE could be in any danger from
the deception never entered my head.
That such a consequence as THIS could
ensue, you may easily believe, was far
tan funestas consecuencias.
When they all removed to Brighton,
therefore, you had no reason, I suppose,
to believe them fond of each other?
20
Not the slightest. I can remember no
symptom of affection on either side; and
had anything of the kind been
perceptible, you must be aware that ours
25 is not a family on which it could be
thrown away. When first he entered the
corps, she was ready enough to admire
him; but so we all were. Every girl in or
near Meryton was out of her senses about
30 him for the first two months; but he never
distinguished HER by any particular
attention; and, consequently, after a
moderate period of extravagant and wild
admiration, her fancy for him gave way,
35 and others of the regiment, who treated
her with more distinction, again became
her favourites.
*****
40
It may be easily believed, that however
little of novelty could be added to their
fears, hopes, and conjectures, on this
interesting subject, by its repeated
45 discussion, no other could detain them from
it long, during the whole of the journey.
From Elizabeths thoughts it was never
absent. Fixed there by the keenest of all
anguish, self-reproach, she could find no
50 interval of ease or forgetfulness.
They travelled as expeditiously as
possible, and, sleeping one night on the
road, reached Longbourn by dinner time
55 the next day. It was a comfort to Elizabeth
to consider that Jane could not have been
wearied by long expectations.
The little Gardiners, attracted by the
60 sight of a chaise, were standing on the
steps of the house as they entered the
paddock; and, when the carriage drove
up to the door, the joyful surprise that
lighted up their faces, and displayed itself
65 over their whole bodies, in a variety of
238
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
que ni Jane, a quien inform de
todo, ni yo cremos necesario di-
vulgarlo; porque qu utilidad ten-
dra que echsemos a perder la bue-
na opinin que tenan de l en
Hertfordshire? Y cuando se decidi
ocurri descubrirle la verdadera
p e r s o n a l i d a d d e Wi c k h a m , p u e s n o
me pas por la cabeza que corriera
ningn peligro de ese tipo. Ya com-
prenderis que estaba lejos de sos-
pechar que hubiesen de derivarse
Cuando trasladaron la guarni-
cin a Brighton, no tenas idea de que
hubiese algo entre ellos?
Ni la ms mnima. No recuerdo
haber notado ninguna seal de afecto
ni por parte del uno ni por parte del
otro. Si hubiese habido algo, buena
es mi familia para que les pasara in-
advertido! Cuando Wickham entr en
el Cuerpo, a Lydia le gust mucho,
pero no ms que a todas nosotras. To-
das las chicas de Meryton y de los al-
rededores perdieron la cabeza por l
durante los dos primeros meses, pero
l nunca hizo a Lydia ningn caso es-
pecial, por lo que despus de un pe-
rodo de admiracin extravagante y
desenfrenada, dej de acordarse de l
y se dedic a otros oficiales que le
prestaban mayor atencin.
Aunque pocas cosas nuevas po-
dan aadir a sus temores, esperan-
zas y conjeturas sobre tan intere-
sante asunto, los viajeros lo deba-
tieron durante todo el camino.
Elizabeth no poda pensar en otra
cosa. La ms punzante de todas las
angustias, el reproche a s misma,
le impeda encontrar el menor in-
tervalo de alivio o de olvido.
Anduvieron lo ms de prisa que pu-
dieron, pasaron la noche en una posa-
da, y llegaron a Longbourn al da si-
guiente, a la hora de comer. El nico
consuelo de Elizabeth fue que no habra
hecho esperar a Jane demasiado.
Los pequeos Gardiner, atrados al
ver un carruaje, esperaban de pie en
las escaleras de la casa mientras ste
atravesaba el camino de entrada.
Cuando el coche par en la puerta, la
alegre sorpresa que brillaba en sus
rostros y retozaba por todo su cuerpo
 Austen Pride
capers and frisks, was the first pleasing
earnest of their welcome.
Elizabeth jumped out; and, after
5 giving each of them a hasty kiss, hurried
into the vestibule, where Jane, who came
running down from her mother s
apartment, immediately met her.
10 Elizabeth, as she affectionately
embraced her, whilst tears filled the eyes
of both, lost not a moment in asking
whether anything had been heard of the
fugitives.
15
Not yet, replied Jane. But now that
my dear uncle is come, I hope everything
will be well.
20 Is my father in town?
Yes, he went on Tuesday, as I wrote
you word.
25 And have you heard from him
often?
We have heard only twice. He wrote
me a few lines on Wednesday to say that
30 he had arrived in safety, and to give me
his directions, which I particularly
begged him to do. He merely added that
he should not write again till he had
something of importance to mention.
35
And my motherhow is she? How
are you all?
My mother is tolerably well, I trust;
40 though her spirits are greatly shaken. She
is upstairs and will have great satisfaction
in seeing you all. She does not yet leave
her dressing-room. Mary and Kitty are,
thank Heaven, are quite well.
45
But youhow are you? cried
Elizabeth. You look pale. How much
you must have gone through!
50 Her sister, however, assured her of her
being perfectly well; and their
conversation, which had been passing
while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were
engaged with their children, was now put
55 an end to by the approach of the whole
party. Jane ran to her uncle and aunt, and
welcomed and thanked them both, with
alternate smiles and tears.
60 When they were all in the drawing-
room, the questions which Elizabeth had
already asked were of course repeated by
the others, and they soon found that Jane
had no intelligence to give. The sanguine
65 hope of good, however, which the
239
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
hacindoles dar saltos, fue el preludio
de su bienvenida.
Elizabeth les dio un beso a
cada uno y corri al vestbulo, en
donde se encontr con Jane que
bajaba a toda prisa de la habita-
cin de su madre.
Se abrazaron con efusin,
con los ojos llenos de lgrimas,
y Elizabeth pregunt sin perder
un segundo si se haba sabido
algo de los fugitivos.
Todava no respondi Jane,
pero ahora que ya ha llegado nuestro que-
rido to, espero que todo vaya bien.
Est pap en la capital?
S, se fue el martes,
como te escrib.
Y qu noticias habis tenido
de l?
Pocas. El mircoles me puso
unas lneas dicindome que haba
llegado bien y dndome su direc-
cin, como yo le haba pedido.
Slo aada que no volvera a es-
cribir hasta que tuviese algo im-
portante que comunicarnos.
Y mam, cmo est? Cmo estis
todas?
Mam est bien, segn veo,
aunque muy abatida. Est arriba y
tendr gran satisfaccin en veros a
todos. Todava no sale de su cuarto.
Mary y Catherine se encuentran per-
fectamente, gracias a Dios.
Y t, cmo te encuentras? pregun-
t Elizabeth. Ests plida. Cunto habrs
tenido que pasar!
Pero Jane asegur que estaba muy
bien. Mientras tanto, los seores
Gardiner, que haban estado
ocupados con sus hijos, llegaron
y pusieron fin a la conversacin
de las dos hermanas. Jane corri
hacia sus tos y les dio la bienve-
nida y las gracias entre lgrimas
y sonrisas.
Una vez reunidos en el sa-
ln, las preguntas hechas por
Elizabeth fueron repetidas por
los otros, y vieron que la po-
bre Jane no tena ninguna no-
vedad. Pero su ardiente con-
 Austen Pride
benevolence of her heart suggested had
not yet deserted her; she still expected
that it would all end well, and that every
morning would bring some letter, either
5 from Lydia or her father, to explain their
proceedings, and, perhaps, announce
their marriage.
Mrs. Bennet, to whose apartment they
10 all repaired, after a few minutes
conversation together, received them
exactly as might be expected; with tears
and lamentations of regret, invectives
against the villainous conduct of
15 Wickham, and complaints of her own
sufferings and ill-usage; blaming
everybody but the person to whose ill-
judging indulgence the errors of her
daughter must principally be owing.
20
If I had been able, said she, to
carry my point in going to Brighton, with
all my family, THIS would not have
happened; but poor dear Lydia had
25 nobody to take care of her. Why did the
Forsters ever let her go out of their sight?
I am sure there was some great neglect
or other on their side, for she is not the
kind of girl to do such a thing if she had
30 been well looked after. I always thought
they were very unfit to have the charge
of her; but I was overruled, as I always
am. Poor dear child! And now heres Mr.
Bennet gone away, and I know he will
35 fight Wickham, wherever he meets him
and then he will be killed, and what is to
become of us all? The Collinses will turn
us out before he is cold in his grave, and
if you are not kind to us, brother, I do
40 not know what we shall do.
They all exclaimed against such
terrific ideas; and Mr. Gardiner, after
general assurances of his affection for her
45 and all her family, told her that he meant
to be in London the very next day, and
would assist Mr. Bennet in every
endeavour for recovering Lydia.
50 Do not give way to useless alarm,
added he; though it is right to be
prepared for the worst, there is no
occasion to look on it as certain. It is not
quite a week since they left Brighton. In
55 a few days more we may gain some news
of them; and till we know that they are
not married, and have no design of
marrying, do not let us give the matter
over as lost. As soon as I get to town I
60 shall go to my brother, and make him
come home with me to Gracechurch
Street; and then we may consult together
as to what is to be done.
65 Oh! my dear brother, replied Mrs.
240
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
fianza en que todo acabara
bien no la haba abandonado;
todava esperaba que una de
esas maanas llegara una car-
t a d e Ly d i a o d e s u p a d r e e x p l i -
cando los sucesos y anunciando
quiz el casamiento.
La seora Bennet, a cuya habita-
cin subieron todos despus de su
breve conversacin, les recibi como
era de suponer: con lgrimas y la-
mentaciones, improperios contra la
villana conducta de Wickham y que-
jas por sus propios sufrimientos,
echndole la culpa a todo el mundo
menos a quien, por su tolerancia y
poco juicio, se deban principalmen-
te los errores de su hija.
Si hubiera podido deca rea-
lizar mi proyecto de ir a Brighton con
toda mi familia, eso no habra ocurri-
do; pero la pobre Lydia no tuvo a na-
die que cuidase de ella. Los Forster no
tenan que haberla perdido de su vista.
Si la hubiesen vigilado bien, no habra
hecho una cosa as, Lydia no es de esa
clase de chicas. Siempre supe que los
Forster eran muy poco indicados para
hacerse cargo de ella, pero a m no se
me hizo caso, como siempre. Pobre
nia ma! Y ahora Bennet se ha ido y
supongo que desafiar a Wickham don-
dequiera que le encuentre, y como mo-
rir en el lance, qu va a ser de noso-
tras?. Los Collins nos echarn de aqu
antes de que l est fro en su tumba, y
si t, hermano mo, no nos asistes, no
s qu haremos.
Todos protestaron contra tan terro-
rficas ideas. El seor Gardiner le
asegur que no les faltara su amparo
y dijo que pensaba estar en Londres
al da siguiente para ayudar al seor
Bennet con todo su esfuerzo para en-
contrar a Lydia.
No os alarmis intilmente
aadi; aunque bien est prepa-
r a r s e p a r a l o p e o r, t a m p o c o d e b e
darse por seguro. Todava no hace
una semana que salieron de
Brighton. En pocos das ms averi-
guaremos algo; y hasta que no se-
pamos que no estn casados y que
no tienen intenciones de estarlo, no
demos el asunto por perdido. En
cuanto llegue a Londres recoger a
mi hermano y me lo llevar a
Gracechurch Street; juntos delibera-
remos lo que haya que hacer.
Oh, querido hermano mo! ex-
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

flutter
I verbo intransitivo
1 (pjaro, insecto, hoja) revolotear
2 (bandera) ondear, flamear
3 (corazn) latir, palpitar
II verbo transitivo
1 (alas) batir, agitar
to flutter ones eyelashes, hacer ojitos
III nombre
1 revoloteo, palpitacin
2 fam GB Dep apuesta pequea
Bennet, that is exactly what I could most
wish for. And now do, when you get to
town, find them out, wherever they may
be; and if they are not married already,
5 MAKE them marry. And as for wedding
clothes, do not let them wait for that, but
tell Lydia she shall have as much money
as she chooses to buy them, after they
are married. And, above all, keep Mr.
10 Bennet from fighting. Tell him what a
dreadful state I am in, that I am frighted
out of my witsand have such
tremblings, such flutterings, all over
mesuch spasms in my side and pains
15 in my head, and such beatings at heart,
that I can get no rest by night nor by day.
And tell my dear Lydia not to give any
directions about her clothes till she has
seen me, for she does not know which
20 are the best warehouses. Oh, brother, how
kind you are! I know you will contrive it
all.
clam la seora Bennet, se es jus-
tamente mi mayor deseo. Cuando lle-
gues a Londres, encuntralos donde-
quiera que estn, y si no estn casa-
dos, haz que se casen. No les permi-
tas que demoren la boda por el traje
de novia, dile a Lydia que tendr todo
el dinero que quiera para comprrselo
despus. Y sobre todo, impide que
Bennet se bata en duelo con Wickham.
Dile en el horrible estado en que me
encuentro: destrozada, trastornada,
con tal temblor y agitacin, tales con-
vulsiones en el costado, tales dolores
de cabeza y tales palpitaciones que no
puedo reposar ni de da ni de noche.
Y dile a mi querida Lydia que no en-
cargue sus trajes hasta que me haya
visto, pues ella no sabe cules son los
mejores almacenes. Oh, hermano!
Qu bueno eres! S que t lo arregla-
rs todo.

But Mr. Gardiner, though he assured her El seor Gardiner le repiti

25 again of his earnest endeavours in the cause,
could not avoid recommending moderation
to her, as well in her hopes as her fear; and
after talking with her in this manner till
dinner was on the table, they all left her to
30 vent [dar salida] all her feelings on the
housekeeper, who attended in the absence
of her daughters.
que hara todo lo que pudiera y le
recomend que moderase sus es-
peranzas y sus temores. Convers
con ella de este modo hasta que la
comida estuvo en la mesa, y la
dej que se desahogase con el
ama de llaves que la asista en au-
sencia de sus hijas.

Though her brother and sister were
35 persuaded that there was no real occasion
for such a seclusion from the family, they
did not attempt to oppose it, for they
knew that she had not prudence enough
X
to hold her tongue before the servants,
40 while they waited at table, and judged it
better that ONE only of the household,
and the one whom they could most trust
solicitude traduce solicitud, como cuidado, should comprehend all her fears and
afn, ansiedad, pero solicitud es la voz co- solicitude on the subject.
mn para request, application [para traba- 45
jos, cheques], y solicitous traduce solcito,
como diligente, deseoso, gustoso, pero a
In the dining-room they were soon
veces rebaja su significado a inquieto, apren- joined by Mary and Kitty, who had been
sivo, receloso, molesto. too busily engaged in their separate
solicitous ansioso, aprensivo, atento, esmera- apartments to make their appearance
do, receloso, solcito=diligente, cuidadoso, 50 before. One came from her books, and
diligente [pronto, presto, activo], cuidado-
so, gustoso, inquieto, aprensivo, receloso
the other from her toilette. The faces of
solicitude n. 1 the state of being solicitous; both, however, were tolerably calm; and
no change was visible in either, except
solicitous behaviour. 2 anxiety or concern.
Cuidado, afn, ansiedad, solicitousness, a that the loss of her favourite sister, or the
feeling of excessive concern, preocupacin, 55 anger which she had herself incurred in
ansiedad, atencin
this business, had given more of
fretful A adjective 1 querulous, whiney, whining(a), fretfulness than usual to the accents of
whiny habitually complaining; a whining child 2 Kitty. As for Mary, she was mistress
fidgety, fretful, itchy, restless unable to relax or
be still; a constant fretful stamping of hooves; enough of herself to whisper to Elizabeth,
itchy for excitement; a restless child 60 with a countenance of grave reflection,
fretful adj. visibly anxious, distressed, or irritated. soon after they were seated at table:
Aunque su hermano y su cuada esta-
ban convencidos de que no haba mo-
tivo para que no bajara a comer, no
se atrevieron a pedirle que se sentara
con ellos a la mesa, porque teman su
imprudencia delante de los criados
____________ y c r e y e r o n p r e f e -
rible que slo una de
ellas, en la que ms po-
dan confiar, se enterase
de sus cuitas.
En el comedor aparecieron Mary
y Catherine que haban estado de-
masiado ocupadas en sus habitacio-
nes para presentarse antes. La una
acababa de dejar sus libros y la otra
s u t o c a d o r. Pero tanto la una como
la otra estaban muy t r a n q u i l a s y n o
X parecan alteradas. Slo la segun-
da tena un acento ms colrico
que de costumbre, sea por la pr-
dida de la hermana favorita o por
la rabia de no hallarse ella en su lu-
gar. Poco despus de sentarse a la
mesa, Mary, muy segura de s mis-
ma, cuchiche con Elizabeth con ai-
res de gravedad en su reflexin:

This is a most unfortunate affair, and Es un asunto muy desdichado y proba-

will probably be much talked of. But we blemente ser muy comentado; pero hemos
65 must stem the tide of malice, and pour de sobreponernos a la oleada de la malicia

241
 Austen Pride
into the wounded bosoms of each other
the balm of sisterly consolation.
Then, perceiving in Elizabeth no
5 inclination of replying, she added,
Unhappy as the event must be for Lydia,
we may draw from it this useful lesson:
that loss of virtue in a female is
irretrievable; that one false step involves
10 her in endless ruin; that her reputation is
no less brittle than it is beautiful; and that
she cannot be too much guarded in her
behaviour towards the undeserving of the
other sex.
15
Elizabeth lifted up her eyes in
amazement, but was too much oppressed
to make any reply. Mary, however,
continued to console herself with such
20 kind of moral extractions from the evil
before them.
In the afternoon, the two elder Miss
Bennets were able to be for half-an-hour
25 by themselves; and Elizabeth instantly
availed herself of the opportunity of
making any inquiries, which Jane was
equally eager to satisfy. After joining in
general lamentations over the dreadful
sequel resultado, efecto final, final, secuela, con- 30 sequel of this event, which Elizabeth
secuencia, continuacin, concordancia, considered as all but certain, and Miss Bennet
sequence that supports a general design or could not assert to be wholly impossible, the
intention
former continued the subject, by saying,
Bu t t e l l m e a l l a n d e v e r y t h i n g
35 about it which I have not already
heard. Give me further particulars.
What did Co l o n e l F o r s t e r s a y ?
Had they no apprehension of
a n y t h i n g b e f o r e t h e e lopement
40 took place? They must have seen them
together for ever.
Colonel Forster did own that he had
often suspected some partiality,
45 especially on Lydias side, but nothing
to give him any alarm. I am so grieved
for him! His behaviour was attentive and
kind to the utmost. He WAS coming to
us, in order to assure us of his concern,
50 before he had any idea of their not being
gone to Scotland: when that apprehension
first got abroad, it hastened his journey.
And was Denny convinced that
55 Wickham would not marry? Did he know
of their intending to go off? Had Colonel
Forster seen Denny himself?
Yes; but, when questioned by HIM,
60 Denny denied knowing anything of their
plans, and would not give his real opinion
about it. He did not repeat his persuasion
of their not marryingand from THAT,
I am inclined to hope, he might have been
65 misunderstood before.
242
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
y derramar sobre nuestros pechos heridos
el blsamo del consuelo fraternal.
Al llegar aqu not que Elizabeth no te-
na ganas de contestar, y aadi:
Aunque sea una desgracia para
Lydia, para nosotras puede ser una lec-
cin provechosa: la prdida de la virtud
en la mujer es irreparable; un solo paso
en falso lleva en s la ruina final; su repu-
tacin no es menos frgil que su belleza,
y nunca ser lo bastante cautelosa en su
comportamiento hacia las indignidades
del otro sexo.
Elizabeth, atnita, alz los ojos,
pero estaba demasiado angustiada
p a r a r e s p o n d e r. M a r y c o n t i n u
consolndose con moralejas por el
estilo extradas del infortunio que
tenan ante ellos.
Por la tarde las dos hijas mayores de
los Bennet pudieron estar solas durante
media hora, y Elizabeth aprovech al
instante la oportunidad para hacer algu-
nas preguntas que Jane tena igual
deseo de contestar. D e s p u s d e l a -
mentarse juntas de las terribles
consecuencias del suceso, que
Elizabeth daba por ciertas y que
la otra no poda asegurar que fue-
sen imposibles, la primera dijo:
C u n t a m e t o d o l o q u e
yo no sepa. Dame ms
detalles. Qu dijo el
X coronel Forster? N o
t e n a n i n g u n a s o s -
p e c h a d e l a f u g a ?
Deban verlos siempre
juntos.
El coronel Forster confes
que alguna vez not algn inters,
e s p e c i a l m e n t e p o r p a r t e d e Ly d i a ,
pero no vio nada que le alarmase.
Me da pena de l. Estuvo de lo ms
atento y amable. Se dispona a ve-
nir a vernos antes de saber que no
haban ido a Escocia, y cuando se
presumi que estaban en Londres,
apresur su viaje.
Y Denny, testaba convencido de
que Wickham no se casara? Saba
que iban a fugarse? Ha visto a Denny
el coronel Forster?
S, pero cuando le interrog,
Denny dijo que no estaba enterado
de nada y se neg a dar su verda-
dera opinin sobre el asunto. No re-
piti su conviccin de que no se ca-
saran y por eso pienso que a lo
mejor lo interpret mal.
 Austen Pride
And till Colonel Forster came
himself, not one of you entertained a
doubt, I suppose, of their being really
5 married?
How was it possible that such an idea
should enter our brains? I felt a little
uneasya little fearful of my sister s
10 happiness with him in marriage, because
I knew that his conduct had not been
always quite right. My father and mother
knew nothing of that; they only felt how
imprudent a match it must be. Kitty then
15 owned, with a very natural triumph on
knowing more than the rest of us, that in
Lydias last letter she had prepared her
for such a step. She had known, it seems,
of their being in love with each other,
20 many weeks.
But not before they went to
Brighton?
25 No, I believe not.
And did Colonel Forster appear to
think well of Wickham himself? Does he
know his real character?
30
I must confess that he did not speak
so well of Wickham as he formerly did.
He believed him to be imprudent and
extravagant. And since this sad affair
35 has taken place, it is said that he left
Meryton greatly in debt; but I hope this
may be false.
Oh, Jane, had we been less
40 s e c r e t , h a d w e t o l d w h a t w e
knew of him, this could not have
happened!
Perhaps it would have been better,
45 replied her sister. But to expose the
former faults of any person without
knowing what their present feelings were,
seemed unjustifiable. We acted with the
best intentions.
50
Could Colonel Forster repeat the
p a r t i c u l a r s o f Ly d i a s n o t e t o h i s
wife?
55 He brought it with him for us to
see.
Jane then took it from her pocket-
book, and gave it to Elizabeth. These
60 were the contents:
MY DEAR HARRIET,
You will laugh when you know
where I am gone, and I cannot help
65 laughing myself at your surprise to-
243
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Supongo que hasta que
v i n o e l c o r o n e l F o r s t e r, n a d i e
de la casa dud de que estuvie-
sen casados.
Cmo se nos iba a ocurrir tal
c o s a ? Yo m e s e n t t r i s t e p o r q u e s
que es difcil que mi hermana sea
feliz casndose con Wickham debi-
do a sus psimos antecedentes.
Nuestros padres no saban nada de
eso, pero se dieron cuenta de lo im-
prudente de semejante boda. Enton-
ces Catherine confes, muy satisfe-
cha de saber ms que nosotros, que
l a l t i m a c a r t a d e Ly d i a y a d a b a a
entender lo que tramaban. Parece
que le deca que se amaban desde
haca unas semanas.
Pero no antes de irse a
Brighton.
Creo que no.
Y el coronel Forster, tiene mal
concepto de Wickham? Sabe cmo
es en realidad?
He de confesar que no
habl tan bien de l como
antes. Le tiene por impru-
dente y manirroto. Y se dice
que ha dejado en Meryton
grandes deudas, pero yo es-
pero que no sea cierto.
Oh, Jane! Si no hubisemos sido
tan reservadas y hubiramos dicho lo que
sabamos de Wickham, esto no habra su-
cedido.
Ta l v e z h a b r a s i d o m e j o r
repuso su hermana, pero no
es justo publicar las faltas del
pasado de una persona, ignoran-
do si se ha corregido. Nosotras
obramos de buena fe.
Repiti el coronel Forster los
detalles de la nota que Lydia dej a su
mujer?
La trajo consigo para enser-
nosla.
Jane la sac de su cartera y se
la dio a Elizabeth. ste era su
contenido:
Querida Harriet: Te vas a rer al
saber adnde me he ido, y ni yo pue-
do dejar de rerme pensando en el
susto que te llevars maana cuando
 Austen Pride
morrow morning, as soon as I am missed.
I am going to Gretna Green, and if you
cannot guess with who, I shall think you
a simpleton, for there is but one man in
5 the world I love, and he is an angel. I
should never be happy without him, so
think it no harm to be off. You need not
send them word at Longbourn of my
going, if you do not like it, for it will
10 make the surprise the greater, when I
write to them and sign my name Lydia
Wickham. What a good joke it will be! I
can hardly write for laughing. Pray make
my excuses to Pratt for not keeping my
15 engagement, and dancing with him to-
night. Tell him I hope he will excuse me
when he knows all; and tell him I will
dance with him at the next ball we meet,
with great pleasure. I shall send for my
20 clothes when I get to Longbourn; but I
wish you would tell Sally to mend a great
slit in my worked muslin gown before
they are packed up. Good-bye. Give my
love to Colonel Forster. I hope you will
25 drink to our good journey.
Your affectionate friend,
LYDIA BENNET.
30
Oh! thoughtless, thoughtless Lydia!
cried Elizabeth when she had finished it.
What a letter is this, to be written at such
a moment! But at least it shows that SHE
35 was serious on the subject of their
journey. Whatever he might afterwards
persuade her to, it was not on her side a
SCHEME of infamy. My poor father!
how he must have felt it!
40
I never saw anyone so shocked. He
could not speak a word for full ten
minutes. My mother was taken ill
immediately, and the whole house in such
45 confusion!
Oh! Jane, cried Elizabeth, was
there a servant belonging to it who did
not know the whole story before the end
50 of the day?
I do not know. I hope there was. But
to be guarded at such a time is very
difficult. My mother was in hysterics, and
55 though I endeavoured to give her every
assistance in my power, I am afraid I did
not do so much as I might have done! But
the horror of what might possibly happen
almost took from me my faculties.
60
Yo u r a t t e n d a n c e u p o n
her has been too much for you. You do
not look well. Oh that I had been with
you! you have had every care and anxiety
65 upon yourself alone.
244
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
no me encuentres. Me marcho a
Gretna Green, y si no adivinas con
quin, creer que eres una tonta,
pues es el nico hombre a quien amo
en el mundo, por lo que no creo ha-
cer ningn disparate yndome con l.
Si no quieres, no se lo digas a los de
mi casa, pues as ser mayor su sor-
presa cuando les escriba y firme
Lydia Wickham. Ser una broma es-
tupenda! Casi no puedo escribir de
risa. Te ruego que me excuses con
Pratt por no cumplir mi compromiso
de bailar con l esta noche; dile que
espero que me perdone cuando lo
sepa todo, y tambin que bailar con
l con mucho gusto en el primer bai-
le en que nos encontremos. Mandar
por mis trajes cuando vaya a
Longbourn, pero dile a Sally que
arregle el corte del vestido de muse-
lina de casa antes de que lo empa-
quetes. Adis. Dale recuerdos al co-
ronel Forster. Espero que brindaris
por nuestro feliz viaje.
Afectuosos saludos de tu amiga,
Lydia Bennet.
Oh, Lydia, qu inconsciente! Qu
inconsciente! exclam Elizabeth al aca-
bar de leer. Qu carta para estar escrita
en semejante momento! Pero al menos pa-
rece que se tomaba en serio el objeto de su
viaje; no sabemos a qu puede haberla
arrastrado Wickham, pero el propsito de
Lydia no era tan infame. Pobre padre mo!
Cunto lo habr sentido!
Nunca vi a nadie tan abrumado.
Estuvo diez minutos sin poder decir
una palabra. Mam se puso mala en se-
guida. Haba tal confusin en toda la
casa!
X ____________________ H u b o
algn criado que no se enterase de
toda la historia antes de terminar
el da?
No s, creo que no. Pero
era muy difcil ser cauteloso en
aquellos momentos. Mam se
puso histrica y aunque yo la
asist lo mejor que pude, no s
si hice lo que deba. El horror
de lo que haba sucedido casi
me hizo perder el sentido.
Te h a s s a c r i f i c a d o d e m a s i a -
do por mam; no tienes buena
cara. Ojal hubiese estado yo a
tu lado! As habras podido cui-
darte t.
 Austen Pride
Mary and Kitty have been very kind,
and would have shared in every fatigue,
I am sure; but I did not think it right for
5 either of them. Kitty is slight and
delicate; and Mary studies so much, that
her hours of repose should not be broken
in on. My aunt Phillips came to
Longbourn on Tuesday, after my father
10 went away; and was so good as to stay
till Thursday with me. She was of great
use and comfort to us all. And Lady
Lucas has been very kind; she walked
h e r e o n We d n e s d a y m o r n i n g t o
15 c o n d o l e w i t h u s , a n d o f f e r e d h e r
services, or any of her daughters, if
they should be of use to us.
She had better have stayed
20 a t home, cried Elizabeth;
p e r h a p s s h e MEANT well, but,
under such a misfortune as this, one
cannot see too little of ones neighbours.
Assistance is impossible; condolence
25 insufferable. Let them triumph over us
at a distance, and be satisfied.
She then proceeded to inquire into the
measures which her father had intended
30 to pursue, while in town, for the recovery
of his daughter.
He meant I believe, replied
Jane, to go to Epsom, the place
35 where they last changed horses, see
the postilions and try if anything could
be made out from them. His principal
object must be to discover the number of
the hackney coach which took them from
40 Clapham. It had come with a fare from
London; and as he thought that the
circumstance of a gentleman and ladys
removing from one carriage into another
might be remarked he meant to make
45 inquiries at Clapham. If he could anyhow
discover at what house the coachman had
before set down his fare, he determined
to make inquiries there, and hoped it
might not be impossible to find out the
50 stand and number of the coach. I do not
know of any other designs that he had
formed; but he was in such a hurry to be
gone, and his spirits so greatly
discomposed, that I had difficulty in
55 finding out even so much as this.
60
65
245
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Mary y Catherine se portaron muy
bien y no dudo que me habran ayudado,
pero no lo cre conveniente para ningu-
na de las dos; Catherine es dbil y deli-
cada, y Mary estudia tanto que sus horas
de reposo no deben ser interrumpidas.
Ta Philips vino a Longbourn el martes,
despus de marcharse pap, y fue tan
buena que se qued conmigo hasta el jue-
ves. Nos ayud y anim mucho a todas.
Lady Lucas estuvo tambin muy amable:
vino el viernes por la maana para con-
dolerse y ofrecernos sus servicios en todo
lo que le fuera posible y enviarnos a cual-
quiera de sus hijas si creamos que po-
dran sernos tiles.
Ms habra valido que se hubiese
quedado en su casa dijo Elizabeth;
puede que sus intenciones fueran buenas;
pero en desgracias como sta se
debe rehuir de los vecinos. No
pueden ayudarnos y su condolen-
cia es ofensiva. Que se complaz-
can criticndonos a distancia!
Pregunt entonces cules eran las
medidas que pensaba tomar su pa-
dre en la capital con objeto de en-
contrar a su hija.
Creo que tena intencin de ir a
Epsom contest Jane, que es don-
de ellos cambiaron de caballos por l-
tima vez; hablar con los postillones y
ver qu puede sonsacarles. Su princi-
pal objetivo es descubrir el nmero del
coche de alquiler con el que salieron
de Clapham; que haba llegado de Lon-
dres con un pasajero; y como mi padre
opina que el hecho de que un caballero
y una dama cambien de carruaje puede
ser advertido, quiere hacer averiguacio-
nes en Clapham. S i p u d i e s e d e s c u -
b r i r la casa en la que el cochero dej
al viajero ____________ __________
_________ ___________ ___________
X _________ no sera difcil averiguar el
tipo de coche que era y el nmero.
____________ _________ ________ No s
qu otros planes tendra; _____ _______ _
X __ _ pero tena tal prisa por irse y ______
______ estaba tan desolado que slo
pude sacarle esto.
 Austen Pride
Chapter 48
The whole party were in hopes of a
letter from Mr. Bennet the next morning,
5 but the post came in without bringing a
single line from him. His family knew
him to be, on all common occasions, a
most negligent and dilatory [tardy]
correspondent; but at such a time they
10 had hoped for exertion. They were forced
to conclude that he had no pleasing
intelligence to send; but even of THAT
they would have been glad to be certain.
Mr. Gardiner had waited only for the
15 letters before he set off.
When he was gone, they were certain
at least of receiving constant information
of what was going on, and their uncle
20 promised, at parting, to prevail on Mr.
Bennet to return to Longbourn, as soon
as he could, to the great consolation of
his sister, who considered it as the only
security for her husbands not being
25 killed in a duel.
Mrs. Gardiner and the children were
to remain in Hertfordshire a few days
longer, as the former thought her
30 presence might be serviceable to her
nieces. She shared in their attendance on
Mrs. Bennet, and was a great comfort to
them in their hours of freedom. Their
other aunt also visited them frequently,
35 and always, as she said, with the design
of cheering and heartening them up
though, as she never came without
reporting some fr esh instance of
Wickhams extravagance or irregularity,
40 she seldom went away without leaving
them more dispirited than she found
them.
All Meryton seemed striving to
45 blacken the man who, but three months
before, had been almost an angel of light.
He was declared to be in debt to every
tradesman in the place, and his intrigues,
all honoured with the title of seduction,
50 had been extended into every tradesmans
family. Everybody declared that he was
the wickedest young man in the world;
and everybody began to find out that they
had always distrusted the appearance of
55 his goodness. Elizabeth, though she did
not credit above half of what was
said, believed enough to make her former
assurance of her sister s ruin more
certain; and even Jane, who believed still
60 less of it, became almost hopeless, more
especially as the time was now come
when, if they had gone to Scotland, which
she had never before entirely despaired
of, they must in all probability have X
65 gained some news of them.
246
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Captulo XLVIII
Todos esperaban carta del seor
Bennet a la maana siguiente; pero lleg
el correo y no trajo ni una lnea suya. Su
familia saba que no era muy aficionado
a escribir, pero en aquella ocasin __
______________ ________ ______ __ __
X _ ___________ _______ crean que bien
poda hacer una excepcin. Se vieron,
por tanto, obligados a suponer que no ha-
ba buenas noticias; pero incluso en ese
caso, preferan tener la certeza. El seor
Gardiner esper slo a que llegase el co-
rreo y se march.
Cuando se fue todos se quedaron con
la seguridad de que as, al menos tendran
constante informacin de lo que ocurrie-
se. El seor Gardiner les prometi per-
suadir al seor Bennet de que regresara
a Longbourn cuanto antes para consuelo
de su esposa, que consideraba su vuelta
como nica garanta de que no morira
en el duelo.
La seora Gardiner y sus hijos
permaneceran en Hertfordshire
unos das ms, pues sta crea que
su presencia sera til a sus sobri-
nas. Las ayudaba a cuidar a la se-
ora Bennet y les serva de gran
alivio en sus horas libres. Su otra
ta las visitaba a menudo con el
fin, se g n d e c a , d e
d a r l e s n i m o s ; pero
como siempre les contaba algn nue-
vo ejemplo de los despilfarros y de
la falta de escrpulos de Wi c k h a m ,
r ara vez se marchaba sin dejarlas
a n m s d e s c o r a z o n a d a s ____ ___
X ___ __ __.
Todo Meryton se empeaba en des-
acreditar al hombre que slo tres meses
antes haba sido considerado como un
ngel de luz. Se deca que deba dinero
en todos los comercios de la ciudad, y
sus intrigas, honradas con el nombre de
seducciones, se extendan a todas las fa-
milias de los comerciantes. Todo el mun-
do afirmaba que era el joven ms per-
verso del mundo, y empezaron a decir
que siempre haban desconfiado de su
aparente bondad. Elizabeth, a pesar de
no dar crdito ni a la mitad de lo que
murmuraban, crea lo bastante para
afianzar su previa creencia en la ruina
de su hermana, y hasta Jane comenz a
perder las esperanzas, especialmente
cuando lleg el momento en que, de
h a b e r i d o a E s c o c i a , ___________
__________ _________ ________ _______
________ ___________ ____ se habran
recibido ya noticias suyas.
 Austen Pride
Mr. Gardiner left Longbourn on
Sunday; on Tuesday his wife received a
letter from him; it told them that, on his
5 arrival, he had immediately found out his
brother, and persuaded him to come to
Gracechurch Street; that Mr. Bennet had
been to Epsom and Clapham, before his
arrival, but without gaining any
10 satisfactory information; and that he was
now determined to inquire at all the
principal hotels in town, as Mr. Bennet
thought it possible they might have gone
to one of them, on their first coming to
15 London, before they procured lodgings.
Mr. Gardiner himself did not expect any
success from this measure, but as his
brother was eager in it, he meant to assist
him in pursuing it. He added that Mr.
20 Bennet seemed wholly disinclined at
present to leave London and promised to
write again very soon. There was also a
postscript to this effect:
25 I have written to Colonel Forster to
desire him to find out, if possible, from
some of the young mans intimates in the
regiment, whether Wickham has any
relations or connections who would be
30 likely to know in what part of town he
has now concealed himself. If there were
anyone that one could apply to with a
probability of gaining such a clue as that,
it might be of essential consequence. At
35 present we have nothing to guide us.
Colonel Forster will, I dare say, do
everything in his power to satisfy us on
this head. But, on second thoughts,
perhaps, Lizzy could tell us what
40 relations he has now living, better than
any other person.
Elizabeth was at no loss to
understand from whence this deference
45 to her authority proceeded; but it was
not in her power to give any information
of so satisfactory a nature as the
compliment deserved.
50 She had never heard of his having
had any relations, except a father and
mother, both of whom had been dead
many years. It was possible, however,
that some of his companions in the
55 shire might be able to give more
information; and though she was not
very sanguine in expecting it , the
grand 1 (= impressive) [building, architecture] application was a something to look
imponente, grandioso; [clothes] elegante; forward to.
[person] distinguido; I went to a rather
60
grand dinner fui a una cena bastante lujo-
sa or solemne; to make a grand entrance Every day at Longbourn was now a
hacer una entrada solemne; it was a very day of anxiety; but the most anxious part
grand occasion fue una ocasin muy espln- of each was when the post was expected.
dida; on a grand scale a gran escala; to do The arrival of letters was the grand
sth in grand style hacer algo a lo grande or
65 object of every mornings impatience.
por todo lo alto 2 (= ambitious) [scheme,
plan, design] ambicioso
247
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
El seor Gardiner sali de
Longbourn el domingo y el martes
t u v o c a r t a s u m u j e r. L e d e c a q u e a
su llegada haba ido en seguida en
busca de su cuado y se lo haba
l l e v a d o a G r a c e c h u r c h St r e e t ; q u e
el seor Bennet haba estado en
Epsom y en Clapham, pero sin nin-
gn resultado, y que ahora quera
preguntar en todas las principales
hosteras de la ciudad, pues crea
p o s i b l e q u e s e h u b i e s e n a l b e rg a d o
en una de ellas a su llegada a Lon-
dres, antes de procurarse otro
alojamiento. El seor Gardiner opi-
naba que esta tentativa era intil,
pero como su cuado estaba empe-
ado en llevarla a cabo, le ayuda-
ra. Aada que el seor Bennet se
negaba a irs e de Londres , y p r o m e -
ta escribir en breve. En una pos-
data deca lo siguiente:
He escrito al coronel Forster
suplicndole que averige entre
los amigos del regimiento si
Wi c k h a m t i e n e p a r i e n t e s o r e l a -
ciones que puedan saber en qu
parte de la ciudad estar oculto.
Si hubiese alguien a quien se pu-
diera acudir con alguna probabi-
lidad de obtener esa pista, se ade-
lantara mucho. Por ahora no hay
nada que nos oriente. No dudo
que el coronel Forster har todo
lo que est a su alcance para
complacernos, pero quiz
Elizabeth pueda indicarnos mejor
q u e n a d i e s i Wi c k h a m t i e n e a l g n
pariente.
Elizabeth comprendi el
porqu de esta alusin, pero no
p o d a c o r r e s p o n d e r a e l l a . ____
__________________ ______________
X _______________ __________________
___________
Jams haba odo decir si tena pa-
rientes aparte de su padre y su ma-
dre muertos haca muchos aos.
Pero era posible q u e a l g u n o d e
sus c o m p a e r o s __________
X ____________ f u e r a c a p a z d e d a r m e j o r
informacin, y a u n q u e n o e r a
o p t i m i s t a _________________
X ________________ , consideraba acer-
tado preguntarlo.
En Longbourn los das transcu-
rran con gran ansiedad, ansiedad
que creca con la llegada del co-
r r e o . To d a s l a s m a a n a s e s p e r a b a n
X las cartas con impaciencia. Por

shame, loss of honor, deshonra, vergenza, [no
en infortunio, mala suerte o desgracia]
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
Austen Pride
Through letters, whatever of good or bad
was to be told would be communicated,
and every succeeding day was expected
to bring some news of importance.
5
But before they heard again from Mr.
Gardiner, a letter arrived for their father,
from a different quarter, from Mr.
Collins; which, as Jane had received
10 directions to open all that came for him
in his absence, she accordingly read; and
Elizabeth, who knew what curiosities his
letters always were, looked over her, and
read it likewise. It was as follows:
15
MY DEAR SIR,
I feel myself called upon, by our
relationship, and my situation in life, to
20 condole with you on the grievous
affliction you are now suffering under,
of which we were yesterday informed by
a letter from Hertfordshire. Be assured,
my dear sir, that Mrs. Collins and myself
25 sincerely sympathise with you and all
your respectable family, in your present
distress, which must be of the bitterest
kind, because proceeding from a cause
which no time can remove. No arguments
30 shall be wanting on my part that can
alleviate so severe a misfortuneor that
may comfort you, under a circumstance
that must be of all others the most
afflicting to a parents mind. The death
35 of your daughter would have been a
blessing in comparison of this. And it is
the more to be lamented, because there
is reason to suppose as my dear Charlotte
informs me, that this licentiousness of
40 behaviour in your daughter has
proceeded from a faulty degree of
indulgence; though, at the same time, for
the consolation of yourself and Mrs.
Bennet, I am inclined to think that her
45 own disposition must be naturally bad,
or she could not be guilty of such an
enormity, at so early an age. Howsoever
that may be, you are grievously to be
pitied; in which opinion I am not only
50 joined by Mrs. Collins, but likewise by
Lady Catherine and her daughter, to
whom I have related the affair. They
agree with me in apprehending that this
false step in one daughter will be
55 injurious to the fortunes of all the others;
for who, as Lady Catherine herself
condescendingly says, will connect
themselves with such a family? And this
consideration leads me moreover to
60 reflect, with augmented satisfaction, on
a certain event of last November; for had
it been otherwise, I must have been
involved in all your sorrow and disgrace. X
Let me then advise you, dear sir, to
65 console yourself as much as possible, to
248
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
carta habran de saber la mala o
buena marcha del asunto, y cada
da crean que iban a recibir algu-
na noticia de importancia.
Pero antes de que volvieran a saber del
seor Gardiner, lleg de Hunsford una mi-
siva para el seor Bennet de su primo
Collins. Como Jane haba recibido la or-
den de leer en ausencia de su padre todo lo
que recibiese, abri la carta. Elizabeth, que
saba cmo eran las epstolas de Collins,
ley tambin por encima del hombro de su
hermana. Deca as:
Mi querido seor:
Nuestro parentesco y mi situacin
en la vida me llevan a darle mis
condolencias por la grave afliccin
que est padeciendo, de la que fui-
mos informados por una carta de
Hertfordshire. No dude de que tan-
to la seora Collins como yo les
acompaamos en el sentimiento a
usted y a toda su respetable fami-
lia en la presente calamidad, que ha
de s er muy amarga, pues t o q u e e l
tiempo no la puede borrar. No fal-
t a r n a rg u m e n t o s p o r m i p a r t e p a r a
aliviar tan tremenda desventura o
servir de consuelo en circunstancias
que para un padre han de ser ms peno-
sas que para todos los dems. La muer-
te de una hija habra sido una bendicin
comparada con esto. Y es ms lamenta-
ble porque hay motivos para suponer,
segn me dice mi querida Charlotte, que
esa licenciosa conducta de su hija pro-
cede de un deplorable exceso de in-
dulgencia; aunque al mismo tiempo
y para consuelo suyo y de su espo-
sa, me inclino a pensar que deba de
ser de naturaleza perversa, pues de
otra suerte no habra incurrido en tal
atrocidad a una edad tan temprana.
De todos modos es usted digno de
compasin, opinin que no slo
comparte la seora Collins, sino
tambin lady Catherine y su hija, a
quienes he referido el hecho. Estn
de acuerdo conmigo en que ese mal
paso de su hija ser perjudicial para
la suerte de las dems; porque,
quin como la propia lady
Catherine dice afablemente que-
rr emparentar con semejante fami-
lia? Esta consideracin me mueve a
recordar con la mayor satisfaccin
cierto suceso del pasado noviembre,
pues a no haber ido las cosas como
fueron, me vera ahora envuelto en
toda la tristeza y desgracia de us-
tedes. Permtame, pues, que le aconseje,
querido seor, que se resigne todo lo que
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

throw off your unworthy child from your pueda y arranque a su indigna hija para
affection for ever, and leave her to reap siempre de su corazn, y deje que recoja
the fruits of her own heinous offense. ella los frutos de su abominable ofensa.

5 I am, dear sir, etc., etc. X __________________________

Mr. Gardiner did not write again till
he had received an answer from Colonel
Forster; and then he had nothing of a
10 pleasant nature to send. It was not known
that Wickham had a single relationship
with whom he kept up any connection,
and it was certain that he had no near one
living. His former acquaintances had
15 been numerous; but since he had been in
the militia, it did not appear that he was
on terms of particular friendship with any
of them. There was no one, therefore,
who could be pointed out as likely to give
20 any news of him. And in the wretched
state of his own finances, there was a very
powerful motive for secrecy, in addition
to his fear of discovery by Lydias
relations, for it had just transpired that
25 he had left gaming debts behind him to a
very considerable amount. Colonel
Forster believed that more than a
thousand pounds would be necessary to
clear his expenses at Brighton. He owed
30 a good deal in town, but his debts of
honour were still more formidable. Mr.
Gardiner did not attempt to conceal these
particulars from the Longbourn family.
Jane heard them with horror. A
35 gamester! she cried. This is wholly
unexpected. I had not an idea of it.
El seor Gardiner no volvi a
escribir hasta haber recibido con-
t e s t a c i n d e l c o r o n e l F o r s t e r, p e r o
no pudo decir nada bueno. No se
s a b a q u e Wi c k h a m t u v i e s e r e l a -
cin con ningn pariente y se ase-
guraba que no tena ninguno cer-
cano. Antiguamente haba tenido
muchas amistades, pero desde su
ingreso en el ejrcito pareca
apartado de todo el mundo. No
haba nadie, por consiguiente, ca-
paz de dar noticias de su parade-
ro. Haba un poderoso motivo
para que se ocultara, que vena a
sumarse al temor de ser descu-
b i e r t o p o r l a f a m i l i a d e Ly d i a , y
era que haba dejado tras s una
gran cantidad de deudas de juego.
El coronel Forster opinaba que se-
ran necesarias ms de mil libras
para clarear sus cuentas en
Brighton. Mucho deba en la ciu-
dad, pero sus deudas de honor
eran an ms elevadas. El seor
Gardiner no se atrevi a ocultar
estos detalles a la familia de
Longbourn. Jane se horroriz:
Un jugador! Eso no lo espera-
ba. No poda imaginrmelo!

Mr. Gardiner added in his letter, that Aada el seor Gardiner en su

render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen-
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en-
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.),
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks;
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give 45 leave it to him to do whatever occasion
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.).
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc.
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.)
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting.
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up,
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are
Caesars). b show (obedience).
55 will not leave London before he has
they might expect to see their father at
40 home on the following day, which was
Saturday. Rendered spiritless by the ill-
success of all their endeavours, he had
yielded to his brother-in-laws entreaty
that he would return to his family, and
might suggest to be advisable for
continuing their pursuit. When Mrs.
Bennet was told of this, she did not
express so much satisfaction as her
50 children expected, considering what her
anxiety for his life had been before.
What, is he coming home, and
without poor Lydia? she cried. Sure he
found them. Who is to fight Wickham,
and make him marry her, if he comes
away?
carta que el seor Bennet iba a re-
gresar a Longbourn al da siguien-
te, que era sbado. Desanimado por
el fracaso de sus pesquisas haba ce-
dido a las instancias de su cuado
para que se volviese a su casa y le
dejase hacer a l mientras las cir-
cunstancias no fuesen ms propicias
para una accin conjunta. Cuando se
lo dijeron a la seora Bennet, no de-
mostr la satisfaccin que sus hijas
esperaban en vista de sus inquietu-
des por la vida de su marido.
Que viene a casa y sin la po-
b r e Ly d i a ? e x c l a m . N o p u e d o
creer que salga de Londres sin
haberlos encontrado. Quin retar
a Wickham y har que se case, si
Bennet regresa?

60 As Mrs. Gardiner began to wish to be Como la seora Gardiner ya tena ganas

at home, it was settled that she and the
children should go to London, at the same
time that Mr. Bennet came from it. The
coach, therefore, took them the first stage
65 of their journey, and brought its master
de estar en su casa se convino que se ira a
Londres con los nios aprovechando la vuel-
ta del seor Bennet. Por consiguiente, el
coche de Longbourn les condujo hasta la
primera etapa de su camino y trajo de vuel-

249

render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen-
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en-
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.),
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks;
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.).
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc.
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.)
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting.
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up,
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are
Caesars). b show (obedience).
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi-
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero
compostura es tambin repair, mending,
tidiness, agreement
Austen Pride
back to Longbourn.
Mrs. Gardiner went away in all the
perplexity about Elizabeth and her
5 Derbyshire friend that had attended her
from that part of the world. His name
had never been voluntarily mentioned
before them by her niece; and the kind
of half-expectation which Mrs.
10 Gardiner had formed, of their being
followed by a letter from him, had
ended in nothing. Elizabeth had
received none since her return that
could come from Pemberley.
15
The present unhappy state of the
family rendered any other excuse for the
lowness of her spirits unnecessary;
nothing, therefore, could be fairly
20 conjectured from THAT, though
Elizabeth, who was by this time tolerably
well acquainted with her own feelings,
was perfectly aware that, had she known
nothing of Darcy, she could have borne
25 the dread of Lydias infamy somewhat
better. It would have spared her, she
thought, one sleepless night out of two.
When Mr. Bennet arrived, he had all
30 the appearance of his usual philosophic
composure [calmness]. He said as little
as he had ever been in the habit of saying;
made no mention of the business that had
taken him away, and it was some time
35 before his daughters had courage to
speak of it.
It was not till the afternoon, when he
had joined them at tea, that Elizabeth
40 ventured to introduce the subject; and
then, on her briefly expressing her sorrow
for what he must have endured, he
replied, Say nothing of that. Who should
suffer but myself? It has been my own
45 doing, and I ought to feel it.
You must not be too severe upon
yourself, replied Elizabeth.
50 You may well warn me against such
an evil. Human nature is so prone to fall
into it! No, Lizzy, let me once in my life
feel how much I have been to blame. I
am not afraid of being overpowered by
55 the impression. It will pass away soon
enough.
Do you suppose them to be in
London?
60
Yes; where else can they be so well
concealed?
And Lydia used to want to go to
65 London, added Kitty.
250
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ta al seor Bennet.
La seora Gardiner se fue perple-
ja an al pensar en el encuentro ca-
sual de Elizabeth y su amigo de
Derbyshire en dicho lugar. Elizabeth
se haba abstenido de pronunciar su
nombre, y aquella especie de
semiesperanza que la ta haba ali-
mentado de que recibiran una carta
de l al llegar a Longbourn, se haba
quedado en nada. Desde su llegada,
Elizabeth no haba tenido ninguna
carta de Pemberley.
El desdichado estado de toda la fa-
milia haca innecesaria cualquier otra
excusa para explicar el abatimiento
de Elizabeth; nada, por lo tanto, po-
da conjeturarse sobre aquello, aun-
que a Elizabeth, que por aquel enton-
ces saba a qu atenerse acerca de sus
sentimientos, le constaba que, a no
ser por Darcy, habra soportado me-
jor sus temores por la deshonra de
Lydia. Se habra ahorrado una o dos
noches de no dormir.
El seor Bennet lleg con su
X a c o s t u m b r a d o a s p e c t o ________
de filsofo. Habl poco, como
siempre; no dijo nada del moti-
vo que le haba impulsado a re-
g r e s a r, y p a s a l g n t i e m p o a n -
tes de que sus hijas tuvieran el
valor de hablar del tema.
Por la tarde, cuando se reuni con
ellas a la hora del t, Elizabeth se aven-
tur a tocar la cuestin; expres en po-
cas palabras su pena por lo que su padre
deba haber sufrido, y ste contest:
Djate. Quin iba a sufrir
sino yo? Ha sido por mi culpa y
est bien que lo pague.
No seas tan severo contigo mis-
mo replic Elizabeth.
No hay contemplaciones que valgan
en males tan grandes. La naturaleza huma-
na es demasiado propensa a recurrir a ellas.
No, Lizzy; deja que una vez en la vida me
d cuenta de lo mal que he obrado. No voy
a morir de la impresin; se me pasar bas-
tante pronto.
Crees que estn en Lon-
dres?
S; dnde, si no podran estar tan
bien escondidos?
Y Lydia siempre dese tanto ir a
Londres! aadi Catherine.
 Austen Pride
She is happy then, said her father
drily; and her residence there will
probably be of some duration.
5
Then after a short silence he
continued:
Lizzy, I bear you no ill-will for being
10 justified in your advice to me last May,
which, considering the event, shows
some greatness of mind.
They were interrupted by Miss
15 Bennet, who came to fetch her mothers
tea.
This is a parade, he cried, which
does one good; it gives such an elegance
20 to misfortune! Another day I will do the
same; I will sit in my library, in my
nightcap and powdering gown, and give
as much trouble as I can; or, perhaps, I
may defer it till Kitty runs away.
25
I am not going to run away, papa,
said Kitty fretfully. If I should ever go
to Brighton, I would behave better than
Lydia.
30
YOU go to Brighton. I would not
trust you so near it as Eastbourne for fifty
pounds! No, Kitty, I have at last learnt to
be cautious, and you will feel the effects
35 of it. No officer is ever to enter into my
house again, nor even to pass through the
village. Balls will be absolutely
prohibited, unless you stand up with one
of your sisters. And you are never to stir
40 out of doors till you can prove that you
have spent ten minutes of every day in a
rational manner.
Kitty, who took all these threats in a
45 serious light, began to cry.
Well, well, said he, do not make
yourself unhappy. If you are a good girl
for the next ten years, I will take you to a
50 review at the end of them.
55
Chapter 49
60
Two days after Mr. Bennets return,
as Jane and Elizabeth were walking
together in the shrubbery behind the
house, they saw the housekeeper coming
65 towards them, and, concluding that she
251
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Entonces debe de ser feliz dijo su
padre framente y no saldr de all en
mucho tiempo.
Despus de un corto silencio, pro-
sigui:
L i z z y, n o m e g u a r d e s r e n c o r
por no haber seguido tus consejos
del pasado mayo; lo ocurrido
demuestra que eran acertados.
En ese momento fueron interrumpidos
por Jane que vena a buscar el t para su
madre.
Mira qu bien! exclam el se-
or Bennet. Eso presta cierta elegan-
cia al infortunio! Otro da har yo lo mis-
mo: me quedar en la biblioteca con mi
gorro de dormir y mi batn y os dar todo
el trabajo que pueda, o acaso lo deje para
cuando se escape Catherine...
Yo no voy a escaparme, pap!
grit Catherine furiosa. Si yo hubie-
se ido a Brighton, me habra portado
mejor que Lydia.
T a Brighton! No me fiara de
ti ni que fueras nada ms que a la es-
quina! No, Catherine. Por fin he apren-
dido a ser cauto, y t lo has de sentir.
No volver a entrar en esta casa un ofi-
cial aunque vaya de camino. Los bai-
les quedarn absolutamente prohibidos,
a menos que os acompae una de vues-
tras hermanas, y nunca saldris ni a la
puerta de la casa sin haber demostrado
que habis vivido diez minutos del da
de un modo razonable.
Catherine se tom en serio todas es-
tas amenazas y se puso a llorar.
Bueno, bueno dijo el seor
Bennet, no te pongas as. Si eres buena
chica en los prximos diez aos, en cuanto
pasen, te llevar a ver un desfile.
Captulo XLIX
Dos das despus de la vuelta del se-
or Bennet, mientras Jane y Elizabeth pa-
seaban juntas por el planto de arbustos
de detrs de la casa, vieron al ama de lla-
ves que vena hacia ellas. Creyeron que
 Austen Pride
came to call them to their mother, went
forward to meet her; but, instead of the
expected summons, when they
approached her, she said to Miss Bennet,
5 I b e g y o u r p a r d o n , m a d a m , f o r
interrupting you, but I was in hopes
you might have got some good news
from town, so I took the liberty of
coming to ask.
10
What do you mean, Hill? We have
heard nothing from town.
Dear madam, cried Mrs. Hill, in
15 great astonishment, dont you know
there is an express come for master from
Mr. Gardiner? He has been here this half-
hour, and master has had a letter.
20 Away ran the girls, too eager to get in
to have time for speech. They ran through
the vestibule into the breakfast-room;
from thence to the library; their father
was in neither; and they were on the point
25 of seeking him upstairs with their mother,
when they were met by the butler, who
said:
If you are looking for my master,
30 maam, he is walking towards the
little copse [soto].
Upon this information, they instantly
passed through the hall once more, and
35 ran across the lawn after their father, who
was deliberately pursuing his way
towards a small wood on one side of the
paddock prado, corral paddock.
40 Jane, who was not so light nor so
much in the habit of running as Elizabeth,
soon lagged behind, while her sister,
panting for breath, came up with him, and
eagerly cried out:
45
Oh, papa, what newswhat news?
Have you heard from my uncle?
Yes I have had a letter from him by
50 express.
Well, and what news does it bring
good or bad?
55 What is there of good to be
expected? said he, taking the letter from
his pocket. But perhaps you would like
to read it.
60 Elizabeth impatiently caught it from
his hand. Jane now came up.
Read it aloud, said their father,
for I hardly know myself what it is
65 about.
252
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
iba a llamarlas de parte de su madre y co-
rrieron a su encuentro; pero _____ _____
_______ _________ _________ ____
X ________________ la mujer le dijo a Jane:
Dispense que la interrumpa, seorita;
pero he supuesto que tendra usted al-
guna buena noticia de la capital y por
eso me he tomado la libertad de venir
a preguntrselo.
Qu dice usted, Hill? No he
X sabido nada________.
Querida seorita! exclam la se-
ora Hill con gran asombro. Ignora que
ha llegado un propio para el amo, enviado
por el seor Gardiner? Ha estado aqu me-
dia hora y el amo ha tenido una carta.
Las dos muchachas se precipitaron ha-
cia la casa, demasiado ansiosas para poder
seguir conversando. Pasaron del vestbulo
al comedor de all a la biblioteca, pero su
padre no estaba en ninguno de esos sitios;
iban a ver si estaba arriba con su madre,
cuando se encontraron con el mayordomo
que les dijo:
Si buscan ustedes a mi amo, se-
oritas, lo encontrarn paseando por
el sotillo.
Jane y Elizabeth volvieron a
a t r a v e s a r e l v e s t b u l o y, c r u -
zando el csped, corrieron de-
trs de su padre que se encami-
naba hacia un bosquecillo de al
X lado de la cerca.
Jane, que no era tan ligera ni tena
la costumbre de correr de Elizabeth,
se qued atrs, mientras su her-
mana llegaba jadeante hasta su pa-
dre y exclam:
Qu noticias hay, pap? Qu noti-
cias hay? Has sabido algo de mi to?
S, me ha mandado una carta por un
X propio.
Y qu nuevas trae, buenas o
malas?
Qu se puede esperar de
bueno? dijo el padre sacando
X l a c a r t a d e l b o l s i l l o . To m a d ,
leed si queris.
Elizabeth cogi la carta con impacien-
cia. Jane llegaba entonces.
Lela en voz alta pidi el seor
Bennet, porque todava no s de qu
se trata.
 Austen Pride
G r a c e c h u r c h St r e e t , M o n d a y,
August 2.
5 MY DEAR BROTHER,
At last I am able to send you some
tidings of my niece, and such as, upon
the whole, I hope it will give you
10 satisfaction. Soon after you left me on
Saturday, I was fortunate enough to find
out in what part of London they were. The
particulars I reserve till we meet; it is
enough to know they are discovered. I
15 have seen them both
Then it is as I always hoped, cried
Jane; they are married!
20 Elizabeth read on:
I have seen them both. They are not
married, nor can I find there was any
intention of being so; but if you are
25 willing to perform the engagements
which I have ventured to make on your
side, I hope it will not be long before they
are. All that is required of you is, to
assure to your daughter, by settlement,
30 her equal share of the five thousand
pounds secured among your children
after the decease of yourself and my
sister; and, moreover, to enter into an
engagement of allowing her, during your
35 life, one hundred pounds per annum.
These are conditions which, considering
everything, I had no hesitation in
complying with, as far as I thought myself
privileged, for you. I shall send this by
40 express, that no time may be lost in
bringing me your answer. You will easily
comprehend, from these particulars, that
Mr. Wickhams circumstances are not so
hopeless as they are generally believed
45 to be. The world has been deceived in
that respect; and I am happy to say there
will be some little money, even when all
his debts are discharged, to settle on my
niece, in addition to her own fortune. If,
50 as I conclude will be the case, you send
me full powers to act in your name
throughout the whole of this business, I
will immediately give directions to
Haggerston for preparing a proper
55 settlement. There will not be the smallest
occasion for your coming to town again;
therefore stay quiet at Longbourn, and
depend on my diligence and care. Send
back your answer as fast as you can, and
60 be careful to write explicitly. We have
judged it best that my niece should be
married from this house, of which I hope
you will approve. She comes to us to-day.
I shall write again as soon as anything
65 more is determined on. Yours, etc.,
253
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
G r a c e c h u r c h St r e e t , l u n e s 2
de agosto.
Mi querido hermano:
Por fin puedo enviarte noticias de mi
sobrina, y tales, en conjunto, que
espero te satisfagan. Poco despus de
haberte marchado t el sbado, tuve la
suerte de averiguar en qu parte de
Londres se encontraban. Los detalles
me los reservo para cuando nos
veamos; bstete saber que ya estn
descubiertos; les he visto a los dos.
Entonces es lo que siempre he esperado
exclam Jane. Estn casados!
Elizabeth sigui leyendo:
No estn casados ni creo que
tengan intencin de estarlo, pero si
quieres cumplir los compromisos
que me he permitido contraer en tu
nombre, no pasar mucho sin que lo
estn. Todo lo que tienes que hacer
es asegurar a tu hija como dote su
parte igual en las cinco mil libras
que recibirn tus hijas a tu muerte
y a la de tu esposa, y prometer que
le pasars, mientras vivas, cien
libras anuales. Estas son las
condiciones que, bien mirado, no
he vacilado en aceptar por ti, pues
m e c r e a a u t o r i z a d o p a r a e l l o . Te
mando la presente por un propio,
pues no hay tiempo que perder para
que me des una contestacin.
Comprenders fcilmente por todos
los detalles que la situacin del
s e o r Wi c k h a m n o e s t a n
desesperada como se ha credo. La
gente se ha equivocado y me
complazco en afirmar que despus
de pagadas todas las deudas todava
quedar algn dinerillo para dotar
a mi sobrina como adicin a su
propia fortuna. Si, como espero, me
envas plenos poderes para actuar
en tu nombre en todo este asunto,
d a r r d e n e s e n s e g u i d a a H a g g e r-
ston para que redacte el oportuno
documento. No hay ninguna
necesidad de que vuelvas a la
capital; por consiguiente, qudate
tranquilo en Longbourn y confa en
mi diligencia y cuidado.
Contstame cuanto antes y procura
escribir con claridad. Hemos credo
lo mejor que mi sobrina salga de mi
casa para ir a casarse, cosa que no
d u d o a p r o b a r s . H o y v a a v e n i r.
Vo l v e r a e s c r i b i r t e t a n p r o n t o
c o m o h a y a a l g o n u e v o . Tu y o ,
 Austen Pride
EDW. GARDINER.
Is it possible? cried Elizabeth, when
5 she had finished. Can it be possible that
he will marry her?
Wickham is not so undeserving,
then, as we thought him, said her
10 s i s t e r . My dear father, I
congratulate you.
And have you answered the letter?
cried Elizabeth.
15
No; but it must be done soon.
Most earnestly did she then entreaty
him to lose no more time before he wrote.
20
Oh! my dear father, she cried,
come back and write immediately.
Consider how important every moment
is in such a case.
25
Let me write for you, said Jane, if
you dislike the trouble yourself.
I dislike it very much, he replied;
30 but it must be done.
And so saying, he turned back with
them, and walked towards the house.
35 And may I ask said Elizabeth;
but the terms, I suppose, must be
complied with.
Complied with! I am only ashamed
40 of his asking so little.
And they MUST marry! Yet he is
SUCH a man!
45 Yes, yes, they must marry. There is
nothing else to be done. But there are two
things that I want very much to know; one
is, how much money your uncle has laid
down to bring it about; and the other, how
50 am I ever to pay him.
Money! My uncle! cried Jane,
what do you mean, sir?
55 I mean, that no man in his
s e n s e s w o u l d m a r r y Ly d i a o n s o
slight a temptation as one hundred
a year during my life, and fifty
after I am gone.
60
That is very true, said Elizabeth;
though it had not occurred to me before.
His debts to be discharged, and
something still to remain! Oh! it must be
65 my uncles doings! Generous, good man,
254
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
E. Gardiner.
Es posible? exclam
Elizabeth al terminar la carta. Ser
posible que se case con ella?
Entonces Wickham no es tan
despreciable como creamos observ
Jane. Querido pap , te doy la
enhorabuena.
Ya has c o n t e s t a d o l a c a r t a ?
X _______________
No, pero hay que hacerlo en seguida.
Elizabeth le rog vehementemente
que no lo demorase.
Querido pap, vuelve a casa y
ponte a escribir inmediatamente. Piensa
lo importante que son los minutos en
estos momentos.
Deja que yo escriba por ti dijo
Jane, si no quieres molestarte.
Mucho me molesta repuso l,
pero no hay ms remedio.
Y _________ ________ _ r e g r e s
X __________ con ellas a la casa.
___________ _________________ _______
X ________ _______ S u p o n g o q u e
aceptars aadi Elizabeth.
Aceptar! Si estoy avergonzado
de que pida tan poco!
Deben casarse! Aunque l
sea como es.
S, s, deben casarse. No se
puede hacer otra cosa. Pero hay dos
puntos que quiero aclarar: primero,
cunto dinero ha adelantado tu to
para resolver eso, y segundo, cmo
voy a pagrselo.
D i n e r o , m i t o ? p r e g u n t
Jane. Qu quieres decir?
Digo que no hay hombre en su sano
juicio que se case con Lydia por tan leve
tentacin como son cien libras anuales
durante mi vida y cincuenta cuando yo
me muera.
Es muy cierto dijo Elizabeth;
no se me haba ocurrido. Pagadas sus
deudas y que todava quede algo! Eso
debe de ser obra de mi to. Qu hombre
tan bueno y generoso! Temo que est
 Austen Pride
I am afraid he has distressed himself. A
small sum could not do all this.
No, said her father; Wickhams a
5 fool if he takes her with a farthing less
than ten thousand pounds. I should be
sorry to think so ill of him, in the very
beginning of our relationship.
10 Ten thousand pounds! Heaven
forbid! How is half such a sum to be
repaid?
Mr. Bennet made no answer, and
15 each of them, deep in thought, continued
silent till they reached the house. Their
father then went on to the library to
write, and the girls walked into the
breakfast-room.
20
And they are really to be married!
cried Elizabeth, as soon as they were by
themselves. How strange this is! And for
THIS we are to be thankful. That they
25 should marry, small as is their chance of
happiness, and wretched as is his
character, we are forced to rejoice. Oh,
Lydia!
30 I comfort myself with thinking,
replied Jane, that he certainly would not
marry Lydia if he had not a real regard
for her. Though our kind uncle has done
something towards clearing him, I cannot
35 believe that ten thousand pounds, or
anything like it, has been advanced. He
has children of his own, and may have
more. How could he spare half ten
thousand pounds?
40
If he were ever able to learn what
Wickhams debts have been, said
Elizabeth, and how much is settled on
his side on our sister, we shall exactly
45 know what Mr. Gardiner has done for
them, because Wickham has not sixpence
of his own. The kindness of my uncle and
aunt can never be requited. Their taking
her home, and af fording her their
50 personal protection and countenance, is
such a sacrifice to her advantage as years
of gratitude cannot enough acknowledge.
By this time she is actually with them!
If such goodness does not make her
55 miserable now, she will never deserve to
be happy! What a meeting for her, when
she first sees my aunt!
We must endeavour to forget all that
60 has passed on either side, said Jane: I
hope and trust they will yet be happy. His
consenting to marry her is a proof, I will
believe, that he is come to a right way of
thinking. Their mutual affection will
65 steady them; and I flatter myself they will
255
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
pasando apuros, pues con una pequea
cantidad no se hace todo eso.
No dijo el seor Bennet,
Wi c k h a m e s u n l o c o s i a c e p t a a
Lydia por menos de diez mil libras.
Sentira juzgarle tan mal cuando
vamos a empezar a ser parientes.
Diez mil libras! No lo quiera
Dios! Cundo podramos pagar la
mitad de esa suma?
El seor Bennet no contest, y,
ensimismados todos en sus pensamientos,
continuaron en silencio hasta llegar a la
casa. El padre se meti en la biblioteca
para escribir, y las muchachas se fueron
al comedor.
Se irn a casar, de veras?
exclam Elizabeth en cuanto estuvieron
solas.Qu raro! Y habremos de dar
gracias an. A pesar de las pocas
probabilidades de felicidad de ese
matrimonio y de la perfidia de Wick-
ham, todava tendremos que alegrarnos.
Oh, Lydia!
Me consuelo pensando
replic Jane que seguramente no
s e c a s a r a c o n Ly d i a s i n o l a
quisiera. Aunque nuestro
bondadoso to haya hecho algo por
salvarlo, no puedo creer que haya
adelantado diez mil libras ni nada
parecido. Tiene hijos y puede tener
ms . N o a l c a n z a r a a a h o r r a r n i l a
mitad de esa sum a.
Si pudiramos averiguar a
cunto ascienden las deudas de
Wickham dijo Elizabeth y cul
es la dote que el to Gardiner da a
nuestra hermana, sabramos
exactamente lo que ha hecho por
e l l o s , p u e s Wi c k h a m n o t i e n e n i
medio cheln. Jams podremos pagar
la bondad del to. El llevarla a su
casa y ponerla bajo su direccin y
amparo personal es un sacrificio que
nunca podremos agradecer bastante.
Ahora debe de estar con ellos. Si
tanta bondad no le hace sentirse
miserable, nunca merecer ser feliz.
Qu vergenza para ella encontrarse
cara a cara con nuestra ta!
Unos y otros hemos de procurar
olvidar lo sucedido dijo Jane: Espero
que todava sean dichosos. A mi modo de
ver, el hecho de que Wickham haya
accedido a casarse es prueba de que ha
entrado por el buen camino. Su mutuo
afecto les har sentar la cabeza y confo
 Austen Pride
settle so quietly, and live in so rational a
manner, as may in time make their past
imprudence forgotten.
5 Their conduct has been such,
replied Elizabeth, as neither you, nor I,
nor anybody can ever forget. It is useless
to talk of it.
10 It now occurred to the girls that their
mother was in all likelihood perfectly
ignorant of what had happened. They
went to the library, therefore, and asked
their father whether he would not wish
15 them to make it known to her. He was
writing and, without raising his head,
coolly replied:
Just as you please.
20
May we take my uncles letter to
read to her?
Take whatever you like, and get
25 away.
Elizabeth took the letter from his
writing-table, and they went upstairs
together. Mary and Kitty were both with
30 Mrs. Bennet: one communication would,
therefore, do for all. After a slight
preparation for good news, the letter was
read aloud. Mrs. Bennet could hardly
contain herself. As soon as Jane had read
35 Mr. Gardiners hope of Lydias being
soon married, her joy burst forth, and
every following sentence added to its
exuberance. She was now in an irritation
as violent from delight, as she had ever
40 been fidgety from alarm and vexation. To
know that her daughter would be married
was enough. She was disturbed by no fear
for her felicity, nor humbled by any
remembrance of her misconduct.
45
My dear, dear Lydia! she cried.
This is delightful indeed! She will be
married! I shall see her again! She will
be married at sixteen! My good, kind
50 brother! I knew how it would be. I knew
he would manage everything! How I
long to see her! and to see dear Wickham
too! But the clothes, the wedding
clothes! I will write to my sister
55 Gardiner about them directly. Lizzy, my
dear, run down to your father, and ask
him how much he will give her. Stay,
stay, I will go myself. Ring the bell,
Kitty, for Hill. I will put on my things in a
60 moment. My dear, dear Lydia! How merry
we shall be together when we meet!
Her eldest daughter endeavoured to
give some relief to the violence of these
65 transports, by leading her thoughts to the
256
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
que les volver tan razonables que con el
tiempo nos harn olvidar su pasada
imprudencia:
Se han portado de tal forma
replic Elizabeth que ni t; ni yo,
ni nadie podr olvidarla nunca. Es
intil hablar de eso.
Se les ocurri entonces a las
muchachas que su madre ignoraba
por completo todo aquello. Fueron
a la biblioteca y le preguntaron a
su padre si quera que se lo dijeran.
El seor Bennet estaba escribiendo
y sin levantar la cabeza contest
framente:
Como gustis.
Podemos ensearle la carta de to
Gardiner?
Enseadle lo que queris y
largaos.
Elizabeth cogi la carta de encima del
escritorio y las dos hermanas subieron a la
habitacin de su madre. Mary y Catherine
estaban con la seora Bennet, y, por lo
tanto, tenan que enterarse tambin.
Despus de una ligera preparacin para las
buenas nuevas, se ley la carta en voz alta.
La seora Bennet apenas pudo contenerse,
y en cuanto Jane lleg a las esperanzas del
seor Gardiner de que Lydia estara pronto
casada, estall su gozo, y todas las frases
siguientes lo aumentaron. El jbilo le
produca ahora una exaltacin que la
angustia y el pesar no le haban ocasiona-
do. Lo principal era que su hija se casase;
el temor de que no fuera feliz no le
preocup lo ms mnimo, no la humill el
pensar en su mal proceder.
Mi querida, mi adorada Lydia!
exclam. Es estupendo! Se casar! La
volver a ver! Casada a los diecisis aos!
Oh, qu bueno y carioso eres, hermano
mo! Ya saba yo que haba de ser as, que
todo se arreglara! Qu ganas tengo de
verla, y tambin al querido Wickham!
Pero, y los vestidos? Y el traje de novia?
Voy a escribirle ahora mismo a mi cuada
para eso. Lizzy, querida ma, corre a ver a
tu padre y pregntale cunto va a darle.
Espera, espera, ir yo misma. Toca la
campanilla, Catherine, para que venga
Hill. Me vestir en un momento. Mi
querida, mi Lydia de mi alma! Qu contentas
nos pondremos las dos al vernos!
La hermana mayor trat de moderar
un poco la violencia de su exaltacin y de
hacer pensar a su madre en las

flutter
I verbo intransitivo
1 (pjaro, insecto, hoja) revolotear
2 (bandera) ondear, flamear
3 (corazn) latir, palpitar
II verbo transitivo
1 (alas) batir, agitar
to flutter ones eyelashes, hacer ojitos
III nombre
1 revoloteo, palpitacin
2 fam GB Dep apuesta pequea
Austen Pride
obligations which Mr. Gardiner s
behaviour laid them all under.
For we must attribute this happy
5 conclusion, she added, in a great
measure to his kindness. We are
persuaded that he has pledged himself to
assist Mr. Wickham with money.
10 Well, cried her mother, it is all
very right; who should do it but her own
uncle? If he had not had a family of his
own, I and my children must have had
all his money, you know; and it is the first
15 time we have ever had anything from him,
except a few presents. Well! I am so
happy! In a short time I shall have a
daughter married. Mrs. Wickham! How
well it sounds! And she was only sixteen
20 last June. My dear Jane, I am in such a
flutter, that I am sure I cant write; so I
will dictate, and you write for me. We
will settle with your father about the
money afterwards; but the things should
25 be ordered immediately.
She was then proceeding to all the
particulars of calico, muslin, and
cambric, and would shortly have dictated
30 some very plentiful orders, had not Jane,
though with some difficulty, persuaded
her to wait till her father was at leisure
to be consulted. One days delay, she
observed, would be of small importance;
35 and her mother was too happy to be quite
so obstinate as usual. Other schemes, too,
came into her head.
I will go to Meryton, said she, as
40 soon as I am dressed, and tell the good,
good news to my sister Philips. And as I
come back, I can call on Lady Lucas and
Mrs. Long. Kitty, run down and order the
carriage. An airing would do me a great
45 deal of good, I am sure. Girls, can I do
anything for you in Meryton? Oh! Here
comes Hill! My dear Hill, have you heard
the good news? Miss Lydia is going to be
married; and you shall all have a bowl of
50 punch to make merry at her wedding.
Mrs. Hill began instantly to express
h e r j o y. E l i z a b e t h r e c e i v e d h e r
congratulations amongst the rest, and
55 then, sick of this folly, took refuge in
her own room, that she might think with
freedom.
Poor Lydias situation must, at best,
60 be bad enough; but that it was no worse,
she had need to be thankful. She felt it
so; and though, in looking forward,
neither rational happiness nor worldly
prosperity could be justly expected for
65 her sister, in looking back to what they
257
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
obligaciones que el comportamiento del
seor Gardiner les impona a todos.
Pues hemos de atribuir este
feliz desenlace aadi a su
generosidad. Estamos
convencidos de que ha socorrido
a Wi c k h a m c o n s u d i n e r o .
Bueno exclam la madre, es
muy natural. Quin lo haba de hacer,
ms que tu to? Si no hubiese tenido
hijos, habramos heredado su fortuna, ya
lo sabis, y sta es la primera vez que
hace algo por nosotros, aparte de unos
pocos regalos. Qu feliz soy! Dentro de
poco tendr una hija casada: la seora
Wickham! Qu bien suena! Y cumpli
slo diecisis aos el pasado junio.
Querida Jane, estoy tan emocionada que
no podr escribir; as que yo dictar y t
escribirs por m. Despus
determinaremos con tu padre lo relativo
al dinero, pero las otras cosas hay que
arreglarlas ahora mismo.
Se dispona a tratar de todos los
particulares sobre sedas, muselinas y
batistas, y al instante habra dictado algunas
rdenes si Jane no la hubiese convencido,
aunque con cierta dificultad, de que
primero debera consultar con su marido.
Le hizo comprender que un da de retraso
no tendra la menor importancia, y la seora
Bennet estaba muy feliz para ser tan
obstinada como siempre. Adems, ya se le
haban ocurrido otros planes:
Ir a Meryton en cuanto me vista,
a comunicar tan excelentes noticias a mi
hermana Philips. Y al regreso podr
visitar a lady Lucas y a la seora Long.
Catherine, baja corriendo y pide el
coche! Estoy segura de que me sentar
muy bien tomar el aire. Nias, queris
algo para Meryton? Oh!, aqu viene Hill.
Querida Hill, se ha enterado ya de las
buenas noticias? La seorita Lydia va a
casarse, y para que brinden por su boda,
se bebern ustedes un ponche.
L a s e o r a H i ll manifest su
satisfaccin y l e s dio sus
parabienes a todas. Elizabeth,
mareada ante tanta locura, se
refugi en su cuarto para dar libre
curso a sus pensamientos.
La situacin de la pobre Lydia haba de
ser, aun ponindose en lo mejor, bastante
mala; pero no era eso lo peor; tena que estar
an agradecida, pues aunque mirando al
porvenir su hermana no poda esperar
ninguna felicidad razonable ni ninguna
prosperidad en el mundo, mirando hacia
 Austen Pride
had feared, only two hours ago, she felt
all the advantages of what they had
gained.
10
Chapter 50
Mr. Bennet had very often wished
15 before this period of his life that, instead
of spending his whole income, he had laid
by an annual sum for the better provision
of his children, and of his wife, if she
survived him. He now wished it more
20 than ever. Had he done his duty in that
respect, Lydia need not have been
indebted to her uncle for whatever of
honour or credit could now be purchased
for her. The satisfaction of prevailing on
25 one of the most worthless young men in
Great Britain to be her husband might
then have rested in its proper place.
He was seriously concerned that a
30 cause of so little advantage to anyone
should be forwarded at the sole expense
of his brother-in-law, and he was
determined, if possible, to find out the
extent of his assistance, and to discharge
35 the obligation as soon as he could.
When first Mr. Bennet had married,
economy was held to be perfectly
useless, for, of course, they were to have
40 a son. The son was to join in cutting off
the entail, as soon as he should be of
age, and the widow and younger
children would by that means be
p r o v i d e d f o r. F i v e d a u g h t e r s
45 successively entered the world, but yet
the son was to come; and Mrs. Bennet,
for many years after Lydias birth, had
been certain that he would. This event
had at last been despaired of, but it was
50 then too late to be saving. Mrs. Bennet
had no turn for economy, and her
husbands love of independence had
alone prevented their exceeding their
income.
55
Five thousand pounds was settled by
marriage articles on Mrs. Bennet and the
children. But in what proportions it
should be divided amongst the latter
60 depended on the will of the parents. This
was one point, with regard to Lydia, at
least, which was now to be settled, and
Mr. Bennet could have no hesitation in
acceding to the proposal before him. In
65 terms of grateful acknowledgment for the
258
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
atrs, a lo que slo dos horas antes Elizabeth
haba temido tanto, no se poda negar que
todava haba tenido suerte.
Captulo L
Anteriormente, el seor Bennet haba
querido muchas veces ahorrar una cierta
cantidad anual para mejorar el caudal
de sus hijas y de su mujer, si sta le
sobreviva, en vez de gastar todos sus
ingresos. Y ahora se arrepenta de no
haberlo hecho. Esto le habra evitado a
Lydia endeudarse con su to por todo lo
que ahora tena que hacer por ella tanto
en lo referente a la honra como al
dinero. Habra podido darse, adems, el
gusto de tentar a cualquiera de los ms
brillantes jvenes de Gran Bretaa a
casarse con ella.
Estaba seriamente consternado de
que por un asunto que tan pocas
ventajas ofreca para nadie, su cuado
tuviese que hacer tantos sacrificios, y
quera averiguar el importe de su
donativo a fin de devolvrselo cuan-
do le fuese posible.
En los primeros tiempos del
matrimonio del seor Bennet, se consider
que no haba ninguna necesidad de hacer
economa, pues se daba por descontado que
nacera un hijo varn y que ste heredara
la hacienda al llegar a la edad conveniente,
con lo que la viuda y las hijas quedaran
aseguradas. Pero vinieron al mundo
sucesivamente cinco hijas y el varn no
apareca. Aos despus del nacimiento de
Lydia, la seora Bennet crea an que
llegara el heredero, pero al fin se dio ya
por vencida. Ahora era demasiado tarde
para ahorrar: la seora Bennet no tena
ninguna aptitud para la economa y el amor
de su marido a la independencia fue lo
nico que impidi que se excediesen en sus
gastos.
En las capitulaciones
matrimoniales haba cinco mil libras
aseguradas para la seora Bennet y
sus hijas; pero la distribucin
dependa de la voluntad de los
padres. Por fin este punto iba a
decidirse en lo referente a Lydia, y
el seor Bennet no vacil en acceder
a lo propuesto. En trminos de
gratitud por la bondad de su cuado,
 Austen Pride
kindness of his brother, though expressed
most concisely, he then delivered on
paper his perfect approbation of all that
was done, and his willingness to fulfil the
5 engagements that had been made for him.
He had never before supposed that, could
Wickham be prevailed on to marry his
daughter, it would be done with so little
inconvenience to himself as by the
10 present arrangement. He would scarcely
be ten pounds a year the loser by the
hundred that was to be paid them; for,
what with her board and pocket
allowance, and the continual presents in
15 money which passed to her through her
mothers hands, Lydias expenses had
been very little within that sum.
That it would be done with such
20 trifling exertion on his side, too, was
another very welcome surprise; for his
wish at present was to have as little
trouble in the business as possible. When
the first transports of rage which had
25 produced his activity in seeking her were
over, he naturally returned to all his
former indolence. His letter was soon
dispatched; for, though dilatory [tardy]
decent respetable, bueno, que se precie, que in undertaking business, he was quick in
parece de lo ms sensato, cordial, amable, limpio, 30 its execution. He begged to know further
correcto, adecuado, mdico
decent adj. 1 a conforming with current standards particulars of what he was indebted to his
of behaviour or propriety. b avoiding obscenity. 2 brother, but was too angry with Lydia to
respectable. 3 acceptable, passable; good
enough. 4 Brit. kind, obliging, generous (was
send any message to her.
decent enough to apologize).
decent es uno de esos adjetivos muy usados, tal vez The good news spread quickly
35
abusados, en ingls moderno; se usa para
through the house, and with
satisfactorio / pasable, adecuado [salario, alimento],
mdico [precio], simptico / amable, presentable /
proportionate speed through the
visible [en ropa, aseo].
neighbourhood. It was borne in the latter
A su vez, decente parece enfatizar la idea moral
de honradez en las personas, como honest, with decent philosophy. To be sure, it
honorable, respectable, y tambin la idea de
limpieza en las cosas como clean, tidy, neat
40 would have been more for the advantage
[aseado]. of conversation had Miss Lydia Bennet
come upon the town; or, as the happiest
secluded recndito, hidden from view alternative, been secluded from the
seclude v.tr. (also refl.) 1 keep (a person or world, in some distant farmhouse. But
place) retired or away from company. 2 (esp. 45 there was much to be talked of in
as secluded adj.) hide or screen from view marrying her; and the good-natured
wishes for her well-doing which had
proceeded before from all the spiteful
old ladies in Meryton lost but a
50 l i t t l e o f t h e i r s p i r i t i n t h i s
change of circumstances,
beca use with such an husband her
misery was considered certain.
55 It was a fortnight since Mrs.
Bennet had been downstairs;
but on this happy day she again
t o o k h e r seat at the head of her table,
and in spirits oppressively high. No
60 sentiment of shame gave a damp to her
triumph. The marriage of a daughter,
which had been the first object of her
wishes since Jane was sixteen, was now
on the point of accomplishment, and her
65 thoughts and her words ran wholly on
259
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
aunque expresados muy
concisamente, confi al papel su
aprobacin a todo lo hecho y su
deseo de cumplir los compromisos
contrados en su nombre. Nunca
hubiera credo que Wickham consin-
tiese en casarse con Lydia a costa
de tan pocos inconvenientes como
los que resultaban de aquel arreglo.
Diez libras anuales era lo mximo
que iba a perder al dar las cien que
deba entregarles, pues entre los
gastos ordinarios fijos, el dinero
s u e l t o q u e l e d a b a a Ly d i a y l o s
continuos regalos en metlico que le
haca su madre se iba en Lydia poco
menos que aquella suma.
Otra de las cosas que le
sorprendieron gratamente fue que todo
se hiciera con tan insignificante molestia
para l, pues su principal deseo era
siempre que le dejasen tranquilo. Pasado
el primer arranque de ira que le motiv
buscar a s u h i j a , v o l v i , c o m o e r a
de esperar, a su habitual
i n d o l e n c i a . D e s p a ch pronto la carta,
eso s tardaba en empr e n d e r l a s
cosas, pero era rpido en
e j ecutarlas. En la carta peda ms detalles
acerca de lo que le adeudaba a su cuado,
pero estaba demasiado resentido con Lydia
para enviarle ningn mensaje.
Las buenas nuevas se extendieron
rpidamente por la casa y con
proporcional prontitud , p o r l a
vecindad. __________ ______ _______
X ___________ _______ C ie r t o q u e
hubiera dado ms q u e h a b l a r q u e
Ly d i a B e n n e t h u b i e s e v e n i d o a
la ciudad, y que habra sido mejor
X a n s i l a h u b i e s e n re c l u i d o en
alg u n a g r a n j a d i s t a n t e ; p e r o y a
h a b a b a s t a n t e q u e c h a r l a r s o b re su
matrimonio, y los bien intencionados
deseos de que fuese feliz que antes
haban expresado las malvolas
viejas de Meryton, no perdieron
ms que un poco de su viveza en
este cambio de circunstancias, pues
con s emejante marido s e d a b a p o r
s e g u r a l a d e s g r a c i a d e Ly d i a .
Haca quince das que la seora Bennet no
bajaba de sus habitaciones, pero a fin de
solemnizar tan faustos acontecimientos
volvi a ocupar radiante su sitio a la
cabecera de la mesa. En su triunfo no
haba el ms mnimo sentimiento de
vergenza. El matrimonio de una hija que
constituy el principal de sus anhelos
desde que Jane tuvo diecisis aos, iba
ahora a realizarse. No pensaba ni hablaba
ms que de bodas elegantes,

impudence insolencia, descaro, impudencia,
desvergenza, atrevimiento, desplante, osa-
da, desparpajo
impudent no es impudente (desvergonzado, sin
pudor) sino atrevido, descarado, insolente, 30
mientras que impudente es immodest,
shameless, desvengorzado
disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame;
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon-
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
Austen Pride
those attendants of elegant nuptials, fine
muslins, new carriages, and servants. She
was busily searching through the
neighbourhood for a proper situation for
5 her daughter, and, without knowing or
considering what their income might be,
rejected many as deficient in size and
importance.
10 Haye Park might do, said she, if
the Gouldings could quit itor the great
house at Stoke, if the drawing-room were
larger; but Ashworth is too far off! I could
not bear to have her ten miles from me;
15 and as for Pulvis Lodge, the attics are
dreadful.
Her husband allowed her to talk on
without interruption while the servants
20 remained. But when they had withdrawn,
he said to her: Mrs. Bennet, before you
take any or all of these houses for your
son and daughter, let us come to a right
understanding. Into ONE house in this
25 neighbourhood they shall never have
admittance. I will not encourage the
impudence of either, by receiving them
at Longbourn.
A long dispute followed this
declaration; but Mr. Bennet was firm. It
soon led to another; and Mrs. Bennet
found, with amazement and horror, that
her husband would not advance a guinea
35 to buy clothes for his daughter. He
protested that she should receive from
him no mark of affection whatever on the
occasion. Mrs. Bennet could hardly
comprehend it. That his anger could be
40 carried to such a point of inconceivable
resentment as to refuse his daughter a
privilege without which her marriage
would scarcely seem valid, exceeded all
she could believe possible. She was more
45 alive to the disgrace which her want of
new clothes must reflect on her
daughters nuptials, than to any sense of
shame at her eloping and living with
Wickham a fortnight before they took
50 place.
Elizabeth was now most heartily
sorry that she had, from the distress of
the moment, been led to make Mr. Darcy
55 acquainted with their fears for her sister;
for since her marriage would so shortly
give the proper termination to the
elopement, they might hope to conceal
its unfavourable beginning from all those
60 who were not immediately on the spot.
She had no fear of its spreading
farther through his means. There were
few people on whose secrecy she would
65 have more confidently depended; but, at
260
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
muselinas finas, nuevos criados y
nuevos carruajes. Estaba
ocupadsima buscando en la
vecindad una casa conveniente para
la pareja, y sin saber ni considerar
cules seran sus ingresos, rechaz
muchas por falta de amplitud o de
suntuosidad.
Haye Park deca ira muy bien
si los Gouldings lo dejasen; o la casa de
Stoke, si el saln fuese mayor; pero
Asworth est demasiado lejos! Yo no
podra resistir que viviese a diez millas de
distancia. En cuanto a la Quinta de Purvis,
los ticos son horribles.
Su marido la dejaba hablar sin
interrumpirla mientras los criados estaban
delante. Pero cuando se marcharon, le dijo:
Seora Bennet, antes de
tomar ninguna de esas casas o
todas ellas para tu hija, vamos a
dejar las cosas claras. Hay en esta
vecindad una casa donde nunca
sern admitidos. No animar el
X impudor de ninguno de los dos
recibindolos en Longbourn.
A esta declaracin sigui una larga
disputa, pero el seor Bennet se
mantuvo firme. Se pas de este punto a
otro y la seora Bennet vio con asombro
y horror que su marido no quera
adelantar ni una guinea para comprar el
traje de novia a su hija. Asegur que no
recibira de l ninguna prueba de afecto
en lo que a ese tema se refera. La seora
Bennet no poda comprenderlo; era
superior a las posibilidades de su
imaginacin que el rencor de su marido
llegase hasta el punto de negar a su hija
un privilegio sin el cual su matrimonio
apenas parecera vlido. Era ms
X sensible a la desgracia de que su hija
no tuviese vestido de novia que ponerse,
que a la vergenza de que se hubiese
fugado y hubiese vivido con Wickham
quince das antes de que la boda se
celebrara.
Elizabeth se arrepenta ms que nunca
de h a b e r c o m u n i c a d o a D a r c y ,
empujada por el dolor del mo-
mento, la accin de su hermana,
pues ya que la boda iba a cubrir el
escndalo de la fuga, era de
suponer que los ingratos
preliminares seran ocultados a
todos los que podan ignorarlos.
No tema la indiscrecin de
Darcy; pocas personas le
inspiraban ms confianza que l;
pero le mortificaba que supiese la

preclude impedir, excluir, descartar; to make
impossible by necessary consequence : rule
out in advance
his injury precludes him from being on the
national team, la lesin le impide formar
parte del equipo nacional
tolerable aceptable, soportable, pasable
Austen Pride
the same time, there was no one whose
knowledge of a sisters frailty would have
mortified her so muchnot, however,
from any fear of disadvantage from it
5 individually to herself, for, at any rate,
there seemed a gulf impassable between
them. Had Lydias marriage been
concluded on the most honourable terms,
it was not to be supposed that Mr. Darcy
10 would connect himself with a family
where, to every other objection, would
now be added an alliance and
relationship of the nearest kind with a
man whom he so justly scorned.
15
From such a connection she could not
wonder that he would shrink. The wish
of procuring her regard, which she had
assured herself of his feeling in
20 Derbyshire, could not in rational
expectation survive such a blow as this.
She was humbled, she was grieved; she
repented, though she hardly knew of
what. She became jealous of his esteem,
25 when she could no longer hope to be
benefited by it. She wanted to hear of
him, when there seemed the least chance
of gaining intelligence. She was
convinced that she could have been
30 happy with him, when it was no longer
likely they should meet.
What a triumph for him, as she often
thought, could he know that the proposals
35 which she had proudly spurned only four
months ago, would now have been most
gladly and gratefully received! He was
as generous, she doubted not, as the most
generous of his sex; but while he was
40 mortal, there must be a triumph.
She began now to comprehend that
he was exactly the man who, in
disposition and talents, would most suit
45 her. His understanding and temper,
though unlike her own, would have
answered all her wishes. It was an union
that must have been to the advantage of
both; by her ease and liveliness, his
50 mind might have been softened, his
manners improved; and from his
judgement, information, and knowledge
of the world, she must have received
benefit of greater importance.
55
But no such happy marriage could
now teach the admiring multitude
what connubial felicity really was. An
union of a dif ferent tendency, and
60 precluding the possibility of the other, was
soon to be formed in their family.
How Wickham and Lydia were to be
supported in tolerable independence,
65 she could not imagine. But how little of
261
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
flaqueza de su hermana. Y no por
el temor de que le acarrease a ella
ningn perjuicio, porque de todos
modos el abismo que pareca
mediar entre ambos era
invencible. Aunque el matrimonio
d e Ly d i a s e h u b i e s e a r r e g l a d o d e
la manera ms honrosa, no se
poda suponer que Darcy quisiera
emparentar con una familia que a
todos sus dems reparos iba a
aadir ahora la alianza ms ntima
con el hombre que con tanta
justicia Darcy despreciaba.
Ante una cosa as era natural
que Darcy retrocediera. El deseo
de ganarse el afecto de Elizabeth
que sta haba adivinado en l en
Derbyshire, no poda sobrevivir a
semejante golpe. Elizabeth se
senta humillada, entristecida, y
llena de vagos remordimientos.
Ansiaba su cario cuando ya no
poda esperar obtenerlo. Quera
saber de l cuando ya no haba la
ms mnima oportunidad de tener
noticias suyas. Estaba convencida
de que habra podido ser feliz con
l, cuando era probable que no se
v o l v i e r a n a v e r.
Qu triunfo para l pensaba
si supiera que las proposiciones
que desech con tanto orgullo hace slo
cuatro meses, las recibira ahora encantada.
No dudaba que era generoso
como el que ms, pero mientras
viviese, aquello tena que
constituir para l un triunfo.
Empez entonces a comprender que
Darcy era exactamente, por su modo de ser
y su talento, el hombre que ms le habra
convenido. El entendimiento y el carcter
de Darcy, aunque no semejantes a los suyos,
habran colmado todos sus deseos. Su unin
habra sido ventajosa para ambos: con la
soltura y la viveza de ella, el temperamento
de l se habra suavizado y habran mejorado
sus modales. Y el juicio, la cultura y el
conocimiento del mundo que l posea le
habran reportado a ella importantes
beneficios.
Pero ese matrimonio ideal ya no podra
dar una leccin a las admiradoras multitudes
de lo que era la felicidad conyugal; la unin
que iba a efectuarse en la familia de
Elizabeth era muy diferente y exclua la
posibilidad de la primera.
No podan imaginar cmo se las
arreglaran Wickham y Lydia para
vivir con una pasable independencia;
 Austen Pride
permanent happiness could belong to a
couple who were only brought together
because their passions were stronger
than their virtue, she could easily
5 conjecture.
*****
Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his
10 brother . To Mr. Bennets
acknowledgments he briefly replied, with
assurance of his eagerness to promote the
welfare of any of his family; and
concluded with entreaties that the subject
15 might never be mentioned to him again.
The principal purport of his letter was to
inform them that Mr. Wickham had
resolved on quitting the militia.
20 It was greatly my wish that he should
do so, he added, as soon as his marriage
was fixed on. And I think you will agree
with me, in considering the removal from
that corps as highly advisable, both on
25 his account and my nieces. It is Mr.
Wickhams intention to go into the
regulars; and among his former friends,
there are still some who are able and
willing to assist him in the army. He has
30 the promise of an ensigncy in General
s regiment, now quartered in the
North. It is an advantage to have it so far
from this part of the kingdom. He
promises fairly; and I hope among
35 different people, where they may each
have a character to preserve, they will
both be more prudent. I have written to
Colonel Forster, to inform him of our
present arrangements, and to request that
40 he will satisfy the various creditors of Mr.
Wickham in and near Brighton, with
assurances of speedy payment, for which
I have pledged myself. And will you give X
yourself the trouble of carrying similar
45 assurances to his creditors in Meryton,
of whom I shall subjoin a list according
to his information? He has given in all
his debts; I hope at least he has not
deceived us. Haggerston has our
50 directions, and all will be completed in a
week. They will then join his regiment,
unless they are first invited to
Longbourn; and I understand from Mrs.
Gardiner, that my niece is very desirous
55 of seeing you all before she leaves the
South. She is well, and begs to be
dutifully remembered to you and your
mother.Yours, etc.,
60 E. GARDINER.
Mr. Bennet and his daughters saw all
the advantages of Wickhams removal
from the shire as clearly as Mr.
65 Gardiner could do. But Mrs. Bennet was
262
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
pero no le era difcil conjeturar lo
poco estable que haba de ser la
felicidad de una pareja unida
nicamente porque sus pasiones eran
ms fuertes que su virtud.
El seor Gardiner no tard en volver
a escribir a su cuado. Contestaba
brevemente al agradecimiento del seor
Bennet diciendo que su mayor deseo
era contribuir al bienestar de toda su
familia y terminaba rogando que no se
volviese a hablar ms del tema. El
principal objeto de la carta era
informarle de que Wickham haba
resuelto abandonar el regimiento.
Tena muchas ganas de que lo hiciese
aada cuando ultimamos el
matrimonio; y creo que convendrs
conmigo en que su salida de ese Cuerpo
es altamente provechosa tanto para l
como para mi sobrina. La intencin del
seor Wickham es entrar en el Ejrcito
regular, y entre sus antiguos amigos hay
quien puede y quiere ayudarle a
conseguirlo. Se le ha prometido el grado
de alfrez en el regimiento del general X,
actualmente acuartelado en el Norte. Es
mucho mejor que se aleje de esta parte
del reino. l promete firmemente, y espero
que sea as, que hallndose entre otras
gentes ante las cuales no debern
desacreditarse, los dos sern ms
prudentes. He escrito al coronel Forster
participndole nuestros arreglos y
su p l i c n d o l e q u e d i g a a l o s
diversos acreedores del seor
Wickham en Brighton y sus alrededores,
que se les pagar inmediatamente bajo mi
responsabilidad. Te importara tomarte la molestia
de dar las mismas seguridades a los
acreedores de Meryton, de los que te mando
una lista de acuerdo con lo que el seor Wick-
ham me ha indicado? Nos ha confesado
todas sus deudas y espero que al menos en
esto no nos haya engaado. Haggerston tiene
ya instrucciones y dentro de una semana
estar todo listo. Entonces el seor
Wickham se incorporar a su regimiento,
a no ser que primero se le invite a ir a
Longbourn, pues me dice mi mujer que
Lydia tiene muchos deseos de veros a
todos antes de dejar el Sur. Est muy bien
y os ruega sumisamente que os acordis
de ella su madre y t.
Tuyo,
E. Gardiner.
El seor Bennet y sus hijas
comprendieron las ventajas de que
Wickham saliese de la guarnicin del
condado tan claramente como el seor
 Austen Pride
not so well pleased with it. Lydias being
settled in the North, just when she had
expected most pleasure and pride in her
company, for she had by no means given
5 up her plan of their residing in
Hertfordshire, was a severe
disappointment; and, besides, it was
such a pity that Lydia should be taken
from a regiment where she was
10 acquainted with everybody, and had so
many favourites.
She is so fond of Mrs. Forster, said
she, it will be quite shocking to send her
15 away! And there are several of the young
men, too, that she likes very much. The
officers may not be so pleasant in
Generals regiment. general X no sean tan simpticos.
20 His daughters request, for such it
might be considered, of being admitted
into her family again before she set off
for the North, received at first an absolute
negative. But Jane and Elizabeth, who
25 agreed in wishing, for the sake of their
sisters feelings and consequence, that
she should be noticed on her marriage by
her parents, urged him so earnestly yet
so rationally and so mildly, to receive her
30 and her husband at Longbourn, as soon
as they were married, that he was
prevailed on to think as they thought, and
act as they wished. And their mother had
the satisfaction of knowing that she
35 would be able to show her married
daughter in the neighbourhood before she
was banished to the North. When Mr.
Bennet wrote again to his brother, X
therefore, he sent his permission for them
40 to come; and it was settled, that as soon
as the ceremony was over, they should
proceed to Longbourn. Elizabeth was
surprised, however, that Wickham should
consent to such a scheme, and had she
45 consulted only her own inclination, any
meeting with him would have been the
last object of her wishes.
50
55 Chapter 51
Their sisters wedding day arrived;
and Jane and Elizabeth felt for her
probably more than she felt for herself.
60 The carriage was sent to meet them at
, and they were to return in it by dinner-
time. Their arrival was dreaded by the
elder Miss Bennets, and Jane more
especially, who gave Lydia the feelings
65 which would have attended herself, had
263
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Gardiner; pero la seora Bennet no estaba
tan satisfecha como ellos. Le disgustaba
mucho que Lydia se estableciese en el
Norte precisamente cuando ella esperaba
con placer y orgullo disfrutar de su
compaa, pues no haba renunciado a su
ilusin de que residiera en Hertfordshire.
Y adems era una lstima que Lydia se
separase de un regimiento donde todos la
conocan y donde tena tantos
admiradores.
Quiere tanto a la seora
F o r s t e r, q u e l e s e r m u y d u r o
abandonarla. Y, adems, hay varios
muchachos que le gustan. Puede que
los oficiales del regimiento del
La splica pues como tal haba
de considerarse de su hija de ser
admitida de nuevo en la familia antes
de partir para el Norte fue al principio
rotundamente denegada; pero Jane y
Elizabeth, por los sentimientos y por
el porvenir de su hermana, deseaban
que notificase su matrimonio a sus
padres en persona, e insistieron con tal
inters, suavidad y dulzura en que el
seor Bennet accediese a recibirles a
ella y a su marido en Longbourn despus
de la boda, que le convencieron. De
modo que la seora Bennet tuvo la
satisfaccin de saber que podran
presentar a la vecindad a su hija casada
antes de que fuese desterrada al Norte.
En consecuencia, cuando el seor
Bennet volvi a escribir a su cuado, le
dio permiso para que la pareja
viniese, y se determin que al acabar
la ceremonia saldran para
Longbourn. Elizabeth se quej de
que Wickham aceptase este plan, y
si se hubiese guiado slo por sus
propios deseos, Wickham sera para
ella la ltima persona con quien
querra encontrarse.
Captulo LI
Lleg el da de la boda de Lydia,
y Jane y Elizabeth se interesaron por
ella probablemente ms que ella
misma. Se envi el coche a buscarlos
a X, y volvera con ellos a la hora de
comer. J a n e y E l i z a b e t h t e m a n s u
l l e g a d a , e s p e c i a l m e n t e Jane, que
supona en Lydia los mismos senti-
mientos que a ella la habran
 Austen Pride
she been the culprit, and was wretched
in the thought of what her sister must
endure.
5 They came. The family were
assembled in the breakfast room to
receive them. Smiles decked the face of
Mrs. Bennet as the carriage drove up to
the door; her husband looked
10 impenetrably grave; her daughters,
alarmed, anxious, uneasy.
Lydias voice was heard in the
vestibule; the door was thrown open, and
15 she ran into the room. Her mother
stepped forwards, embraced her, and
welcomed her with rapture; gave her
hand, with an affectionate smile, to
Wickham, who followed his lady; and
20 wished them both joy with an alacrity
which shewed no doubt of their
happiness.
Their reception from Mr. Bennet, to whom
25 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,
dusgust el sustantivo disgust es asco, repug- was enough to provoke him. Elizabeth was
nancia, aversin, mientras que disgusto tra- 30 disgusted, and even Miss Bennet was
duce displeasure, misfortune, argument,
minor quarrel, trouble, sorrow; el adjetivo
shocked. Lydia was Lydia still; untamed,
disgusted es hastiado, asqueado, indignado, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless. She
mientras que disgustado es annoyed, turned from sister to sister, demanding
displeased, angry. their congratulations; and when at length
unabashed adj. 1 inmutable, imperturbable 2 35 they all sat down, looked eagerly round
descarado 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.
40
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
45 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
50 she sat down, resolving within herself to
impudence insolencia, descaro, impudencia, draw no limits in future to the impudence
desvergenza, atrevimiento, desplante, osa-
da, desparpajo of an impudent man. She blushed, and
impudent no es impudente (desvergonzado, sin Jane blushed; but the cheeks of the two
pudor) sino atrevido, descarado, insolente, who caused their confusion suffered no
mientras que impudente es immodest,
55 variation of colour.
shameless, desvengorzado
There was no want of discourse. The
bride and her mother could neither of
them talk fast enough; and Wickham, who
60 happened to sit near Elizabeth, began
inquiring after his acquaintance in that
neighbourhood, with a good humoured
ease which she felt very unable to equal
in her replies. They seemed each of them
65 to have the happiest memories in the
264
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
e m b a rg a d o s i h u b i e s e s i d o l a
culpable, y se atormentaba pensando
en lo que Lydia deba sufrir.
Llegaron. La familia estaba reunida en
el saloncillo esperndolos. La sonrisa
adornaba el rostro de la seora Bennet
cuando el coche se detuvo frente a la
puerta; su marido estaba
impenetrablemente serio, y sus hijas,
alarmadas, ansiosas e inquietas.
S e o y l a v o z d e Ly d i a e n e l
vestbulo; se abri la puerta y la recin
casada entr en la habitacin. Su madre
se levant, la abraz y le dio con
entusiasmo la bienvenida, tendindole la
mano a Wickham que segua a su mujer,
desendoles a ambos la mayor felicidad,
con una presteza que demostraba su
conviccin de que sin duda seran
felices.
El recibimiento del seor Bennet,
hacia quien se dirigieron luego, ya no fue
tan cordial. Reafirm su seriedad y apenas
abri los labios. La tranquilidad de la
joven pareja era realmente suficiente para
provocarle. A Elizabeth le daban
vergenza e incluso Jane estaba
escandalizada. Lydia segua siendo
Lydia: indmita, descarada, insensata,
chillona y atrevida. Fue de hermana en
hermana pidindoles que la felicitaran, y
cuando al fin se sentaron todos, mir con
avidez por toda la estancia, notando que
haba habido un pequeo cambio, y,
soltando una carcajada, dijo que haca un
montn de tiempo que no estaba all.
Wickham no pareca menos contento
que ella; pero sus modales seguan siendo
tan agradables que si su modo de ser y su
boda hubieran sido como deban, sus
sonrisas y sus desenvueltos ademanes al
reclamar el reconocimiento de su
parentesco por parte de sus cuadas, les
habran seducido a todas. Elizabeth nunca
crey que fuese capaz de tanta
desfachatez, pero se sent decidida a no
fijar lmites en adelante a la desvergenza
de un desvergonzado. Tanto Jane como
ella estaban ruborizadas, pero las mejillas
de los causantes de su turbacin
permanecan inmutables.
No falt la conversacin. La novia
y la madre hablaban sin respiro, y
Wickham, que se sent al lado de
Elizabeth, comenz a preguntar por sus
conocidos de la vecindad con una
alegra y buen humor, que ella no habra
podido igualar en sus respuestas. Tanto
Lydia como Wickham parecan tener
unos recuerdos maravillosos.
 Austen Pride
world. N o t h i n g o f t h e p a s t w a s
recollected with pain; and Lydia led
voluntarily to subjects which her
sisters would not have alluded to for
5 the world.
Only think of its being three
months, she cried, since I went away;
it seems but a fortnight I declare; and yet
10 there have been things enough happened
in the time. Good gracious! when I went
away, I am sure I had no more idea of
being married till I came back again!
though I thought it would be very good
15 fun if I was.
Her father lifted up his eyes. Jane was
distressed. Elizabeth looked expressively
at Lydia; but she, who never heard nor
20 saw anything of which she chose to be
insensible, gaily continued, Oh!
mamma, do the people hereabouts know
I am married to-day? I was afraid they
might not; and we overtook William
25 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
30 might see the ring, and then I bowed and
smiled like anything.
Elizabeth could bear it no longer. She
got up, and ran out of the room; and
35 returned no more, till she heard them
passing through the hall to the dining
parlour. She then joined them soon
enough to see Lydia, with anxious parade,
walk up to her mother s right hand, and
40 hear her say to her eldest sister, Ah!
Jane, I take your place now, and you must
go lower, because I am a married
woman.
45 It was not to be supposed that time
would give Lydia that embarrassment
from which she had been so wholly free
at first. Her ease and good spirits
increased. She longed to see Mrs.
50 Phillips, the Lucases, and all their other
neighbours, and to hear herself called
Mrs. Wickham by each of them; and
in the mean time, she went after dinner
to show her ring, and boast of being
55 married, to Mrs. Hill and the two
housemaids.
Well, mamma, said she, when they
were all returned to the breakfast room,
60 and what do you think of my husband?
Is not he a charming man? I am sure my
sisters must all envy me. I only hope they
may have half my good luck. They must
all go to Brighton. That is the place to
65 get husbands. What a pity it is, mamma,
265
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Recordaban todo lo pasado sin ningn
pesar, y ella hablaba voluntariamente
de cosas a las que sus hermanas no
habran hecho alusin por nada del
mundo.
Ya h a n p a s a d o t r e s m e s e s
desde que me fui! exclam. Y
parece que fue hace slo quince
das! Y, sin embargo, cuntas cosas
han ocurrido! Dios mo! Cuando
me fui no tena ni idea de que
cuando volviera iba a estar casada;
aunque pensaba que sera
divertidsimo que as fuese.
Su padre alz los ojos; Jane
estaba angustiada; Elizabeth mir a
Lydia significativamente, pero ella,
que nunca vea ni oa lo que no le
interesaba, continu alegremente:
Mam, sabe la gente de por
aqu que me he casado? Me tema
que no, y por eso, cuando adelanta-
m o s e l c a r r u a j e d e Wi l l i a m
Goulding, quise que se enterase; baj
el cristal que quedaba a su lado y me
quit el guante y apoy la mano en
el marco de la ventanilla para que me
viese el anillo. Entonces le salud y
sonre como si nada.
Elizabeth no lo aguant ms. Se
levant y se fue a su cuarto y no
baj hasta or que pasaban por el
vestbulo en direccin al comedor.
Lleg a tiempo de ver cmo Lydia,
pavonendose, se colocaba en la
mesa al lado derecho de su madre y
le deca a su hermana mayor:
Jane, ahora me corresponde a m
tu puesto. T pasas a segundo lugar,
porque yo soy una seora casada.
No caba suponer que el tiempo
diese a Lydia aquella mesura de la que
siempre haba carecido. Su
tranquilidad de espritu y su desenfado
iban en aumento. Estaba impaciente
por ver a la seora Philips, a los Lucas
y a todos los dems vecinos, para or
cmo la llamaban seora Wickham.
Mientras tanto, despus de comer, fue
a ensear su anillo de boda a la seora
Hill y a las dos criadas para presumir
de casada.
Bien, mam dijo cuando todos
volvieron al saloncillo , qu te
parece mi marido? No es encantador?
Estoy segura de que todas mis
hermanas me envidian; slo deseo que
tengan la mitad de suerte que yo.
Deberan ir a Brighton; es un sitio ideal
para conseguir marido. Qu pena que
 Austen Pride
we did not all go.
Very true; and if I had my will, we
should. But my dear Lydia, I dont at all
5 like your going such a way off. Must it
be so?
Oh, lord! yes;there is nothing in
that. I shall like it of all things. You and
10 papa, and my sisters, must come down
and see us. We shall be at Newcastle all
the winter, and I dare say there will be
some balls, and I will take care to get
good partners for them all.
15
I should like it beyond anything!
said her mother.
And then when you go away, you
20 may leave one or two of my sisters behind
you; and I dare say I shall get husbands
for them before the winter is over.
I thank you for my share of the
25 favour, said Elizabeth; but I do not
particularly like your way of getting
husbands.
Their visitors were not to remain
30 above ten days with them. Mr. Wickham
had received his commission before he
left London, and he was to join his
regiment at the end of a fortnight.
35 No one but Mrs. Bennet regretted that
their stay would be so short; and she
made the most of the time by visiting
about with her daughter, and having very
frequent parties at home. These parties
40 were acceptable to all; to avoid a family
circle was even more desirable to such
as did think, than such as did not.
Wickhams affection for Lydia was
45 just what Elizabeth had expected to find
it; not equal to Lydias for him. She had
scarcely needed her present observation
to be satisfied, from the reason of things,
that their elopement had been brought on
50 by the strength of her love, rather than
by his; and she would have wondered
why, without violently caring for her, he
render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen- chose to elope with her at all, had she
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en-
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter not felt certain that his flight was
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered 55 rendered necessary by distress of
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.),
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks; circumstances; and if that were the case,
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give he was not the young man to resist an
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4 opportunity of having a companion.
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.).
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc.
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.) 60 Lydia was exceedingly fond of him.
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c He was her dear Wickham on every
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt occasion; no one was to be put in
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting. competition with him. He did every thing
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up, best in the world; and she was sure he
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are 65 would kill more birds on the first of
Caesars). b show (obedience).
266
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
no hayamos ido todos!
Es verdad. Si yo mandase,
habramos ido. Lydia, querida ma, no
me gusta nada que te vayas tan lejos.
Tiene que ser as?
Oh, Seor! S, no hay ms
remedio. Pero me gustar mucho. T,
pap y mis hermanas tenis que venir
a vernos. Estaremos en Newcastle todo
el invierno, y habr seguramente
algunos bailes; procurar conseguir
buenas parejas para todas.
Eso es lo que ms me gustara!
suspir su madre.
Y cuando regresis, que se queden
con nosotros una o dos de mis hermanas, y
estoy segura de que les habr encontrado
marido antes de que acabe el invierno:
Te agradezco la i n t e n c i n
repuso Elizabeth, pero no me gusta
mucho que digamos tu manera de
conseguir marido.
Los invitados iban a estar en Longbourn
diez das solamente. Wickham haba
recibido su destino antes de salir de
Londres y tena que incorporarse a su
regimiento dentro de una quincena.
Nadie, excepto la seora Bennet, senta
que su estancia fuese tan corta. La mayor
parte del tiempo se lo pas en hacer visitas
acompaada de su hija y en organizar
fiestas en la casa. Las fiestas eran gratas a
todos; evitar el crculo familiar era an ms
deseable para los que pensaban que para
los que no pensaban.
El cario de Wickham por Lydia era
exactamente tal como Elizabeth se lo haba
imaginado, y muy distinto que el de Lydia
por l. No necesit Elizabeth ms que
observar un poco a su hermana para darse
cuenta de que la fuga haba obedecido ms
al amor de ella por l que al de l por ella.
Se habra extraado de que Wickham se
hubiera fugado con una mujer hacia la que
no senta ninguna atraccin especial, si no
hubiese tenido por cierto que la mala
situacin en que se encontraba le haba
impuesto aquella accin, y no era l hombre,
en semejante caso, para rehuir la opor-
tunidad de tener una compaera.
Ly d i a e s t a b a l o c a p o r l ; s u
querido Wickham no se la caa de
la boca, era el hombre ms perfecto
del mundo y todo lo que haca estaba
bien hecho. Aseguraba que a
p r i m e r o s d e s e p t i e m b r e Wi c k h a m
 Austen Pride
September, than any body else in the
country.
One morning, soon after their arrival,
5 as she was sitting with her two elder
sisters, she said to Elizabeth:
Lizzy, I never gave YOU an account
of my wedding, I believe. You were not
10 by, when I told mamma and the others
all about it. Are not you curious to hear
how it was managed?
No really, replied Elizabeth; I
15 think there cannot be too little said on
the subject.
La! You are so strange! But I must
tell you how it went off. We were
20 married, you know, at St. Clements,
because Wickhams lodgings were in that
parish. And it was settled that we should
all be there by eleven oclock. My uncle
and aunt and I were to go together; and
25 the others were to meet us at the church.
Well, Monday morning came, and I was
in such a fuss! I was so afraid, you know,
that something would happen to put it off,
and then I should have gone quite
distracted 1 : mentally confused, troubled, or 30 distracted. And there was my aunt, all
remote 2 : maddened or deranged especially the time I was dressing, preaching and
by grief or anxiety talking away just as if she was reading a
1 confuso, perplejo, aturdido, 2 desconsuelo sermon. However, I did not hear above
[distress]
one word in ten, for I was thinking, you
35 may suppose, of my dear Wickham. I
longed to know whether he would be
married in his blue coat.
Well, and so we breakfasted at ten
40 as usual; I thought it would never be over;
for, by the bye, you are to understand,
that my uncle and aunt were horrid
unpleasant all the time I was with them.
If youll believe me, I did not once put
45 my foot out of doors, though I was there
a fortnight. Not one party, or scheme, or
anything. To be sure London was rather
thin, but, however, the Little Theatre was
open. Well, and so just as the carriage
50 came to the door, my uncle was called
away upon business to that horrid man
Mr. Stone. And then, you know, when
once they get together, there is no end of
it. Well, I was so frightened I did not
55 know what to do, for my uncle was to
give me away; and if we were beyond the
hour, we could not be married all day.
But, luckily, he came back again in ten
minutes time, and then we all set out.
60 However, I recollected afterwards that if
he had been prevented going, the
wedding need not be put off, for Mr.
Darcy might have done as well.
65 Mr. Darcy! repeated Elizabeth, in
267
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
matara ms pjaros que nadie de la
comarca.
Una maana, poco despus de su llegada,
mientras estaba sentada con sus hermanas
mayores, Lydia le dijo a Elizabeth:
Creo que todava no te he
contado cmo fue mi boda. No
estabas presente cuando se la
expliqu a mam y a las otras. No
te interesa saberlo?
Realmente, no contest
Elizabeth; no deberas hablar
mucho de ese asunto.
Ay, qu rara eres! Pero quiero
contrtelo. Ya sabes que nos casamos
en San Clemente, porque el
alojamiento de Wickham perteneca
a esa parroquia. Habamos acordado
estar todos all a las once. Mis tos y
yo tenamos que ir juntos y reunirnos
con los dems en la iglesia. Bueno;
lleg la maana del lunes y yo estaba
q u e n o v e a . S a b e s ? Te n a u n
miedo de que pasara algo que lo
e c h a s e t o d o a p e r d e r, m e h a b r a
vuelto loca! Mientras me vest, mi ta
me estuvo predicando dale que dale
como si me estuviera leyendo un
sermn. Pero yo no escuch ni la
dcima parte de sus palabras porque,
como puedes suponer, pensaba en mi
querido Wickham, y en si se pondra
su traje azul para la boda.
Bueno; desayunamos a las diez, como
de costumbre. Yo cre que aquello no
acabara nunca, porque has de saber que
los tos estuvieron pesadsimos conmigo
durante todo el tiempo que pas con ellos.
Creme, no puse los pies fuera de casa en
los quince das; ni una fiesta, ninguna
excursin, nada! La verdad es que
Londres no estaba muy animado; pero el
Little Theatre estaba abierto. En cuanto
lleg el coche a la puerta, mi to tuvo que
atender a aquel horrible seor Stone para
cierto asunto. Y ya sabes que en cuanto
se encuentran, la cosa va para largo.
Bueno, yo tena tanto miedo que no saba
qu hacer, porque mi to iba a ser el
padrino, y si llegbamos despus de la
hora, ya no podramos casarnos aquel da.
Pero, afortunadamente, mi to estuvo listo
a los dos minutos y salimos para la iglesia.
Pero despus me acord de que si to
Gardiner no hubiese podido ir a la boda,
de todos modos no se habra suspendido,
porque el seor Darcy poda haber
ocupado su lugar.
El seor Darcy! repiti Elizabeth
 Austen Pride
utter amazement.
Oh, yes!he was to come there with
Wickham, you know. But gracious me! I
5 quite forgot! I ought not to have said a
word about it. I promised them so
faithfully! What will Wickham say? It
was to be such a secret!
10 If it was to be secret, said Jane, say
not another word on the subject. You may
depend upon my seeking no further.
Oh! certainly, said Elizabeth,
15 though burning with curiosity; we will
ask you no questions.
Thank you, said Lydia, for if you
did, I should certainly tell you all, and
20 then Wickham would be angry.
On such encouragement to ask,
Elizabeth was forced to put it out of her
power, by running away.
25
But to live in ignorance on such a
point was impossible; or at least it was
impossible not to try for information. Mr.
Darcy had been at her sisters wedding.
30 It was exactly a scene, and exactly among
people, where he had apparently least
to do, and least temptation to go .
Conjectures as to the meaning of it,
rapid and wild, hurried into her brain;
35 but she was satisfied with none. Those
that best pleased her, as placing his
conduct in the noblest light, seemed
most improbable. She could not bear
such suspense; and hastily seizing a
40 sheet of paper, wrote a short letter to
her aunt, to request an explanation of
w h a t Ly d i a h a d d r o p t , i f i t w e r e
compatible with the secrecy which had
been intended.
45
You may readily comprehend, she
added, what my curiosity must be to
know how a person unconnected with
any of us, and (comparatively
50 speaking) a stranger to our family,
should have been amongst you at such
a time. Pray write instantly, and let me
understand itunless it is, for very
cogent convincente, contundente c ogent reasons, to remain in the secrecy
55 which Lydia seems to think necessary; and
then I must endeavour to be satisfied with
ignorance.
Not that I SHALL, though, she
60 added to herself, as she finished the
letter; and my dear aunt, if you do not
tell me in an honourable manner, I shall
certainly be reduced to tricks and
stratagems to find it out.
65
268
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
con total asombro.
Claro! Acompaaba a Wickham,
ya sabes. Pero a y d e m , s e m e
haba olvidado! No deb
decirlo. Se lo promet
fielmente. Qu dir
Wi c k h a m ? E r a u n s e c r e t o !
Si era un secreto dijo
Jane no digas ni una palabra
m s . Yo n o q u i e r o s a b e r l o .
Naturalmente aadi Elizabeth, a
pesar de que se mora de curiosidad, no
te preguntaremos nada.
Gracias dijo Lydia, porque
si me preguntis, os lo contara todo
y Wickham se enfadara.
Con semejante incentivo para
sonsacarle, Elizabeth se abstuvo de hacerlo
y para huir de la tentacin se march.
Pero ignorar aquello era
imposible o, por lo menos, lo era
no tratar de informarse. Darcy
h a b a a s i s t i d o a l a b o d a d e Ly d i a .
Tanto el hecho como sus protagonistas
parecan precisamente los menos indicados
para que Darcy se mezclase con ellos.
Por su cabeza cruzaron rpidas y
confusas conjeturas sobre lo que aquello
significaba, pero ninguna le pareci
aceptable. Las que ms le complacan,
porque enaltecan a Darcy, eran
aparentemente improbables. No poda
soportar tal incertidumbre, por lo que se
apresur y cogi una hoja de papel para
escribir una breve carta a su ta pidindo-
le le aclarase lo que a Lydia se le haba
escapado, si era compatible con el
secreto del asunto.
Ya comprenders aada que
necesito saber por qu una persona
que no tiene nada que ver con nosotros
y que propiamente hablando es un
extrao para nuestra familia, ha estado
c o n v o s o t r o s e n e s e m o m e n t o . Te
suplico que me contestes a vuelta de
correo y me lo expliques, a no ser que
haya poderosas razones que impongan
el secreto que Lydia dice, en cuyo caso
tendr que tratar de resignarme con la
ignorancia.
Pero no lo har, se dijo a s
misma al acabar la carta; y
querida ta, si no me lo cuentas,
me ver obligada a recurrir a
tretas y estratagemas para
averiguarlo.
 Austen Pride
Janes delicate sense of honour would
not allow her to speak to Elizabeth
privately of what Lydia had let fall;
Elizabeth was glad of it;till it appeared
5 whether her inquiries would receive any
satisfaction, she had rather be without a
confidante.
10
15 Chapter 52
Elizabeth had the satisfaction of
receiving an answer to her letter as soon
as she possibly could. She was no sooner
20 in possession of it than, hurrying into the
little copse [soto], where she was least
likely to be interrupted, she sat down on
one of the benches and prepared to be
happy; for the length of the letter
25 convinced her that it did not contain a
denial.
Gracechurch street, Sept. 6.
30 MY DEAR NIECE,
I have just received your letter, and
shall devote this whole morning to
answering it, as I foresee that a LITTLE
35 writing will not comprise what I have to
tell you. I must confess myself surprised
by your application; I did not expect it
from YOU. Dont think me angry,
however, for I only mean to let you know
40 that I had not imagined such inquiries to
be necessary on YOUR side. If you do
not choose to understand me, forgive my
impertinence. Your uncle is as much
surprised as I amand nothing but the
45 belief of your being a party concerned
would have allowed him to act as he has
done. But if you are really innocent and
ignorant, I must be more explicit.
50 On the very day of my coming
home from Longbourn, your uncle had
a most unexpected visitor. Mr. Darcy
called, and was shut up with him
several hours. It was all over before I
55 arrived; so my curiosity was not so
dreadfully racked as YOURS seems to
have been. He came to tell Mr. Gardiner
that he had found out where your sister
and Mr. Wickham were, and that he had
60 seen and talked with them both; Wickham
repeatedly, Lydia once. From what I can
collect, he left Derbyshire only one day
after ourselves, and came to town with
the resolution of hunting for them. The
65 motive professed was his conviction of
269
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
El delicado sentido del honor de
Jane le impidi hablar a solas con
Elizabeth de lo que a Lydia se le
haba escapado. Elizabeth se alegr,
aunque de esta manera, si sus
pesquisas daban resultado, no podra
tener un confidente.
Captulo LII
Elizabeth tuvo la satisfaccin
de recibir inmediata respuesta a
s u c a r t a . _______ ___ _______ ______
X _________________Corri con ella al
sotillo, donde haba menos
probabilidades de que la molestaran,
se sent en un banco y se prepar a
ser feliz, pues la extensin de la carta
la convenci de que no contena una
negativa.
X Gracechurch Street, 8 de septiembre.
Mi querida sobrina:
Acabo de recibir tu carta y voy a
dedicar toda la maana a contestarla,
pues creo que en pocas palabras no
podr decirte lo mucho que tengo que
contarte. Debo confesar que me
sorprendi tu pregunta, pues no la
esperaba de ti. No te enfades, slo
deseo que sepas que no crea que tales
aclaraciones fueran necesarias por tu
parte. Si no quieres entenderme,
perdona mi impertinencia. Tu to est
tan sorprendido como yo, y slo por
la creencia de que eres parte
interesada se ha permitido obrar como
lo ha hecho. Pero por si efectivamente
eres inocente y no sabes nada de nada,
tendr que ser ms explcita.
El mismo da que llegu de
Longbourn, tu to haba tenido una
visita muy inesperada. El seor Darcy
vino y estuvo encerrado con l varias
horas. Cuando yo regres, ya estaba
todo arreglado; as que mi curiosidad
no padeci tanto como la tuya. Darcy
vino para decir a Gardiner que haba
descubierto el escondite de Wickham y tu
hermana, y que les haba visto y hablado
a los dos: a Wickham varias veces, a tu
hermana una solamente. Por lo que puedo
deducir, Darcy se fue de Derbyshire al da
siguiente de habernos ido nosotros y vino
a Londres con la idea de buscarlos. El
motivo que dio es que se reconoca

disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame;
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon-
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa
Austen Pride
its being owing to himself that
Wickhams worthlessness had not been
so well known as to make it impossible
for any young woman of character to love
5 or confide in him. He generously imputed
the whole to his mistaken pride, and
confessed that he had before thought it
beneath him to lay his private actions
open to the world. His character was to
10 speak for itself. He called it, therefore,
his duty to step forward, and endeavour
to remedy an evil which had been brought
on by himself. If he HAD ANOTHER
motive, I am sure it would never disgrace
15 him. He had been some days in town,
before he was able to discover them; but
he had something to direct his search,
which was more than WE had; and the
consciousness of this was another reason
20 for his resolving to follow us.
There is a lady, it seems, a Mrs.
Younge, who was some time ago
governess to Miss Darcy, and was
25 dismissed from her charge on some cause
of disapprobation, though he did not say
what. She then took a large house in
Edward-street, and has since maintained
herself by letting lodgings. This Mrs.
30 Younge was, he knew, intimately
acquainted with Wickham; and he went
to her for intelligence of him as soon as
he got to town. But it was two or three
days before he could get from her what
35 he wanted. She would not betray her
trust, I suppose, without bribery and
corruption, for she really did know where
her friend was to be found. Wickham
indeed had gone to her on their first
40 arrival in London, and had she been able
to receive them into her house, they
would have taken up their abode with her.
At length, however, our kind friend
procured the wished-for direction. They
45 were in street. He saw Wickham,
and afterwards insisted on seeing Lydia.
His first object with her, he
acknowledged, had been to persuade her
to quit her present disgraceful situation, X
50 and return to her friends as soon as they
could be prevailed on to receive her,
offering his assistance, as far as it would
go. But he found Lydia absolutely
resolved on remaining where she was.
55 She cared for none of her friends; she
wanted no help of his; she would not hear
of leaving Wickham. She was sure they
should be married some time or other,
and it did not much signify when. Since
60 such were her feelings, it only remained,
he thought, to secure and expedite a
marriage, which, in his very first
conversation with Wickham, he easily
learnt had never been HIS design. He
65 confessed himself obliged to leave the
270
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
culpable de que la infamia de
Wi c k h a m no hubiese sido
suficientemente conocida para
impedir que una muchacha decente le
amase o se confiara a l. Genero-
samente lo imput todo a su ciego
o rg u l l o , d i c i e n d o q u e a n t e s h a b a
juzgado indigno de l publicar sus
asuntos privados. Su conducta
hablara por l. Por lo tanto crey su
deber intervenir y poner remedio a un
mal que l mismo haba ocasionado.
Si tena otro motivo, estoy segura de
que no era deshonroso... Haba pasado
varios das en la capital sin poder dar
con ellos, pero tena una pista que
poda guiarle y que era ms importante
que todas las nuestras y que, adems,
fue otra de las razones que le
impulsaron a venir a vernos.
Parece ser que hay una seora, una
tal seora Younge, que tiempo atrs fue
el aya de la seorita Darcy, y hubo que
destituirla de su cargo por alguna causa
censurable que l no nos dijo. Al
separarse de la familia Darcy, la seora
Younge tom una casa grande en
Edwards Street y desde entonces se gan
la vida alquilando habitaciones. Darcy
saba que esa seora Younge tena
estrechas relaciones con Wickham, y a
ella acudi en busca de noticias de ste
en cuanto lleg a la capital. Pero pasaron
dos o tres das sin que pudiera obtener
de dicha seora lo que necesitaba.
Supongo que no quiso hablar hasta que
le sobornaran, pues, en realidad, saba
desde el principio en dnde estaba su
amigo. Wickham, en efecto, acudi a ella
a su llegada a Londres, y si hubiese
habido lugar en su casa, all se habra
alojado. Pero, al fin, nuestro buen
amigo consigui la direccin que
buscaba. Estaban en la calle X. Vio a
Wickham y luego quiso ver a Lydia.
Nos confes que su primer propsito
era convencerla de que saliese de
aquella desdichada situacin y volvie-
se al seno de su familia si se poda
conseguir que la recibieran, y le ofreci
su ayuda en todo lo que estuviera a su
alcance. Pero encontr a Lydia absoluta-
mente decidida a seguir tal como estaba.
Su familia no le importaba un comino y
rechaz la ayuda de Darcy; no quera or
hablar de abandonar a Wickham; estaba
convencida de que se casaran alguna vez
y le tena sin cuidado saber cundo. En
vista de esto, Darcy pens que lo nico
que haba que hacer era facilitar y asegu-
rar el matrimonio; en su primer dilogo
con Wickham, vio que el matrimonio no
entraba en los clculos de ste. Wickham
confes que se haba visto obligado a
 Austen Pride
regiment, on account of some debts of
honour, which were very pressing; and
scrupled not to lay all the ill-
consequences of Lydias flight on her
5 own folly alone. He meant to resign his
commission immediately; and as to his
future situation, he could conjecture very
little about it. He must go somewhere,
but he did not know where, and he knew
10 he should have nothing to live on.
Mr. Darcy asked him why he had
not married your sister at once. Though
Mr. Bennet was not imagined to be very
15 rich, he would have been able to do
something for him, and his situation
must have been benefited by marriage.
But he found, in reply to this question,
that Wickham still cherished the hope
20 of more effectually making his fortune
by marriage in some other country.
Under such circumstances, however, he
was not likely to be proof against the
temptation of immediate relief.
25
They met several times, for there
was much to be discussed. Wickham of
course wanted more than he could get;
but at length was reduced to be
30 reasonable.
Every thing being settled between
THEM, Mr. Darcys next step was to
make your uncle acquainted with it, and
35 he first called in Gracechurch street the
evening before I came home. But Mr.
Gardiner could not be seen, and Mr.
Darcy found, on further inquiry, that your
father was still with him, but would quit
40 town the next morning. He did not judge
your father to be a person whom he could
so properly consult as your uncle, and
therefore readily postponed seeing him
till after the departure of the former. He
45 did not leave his name, and till the next
day it was only known that a gentleman
had called on business.
On Saturday he came again. Your
50 father was gone, your uncle at home, and,
as I said before, they had a great deal of
talk together.
They met again on Sunday, and then
55 I saw him too. It was not all settled before
Monday: as soon as it was, the express
was sent off to Longbourn. But our
visitor was very obstinate. I fancy, Lizzy,
that obstinacy is the real defect of his
60 character, after all. He has been accused
of many faults at different times, but
THIS is the true one. Nothing was to be
done that he did not do himself; though I
am sure (and I do not speak it to be
65 thanked, therefore say nothing about it),
271
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
abandonar el regimiento debido a ciertas
deudas de honor que le apremiaban; no
tuvo el menor escrpulo en echar la culpa
a la locura de Lydia todas las desdichadas
consecuencias de la huida. Dijo que
renunciara inmediatamente a su empleo,
y en cuanto al porvenir, no saba qu iba
a ser de l; deba irse a alguna parte, pero
no saba dnde y reconoci que no tena
dnde caerse muerto.
El seor Darcy le pregunt por qu no
se haba casado con tu hermana en el acto.
Aunque el seor Bennet no deba de ser muy
rico, algo podra hacer por l y su situacin
mejorara con el matrimonio. Pero por la
contestacin que dio Wickham, Darcy
comprendi que todava acariciaba la
esperanza de conseguir una fortuna ms
slida casndose con otra muchacha en
algn otro pas; no obstante, y dadas las
circunstancias en que se hallaba, no pareca
muy reacio a la tentacin de obtener una
solucin inmediata.
Se entrevistaron repetidas veces
porque haba muchas cosas que discutir.
Wickham, desde luego, necesitaba mucho
ms de lo que poda drsele, pero al fin se
prest a ser razonable.
Cuando todo estuvo convenido
entre ellos, lo primero que hizo el seor
Darcy fue informar a tu to, por lo cual
vino a Gracechurch Street por vez
primera, la tarde anterior a mi llegada.
Pero no pudo ver a Gardiner. Darcy
averigu que tu padre segua an en
nuestra casa, pero que iba a marcharse
al da siguiente. No crey que tu padre
fuese persona ms a propsito que tu
to para tratar del asunto, y entonces
aplaz su visita hasta que tu padre se
hubo ido. No dej su nombre, y al otro
da supimos nicamente que haba
venido un caballero por una cuestin
de negocios.
El sbado volvi. Tu padre se
haba marchado y tu to estaba en
casa. Como he dicho antes, hablaron
largo rato los dos.
El domingo volvieron a reunirse y
entonces le vi yo tambin. Hasta el lunes
no estuvo todo decidido, y entonces fue
cuando se mand al propio a Longbourn.
Pero nuestro visitante se mostr muy
obstinado; te aseguro, Elizabeth, que la
obstinacin es el verdadero defecto de su
carcter. Le han acusado de muchas faltas
en varias ocasiones, pero sa es la nica
verdadera. Todo lo quiso hacer l por su
cuenta, a pesar de que tu to y no lo digo
para que me lo agradezcas, as que te ruego
 Austen Pride
your uncle would most readily have
settled the whole.
They battled it together for a long
5 time, which was more than either the
gentleman or lady concerned in it
deserved. But at last your uncle was
forced to yield, and instead of being
allowed to be of use to his niece, was
10 forced to put up with only having the
probable credit of it, which went sorely
against the grain; and I really believe
your letter this morning gave him great
pleasure, because it required an
15 explanation that would rob him of his
borrowed feathers, and give the praise
where it was due. But, Lizzy, this must
go no farther than yourself, or Jane at
most.
20
You know pretty well, I suppose,
what has been done for the young
people. His debts are to be paid,
amounting, I believe, to considerably
25 more than a thousand pounds, another
thousand in addition to her own settled
upon H E R , a n d h i s c o m m i s s i o n
purchased. The reason why all this was
to be done by him alone, was such as I
30 have given above. It was owing to him,
to his reserve and want of proper
consideration, that Wickhams character
had been so misunderstood, and
consequently that he had been received
35 and noticed as he was. Perhaps there was
some truth in THIS; though I doubt
whether HIS reserve, or ANYBODYS
reserve, can be answerable for the event.
But in spite of all this fine talking, my
40 dear Lizzy, you may rest perfectly
assured that your uncle would never
have yielded, if we had not given him
credit for ANOTHER INTEREST in the
affair.
45
When all this was resolved on, he
returned again to his friends, who were
still staying at Pemberley; but it was
agreed that he should be in London once
50 more when the wedding took place, and
all money matters were then to receive
the last finish.
I believe I have now told you every
55 thing. It is a relation which you tell me is
to give you great surprise; I hope at least
it will not afford you any displeasure.
Lydia came to us; and Wickham had
constant admission to the house. HE was
60 exactly what he had been, when I knew
him in Hertfordshire; but I would not tell
you how little I was satisfied with her
behaviour while she staid with us, if I had
not perceived, by Janes letter last
65 Wednesday, that her conduct on coming
272
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
no hables de ello lo habra arreglado
todo al instante.
Discutieron los dos mucho
tiempo, mucho ms de lo que merecan
el caballero y la seorita en cuestin.
Pero al cabo tu to se vio obligado a
ceder, y en lugar de permitirle que
fuese til a su sobrina, le redujo a
aparentarlo nicamente, por ms
disgusto que esto le causara a tu to.
As es que me figuro que tu carta de
esta maana le ha proporcionado un
gran placer al darle la oportunidad de
confesar la verdad y quitarse los
mritos que se deben a otro. Pero te
suplico que no lo divulgues y que,
como mximo, no se lo digas ms que
a Jane.
Me imagino que sabrs lo que
se ha hecho por esos jvenes. Se
han pagado las deudas de
Wi c k h a m , q u e a s c i e n d e n , s e g n
creo, a muchsimo ms de mil
libras; se han fijado otras mil para
a u m e n t a r l a d o t e d e Ly d i a , y s e l e
ha conseguido a l un empleo.
S e g n D a r c y, l a s r a z o n e s p o r l a s
cuales ha hecho todo esto son
nicamentee las que te he dicho
antes: por su reserva no se supo
q u i n e r a Wi c k h a m y s e l e r e c i b i
y consider de modo que no
mereca. Puede que haya algo de
verdad en esto, aunque yo no dudo
que ni la reserva de Darcy ni la
de nadie tenga nada que ver en el
asunto. Pero a pesar de sus
bonitas palabras, mi querida
Elizabeth, puedes estar segura de
que tu to jams habra cedido a no
haberle credo movido por otro
inters.
Cuando todo estuvo
resuelto, el seor Darcy regres
junto a sus amigos que seguan
e n P e m b e r l e y, p e r o p r o m e t i
volver a Londres para la boda
y para liquidar las gestiones
monetarias.
Creo que ya te lo he contado
todo. Si es cierto lo que dices, este
relato te habr de sorprender muchsi-
mo, pero me figuro que no te
d i s g u s t a r . Ly d i a v i n o a c a s a y
Wi c k h a m t u v o c o n s t a n t e a c c e s o a
ella. El era el mismo que conoc en
Hertfordshire, pero no te dira lo
mucho que me desagrad la conducta
de Lydia durante su permanencia en
nuestra casa, si no fuera porque la
carta de Jane del mircoles me dio a

flutter
I verbo intransitivo
1 (pjaro, insecto, hoja) revolotear
2 (bandera) ondear, flamear
3 (corazn) latir, palpitar
II verbo transitivo
1 (alas) batir, agitar
to flutter ones eyelashes, hacer ojitos
III nombre
1 revoloteo, palpitacin
2 fam GB Dep apuesta pequea
Austen Pride
home was exactly of a piece with it, and
therefore what I now tell you can give
you no fr esh pain. I talked to her
repeatedly in the most serious manner,
5 representing to her all the wickedness of
what she had done, and all the
unhappiness she had brought on her
family. If she heard me, it was by good
luck, for I am sure she did not listen. I
10 was sometimes quite provoked, but
then I recollected my dear Elizabeth and
Jane, and for their sakes had patience
with her.
15 Mr. Darcy was punctual in his
return, and as Lydia informed you,
attended the wedding. He dined with us
the next day, and was to leave town
again on Wednesday or Thursday. Will
20 you be very angry with me, my dear
Lizzy, if I take this opportunity of saying
(what I was never bold enough to
say before) how much I like him.
His behaviour to us has, in every
25 respect, been as pleasing as when we
were in Derbyshire. His
understanding and opinions all
please me; he wants nothing but a
little more liveliness, and THAT, if he
30 marry PRUDENTLY, his wife may teach
him. I thought him very sly [astuto/malicioso];
he hardly ever mentioned your name. But
slyness seems the fashion.
35 Pray forgive me if I have been very
presuming, or at least do not punish me
so far as to exclude me from P. I shall
never be quite happy till I have been all
round the park. A low phaeton, with a
40 nice little pair of ponies, would be the
very thing.
But I must write no more. The
children have been wanting me this half
45 hour.
Yours, very sincerely,
M. GARDINER.
50
The contents of this letter threw
Elizabeth into a flutter of spirits, in
which it was difficult to determine
whether pleasure or pain bore the
55 greatest share. The vague and unsettled
suspicions which uncertainty had
produced of what Mr. Darcy might have
been doing to forward her sisters match,
which she had feared to encourage as an
60 exertion of goodness too great to be
probable, and at the same time dreaded
to be just, from the pain of obligation,
were proved beyond their greatest extent
to be true! He had followed them
65 purposely to town, he had taken on
273
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
entender que al llegar a Longbourn se
port exactamente igual, por lo que
no habr de extraarte lo que ahora
cuento. Le habl muchas veces con
toda seriedad hacindole ver la
desgracia que haba acarreado a su
familia, pero si me oy sera por
casualidad, porque estoy convencida
de que ni siquiera me escuchaba.
Hubo veces en que lleg a irritarme;
pero me acordaba de mis queridas
Elizabeth y Jane y me revesta de
paciencia.
El seor Darcy volvi
puntualmente y, como Lydia os dijo,
asisti a la boda. Comi con nosotros
al da siguiente. Se dispona a salir de
Londres el mircoles o el jueves. Te
enojars conmigo, querida Lizzy, si
aprovecho esta oportunidad para
decirte lo que nunca me habra
atrevido a decirte antes, y es lo mucho
que me gusta Darcy? Su conducta con
nosotros ha sido tan agradable en todo
como cuando estbamos en Derby-
shire. Su inteligencia, sus opiniones,
todo me agrada. No le falta ms que
un poco de viveza, y eso si se casa
juiciosamente, su mujer se lo ensear.
Me parece que disimula muy bien;
apenas pronunci tu nombre. Pero se
ve que el disimulo est de moda.
Te ruego que me perdones si he estado
muy suspicaz, o por lo menos no me
castigues hasta el punto de excluirme de
Pemberley. No ser feliz del todo hasta que
no haya dado la vuelta completa a la finca.
Un faetn bajo con un buen par de jacas
sera lo ideal.
No puedo escribirte ms. Los
nios me estn llamando desde hace
media hora.
Tuya afectsima,
M. Gardiner.
El contenido de esta carta dej a
Elizabeth en una conmocin en la que
no se poda determinar si tomaba
mayor parte el placer o la pena. Las
vagas sospechas que en su
incertidumbre sobre el papel de Darcy
en la boda de su hermana haba
concebido, sin osar alentarlas porque
implicaban alardes de bondad
demasiado grandes para ser posibles,
y temiendo que fueran ciertas por la
humillacin que la gratitud
impondra, quedaban, pues,
confirmadas. Darcy haba ido detrs
de ellos expresamente, haba asumido
 Austen Pride
himself all the trouble and mortification
attendant on such a research; in which
supplication had been necessary to a
woman whom he must abominate and
5 despise, and where he was reduced to
meet, frequently meet, reason with,
persuade, and finally bribe, the man
whom he always most wished to avoid,
and whose very name it was punishment
10 to him to pronounce. He had done all
this for a girl whom he could neither
regard nor esteem. Her heart did whisper
that he had done it for her. But it was a
hope shortly checked by other
15 considerations, and she soon felt that
even her vanity was insufficient, when
required to depend on his affection for
her for a woman who had already
refused himas able to overcome a
20 sentiment so natural as abhorrence
against relationship with Wickham.
Brother-in-law of Wickham! Every kind
of pride must revolt from the
connection. He had, to be sure, done
25 much. She was ashamed to think how
much. But he had given a reason for his
interference, which asked no
extraordinary stretch of belief. It was
reasonable that he should feel he had
30 been wrong; he had liberality, and he
had the means of exercising it; and
though she would not place herself as
his principal inducement, she could,
perhaps, believe that remaining
35 partiality for her might assist his
endeavours in a cause where her peace
of mind must be materially concerned.
It was painful, exceedingly painful, to
know that they were under obligations
40 to a person who could never receive a
return. They owed the restoration of
Lydia, her character, every thing, to him.
Oh! how heartily did she grieve over
every ungracious sensation she had ever X
45 encouraged, every saucy speech she had
ever directed towards him. For herself
she was humbled; but she was proud of
him. Proud that in a cause of compassion
and honour, he had been able to get the
50 better of himself. She read over her
aunts commendation of him again and
again. It was hardly enough; but it
pleased her. She was even sensible of
some pleasure, though mixed with
55 regret, on finding how steadfastly both
she and her uncle had been persuaded
that affection and confidence subsisted X
between Mr. Darcy and herself.
60 She was roused from her seat, and her
reflections, by some ones approach; and
before she could strike into another path,
she was overtaken by Wickham.
65 I am afraid I interrupt your solitary
274
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
toda la molestia y mortificacin
inherentes a aquella bsqueda, implor
a una mujer a la que deba detestar y se
vio obligado a tratar con frecuencia, a
persuadir y a la postre sobornar, al
hombre que ms deseaba evitar y cuyo
solo nombre le horrorizaba pronunciar.
Todo lo haba hecho para salvar a una
muchacha que nada deba de importarle
y por quien no poda sentir ninguna
estimacin. El corazn le deca a
Elizabeth que lo haba hecho por ella,
pero otras consideraciones repriman
esta esperanza y pronto se dio cuenta
de que halagaba su vanidad al pretender
explicar el hecho de esa manera, pues
Darcy no poda sentir ningn afecto por
una mujer que le haba rechazado y, si
lo senta, no sera capaz de
sobreponerse a un sentimiento tan
natural como el de emparentar con
Wickham. Darcy, cuado de Wickham!
El ms elemental orgullo tena que
rebelarse contra ese vnculo. Verdad
es q u e D a r c y h a b a h e c h o t a n t o
que Elizabeth estaba confundida,
pero dio una razn muy
verosmil. No era ningn
d i s p a r a t e pensar que Darcy creyese
haber obrado mal; era ge neroso y
tena medios para demostrarlo, y
aunque Elizabeth se resista a
admitir que hubiese sido ella el
mvil principal, caba suponer que
un resto de inters por ella haba
contribuido a sus gestiones en un
asunto que comprometa la paz de su
espritu. Era muy penoso quedar
obligados de tal forma a una persona
a la que nunca podran pagar lo que
haba hecho. Le deban l a s a l v a c i n
y la reputacin de Lydia.
Cunto le dolieron a El i z a b e t h s u
ingratitud y las insolentes
palabras que le haba dirigido!
Estaba avergonzada de s
misma, pero orgullosa de l,
orgullosa de que se hubiera
portado tan compasivo y noble-
m e n t e . Ley una y otra vez los
elogios que le tributaba su ta, y
aunque no le parecieron suficientes,
le complacieron. L e d a b a u n g r a n
p l a c e r, a u n q u e t a m b i n l a
entristeca pensar que
sus tos crean que entre Darcy
y ella subsista afecto y
confianza.
Se levant de su asiento y sali de su
meditacin al notar que alguien se
aproximaba; y antes de que pudiera alcanzar
otro sendero, Wickham la abord.
Temo interrumpir tu solitario paseo,
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

ramble, my dear sister? said he, as he querida hermana le dijo ponindose a su

joined her. lado.

You certainly do, she replied with As es, en efecto replic con una
5 a smile; but it does not follow that the sonrisa, pero no quiere decir que la
interruption must be unwelcome. interrupcin me moleste.

I should be sorry indeed, if it were. Sentira molestarte. Nosotros hemos

We were always good friends; and now sido siempre buenos amigos. Y ahora somos
10 we are better. algo ms.

True. Are the others coming out? Cierto. Y los dems, han salido?

I do not know. Mrs. Bennet and No s. La seora Bennet y

15 Lydia are going in the carriage to Ly d i a s e h a n i d o e n c o c h e a
Meryton. And so, my dear sister, I find, Meryton. Me han dicho tus tos,
actually totalmente, realmente, de veras, en from our uncle and aunt, that you have querida hermana, que has estado
realidad, verdaderos, de hecho, actually seen Pemberley. e n P e m b e r l e y.
actual adjetivo real, verdadero, efectivo, con-
creto, autntico, mismo (very): give me an 20 She replied in the affirmative. Elizabeth contest afirmativamente.
actual example, dame un ejemplo concreto
he has no actual job, no tiene trabajo pro-
piamente dicho I almost envy you the pleasure, and yet Te envidio ese placer, y si me
Actual subraya el hecho de que algo es real o I believe it would be too much for me, or fuera posible pasara por all de
genuino y solo se puede colocar delante de else I could take it in my way to Newcastle. camino a Newcastle. Supongo que
un sustantivo: Everybody believed I would 25 And you saw the old housekeeper, I veras a la anciana ama de llaves.
win but the actual result was very different.
Todos pensaban que iba a ganar pero el re- suppose? Poor Reynolds, she was always Pobre seora Reynolds! Cunto me
sultado final (real) fue muy distinto. very fond of me. But of course she did not quera! Pero me figuro que no me
actual (En) 1 existing in fact; real (often as mention my name to you. nombrara delante de vosotros.
distinct from ideal). 2 existing now; current.
Usage Redundant use, as in tell me the ac- 30 Yes, she did. S, te nombr.
tual facts, is disp., but common.

En Castellano ACTUAL se traduce por present And what did she say? Y qu dijo?
o current: The current economic crisis will
cause us many problems. La actual crisis That you were gone into the army, Que habas entrado en el
econmica nos causar muchos problemas 35 and she was afraid had not turned out ejrcito y que andabas en
well. At such a distance as THAT, you m a l o s p a s o s . Ya s a b e s q u e a
know, things are strangely tanta distancia las cosas se
misrepresented. desfiguran.

40 Certainly, he replied, biting his lips. Claro contest l mordindose los

Elizabeth hoped she had silenced him; labios. Elizabeth crey haberle callado, pero
but he soon afterwards said: Wickham dijo en seguida:

I was surprised to see Darcy in Me sorprendi ver a Darcy el mes

45 t o w n l a s t m o n t h . We p a s s e d e a c h pasado en la capital. Nos encontramos varias
other several times. I wonder what he veces. Me gustara saber qu estaba
can be doing there . haciendo en Londres.

Perhaps preparing for his marriage Puede que preparase su matrimonio

50 with Miss de Bourgh, said Elizabeth. It con la seorita de Bourgh dijo Elizabeth
must be something particular, to take him . Debe de ser algo especial para que est
there at this time of year. en Londres en esta poca del ao.

Undoubtedly. Did you see him In d u d a b l e m e n t e . L e v i s t e

55 while you were at Lambton? I thought cuando estuviste en Lambton?
I understood from the Gardiners that Creo que los Gardiner me dijeron
you had. que s.

Ye s ; h e i n t r o d u c e d u s t o h i s Efectivamente; nos present a su

60 s i s t e r . hermana.

And do you like her? Y te gust?

Very much. Muchsimo.

65

275

repine express discontent; complain; kick;
plain; sound off; quetch; kvetch
actually totalmente, realmente, de veras, en
realidad, verdaderos, de hecho,
actual adjetivo real, verdadero, efectivo, con-
creto, autntico, mismo (very): give me an
actual example, dame un ejemplo concreto 50 that the business had been compromised
he has no actual job, no tiene trabajo pro- accordingly.
piamente dicho
Actual subraya el hecho de que algo es real o
genuino y solo se puede colocar delante de
un sustantivo: Everybody believed I would
win but the actual result was very different. 55 what I told you on that point, when first
Todos pensaban que iba a ganar pero el re-
sultado final (real) fue muy distinto.
actual (En) 1 existing in fact; real (often as
distinct from ideal). 2 existing now; current.
Usage Redundant use, as in tell me the ac-
tual facts, is disp., but common.
En Castellano ACTUAL se traduce por present
o current: The current economic crisis will
cause us many problems. La actual crisis
econmica nos causar muchos problemas
Austen Pride
I have heard, indeed, that she is
uncommonly improved within this year
or two. When I last saw her, she was not
very promising. I am very glad you liked
5 her. I hope she will turn out well.
I dare say she will; she has got over
the most trying age.
10 Did you go by the village of
Kympton?
I do not recollect that we did.
15 I mention it, because it is the living
which I ought to have had. A most
delightful place!Excellent Parsonage
House! It would have suited me in every
respect.
20
How should you have liked making
sermons?
Exceedingly well. I should have
25 considered it as part of my duty, and
the exertion would soon have been
nothing. One ought not to repine;
but, to be sure, it would have been such
a thing for me! The quiet, the retirement
30 of such a life would have answered all
my ideas of happiness! But it was not
to be. Did you ever hear Darcy mention
the circumstance, when you were in
Kent?
35
I have heard from authority, which I
thought AS GOOD, that it was left you
conditionally only, and at the will of the
present patron.
40
You have. Yes, there was something
in THAT; I told you so from the first, you
may remember.
45 I DID hear, too, that there was a
time, when sermon-making was not so
palatable to you as it seems to be at
present; that you actually declared your
resolution of never taking orders, and
You did! and it was not wholly
without foundation. You may remember
we talked of it.
They were now almost at the door of
the house, for she had walked fast to get
60 rid of him; and unwilling, for her sisters
sake, to provoke him, she only said in
reply, with a good-humoured smile:
Come, Mr. Wickham, we are brother
65 and sister, you know. Do not let us quarrel
276
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Es verdad que he odo decir que en
estos dos ltimos aos ha mejorado
extraordinariamente. La ltima vez que la
vi no prometa mucho. Me alegro de que te
gustase. Espero que le vaya bien.
Le ir bien. Ha pasado ya la
edad ms difcil.
Pasaste por el pueblo de
Kimpton?
No me acuerdo.
Te lo digo, porque sa es la rectora
que deba haber tenido yo. Es un lugar
delicioso! Y qu casa parroquial tan
excelente tiene! Me habra convenido desde
todos los puntos de vista.
Te habra gustado componer
sermones?
Muchsimo. Lo habra tomado
como una parte de mis obligaciones
y pronto no me habra costado ningn
esfuerzo. No puedo quejarme, pero
no hay duda de que eso habra sido
lo mejor para m. La quietud y el
retiro de semejante vida habran
colmado todos mis anhelos. Pero no
pudo ser! Le oste a Darcy mencio-
nar ese tema cuando estuviste en
Kent?
Supe de fuentes fidedignas que la
parroquia se te leg slo
condicionalmente y a la voluntad del
actual seor de Pemberley.
Eso te ha dicho? S, algo de eso
haba; as te lo cont la primera vez, te
acuerdas?
Tambin o decir que hubo un
tiempo en que el componer sermones
no te pareca tan agradable como
ahora, que entonces declaraste tu
intencin de no ordenarte nunca, y
que el asunto se liquid de acuerdo
contigo.
S, es cierto. Debes
recordar lo que te dije acerca
de eso cuando hablamos de ello
la primera vez.
Estaba ya casi a la puerta de la casa, pues
Elizabeth haba seguido paseando para
quitrselo de encima. Por consideracin a
su hermana no quiso provocarle y slo le
dijo con una sonrisa:
Va m o s , Wi c k h a m ; somos
hermanos. No discutamos por el pasado.
 Austen Pride
about the past. In future, I hope we shall
be always of one mind.
She held out her hand; he kissed it
5 with affectionate gallantry, though he
hardly knew how to look, and they
entered the house.
10
15 Chapter 53
Mr. Wickham was so perfectly
satisfied with this conversation that he
never again distressed himself, or
20 provoked his dear sister Elizabeth, by
introducing the subject of it; and she was
pleased to find that she had said enough
to keep him quiet.
25 The day of his and Lydias departure
soon came, and Mrs. Bennet was forced
to submit to a separation, which, as her
husband by no means entered into her
scheme of their all going to Newcastle,
30 was likely to continue at least a
twelvemonth.
Oh! my dear Lydia, she cried,
when shall we meet again?
35
Oh, lord! I dont know. Not these two
or three years, perhaps.
Write to me very often, my dear.
40
As often as I can. But you
know married women have never
much time for writing. My sisters
may write to ME. They will have
45 n o t h i n g e l s e t o d o .
Mr. Wickhams adieus were much
more affectionate than his wifes. He
smiled, looked handsome, and said many
50 pretty things.
He is as fine a fellow, said Mr.
simper sonrisa tonta, sonrer tonta o afectada-
mente. v. 1 intr. smile in a silly or affected
Bennet, as soon as they were out of
way. 2 tr. express by or with simpering. the house, as ever I saw. He
n. such a smile. 55 simpers, and smirks, and makes love to
smirk I n. 1 sonrisa llena de suficiencia o us all. I am prodigiously proud of him. I
afectacin n. an affected, conceited, or defy even Sir William Lucas himself to
silly smile; mueca burlona. v.intr. put on
produce a more valuable son-in-law.
or wear a smirk or a smirk silly.
60 The loss of her daughter made Mrs.
Bennet very dull for several days.
I often think, said she, that there
is nothing so bad as parting with ones
65 friends. One seems so forlorn without
277
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Espero que de ahora en adelante no
tengamos por qu discutir.
Le dio la mano y l se la bes
con afectuosa galantera, aunque
n o s a b a q u c a r a p o n e r, y e n t r a r o n
en la casa.
Captulo LIII
Wickham qued tan escarmentado
con aquella conversacin que nunca
volvi a exponerse, ni a provocar a su
querida hermana Elizabeth a
reanudarla. Y ella se alegr de haber
dicho lo suficiente para que no
mencionase el tema ms.
Lleg el da de la partida del joven
matrimonio, y la seora Bennet se vio
forzada a una separacin que al parecer iba
a durar un ao, por lo menos, ya que de
ningn modo entraba en los clculos del
seor Bennet el que fuesen todos a
Newcastle.
Oh, seor! No lo s! Acaso
tardaremos dos o tres aos!
________________ __________ ____
X ____________
Escrbeme muy a menudo, querida.
Tan a menudo como pueda. Pero ya
sabes que las mujeres casadas no
disponemos de mucho tiempo para escribir.
Mis hermanas s podrn escribirme; no ten-
drn otra cosa que hacer.
El adis de Wickham fue mucho
m s c a r i o s o q u e e l d e s u m u j e r.
Sonri, estuvo muy agradable y dijo
cosas encantadoras.
Es un joven muy fino dijo el
seor Bennet en cuanto se haban ido;
no he visto nunca otro igual. Es una
X mquina de sonrisas y nos hace la pelota
a todos. Estoy orgullossimo de l.
Desafo al mismo sir William Lucas a que
consiga un yerno ms valioso.
La prdida de su hija sumi en la tristeza
a la seora Bennet por varios das.
Muchas veces pienso deca que
no hay nada peor que separarse de las
personas queridas. Se queda una tan
 Austen Pride
them.
This is the consequence, you see,
Madam, of marrying a daughter, said
5 Elizabeth. It must make you better satisfied
that your other four are single.
It is no such thing. Lydia does not
leave me because she is married, but only
10 because her husbands regiment happens
to be so far off. If that had been nearer,
she would not have gone so soon.
But the spiritless condition which this
15 event threw her into was shortly relieved,
and her mind opened again to the
agitation of hope, by an article of news
which then began to be in circulation.
The housekeeper at Netherfield had
20 received orders to prepare for the arrival
of her master, who was coming down in
a day or two, to shoot there for several
weeks. Mrs. Bennet was quite in the
fidgets. She looked at Jane, and smiled
25 and shook her head by turns.
Well, well, and so Mr. Bingley is
coming down, sister, (for Mrs. Phillips
first brought her the news). Well, so
30 much the better. Not that I care about it,
though. He is nothing to us, you know,
and I am sure I never want to see him
again. But, however, he is very welcome
to come to Netherfield, if he likes it. And
35 who knows what MAY happen? But that
is nothing to us. You know, sister, we
agreed long ago never to mention a word
about it. And so, is it quite certain he is
coming?
40
You may depend on it, replied the
other, for Mrs. Nicholls was in Meryton
last night; I saw her passing by, and went
out myself on purpose to know the truth
45 of it; and she told me that it was certain
true. He comes down on Thursday at the
latest, very likely on Wednesday. She was
going to the butchers, she told me, on
purpose to order in some meat on
50 Wednesday, and she has got three couple
of ducks just fit to be killed.
Miss Bennet had not been able to hear
of his coming without changing colour.
55 It was many months since she had
mentioned his name to Elizabeth; but
now, as soon as they were alone together,
she said:
60 I saw you look at me to-day, Lizzy,
when my aunt told us of the present
report; and I know I appeared distressed.
But dont imagine it was from any silly
cause. I was only confused for the
65 moment, because I felt that I SHOULD
278
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
desamparada sin ellas!
Pues ya ves, sa es una
consecuencia de casar a las hijas
observ Elizabeth. Te har ms feliz
que las otras cuatro sigamos solteras.
No es eso. Lydia no me abandona
porque se haya casado, sino porque
el regimiento de su marido est lejos.
Si hubiera estado ms cerca, no se
habra marchado tan pronto.
Pero el desaliento que este suceso le
caus se alivi en seguida y su mente
empez a funcionar de nuevo con gran
agitacin ante la serie de noticias que
circulaban por aquel entonces. El ama de
llaves de Netherfield haba recibido
rdenes de preparar la llegada de su amo
que iba a tener lugar dentro de dos o tres
das, para dedicarse a la caza durante unas
semanas. La seora Bennet estaba
nerviossima. Miraba a Jane y sonrea y
sacuda la cabeza alternativamente.
Bueno, bueno, conque viene
el seor Bingley, hermana? pues
fue la seora Philips la primera en
d a r l e l a n o t i c i a . P u e s m e j o r.
Aunque no me importa. T sabes
que nada tenemos que ver con l y
que no quiero volver a verlo. Si
quiere venir a Netherfield, que
venga. Y quin sabe lo que puede
p a s a r ? P e r o n o n o s i m p o r t a . Ya
sabes que hace tiempo acordamos no
volver a decir palabra de esto. Es
cierto que viene?
Puedes estar segura respondi
la otra, porque la seora Nicholls
estuvo en Meryton ayer tarde; la vi
pasar y sal dispuesta a saber la
verdad; ella me dijo que s, que su amo
llegaba. Vendr el jueves a ms tardar;
puede que llegue el mircoles. La
seora Nicholls me dijo que iba a la
carnicera a encargar carne para el
mircoles y llevaba tres pares de patos
listos para matar.
Al saber la noticia, Jane
m u d d e c o l o r. H a c a m e s e s
que entre ella y Elizabeth no
s e h a b l a b a d e B i n g l e y, p e r o
ahora en cuanto estuvieron
solas le dijo:
He notado, Elizabeth, que
cuando mi ta comentaba la noticia del
da, me estabas mirando. Ya s que
pareci que me dio apuro, pero no te
figures que era por alguna tontera. Me
qued confusa un momento porque me
 Austen Pride
be looked at. I do assure you that the
news does not affect me either with
pleasure or pain. I am glad of one thing,
that he comes alone; because we shall see
5 the less of him. Not that I am afraid of
MYSELF, but I dread other peoples
remarks.
Elizabeth did not know what to make
10 of it. Had she not seen him in Derbyshire,
she might have supposed him capable of
coming there with no other view than
what was acknowledged; but she still
thought him partial to Jane, and she
15 wavered as to the greater probability of
his coming there WITH his friends
permission, or being bold enough to
come without it.
20 Yet it is hard, she sometimes
thought, that this poor man cannot come
to a house which he has legally hired,
without raising all this speculation! I
WILL leave him to himself.
25
In spite of what her sister declared,
and really believed to be her feelings in
the expectation of his arrival, Elizabeth
could easily perceive that her spirits were
30 affected by it. They were more disturbed,
more unequal, than she had often seen
them.
The subject which had been so
35 w a r m l y c a n v a s s e d b e t w e e n t h e i r
parents, about a twelvemonth ago, was
now brought forward again.
A s s o o n a s e v e r M r. B i n g l e y
40 comes, my dear, said Mrs. Bennet,
you will wait on him of course.
N o , n o . Yo u f o r c e d m e i n t o
visiting him last year, and promised,
45 if I went to see him, he should marry
one of my daughters. But it ended in
nothing, and I will not be sent on a
fools errand again.
50 His wife represented to him how
absolute es un adjetivo de moda en EEUU que no solo tra- absolutely necessary such an attention
duce absoluto [independiente, decisivo, ilimitado, ter- would be from all the neighbouring
minante, categrico], sino otros conceptos ms o menos gentlemen, on his returning to
similares, como total, completo, verdadero, pleno, per- Netherfield.
fecto, rotundo, incondicional, indiscutible, autntico. El
adverbio absolutely es absolutamente, y sigue los pa- 55
sos del adjetivo en frecuencia y en significados. Tis an etiquette I despise, said he.
An absolute idiot = un perfecto idiota. If he wants our society, let him seek it.
An absolute goddess = toda una diosa. He knows where we live. I will not spend
Absolute nonsense = pura tontera. my hours in running after my neighbours
This cathedral is an absolute jewel. = Esta catedral es una
verdadera joya. 60 every time they go away and come back
The newlyweds enjoy absolute happiness. = Los recin again.
casados gozan de completa felicidad.
You can rely on my absolute support. = Cuenta con mi Well, all I know is, that it will be
apoyo incondicional. abominably rude if you do not wait on
Hes an absolute coward. = Es un perfecto cobarde.
65 him. But, however, that shant prevent my
279
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
di cuenta de que me estarais
observando. Te aseguro que la noticia
no me da tristeza ni gusto. De una cosa
me alegro: de que viene solo, porque
as lo veremos menos. No es que tenga
miedo por m, pero temo los
comentarios de la gente.
E l i z a b e t h n o s a b a q u p e n s a r.
Si no le hubiera visto en
Derbyshire, habra podido creer
que vena tan slo por el citado
motivo, pero no dudaba de
que an amaba a Jane, y hasta
s e arriesgaba a pensar que vena
con la aprobacin de su amigo o
que se haba atrevido incluso a
venir sin ella.
Es duro pensaba a veces que
este pobre hombre no pueda venir a una
casa que ha alquilado legalmente sin
levantar todas estas cbalas. Yo le
dejar en paz.
A pesar de lo que su hermana
deca y crea de buena fe,
Elizabeth pudo notar que la
expectativa de la llegada de
Bingley le afectaba. Estaba
distinta y ms turbada que de
costumbre.
El tema del que haban
discutido sus padres acalora-
damente haca un ao, surgi
ahora de nuevo.
Querido mo, supongo que
en cuanto llegue el seor
Bingley irs a visitarle.
No y no. Me obligaste a hacerlo
el ao pasado, prometindome que se
iba a casar con una de mis hijas. Pero
todo acab en agua de borrajas, y no
quiero volver a hacer semejante parip
como un tonto.
Su mujer le observ lo
absolutamente necesaria que sera
aquella atencin por parte de todos
los seores de la vecindad en cuanto
Bingley llegase a Netherfield.
Es una etiqueta que me revienta
repuso el seor Bennet. Si quiere nuestra
compaa, que la busque; ya sabe dnde
vivimos. No puedo perder el tiempo
corriendo detrs de los vecinos cada vez
que se van y vuelven.
Bueno, ser muy feo que no
le visites; pero eso no me
i m p e d i r i n v i t a r l e a c o m e r. Va m o s
 Austen Pride
asking him to dine here, I am determined.
We must have Mrs. Long and the
Gouldings soon. That will make thirteen
with ourselves, so there will be just room
5 at table for him.
Consoled by this resolution, she was
the better able to bear her husbands
incivility; though it was very mortifying
10 to know that her neighbours might all see
Mr. Bingley, in consequence of it, before
THEY did. As the day of his arrival drew
near:
15 I begin to be sorry that he comes at
all, said Jane to her sister. It would be
nothing; I could see him with perfect
indifference, but I can hardly bear to hear
it thus perpetually talked of. My mother
20 means well; but she does not know, no
one can know, how much I suffer from
what she says. Happy shall I be, when
his stay at Netherfield is over!
25 I wish I could say anything to
comfort you, replied Elizabeth; but it
is wholly out of my power. You must feel
it; and the usual satisfaction of preaching
patience to a sufferer is denied me,
30 because you have always so much.
Mr. Bingley arrived. Mrs. Bennet,
through the assistance of servants,
contrived to have the earliest tidings of it,
35 that the period of anxiety and fretfulness
on her side might be as long as it could.
She counted the days that must intervene
before their invitation could be sent;
hopeless of seeing him before. But on the
40 third morning after his arrival in
Hertfordshire, she saw him, from her
dressing-room window, enter the paddock
and ride towards the house.
45 Her daughters were eagerly called
to partake of her joy. Jane resolutely
kept her place at the table; but
Elizabeth, to satisfy her mother, went
to the windowshe looked,she saw
50 Mr. Darcy with him, and sat down again
by her sister.
There is a gentleman with him,
mamma, said Kitty; who can it be?
55
Some acquaintance or other, my
dear, I suppose; I am sure I do not know.
La! replied Kitty, it looks just like
60 that man that used to be with him before.
Mr. whats-his-name. That tall, proud
man.
Good gracious! Mr. Darcy!and so
65 it does, I vow. Well, any friend of Mr.
280
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
a tener en breve a la mesa a la
seora Long y a los Goulding, y
como contndonos a nosotros
seremos trece, habr justamente
un lugar para l.
Consolada con esta decisin, qued
perfectamente dispuesta a soportar la
descortesa de su esposo, aunque le
molestara enormemente que, con tal
motivo, todos los vecinos viesen a Bingley
antes que ellos. Al acercarse el da de la
llegada, Jane dijo:
A pesar de todo, empiezo a sentir
que venga. No me importara nada y
le ver con la mayor indiferencia, pero
no puedo resistir or hablar de l
perpetuamente. Mi madre lo hace con
la mejor intencin, pero no sabe, ni
sabe nadie, el sufrimiento que me
causa. No ser feliz hasta que Bingley
se haya ido de Netherfield.
Querra decirte algo para
consolarte contest Elizabeth, pero
no puedo. Debes comprenderlo. Y la
normal satisfaccin de recomendar
paciencia a los que sufren me est
vedada porque a ti nunca te falta.
Bingley lleg. La seora Bennet
trat de obtener con ayuda de las
criadas las primeras noticias, para
aumentar la ansiedad y el mal humor
que la consuman. Contaba los das
que deban transcurrir para invitarle,
ya que no abrigaba esperanzas de
verlo antes. Pero a la tercera maana
de la llegada de Bingley al condado,
desde la ventana de su vestidor le vio
que entraba por la verja a caballo y
se diriga hacia la casa.
Llam al punto a sus hijas para que
compartieran su gozo. Jane se neg a dejar
su lugar junto a la mesa. Pero Elizabeth, para
complacer a su madre, se acerc a la
ventana, mir y vio que Bingley entraba con
Darcy, y se volvi a sentar al lado de su
hermana.
Mam, viene otro caballero con l
dijo Catherine. Quin ser?
Supongo que algn conocido suyo,
querida; no le conozco.
Oh! exclam Catherine. Parece
aquel seor que antes estaba con l. El
seor... cmo se llama? Aquel seor alto y
orgulloso.
Santo Dios! El seor Darcy? Pues
s, es l. Bueno; cualquier amigo del seor
 Austen Pride
Bingleys will always be welcome here,
to be sure; but else I must say that I hate
the very sight of him.
5 Jane looked at Elizabeth with surprise
and concern. She knew but little of their
meeting in Derbyshire, and therefore felt
for the awkwardness which must attend
her sister, in seeing him almost for the
10 first time after receiving his explanatory
letter. Both sisters were uncomfortable
enough. Each felt for the other, and of
course for themselves; and their mother
talked on, of her dislike of Mr. Darcy,
15 and her resolution to be civil to him only
as Mr. Bingleys friend, without being
heard by either of them. But Elizabeth
had sources of uneasiness which could
not be suspected by Jane, to whom she
20 had never yet had courage to shew Mrs.
Gardiners letter, or to relate her own
change of sentiment towards him. To
Jane, he could be only a man whose
proposals she had refused, and whose
25 merit she had undervalued; but to her own
more extensive information, he was the
person to whom the whole family were
indebted for the first of benefits, and
whom she regarded herself with an
30 interest, if not quite so tender, at least as
reasonable and just as what Jane felt for
Bingley. Her astonishment at his
comingat his coming to Netherfield, to
Longbourn, and voluntarily seeking her
35 again, was almost equal to what she had
known on first witnessing his altered
behaviour in Derbyshire.
The colour which had been driven
40 from her face, returned for half a
minute with an additional glow, and a
smile of delight added lustre to her
eyes, as she thought for that space of
time that his affection and wishes must
45 still be unshaken. But she would not be
secure.
Let me first see how he behaves,
said she; it will then be early enough
50 for expectation.
She sat intently at work, striving to
be composed, and without daring to lift
up her eyes, till anxious curiosity carried
55 them to the face of her sister as the
servant was approaching the door. Jane
looked a little paler than usual, but more
sedate than Elizabeth had expected. On
the gentlemens appearing, her colour
60 increased; yet she received them with
tolerable aceptable, soportable, pasable tolerable ease, and with a propriety of
behaviour equally free from any symptom
of resentment or any unnecessary
complaisance.
65
281
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Bingley ser siempre bienvenido a esta casa;
si no fuera por eso... No puedo verle ni en
pintura.
Jane mir a Elizabeth con asombro e
inters. Saba muy poco de su encuentro
en Derbyshire y, por consiguiente,
comprenda el horror que haba de cau-
sarle a su hermana ver a Darcy casi por
primera vez despus de la carta
aclaratoria. Las dos hermanas estaban
bastante intranquilas; cada una sufra por
la otra, y como es natural, por s misma.
Entretanto la madre segua perorando
sobre su odio a Darcy y sobre su decisin
de estar corts con l slo por
consideracin a Bingley. Ninguna de
las chicas la escuchaba. Elizabeth
estaba inquieta por algo que Jane no
poda sospechar, pues nunca se haba
atrevido a mostrarle la carta de la
seora Gardiner, ni a revelarle el
cambio de sus sentimientos por Darcy.
Para Jane, Darcy no era ms que el
hombre cuyas proposiciones haba
rechazado Elizabeth y cuyos mritos
menospreciaba. Pero para Elizabeth,
Darcy era el hombre a quien su familia
deba el mayor de los favores, y a quien
ella miraba con un inters, si no tan tierno,
por lo menos tan razonable y justo como
el que Jane senta por Bingley. Su asombro
ante la venida de Darcy a Netherfield, a
Longbourn, buscndola de nuevo
voluntariamente, era casi igual al
que experiment al verlo tan
cambiado en Derbyshire.
El color, que haba desaparecido
de su semblante, acudi en seguida
violentamente a sus mejillas, y una
sonrisa de placer dio brillo a sus
ojos al pensar que el cario y los
deseos de Darcy seguan siendo los
mismos. Pero no quera darlo por
seguro.
Primero ver cmo se comporta se
dijo y luego Dios dir si puedo tener
esperanzas.
Se puso a trabajar atentamente y se
esforz por mantener la calma. No
osaba levantar los ojos, hasta que su
creciente curiosidad le hizo mirar a su
hermana cuando la criada fue a abrir la
puerta. Jane estaba ms plida que de
costumbre, pero ms sosegada de lo
que Elizabeth hubiese credo. Cuando
entraron los dos caballeros, enrojeci,
pero los recibi con bastante
tranquilidad, y sin dar ninguna muestra
de resentimiento ni de innecesaria
complacencia.
 Austen Pride
Elizabeth said as little to either as
civility would allow, and sat down again
to her work, with an eagerness which it
did not often command. She had ventured
5 only one glance at Darcy. He looked
serious, as usual; and, she thought, more
as he had been used to look in
Hertfordshire, than as she had seen him
at Pemberley. But, perhaps he could not
10 in her mothers presence be what he was
before her uncle and aunt. It was a
painful, but not an improbable,
conjecture.
15 Bingley, she had likewise seen for an
instant, and in that short period saw him
embarrased forced, constraint, incmodo, tur- looking both pleased and embarrassed.
bado, aturdido, embarazoso, cohibido, aver- He was received by Mrs. Bennet with a
gonzante, ruborizante, azorado o azarado
azarar es ruborizarse por vergenza degree of civility which made her two
azorar es sorprenderse, conturbarse, 20 daughters ashamed, especially when
aturdirse, incomodarse, desconcertar contrasted with the cold and ceremonious
Nota: embarazado/a es preado/a (mal en politeness of her curtsey and address to
Capotes Cold Blood : 258) aunque en el his friend.
Quijote se utilizaba embarazado/a con el
significado de en dificultades con ver
466. 25 Elizabeth, particularly, who knew that
her mother owed to the latter the
preservation of her favourite daughter
from irremediable infamy, was hurt and
distressed to a most painful degree by a
30 distinction so ill applied.
Darcy, after inquiring of her how Mr.
and Mrs. Gardiner did, a question which
she could not answer without confusion,
35 said scarcely anything. He was not seated
by her; perhaps that was the reason of
his silence; but it had not been so in
Derbyshire. There he had talked to her
friends, when he could not to herself. But
40 now several minutes elapsed without
bringing the sound of his voice; and when
occasionally, unable to resist the impulse
of curiosity, she raised he eyes to his face,
she as often found him looking at Jane
45 as at herself, and frequently on no object
but the ground. More thoughtfulness and
less anxiety to please, than when they last
met, were plainly expressed. She was
disappointed, and angry with herself for
50 being so.
Could I expect it to be
o t h e r w i s e ! s a i d s h e . Ye t
why did he come?
55
She was in no humour for conversation
with anyone but himself; and to him she had
hardly courage to speak.
60 She inquired after his sister, but
could do no more.
It is a long time, Mr.
B i n g l e y, s i n c e y o u w e n t a w a y,
65 s a i d M r s . B e n n e t .
282
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Elizabeth habl a los dos jvenes lo
menos que la educacin permita, y se
dedic a bordar con ms aplicacin que
nunca. Slo se aventur a dirigir una
mirada a Darcy. ste estaba tan serio
como siempre, y a ella se le antoj que
se pareca ms al Darcy que haba
conocido en Hertfordshire que al que
haba visto en Pemberley. Pero quiz en
presencia de su madre no se senta igual
que en presencia de sus tos. Era una
suposicin dolorosa, pero no
improbable.
Mir tambin un instante a
B i n g l e y, y l e p a r e c i q u e e s t a b a
contento y cohibido a la vez. La
seora Bennet le recibi con unos
aspavientos que dejaron
avergonzadas a sus dos hijas,
especialmente por el contraste con
su fra y ceremoniosa manera de
saludar y tratar a Darcy.
Particularmente Elizabeth,
sabiendo que su madre le deba a
Darcy la salvacin de su hija
predilecta de tan irremediable
infamia, se entristeci profundamente
por aquella grosera.
Darcy pregunt cmo estaban los
s e o r e s G a r d i n e r, y E l i z a b e t h l e
contest con cierta turbacin.
Despus, apenas dijo nada. No estaba
sentado al lado de Elizabeth, y acaso
se deba a esto su silencio; pero no
estaba as en Derbyshire. All, cuando
no poda hablarle a ella hablaba con
sus amigos; pero ahora pasaron varios
minutos sin que se le oyera la voz, y
cuando Elizabeth, incapaz de contener
su curiosidad, alzaba la vista hacia l,
le encontraba con ms frecuencia
mirando a Jane que a ella, y a menudo
mirando slo al suelo. Pareca ms
pensativo y menos deseoso de agradar
que en su ltimo encuentro. Elizabeth
estaba decepcionada y disgustada
consigo misma por ello.
Cmo pude imaginarme que
estuviese de otro modo? se deca. Ni
siquiera s por qu ha venido aqu.
No tena humor para hablar con nadie
ms que con l, pero le faltaba valor para
dirigirle la palabra.
Le pregunt por su hermana, pero ya no supo
ms qu decirle.
Mucho tiempo ha pasado, seor
Bingley, desde que se fue usted dijo la
seora Bennet.
 Austen Pride
He readily agreed to it.
I began to be afraid you would never
5 come back again. People DID say you
meant to quit the place entirely at
Michaelmas; but, however, I hope it is
not true. A great many changes have
happened in the neighbourhood, since
10 you went away. Miss Lucas is married
and settled. And one of my own
daughters. I suppose you have heard of
it; indeed, you must have seen it in the
papers. It was in The Times and The
15 Courier, I know; though it was not put in
as it ought to be. It was only said, Lately,
George Wickham, Esq. to Miss Lydia
Bennet, without there being a syllable
said of her father, or the place where she
20 lived, or anything. It was my brother
Gardiners drawing up too, and I wonder
how he came to make such an awkward
business of it. Did you see it?
25 Bingley replied that he did, and made
his congratulations. Elizabeth dared not
lift up her eyes. How Mr. Darcy looked,
therefore, she could not tell.
30 It is a delightful thing, to be sure, to
have a daughter well married, continued
her mother, but at the same time, Mr.
Bingley, it is very hard to have her taken
such a way from me. They are gone down
35 to Newcastle, a place quite northward, it
seems, and there they are to stay I do not
know how long. His regiment is there;
for I suppose you have heard of his
leaving the shire, and of his being
40 gone into the regulars. Thank Heaven! he
has SOME friends, though perhaps not
so many as he deserves.
Elizabeth, who knew this to be
45 levelled at Mr. Darcy, was in such misery
of shame, that she could hardly keep her
seat. It drew from her, however, the
exertion of speaking, which nothing else
had so effectually done before; and she
50 asked Bingley whether he meant to make
any stay in the country at present. A few
weeks, he believed.
When you have killed all your own
55 birds, Mr. Bingley, said her mother, I
beg you will come here, and shoot as
many as you please on Mr. Bennets
manor. I am sure he will be vastly happy
to oblige you, and will save all the best
60 of the covies for you.
Elizabeths misery increased, at such
unnecessary, such officious attention!
Were the same fair prospect to arise at
65 present as had flattered them a year ago,
283
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Efectivamente dijo Bingley.
Empezaba a temer continu ella
que ya no volvera. La gente dice que
por San Miguel piensa usted abandonar
esta comarca; pero espero que no sea
cierto. Han ocurrido muchas cosas en la
vecindad desde que usted se fue; la
seorita Lucas se cas y est establecida
en Hunsford, y tambin se cas una de mis
hijas. Supongo que lo habr usted sabido,
seguramente lo habr ledo en los
peridicos. Sali en el Times y en el
Courrier, slo que no estaba bien
redactado. Deca solamente: El caballero
George Wickham contrajo matrimonio
con la seorita Lydia Bennet, sin
mencionar a su padre ni decir dnde viva
la novia ni nada. La gacetilla debi de ser
obra de mi hermano Gardiner, y no
comprendo cmo pudo hacer una cosa tan
desabrida. Lo vio usted?
Bingley respondi que s y la
felicit. Elizabeth no se atreva a
levantar los ojos y no pudo ver qu
cara pona Darcy.
Es delicioso tener una hija bien
casada sigui diciendo, pero al
mismo tiempo, seor Bingley, es muy duro
que se me haya ido tan lejos. Se han trasla-
dado a Newcastle, que cae muy al Norte,
segn creo, y all estarn no s cunto
tiempo. El regimiento de mi yerno est
destinado all, porque habrn usted odo
decir que ha dejado la guarnicin del
condado y que se ha pasado a los
regulares. Gracias a Dios tiene todava
algunos amigos, aunque quiz no tantos
como merece.
Elizabeth, sabiendo que esto iba
X dirigido a Darcy, sinti tanta______
v e rg e n z a q u e a p e n a s p o d a
sostenerse en la silla. Sin embargo,
hizo un supremo esfuerzo para hablar
y pregunt a Bingley si pensaba
permanecer mucho tiempo en el
campo. El respondi que unas
semanas.
Cuando haya matado usted todos
sus pjaros, seor Bingley dijo la
seora Bennet, venga y mate todos
los que quiera en la propiedad de mi
esposo. Estoy segura que tendr mucho
gusto en ello y de que le reservar sus
mejores nidadas.
El malestar de Elizabeth aument
con tan innecesaria y oficiosa
atencin. No le caba la menor duda
de que todas aquellas ilusiones que
 Austen Pride
every thing, she was persuaded, would
be hastening to the same vexatious
conclusion. At that instant, she felt that
years of happiness could not make Jane
5 or herself amends for moments of such
painful confusion.
The first wish of my heart, said she
to herself, is never more to be in
10 company with either of them. Their
society can afford no pleasure that will
atone for such wretchedness as this! Let
me never see either one or the other
again!
15
Yet the misery, for which years of
happiness were to offer no compensation,
received soon afterwards material relief,
from observing how much the beauty of
20 her sister re-kindled the admiration of her
former lover. When first he came in, he
had spoken to her but little; but every five
minutes seemed to be giving her more of
his attention. He found her as handsome
25 as she had been last year; as good
natured, and as unaffected, though not
quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that no
difference should be perceived in her at
all, and was really persuaded that she
30 talked as much as ever. But her mind was
so busily engaged, that she did not always
know when she was silent.
When the gentlemen rose to go away,
35 Mrs. Bennet was mindful of her intended
civility, and they were invited and
engaged to dine at Longbourn in a few
days time.
40 You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr.
Bingley, she added, for when you went
to town last winter, you promised to take
a family dinner with us, as soon as you
returned. I have not forgot, you see; and
45 I assure you, I was very much
disappointed that you did not come back
and keep your engagement.
Bingley looked a little silly at this
50 reflection, and said something of his
concern at having been prevented by
business. They then went away.
Mrs. Bennet had been strongly
55 inclined to ask them to stay and dine there
that day; but, though she always kept a
very good table, she did not think
anything less than two courses could be
good enough for a man on whom she had
60 such anxious designs, or satisfy the
appetite and pride of one who had ten
thousand a year.
65
284
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
renacan despus de un ao
acabaran otra vez del mismo modo.
Pens que aos enteros de felicidad
no podran compensarle a ella y a
Jane de aquellos momentos de
penosa confusin.
No deseo ms que una cosa se
dijo, y es no volver a ver a ninguno de
estos dos hombres. Todo el placer que
pueda proporcionar su compaa no basta
para compensar esta vergenza. Ojal no
tuviera que volver a encontrrmelos
nunca!
Pero aquella desdicha que no
podran compensar aos enteros de
felicidad, se atenu poco despus al
observar que la belleza de su
hermana volva a despertar la
admiracin de su antiguo enamorado.
Al principio Bingley habl muy poco
con Jane, pero a cada instante
pareca ms prendado de ella. La
encontraba tan hermosa como el ao
anterior, tan sensible y tan afable,
aunque no tan habladora. Jane
deseaba que no se le notase ninguna
variacin y crea que hablaba como
siempre, pero su mente estaba tan
ocupada que a veces no se daba
cuenta de su silencio.
Cuando los caballeros se levantaron para
irse, la seora Bennet no olvid su
proyectada invitacin. Los dos jvenes
aceptaron y se acord que cenaran en
Longbourn dentro de pocos das.
Me deba una visita, seor Bingley
aadi la seora Bennet, pues cuando
se fue usted a la capital el ltimo
invierno, me prometi comer en familia
con nosotros en cuanto regresara. Ya ve
que no lo he olvidado. Estaba muy
disgustada porque no volvi usted para
cumplir su compromiso.
Bingley pareci un poco desconcertado
por esa reflexin, y dijo que lo senta
mucho, pero que sus asuntos le haban
retenido. Darcy y l se marcharon.
La seora Bennet haba estado a punto
de invitarles a comer aquel mismo da,
pero a pesar de que siempre se coma bien
en su casa, no crea que dos platos fuesen
de ningn modo suficientes para un
hombre que le inspiraba tan ambiciosos
proyectos, ni para satisfacer el apetito y
el orgullo de otro que tena diez mil libras
al ao de renta.

embarrased forced, constraint, incmodo, tur- 40 be embarrassed again by his coming. I
bado, aturdido, embarazoso, cohibido, aver-
gonzante, ruborizante, azorado o azarado
azarar es ruborizarse por vergenza
azorar es sorprenderse, conturbarse,
aturdirse, incomodarse, desconcertar
Nota: embarazado/a es preado/a (mal en 45
Capotes Cold Blood : 258) aunque en el
Quijote se utilizaba embarazado/a con el
significado de en dificultades con ver
466.
Austen Pride
5
Chapter 54
As soon as they were gone,
Elizabeth walked out to recover her
10 spirits; or in other words, to dwell
without interruption on those subjects
t h a t m u s t d e a d e n t h e m m o r e . M r.
D a r c y s b e h a v i o u r a s t o n i s h e d a n d
vexed [angered] her.
15
Why, if he came only to be silent,
grave, and indifferent, said she, did he
come at all?
20 She could settle it in no way that gave
her pleasure.
He could be still amiable, still
pleasing, to my uncle and aunt, when he
25 was in town; and why not to me? If he
fears me, why come hither? If he no
longer cares for me, why silent? Teasing,
teasing, man! I will think no more about
him.
30
Her resolution was for a short time
involuntarily kept by the approach of her
sister, who joined her with a cheerful
look, which showed her better satisfied
35 with their visitors, than Elizabeth.
Now, said she, that this first
meeting is over, I feel perfectly easy. I
know my own strength, and I shall never
am glad he dines here on Tuesday. It will
then be publicly seen that, on both sides,
we meet only as common and indifferent
acquaintance.
Yes, very indifferent indeed, said
Elizabeth, laughingly. Oh, Jane, take
care.
50 My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me
so weak, as to be in danger now?
I think you are in very great danger
of making him as much in love with you
55 as ever.
*****
They did not see the gentlemen again
60 till Tuesday; and Mrs. Bennet, in the
meanwhile, was giving way to all the
happy schemes, which the good humour
and common politeness of Bingley, in
half an hours visit, had revived.
65
285
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Captulo LIV
En cuanto se marcharon,
Elizabeth sali a pasear para
recobrar el nimo o, mejor dicho,
para meditar la causa que le haba
hecho perderlo. La conducta de
Darcy la tena asombrada y
enojada.
Por qu vino se deca
para estar en silencio, serio e
indiferente?
No poda explicrselo de modo
satisfactorio.
Si pudo estar amable y
complaciente con mis tos en Londres,
por qu no conmigo? Si me tema,
por qu vino? Y si ya no le importo
nada, por qu estuvo tan callado?
Qu hombre ms irritante! No quiero
pensar ms en l.
Involuntariamente mantuvo esta
resolucin durante un rato, porque se
le acerc su hermana, cuyo alegre
aspecto demostraba que estaba ms
satisfecha de la visita que ella.
Ahora le dijo, pasado este
primer encuentro, me siento
completamente tranquila. S que soy
fuerte y que ya no me azorar delante
de l. Me alegro de que venga a comer
el martes, porque as se ver que nos
tratamos simplemente como amigos
indiferentes.
S, muy indiferentes contest
Elizabeth rindose. Oh, Jane! Ten
cuidado!
Lizzy, querida, no vas a creer que soy
tan dbil como para correr ningn peligro.
Creo que ests en uno muy
grande, porque l te ama como
siempre.
_________
No volvieron a ver a Bingley hasta
el martes, y, entretanto, la seora Bennet
se entreg a todos los venturosos planes
que la alegra y la constante dulzura del
caballero haban hecho revivir en media
hora de visita.
 Austen Pride
On Tuesday there was a large party
assembled at Longbourn; and the two
who were most anxiously expected, to the
credit of their punctuality as sportsmen,
5 were in very good time. When they
repaired to the dining-room, Elizabeth
eagerly watched to see whether Bingley
would take the place, which, in all their
former parties, had belonged to him, by
10 her sister. Her prudent mother, occupied
by the same ideas, forbore to invite him
to sit by herself. On entering the room,
he seemed to hesitate; but Jane
happened to look round, and happened
15 to smile: it was decided. He placed
himself by her.
Elizabeth, with a triumphant
sensation, looked towards his friend. He
20 bore it with noble indifference, and she
would have imagined that Bingley had
received his sanction to be happy, had
she not seen his eyes likewise turned
towards Mr. Darcy, with an expression
25 of half-laughing alarm.
His behaviour to her sister was such,
during dinner time, as showed an
admiration of her, which, though more
30 guarded than formerly, persuaded
Elizabeth, that if left wholly to himself,
Janes happiness, and his own, would be
speedily secured. Though she dared not
depend upon the consequence, she yet
35 received pleasure from observing his
behaviour. It gave her all the animation
that her spirits could boast; for she was
in no cheerful humour. Mr. Darcy was
almost as far from her as the table could
40 divide them. He was on one side of her
mother. She knew how little such a
situation would give pleasure to either,
or make either appear to advantage. She
was not near enough to hear any of their
45 discourse, but she could see how seldom
they spoke to each other, and how formal
and cold was their manner whenever they
did. Her mothers ungraciousness, made
the sense of what they owed him more
50 painful to Elizabeths mind; and she
would, at times, have given anything to
be privileged to tell him that his kindness
was neither unknown nor unfelt by the
whole of the family.
55
She was in hopes that the evening
would afford some opportunity of
bringing them together; that the whole of
the visit would not pass away without
60 enabling them to enter into something
more of conversation than the mere
ceremonious salutation attending his
entrance. Anxious and uneasy, the period
which passed in the drawing-room,
65 before the gentlemen came, was
286
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
El martes se congreg en Longbourn
un numeroso grupo de gente y los
seores que con ms ansias eran
esperados llegaron con toda
puntualidad. Cuando entraron en el
c o m e d o r, Elizabeth observ
atentamente a Bingley para ver si
ocupaba el lugar que siempre le haba
tocado en anteriores comidas al lado de
su hermana; su prudente madre,
pensando lo mismo, se guard mucho
de invitarle a que tomase asiento a su
lado. Bingley pareci dudar, pero Jane
acert a mirar sonriente a su alrededor
y la cosa qued decidida: Bingley se
sent al lado de Jane.
Elizabeth, con triunfal satisfaccin,
mir a Darcy. ste sostuvo la mirada con
noble indiferencia, Elizabeth habra
imaginado que Bingley haba obtenido ya
permiso de su amigo para disfrutar de su
felicidad si no hubiese sorprendido los ojos
de ste vueltos tambin hacia Darcy, con una
expresin risuea, pero de alarma.
La conducta de Bingley con Jane
durante la comida revel la admiracin
que senta por ella, y aunque era ms
circunspecta que antes, Elizabeth se
qued convencida de que si slo
dependiese de l, su dicha y la de Jane
quedara pronto asegurada. A pesar de
que no se atreva a confiar en el
resultado, Elizabeth se qued muy
satisfecha y se sinti todo lo animada
que su mal humor le permita. Darcy
estaba al otro lado de la mesa, sentado
al lado de la seora Bennet, y
Elizabeth comprenda lo poco grata
que les era a los dos semejante
colocacin, y lo poco ventajosa que
resultaba para nadie. No estaba lo
bastante cerca para or lo que decan,
pero pudo observar que casi no se
hablaban y lo fros y ceremoniosos que
eran sus modales cuando lo hacan.
Esta antipata de su madre por Darcy
le hizo ms penoso a Elizabeth el
recuerdo de lo que todos le deban, y
haba momentos en que habra dado
cualquier cosa por poder decir que su
bondad no era desconocida ni
inapreciada por toda la familia.
Esperaba que la tarde
le dara oportunidad de
estar al lado de Darcy y
que no acabara la visita
sin poder cambiar con l
algo ms que el sencillo
saludo de la llegada.
E staba tan ansiosa y de s a s o s e g a d a
que mientras es p e r a b a e n e l s a l n
la entrada de los caballeros, su
 Austen Pride
wearisome and dull to a degree that
almost made her uncivil. She looked
forward to their entrance as the point on
which all her chance of pleasure for the
5 evening must depend.
If he does not come to me, THEN, said
she, I shall give him up for ever.
10 The gentlemen came; and she
thought he looked as if he would have
answered her hopes; but, alas! the ladies
had crowded round the table, where
Miss Bennet was making tea, and
15 Elizabeth pouring out the coffee, in so
close a confederacy that there was not a
single vacancy near her which would
admit of a chair. And on the gentlemens
approaching, one of the girls moved
20 closer to her than ever, and said, in a
whisper:
The men shant come and part us, I
am determined. We want none of them;
25 do we?
Darcy had walked away to another part
of the room. She followed him with her
eyes, envied everyone to whom he spoke,
30 had scarcely patience enough to help
anybody to coffee; and then was enraged
against herself for being so silly!
A man who has once been refused!
35 How could I ever be foolish enough to
expect a renewal of his love? Is there one
among the sex, who would not protest
against such a weakness as a second
proposal to the same woman? There is
40 no indignity so abhorrent to their
feelings!
She was a little revived, however,
by his bringing back his coffee cup
45 h i m s e l f ; a n d s h e s e i z e d t h e
opportunity of saying:
Is your sister at Pemberley still?
50 Yes, she will remain there till
Christmas.
And quite alone? Have all her
friends left her?
55
Mrs. Annesley is with her. The others
have been gone on to Scarborough, these
three weeks.
60 She could think of nothing more to
say; but if he wished to converse with her,
he might have better success. He stood
by her, however, for some minutes, in
silence; and, at last, on the young ladys
65 whispering to Elizabeth again, he walked
287
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
desazn casi la puso de mal
talante. De la presencia de
Darcy dependa para ella
toda esperanza de placer en
aquella tarde.
Si no se dirige hacia m se
deca me dar por vencida.
Entraron los caballeros y pareci
que Darcy iba a hacer lo que ella
anhelaba; pero desgraciadamente las
seoras se haban agrupado alrededor
de la mesa en donde la seora Bennet
preparaba el t y Elizabeth serva el
caf, estaban todas tan apiadas que
no quedaba ningn sito libre a su lado
ni lugar para otra silla. Al acercarse
los caballeros, una de las muchachas
se aproxim a Elizabeth y le dijo al
odo:
Los hombres no vendrn a separarnos;
ya lo tengo decidido; no nos hacen ninguna
falta, no es cierto?
Darcy entonces se fue a otro lado de
la estancia. Elizabeth le segua con la
vista y envidiaba a todos con quienes
conversaba; apenas tena paciencia para
servir el caf, y lleg a ponerse furiosa
consigo misma por ser tan tonta.
Un hombre al que he
rechazado! Loca debo estar si
espero que renazca su amor. No hay
un solo hombre que no se rebelase
contra la debilidad que supondra
una segunda declaracin a la misma
m u j e r. N o h a y i n d i g n i d a d m a y o r
para ellos.
Se reanim un poco al ver que Darcy
vena a devolverle la taza de caf, y ella
aprovech la oportunidad para
preguntarle:
Sigue su hermana en Pemberley?
S, estar all hasta las
Navidades.
Y est sola? Se han ido ya todos
sus amigos?
Slo la acompaa la seora
Annesley; los dems se han ido a
Scarborough a pasar estas tres semanas.
A Elizabeth no se le ocurri ms que
decir, pero si l hubiese querido hablar, con
qu placer le habra contestado! No
obstante, se qued a su lado unos minutos,
en silencio, hasta que la muchacha de antes
se puso a cuchichear con Elizabeth, y
 Austen Pride
away.
When the tea-things were removed,
and the card-tables placed, the ladies all
5 rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to
be soon joined by him, when all her views
were overthrown by seeing him fall a
victim to her mothers rapacity for whist
players, and in a few moments after
10 seated with the rest of the party. She now
lost every expectation of pleasure. They
were confined for the evening at different
tables, and she had nothing to hope, but
that his eyes were so often turned towards
15 her side of the room, as to make him play
as unsuccessfully as herself.
Mrs. Bennet had designed to keep the
two Netherfield gentlemen to supper; but
20 their carriage was unluckily ordered
before any of the others, and she had no
opportunity of detaining them.
Well girls, said she, as soon as they
25 were left to themselves, What say you
to the day? I think every thing has passed
off uncommonly well, I assure you. The
dinner was as well dressed as any I ever
saw. The venison was roasted to a turn
30 and everybody said they never saw so fat
a haunch. The soup was fifty times better
than what we had at the Lucases last
week; and even Mr. Darcy
acknowledged, that the partridges were
35 remarkably well done; and I suppose he
has two or three French cooks at least.
And, my dear Jane, I never saw you look
in greater beauty. Mrs. Long said so too,
for I asked her whether you did not. And
40 what do you think she said besides? Ah!
Mrs. Bennet, we shall have her at
Netherfield at last. She did indeed. I do
think Mrs. Long is as good a creature as
ever livedand her nieces are very pretty
45 behaved girls, and not at all handsome: I
like them prodigiously.
Mrs. Bennet, in short, was in very
great spirits; she had seen enough of
50 Bingleys behaviour to Jane, to be
convinced that she would get him at
last; and her expectations of advantage
to her family, when in a happy humour,
were so far beyond reason, that she was
55 quite disappointed at not seeing him
there again the next day, to make his
proposals.
It has been a very agreeable day,
60 said Miss Bennet to Elizabeth. The party
seemed so well selected, so suitable one
with the other. I hope we may often meet
again.
65 Elizabeth smiled.
288
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
entonces l se retir.
Una vez quitado el servicio de t y
puestas las mesas de juego, se
levantaron todas las seoras. Elizabeth
crey entonces que podra estar con l,
pero sus esperanzas rodaron por el suelo
cuando vio que su madre se apoderaba
de Darcy y le obligaba a sentarse a su
mesa de whist. Elizabeth renunci ya a
todas sus ilusiones. Toda la tarde
estuvieron confinados en mesas
diferentes, pero los ojos de Darcy se
volvan tan a menudo donde ella estaba,
que tanto el uno como el otro perdieron
todas las partidas.
La seora Bennet haba
proyectado que los dos caballeros de
Netherfield se quedaran a cenar, pero
fueron los primeros en pedir su coche
y no hubo manera de retenerlos.
Bueno, nias dijo la madre en
cuanto se hubieron ido todos, qu me
decs? A mi modo de ver todo ha ido hoy
a pedir de boca. La comida ha estado tan
bien presentada como las mejores que he
visto; el venado asado, en su punto, y todo
el mundo dijo que las ancas eran
estupendas; la sopa, cincuenta veces
mejor que la que nos sirvieron la semana
pasada en casa de los Lucas; y hasta el
seor Darcy reconoci que las perdices
estaban muy bien hechas, y eso que l
debe de tener dos o tres cocineros
franceses. Y, por otra parte, Jane querida,
nunca estuviste ms guapa que esta tarde;
la seora Long lo afirm cuando yo le
pregunt su parecer. Y qu crees que me
dijo, adems? Oh, seora Bennet, por
fin la tendremos en Netherfield! As lo
dijo. Opino que la seora Long es la mejor
persona del mundo, y sus sobrinas son
unas muchachas muy bien educadas y no
son feas del todo; me gustan mucho.
Total que la seora Bennet estaba de
magnfico humor. Se haba fijado lo
bastante en la conducta de Bingley para con
Jane para convencerse de que al fin lo iba
a conseguir. Estaba tan excitada y sus
fantasas sobre el gran porvenir que
esperaba a su familia fueron tan lejos de lo
razonable, que se disgust muchsimo al
ver que Bingley no se presentaba al da
siguiente para declararse.
Ha sido un da muy
agradable dijo Jane a
Elizabeth. Qu selecta y qu
cordial fue la fiesta! Espero
q u e s e re p i t a .
Elizabeth se sonri.
 Austen Pride
Lizzy, you must not do so. You must
not suspect me. It mortifies me. I assure
you that I have now learnt to enjoy his
5 conversation as an agreeable and sensible
young man, without having a wish
beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied, from
what his manners now are, that he never
had any design of engaging my affection.
10 It is only that he is blessed with greater
sweetness of address, and a stronger
desire of generally pleasing, than any
other man.
15 You are very cruel, said her sister,
you will not let me smile, and are
provoking me to it every moment.
How hard it is in some cases to be
20 believed!
And how impossible in others!
But why should you wish to persuade
25 me that I feel more than I acknowledge?
That is a question which I hardly
know how to answer. We all love to
instruct, though we can teach only what
30 is not worth knowing. Forgive me; and if
you persist in indifference, do not make
me your confidante.
35
40
Chapter 55
A few days after this visit, Mr.
Bingley called again, and alone. His
45 friend had left him that morning for
London, but was to return home in ten
days time. He sat with them above an
hour, and was in remarkably good spirits.
Mrs. Bennet invited him to dine with
50 them; but, with many expressions of
concern, he confessed himself engaged
elsewhere.
Next time you call, said
55 s h e , I h o p e w e s h a l l b e m o r e
l u c k y.
He should be particularly happy at
any time, etc. etc.; and if she would give
60 him leave, would take an early
opportunity of waiting on them.
Can you come to-morrow?
65 Yes, he had no engagement at all for
289
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
N o t e r a s . ______ __________
_________ M e d u e l e q u e s e a s a s ,
L i z z y. Te a s e g u r o q u e a h o r a h e
aprendido a disfrutar de su
conversacin y que no veo en l
ms que un muchacho inteligente
y amable. Me encanta su
proceder y no me importa que
jams haya pensado en m. Slo
encuentro que su trato es dulce
y ms atento que el de ningn
otro hombre.
Eres cruel! contest su hermana
. No me dejas sonrer y me ests provocando
a hacerlo a cada momento.
Qu difcil es que te crean en algunos
casos!
Y qu imposible en otros!
Por qu te empeas en convencerme
de que siento ms de lo que confieso?
No sabra qu contestarte. A
todos nos gusta dar lecciones, pero
slo enseamos lo que no merece la
p e n a s a b e r. P e r d n a m e , p e r o s i
persistes en tu indiferencia, es mejor
que yo no sea tu confidente.
Captulo LV
Pocos das despus de aquella
visita, Bingley volvi a Longbourn,
solo. Su amigo se haba ido a
Londres por la maana, pero iba a
regresar dentro de diez das. Pas
con ellas una hora, y estuvo de
excelente humor. La seora Bennet
le invit a comer, Bingley dijo que
lo senta, pero que estaba convidado
en otro sitio.
La prxima vez que venga repuso
la seora Bennet espero que tengamos
ms suerte.
X Tendr mucho gusto respondi
B i n g l e y. Y a a d i q u e , s i s e l o
permitan, aprovechara cualquier
oportunidad para visitarles.
Puede usted venir maana?
Bingley dijo que s, pues no
 Austen Pride
to-morrow; and her invitation was
accepted with alacrity.
He came, and in such very good time
5 that the ladies were none of them dressed.
In ran Mrs. Bennet to her daughters
room, in her dressing gown, and with her
hair half finished, crying out:
10 My dear Jane, make haste and hurry
down. He is comeMr. Bingley is come.
He is, indeed. Make haste, make haste.
Here, Sarah, come to Miss Bennet this
moment, and help her on with her gown.
15 Never mind Miss Lizzys hair.
We will be down as soon as we can,
said Jane; but I dare say Kitty is
forwarder than either of us, for she went
20 up stairs half an hour ago.
Oh! hang Kitty! what has she to do
with it? Come be quick, be quick! Where
is your sash, my dear?
25
But when her mother was gone, Jane
would not be prevailed on to go down
without one of her sisters.
30 The same anxiety to get them by
themselves was visible again in the
evening. After tea, Mr. Bennet retired to
the library, as was his custom, and Mary
went up stairs to her instrument. Two
35 obstacles of the five being thus removed,
Mrs. Bennet sat looking and winking at
Elizabeth and Catherine for a
considerable time, without making any
impression on them. Elizabeth would not
40 observe her; and when at last Kitty did,
she very innocently said, What is the
matter mamma? What do you keep
winking at me for? What am I to do?
45 Nothing child, nothing. I did not
wink at you. She then sat still five
minutes longer; but unable to waste
such a precious occasion, she
suddenly got up, and saying to Kitty,
50 Come here, my love, I want to speak to
you, took her out of the room. Jane
instantly gave a look at Elizabeth which
spoke her distress at such premeditation,
and her entreaty that SHE would not give
55 in to it. In a few minutes, Mrs. Bennet
half-opened the door and called out:
Lizzy, my dear, I want to speak with
you.
60
Elizabeth was forced to go.
We may as well leave them by
themselves you know; said her mother,
65 as soon as she was in the hall. Kitty and
290
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
tena ningn compromiso para el
da siguiente.
Lleg tan temprano que
ninguna de las seoras estaba
vestida, La seora Bennet corri
al cuarto de sus hijas, en bata y a
m e d i o p e i n a r, e x c l a m a n d o :
Jane, querida, date prisa y ve
abajo! Ha venido el seor Bingley! Es
l, sin duda. Ven, Sara! Anda en
seguida a ayudar a vestirse a la
seorita Jane. No te preocupes del
peinado de la seorita Elizabeth.
Bajaremos en cuanto podamos
dijo Jane, pero me parece que Catherine
est ms adelantada que nosotras, porque
subi hace media hora.
Mira con lo que sales! Qu tiene que
ver en esto Catherine? T eres la que debe
bajar en seguida. Dnde est tu cors?
Pero cuando su madre haba
salido, Jane no quiso bajar sin
alguna de sus hermanas.
Por la tarde, la madre volvi a
intentar que Bingley se quedara a solas
con Jane. Despus del t, el seor
Bennet se retir a su biblioteca como
de costumbre, y Mary subi a tocar el
piano. Habiendo desaparecido dos de
los cinco obstculos, la seora Bennet
se puso a mirar y a hacer seas y
guios a Elizabeth y a Catherine sin
que ellas lo notaran. Catherine lo
advirti antes que Elizabeth y
pregunt con toda inocencia:
Qu pasa, mam? Por qu me
haces seas? Qu quieres que haga?
Nada, nia, nada. No te haca
ninguna sea.
Sigui sentada cinco minutos ms, pero era
incapaz de desperdiciar una ocasin tan preciosa.
Se levant de pronto y le dijo a Catherine:
Ven, cario. Tengo que hablar contigo.
Y se la llev de la habitacin. Jane mir
al instante a Elizabeth denotando su pesar
por aquella salida tan premeditada y
pidindole que no se fuera.
Pero a los pocos minutos la seora Bennet
abri la puerta y le dijo a Elizabeth:
Ve n , q u e r i d a . T e n g o q u e
hablarte.
Elizabeth no tuvo ms remedio que salir.
Dejmoslos solos,
entiendes? le dijo su madre
en el vestbulo. Catherine y
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

I are going upstairs to sit in my dressing- yo nos vamos arriba a mi

room. cuarto.

Elizabeth made no attempt to reason Elizabeth no se atrevi a discutir

5 with her mother, but remained quietly in con su madre; pero se qued en el
the hall, till she and Kitty were out of vestbulo hasta que la vio desapare-
sight, then returned into the drawing- cer con Catherine, y entonces volvi
room. al saln.

10
render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen-
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en- 15 agreeable addition to their evening party;
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.),
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks;
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.). 20 grateful to the daughter.
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc.
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.)
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting.
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9 25
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up,
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are
Caesars). b show (obedience).
Mrs. Bennets schemes for this day
were ineffectual. Bingley was every thing
that was charming, except the professed
lover of her daughter. His ease and
cheerfulness rendered him a most
and he bore with the ill-judged
officiousness of the mother, and heard all
her silly remarks with a forbearance and
command of countenance particularly
He scarcely needed an invitation to
stay supper; and before he went away, an
engagement was formed, chiefly through
his own and Mrs. Bennets means, for his
coming next morning to shoot with her
husband.
Los planes de la seora Bennet no
se realizaron aquel da. Bingley era un
modelo de gentileza, pero no el novio
declarado de su hija. Su soltura y su
alegra contribuyeron en gran parte a
la animacin de la reunin de la noche;
aguant toda la indiscrecin y las
impertinencias de la madre y escuch
todas sus necias advertencias con una
paciencia y una serenidad que dejaron
muy complacida a Jane.
Apenas necesit que le invitaran
para quedarse a cenar y, antes de que
se fuera, la seora Bennet le hizo una
nueva invitacin para que viniese a la
maana siguiente a cazar con su
marido.

After this day, Jane said no more of
30 her indifference. Not a word passed
between the sisters concerning Bingley;
but Elizabeth went to bed in the happy
belief that all must speedily be
concluded, unless Mr. Darcy returned
35 within the stated time. Seriously,
however, she felt tolerably persuaded that
all this must have taken place with that
gentlemans concurrence.
Despus de este da, Jane ya no dijo
que Bingley le fuese indiferente. Las dos
hermanas no hablaron una palabra acerca
de l, pero Elizabeth se acost con la feliz
conviccin de que todo se arreglara
pronto, si Darcy no volva antes del
tiempo indicado. Sin embargo, estaba
seriamente convencida de que todo esto
habra tenido igualmente lugar sin la
ausencia de dicho caballero.

Bingley was punctual to his

dusgust el sustantivo disgust es asco, repug-
nancia, aversin, mientras que disgusto tra-
duce displeasure, misfortune, argument,
minor quarrel, trouble, sorrow; el adjetivo
disgusted es hastiado, asqueado, indignado,
mientras que disgustado es annoyed,
displeased, angry.
40
appointment; and he and Mr. Bennet
spent the morning together, as had been
agreed on. The latter was much more
agreeable than his companion expected.
45 There was nothing of presumption or
folly in Bingley that could provoke his
ridicule, or disgust him into silence; and
he was more communicative, and less
eccentric, than the other had ever seen
50 him. Bingley of course returned with him
to dinner; and in the evening Mrs.
Bennets invention was again at work to
get every body away from him and her
daughter. Elizabeth, who had a letter to
55 write, went into the breakfast room for
that purpose soon after tea; for as the
others were all going to sit down to cards,
she could not be wanted to counteract her
mothers schemes.
60
But on returning to the drawing-room,
when her letter was finished, she saw, to
her infinite surprise, there was reason to
fear that her mother had been too
65 ingenious for her. On opening the door,
Bingley acudi puntualmente a la
cita, y l y el seor Bennet pasaron
juntos la maana del modo convenido.
El seor Bennet estuvo mucho ms
agradable de lo que su compaero
esperaba. No haba nada en Bingley de
presuncin o de tontera que el otro
pudiese ridiculizar o disgustarle
interiormente, por lo que estuvo con l
ms comunicativo y menos hosco de lo
que sola. Naturalmente, Bingley
regres con el seor Bennet a la casa
para comer, y por la tarde la seora
Bennet volvi a maquinar para dejarle
solo con su hija. Elizabeth tena que
escribir una carta, y fue con ese fin al
saloncillo poco despus del t, pues como
los dems se haban sentado a jugar, su
presencia ya no era necesaria para
estorbar las tramas de su madre.
Pero al entrar en el saln, despus
de haber terminado la carta, vio con
infinita sorpresa que haba razn para
temer que su madre se hubiera salido
con la suya. En efecto, al abrir la

291
 Austen Pride
she perceived her sister and Bingley
standing together over the hearth, as if
engaged in earnest conversation; and had
this led to no suspicion, the faces of both,
5 as they hastily turned round and moved
away from each other, would have told it
all. Their situation was awkward enough;
but HERS she thought was still worse.
Not a syllable was uttered by either; and
10 Elizabeth was on the point of going away
again, when Bingley, who as well as the
other had sat down, suddenly rose, and
whispering a few words to her sister, ran
out of the room.
15
Jane could have no reserves from
Elizabeth, where confidence would give
pleasure; and instantly embracing her,
acknowledged, with the liveliest emotion,
20 that she was the happiest creature in the
world.
Tis too much! she added, by far
too much. I do not deserve it. Oh! why is
25 not everybody as happy?
Elizabeths congratulations were
given with a sincerity, a warmth, a
delight, which words could but poorly
30 express. Every sentence of kindness was
a fresh source of happiness to Jane. But
she would not allow herself to stay with
her sister, or say half that remained to be
said for the present.
35
I must go instantly to my mother;
she cried. I would not on any account
solicitude traduce solicitud, como cuidado, trifle with her affectionate solicitude; or
afn, ansiedad, pero solicitud es la voz co- allow her to hear it from anyone but
mn para request, application [para traba-
40 myself. He is gone to my father already.
jos, cheques], y solicitous traduce solcito,
como diligente, deseoso, gustoso, pero a Oh! Lizzy, to know that what I have to
veces rebaja su significado a inquieto, apren- relate will give such pleasure to all my
sivo, receloso, molesto. dear family! how shall I bear so much
solicitous ansioso, aprensivo, atento, esmera- happiness!
do, receloso, solcito=diligente, cuidadoso,
diligente [pronto, presto, activo], cuidado- 45
so, gustoso, inquieto, aprensivo, receloso She then hastened away to her
solicitude n. 1 the state of being solicitous; mother, who had purposely broken up
solicitous behaviour. 2 anxiety or concern. the card party, and was sitting up
Cuidado, afn, ansiedad, solicitousness, a stairs with Kitty.
feeling of excessive concern, preocupacin,
50
ansiedad, atencin
Elizabeth, who was left by herself,
now smiled at the rapidity and ease with
which an affair was finally settled, that
had given them so many previous months
55 of suspense and vexation.
And this, said she, is the end of
all his friends anxious circumspection!
of all his sister s falsehood and
60 contrivance! the happiest, wisest, most
reasonable end!
In a few minutes she was joined by
Bingley, whose conference with her father
65 had been short and to the purpose.
292
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
puerta divis a. su hermana y a
Bingley solos, apoyados en la
chimenea como abstrados en la ms
interesante conversacin; y por si esto
no hubiese dado lugar a todas las
sospechas, los rostros de ambos al
volverse rpidamente y separarse lo
habran dicho todo. La situacin debi
de ser muy embarazosa para ellos,
pero Elizabeth iba a marcharse,
cuando Bingley, que, como Jane, se
haba sentado, se levant de pronto,
dijo algunas palabras al odo de Jane
y sali de la estancia.
Jane no poda tener secretos para
Elizabeth, sobre todo, no poda ocultarle
una noticia que saba que la alegrara. La
estrech entre sus brazos y le confes con
la ms viva emocin que era la mujer ms
dichosa del mundo.
Es demasiado! aadi. Es
demasiado! No lo merezco. Oh! Por qu
no sern todos tan felices como yo?
La enhorabuena de Elizabeth fue tan
sincera y tan ardiente y revel tanto placer
que no puede expresarse con palabras.
Cada una de sus frases cariosas fue una
fuente de dicha para Jane. Pero no pudo
quedarse con Elizabeth ni contarle la
mitad de las cosas que tena que
comunicarle todava.
Vo y a v e r a l i n s t a n t e a m a m
dijo. No puedo ignorar su
afectuosa solicitud ni permitir
que se entere por otra persona. l
acaba de ir a hablar con pap.
Oh, Lizzy! Lo que voy a decir
llenar de alegra a toda la
familia. Cmo podr resistir
tanta dicha?
Se fue presurosamente en busca de su
madre que haba suspendido adrede la
partida de cartas y estaba arriba con
Catherine.
Elizabeth se qued sonriendo ante
la facilidad y rapidez con que se
haba resuelto un asunto que haba
causado tantos meses de
incertidumbre y de dolor.
He aqu en qu ha parado se dijo
la ansiosa circunspeccin de su amigo y toda
la falsedad y las tretas de sus hermanas! No
poda darse un desenlace ms feliz, ms
prudente y ms razonable.
A los pocos minutos entr Bingley,
que haba terminado su corta
conferencia con el seor Bennet.
 Austen Pride
Where is your sister? said he
hastily, as he opened the door.
5 With my mother up stairs. She will
be down in a moment, I dare say.
He then shut the door, and, coming
up to her, claimed the good wishes and
10 affection of a sister. Elizabeth honestly
and heartily expressed her delight in the
prospect of their relationship. They
shook hands with great cordiality; and
then, till her sister came down, she had
15 to listen to all he had to say of his own
happiness, and of Janes perfections; and
in spite of his being a lover, Elizabeth
really believed all his expectations of
felicity to be rationally founded, because
20 they had for basis the excellent
understanding, and super-excellent
disposition of Jane, and a general
similarity of feeling and taste between her
and himself.
25
It was an evening of no common
delight to them all; the satisfaction of
Miss Bennets mind gave a glow of such
sweet animation to her face, as made her
30 look handsomer than ever. Kitty
simper sonrisa tonta, sonrer tonta o afectada- simpered and smiled, and hoped her turn
mente. v. 1 intr. smile in a silly or affected was coming soon. Mrs. Bennet could not
way. 2 tr. express by or with simpering.
n. such a smile.
give her consent or speak her approbation
in terms warm enough to satisfy her
35 feelings, though she talked to Bingley of
nothing else for half an hour; and when
Mr. Bennet joined them at supper, his
voice and manner plainly showed how
really happy he was.
40
Not a word, however, passed his
lips in allusion to it, till their visitor
took his leave for the night; but as
soon as he was gone, he turned to his
45 daughter, and said:
Jane, I congratulate you. You will
be a very happy woman.
50 Jane went to him instantly, kissed him,
and thanked him for his goodness.
You are a good girl; he replied,
and I have great pleasure in thinking you
55 will be so happily settled. I have not a
doubt of your doing very well together.
Your tempers are by no means unlike.
You are each of you so complying, that
nothing will ever be resolved on; so easy,
60 that every servant will cheat you; and so
generous, that you will always exceed
your income.
I hope not so. Imprudence or
65 thoughtlessness in money matters would
293
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Dnde est su hermana? le dijo
al instante de abrir la puerta.
Arriba, con mam. Creo que
bajar en seguida.
Entonces Bingley cerr la puerta
y le pidi su parabin, rogndole
que le considerase como un
hermano. Elizabeth le dijo de todo
corazn lo mucho que se alegraba de
aquel futuro parentesco. Se dieron
las manos cordialsimamente y hasta
que baj Jane, Bingley estuvo
hablando de s u felicidad y d e l a s
perfecciones de su amada. Elizabeth
no crey exageradas sus esperanzas
de dicha, a pesar del amor que
cegaba al joven, pues al buen
entendimiento y al excelente cora-
zn de Jane se unan la semejanza
de sentimientos y gustos con su
prometida.
La tarde transcurri en medio del
embeleso general la satisfaccin de Jane
daba a su rostro una luz y una expresin
tan dulce que le hacan parecer ms
hermosa que nunca. Catherine
X ________ sonrea pensando que pronto le
llegara su turno. La seora Bennet dio su
consentimiento y expres su aprobacin en
trminos calurossimos que, no obstante, no
alcanzaron a describir el jbilo que senta,
y durante media hora no pudo hablarle a
Bingley de otra cosa. Cuando el seor
Bennet se reuni con ellos para la cena, su
voz y su aspecto revelaban su alegra.
Pero ni una palabra sali de sus labios
que aludiese al asunto hasta que el
invitado se despidi. Tan pronto como se
hubo ido, el seor Bennet se volvi a su
hija y le dijo:
Te felicito, Jane. Sers una mujer muy
feliz.
Jane corri hacia su padre, le dio un
beso y las gracias por su bondad.
Eres una buena muchacha
aadi el padre y mereces la suerte
que has tenido. Os llevaris muy
bien. Vuestros caracteres son muy
parecidos. Sois tan complacientes el
uno con el otro que nunca resolve-
ris nada, tan confiados que os
engaar cualquier criado, y tan
generosos que siempre gastaris ms
de lo que tengis.
Eso s que no. La imprudencia o el
descuido en cuestiones de dinero sera
 Austen Pride
be unpardonable in me.
Exceed their income! My dear Mr.
Bennet, cried his wife, what are you
5 talking of? Why, he has four or five
thousand a year, and very likely more.
Then addressing her daughter, Oh! my
dear, dear Jane, I am so happy! I am sure
I shant get a wink of sleep all night. I
10 knew how it would be. I always said it
must be so, at last. I was sure you could
not be so beautiful for nothing! I
remember, as soon as ever I saw him,
when he first came into Hertfordshire last
15 year, I thought how likely it was that you
should come together. Oh! he is the
handsomest young man that ever was
seen!
20 Wickham, Lydia, were all forgotten.
Jane was beyond competition her
favourite child. At that moment, she
cared for no other. Her younger sisters
soon began to make interest with her for
25 objects of happiness which she might in
future be able to dispense.
Mary petitioned for the use of the
library at Netherfield; and Kitty begged
30 very hard for a few balls there every
winter.
Bingley, from this time, was of course
a daily visitor at Longbourn; coming
35 frequently before breakfast, and always
remaining till after supper; unless when
some barbarous neighbour, who could
not be enough detested, had given him
an invitation to dinner which he thought
40 himself obliged to accept.
Elizabeth had now but little time for
conversation with her sister; for while he
was present, Jane had no attention to
45 bestow [grant] on anyone else; but she
found herself considerably useful to both
of them in those hours of separation that
must sometimes occur. In the absence of
Jane, he always attached himself to
50 Elizabeth, for the pleasure of talking of
her; and when Bingley was gone, Jane
constantly sought the same means of
relief.
55 He has made me so happy, said
she, one evening, by telling me that
he was totally ignorant of my being in
town last spring! I had not believed it
possible.
60
I suspected as much, replied Elizabeth.
But how did he account for it?
It must have been his sisters doing.
65 They were certainly no friends to his
294
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
imperdonable para m.
Gastar ms de lo tenga!
exclam la seora Bennet. Qu ests
diciendo? Bingley posee cuatro o cinco
mil libras anuales, y puede que ms.
Despus, dirigindose a su hija, aadi:
Oh, Jane, querida, vida ma, soy tan
feliz que no voy a poder cerrar ojo en
toda la noche! Ya saba yo que esto
llegara; siempre dije que al final se
arreglara todo. Estaba segura de que tu
hermosura no iba a ser en balde.
Recuerdo que en cuanto lo vi la primera
vez que lleg a Hertfordshire, pens que
por fuerza tenais que casaros. Es el
hombre ms guapo que he visto en mi
vida!
Wickham y Lydia quedaron olvidados.
Jane era ahora su hija favorita, sin ninguna
comparacin; en aquel momento las dems
no le importaban nada. Las hermanas
menores pronto empezaron a pedirle a Jane
todo lo que deseaban y que ella iba a poder
dispensarles en breve.
Mary quera usar la biblioteca de
Netherfield, y Catherine le suplic que
organizase all unos cuantos bailes en
invierno.
Bingley, como era natural, iba a
Longbourn todos los das. Con
frecuencia llegaba antes del almuerzo
y se quedaba hasta despus de la cena,
menos cuando algn brbaro vecino,
nunca detestado lo bastante, le
invitaba a comer, y Bingley se crea
obligado a aceptar.
Elizabeth tena pocas oportunidades
de conversar con su hermana, pues
mientras Bingley estaba presente, Jane
no tena ojos ni odos para nadie ms;
pero resultaba muy til al uno y al otro
en las horas de separacin que a veces
se imponan. En ausencia de Jane,
Bingley buscaba siempre a Elizabeth
para darse el gusto de hablar de su
amada; y cuando Bingley se iba, Jane
recurra constantemente al mismo
consuelo.
No sabes lo feliz que me ha hecho
le dijo una noche a su hermana al
participarme que ignoraba que yo haba
estado en Londres la pasada primavera! Me
pareca imposible!
Me lo figuraba. Pero
cmo se explica?
Debe de haber sido cosa de sus
hermanas. La verdad es que no
 Austen Pride
acquaintance with me, which I cannot
wonder at, since he might have chosen
so much more advantageously in many
respects. But when they see, as I trust
5 they will, that their brother is happy with
me, they will learn to be contented, and
we shall be on good terms again; though
we can never be what we once were to
each other.
10
That is the most unforgiving
speech, said Elizabeth, that I ever
heard you utter. Good girl! It would vex
me, indeed, to see you again the dupe of
15 Miss Bingleys pretended regard.
Would you believe it, Lizzy, that
when he went to town last November, he
really loved me, and nothing but a
20 persuasion of MY being indifferent
would have prevented his coming down
again!
He made a little mistake to be
25 s u r e ; b u t i t i s t o t h e c r e d i t o f h i s
m o d e s t y.
This naturally introduced a
diffidence, self-doubt, self-distrust lack of self- panegyric from Jane on his
confidence inseguridad, falta de confianza 30 diffidence, and the little value he put
en uno mismo
on his own good qualities. Elizabeth was
pleased to find that he had not betrayed
the interference of his friend; for, though
Jane had the most generous and
35 forgiving heart in the world, she knew
it was a circumstance which must
prejudice her against him.
I am certainly the most fortunate
40 creature that ever existed! cried Jane. Oh!
Lizzy, why am I thus singled from my family,
and blessed above them all! If I could but
see YOU as happy! If there WERE but such
another man for you!
45
If you were to give me forty such
men, I never could be so happy as you.
Till I have your disposition, your
goodness, I never can have your
50 happiness. No, no, let me shift for myself;
and, perhaps, if I have very good luck, I
may meet with another Mr. Collins in
time.
55 The situation of affairs in the
Longbourn family could not be long a
secret. Mrs. Bennet was privileged to
whisper it to Mrs. Phillips, and she
ventured, without any permission, to do
60 the same by all her neighbours in
Meryton.
The Bennets were speedily
pronounced to be the luckiest family in
65 the world, though only a few weeks
295
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
queran saber nada conmigo, cosa
que no me extraa, pues Bingley
hubiese podido encontrar algo mejor
desde todos los puntos de vista.
Pero cuando vean, como supongo
que vern, que su hermano es feliz
a mi lado, se contentarn y
volveremos a ser amigas, aunque
nunca como antes.
Esto es lo ms imperdonable que
te he odo decir en mi vida exclam
Elizabeth. Infeliz! Me irrita de
veras que creas en la pretendida
amistad de la seorita Bingley.
Creers, Elizabeth, que
al irse a la capital el pasado
noviembre me amaba de veras
y slo la certeza de que me
era indiferente le impidi
volver?
Se equivoc un poquito, en
realidad; pero esto habla muy en favor
de su modestia.
Esto indujo a Jane, naturalmente, a
hacer un panegrico de la falta de
presuncin de su novio y del poco valor
que daba a sus propias cualidades.
Elizabeth se alegr de que no hubiese
traicionado a su amigo hablndole de la
intromisin de ste, pues a pesar de que Jane
posea el corazn ms generoso y propenso
al perdn del mundo, esto poda haber creado
en ella algn prejuicio contra Darcy.
Soy indudablemente la criatura
ms afortunada de la tierra exclam
Jane . Oh, Lizzy, qu pena me da ser
la ms feliz de la casa! Si por lo menos
t tambin lo fueses! Si hubiera otro
hombre como Bingley para ti!
Aunque me dieras cuarenta
como l nunca sera tan dichosa
como t. Mientras no tenga tu
c a r c t e r, j a m s p o d r d i s f r u t a r
de tanta felicidad. No, no; dja-
m e c o m o e s t o y. S i t e n g o b u e n a
suerte, puede que con el tiempo
encuentre otro Collins.
El estado de los asuntos de la familia
de Longbourn no poda permanecer en
secreto. La seora Bennet tuvo el
privilegio de comunicarlo a la seora
Philips y sta se lanz a pregonarlo sin
previo permiso por las casas de todos los
vecinos de Meryton.
Los Bennet no tardaron en ser
proclamados la familia ms afortunada del
mundo, a pesar de que pocas semanas
 Austen Pride
before, when Lydia had first run away,
they had been generally proved to be
marked out for misfortune.
10
Chapter 56
One morning, about a week after
15 Bingleys engagement with Jane had been
formed, as he and the females of the
family were sitting together in the dining-
room, their attention was suddenly drawn
to the window, by the sound of a carriage;
20 and they perceived a chaise and four
driving up the lawn. It was too early in
the morning for visitors, and besides, the
equipage did not answer to that of any of
their neighbours. The horses were post;
25 and neither the carriage, nor the livery
of the servant who preceded it, were
familiar to them. As it was certain,
however, that somebody was coming,
Bingley instantly prevailed on Miss
30 Bennet to avoid the confinement of such
an intrusion, and walk away with him into
the shrubbery. They both set off, and the
conjectures of the remaining three
continued, though with little satisfaction,
35 till the door was thrown open and their
visitor entered. It was Lady Catherine de
Bourgh.
They were of course all intending to
40 be surprised; but their astonishment was
beyond their expectation; and on the part
of Mrs. Bennet and Kitty, though she was
perfectly unknown to them, even inferior
to what Elizabeth felt.
45
She entered the room with an air more
than usually ungracious, made no other
reply to Elizabeths salutation than a
slight inclination of the head, and sat
50 down without saying a word. Elizabeth
had mentioned her name to her mother
on her ladyships entrance, though no
request of introduction had been made.
55 Mrs. Bennet, all amazement,
though flattered by having a guest of
such high importance, received her
with the utmost politeness. After
sitting for a moment in silence, she
60 said very stiffly to Elizabeth,
I hope you are well, Miss Bennet.
That lady, I suppose, is your mother.
65 Elizabeth replied very concisely that
296
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
antes, con ocasin de la fuga de Lydia, se
les haba considerado como la gente ms
desgraciada de la tierra.
Captulo LVI
Una maana, aproximadamente una
semana despus de la declaracin de
Bingley, mientras ste se hallaba reunido en
el saloncillo con las seoras de Longbourn,
fueron atrados por el ruido de un carruaje
y miraron a la ventana, divisando un land
de cuatro caballos que cruzaba la explanada
de csped de delante de la casa. Era demasiado
temprano para visitas y adems el
equipo del coche no co r r e s p o n d a a
ninguno de los vecinos; los
caballos eran de posta y ni el
carruaje ni la librea de los lacayos
les eran conocidos. Pero era
evidente que alguien vena a la
casa. Bingley le propuso a Jane irse
a pasear al planto de arbustos para
evitar que el intruso les separase. Se
fueron los dos, y las tres que se quedaron
en el comedor continuaron sus
conjeturas, aunque con poca
satisfaccin, hasta que se abri la puerta
y entr la visita. Era lady Catherine de
Bourgh.
Ve r d a d e s q u e t o d a s e s p e r a b a n
alguna sorpresa, pero sta fue superior
a todas las previsiones. Aunque la
seora Bennet y Catherine no conocan
a aquella seora, no se quedaron
menos atnitas que Elizabeth.
Entr en la estancia con aire todava
ms antiptico que de costumbre; contest
al saludo de Elizabeth con una simple
inclinacin de cabeza, y se sent sin decir
palabra. Elizabeth le haba dicho su
nombre a la seora Bennet, cuando entr
Su Seora, aunque sta no haba
solicitado ninguna presentacin.
La seora Bennet, pasmadsima aunque
muy ufana al ver en su casa a persona de
tanto rango, la recibi con la mayor cortesa.
Estuvieron sentadas todas en silencio
durante un rato, hasta que al fin lady Catheri-
ne dijo con empaque a Elizabeth:
Supongo que estar usted bien, y
calculo que esa seora es su madre.
Elizabeth contest que s
 Austen Pride
she was.
And THAT I suppose is one of your
sisters.
5
Yes, madam, said Mrs. Bennet,
delighted to speak to a Lady Catherine.
She is my youngest girl but one. My
youngest of all is lately married, and my
10 eldest is somewhere about the grounds,
walking with a young man who, I believe,
will soon become a part of the family.
You have a very small park here,
15 returned Lady Catherine after a short
silence.
It is nothing in comparison of
Rosings, my lady, I dare say; but I assure
20 you it is much larger than Sir William
Lucass.
This must be a most inconvenient
sitting room for the evening, in summer;
25 the windows are full west.
Mrs. Bennet assured her that they
never sat there after dinner, and then
added:
30
May I take the liberty of asking your
ladyship whether you left Mr. and Mrs.
Collins well.
35 Yes, very well. I saw them the night
before last.
Elizabeth now expected that she
would produce a letter for her from
40 Charlotte, as it seemed the only probable
motive for her calling. But no letter
appeared, and she was completely
puzzled.
45 Mrs. Bennet, with great civility,
begged her ladyship to take some
refreshment; but Lady Catherine very
resolutely, and not very politely, declined
eating anything; and then, rising up, said
50 to Elizabeth,
Miss Bennet, there seemed to be a
prettyish kind of a little wilderness on
one side of your lawn. I should be glad
55 to take a turn in it, if you will favour me
with your company.
Go, my dear, cried her mother, and
show her ladyship about the different
60 walks. I think she will be pleased with
the hermitage.
Elizabeth obeyed, and running into
her own room for her parasol, attended
65 her noble guest downstairs. As they
297
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
concisamente.
Y esa otra imagino que ser una de
sus hermanas.
S, seora respondi la seora
Bennet muy oronda de poder hablar con
lady Catherine. Es la penltima; la ms
joven de todas se ha casado hace poco, y
la mayor est en el jardn paseando con
un caballero que creo no tardar en
formar parte de nuestra familia.
Tienen ustedes una finca muy
pequea dijo Su Seora despus de un
corto silencio.
No es nada en comparacin con
Rosings, seora; hay que reconocerlo; pero
le aseguro que es mucho mejor que la de
sir William Lucas.
sta ha de ser una habitacin muy
molesta en las tardes de verano; las
ventanas dan por completo a poniente.
La seora Bennet le asegur que
nunca estaban all despus de comer,
y aadi:
Puedo tomarme la libertad de
preguntar a Su Seora qu tal ha dejado a
los seores Collins?
Muy bien; les vi anteayer por
la noche.
Elizabeth esperaba que ahora le dara
alguna carta de Charlotte, pues ste
pareca el nico motivo probable de su
visita; pero lady Catherine no sac
ninguna carta, y Elizabeth sigui con su
perplejidad.
La seora Bennet suplic
finsimamente a Su Seora que tomase
algo, pero lady Catherine rehus el
obsequio con gran firmeza y sin excesiva
educacin. Luego levantndose, le dijo
a Elizabeth:
Seorita Bennet, me parece que
ah, a un lado de la pradera, hay un sitio
precioso y retirado. Me gustara dar
una vuelta por l si me hiciese el honor
de acompaarme.
Anda, querida exclam la
madre, ensale a Su Seora
todos los paseos. Creo que la
e r m i t a l e v a a g u s t a r.
Elizabeth obedeci, corri a su
cuarto a buscar su sombrilla y esper
abajo a su noble visitante. Al pasar por

decent respetable, bueno, que se precie, que
parece de los ms sensato, cordial, amable,
limpio, correcto, adecuado, mdico
decent adj. 1 a conforming with current standards
of behaviour or propriety. b avoiding obscenity. 2
respectable. 3 acceptable, passable; good
enough. 4 Brit. kind, obliging, generous (was
decent enough to apologize).
decent es uno de esos adjetivos muy usados, tal vez
abusados, en ingls moderno; se usa para
satisfactorio / pasable, adecuado [salario, alimento],
mdico [precio], simptico / amable, presentable /
visible [en ropa, aseo].
A su vez, decente parece enfatizar la idea moral
de honradez en las personas, como honest,
honorable, respectable, y tambin la idea de
limpieza en las cosas como clean, tidy, neat
[aseado].
Austen Pride
passed through the hall, Lady Catherine
opened the doors into the dining-parlour
and drawing-room, and pronouncing
them, after a short survey, to be decent
5 looking rooms, walked on.
Her carriage remained at the door, and
Elizabeth saw that her waiting-woman
was in it. They proceeded in silence along
10 the gravel walk that led to the copse
[soto]; Elizabeth was determined to make
no effort for conversation with a woman
who was now more than usually insolent
and disagreeable.
15
How could I ever think her like her
nephew? said she, as she looked in her
face.
20 As soon as they entered the copse
[soto], Lady Catherine began in the
following manner:
You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet,
25 to understand the reason of my journey
hither. Your own heart, your own
conscience, must tell you why I come.
Elizabeth looked with unaffected
30 astonishment.
Indeed, you are mistaken, Madam. I
have not been at all able to account for
the honour of seeing you here.
35
Miss Bennet, replied her ladyship,
in an angry tone, you ought to know, that
I am not to be trifled with. But however
insincere YOU may choose to be, you
40 shall not find ME so. My character has
ever been celebrated for its sincerity and
frankness, and in a cause of such moment
as this, I shall certainly not depart from
it. A report of a most alarming nature
45 reached me two days ago. I was told that
not only your sister was on the point of
being most advantageously married, but
that you, that Miss Elizabeth Bennet,
would, in all likelihood, be soon
50 afterwards united to my nephew, my own
nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I KNOW it
must be a scandalous falsehood, though
I would not injure him so much as to
suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly
55 resolved on setting off for this place, that
I might make my sentiments known to
you.
If you believed it impossible to be
60 true, said Elizabeth, colouring with
astonishment and disdain, I wonder you
took the trouble of coming so far. What
could your ladyship propose by it?
65 At once to insist upon having such a
298
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
el vestbulo, lady Catherine abri las
puertas del comedor y del saln y
despus de una corta inspeccin declar
que eran piezas decentes, despus de lo
cual sigui andando.
El carruaje segua en la puerta y
Elizabeth vio que la doncella de Su
Seora estaba en l. Caminaron en
silencio por el sendero de gravilla que
conduca a los corrales. Elizabeth estaba
decidida a no dar conversacin a1 quella
seora que pareca ms insolente y desa-
gradable an que de costumbre.
Cmo pude decir alguna vez que se
pareca a su sobrino?, se dijo al mirarla a la
cara.
Cuando entraron en un breal ,
lady C a t h e r i n e le dijo lo
siguiente:
Seguramente sabr usted, seorita
Bennet, la razn de mi viaje hasta aqu. Su
propio corazn y su conciencia tienen que
decirle el motivo de mi visita.
Elizabeth la contempl con el natural
asombro:
Est usted equivocada, seora.
De ningn modo puedo explicarme el
honor de su presencia.
Seorita Bennet repuso Su
Seora con tono enfadado, debe
usted saber que no me gustan las
bromas; por muy poco sincera que
usted quiera ser, yo no soy as. Mi
carcter ha sido siempre celebrado
por su lealtad y franqueza y en un
asunto de tanta importancia como el
que aqu me trae me apartar mucho
menos de mi modo de ser. Ha llegado
a mis odos que no slo su hermana
est a punto de casarse muy
ventajosamente, sino que usted,
seorita Bennet, es posible que se
una despus con mi sobrino Darcy.
Aun sabiendo que esto es una
espantosa falsedad y aunque no
quiero injuriar a mi sobrino,
admitiendo que haya algn asomo de
verdad en ello, decid en el acto
venir a comunicarle a usted mis
sentimientos.
Si crey usted de veras que eso era
imposible replic Elizabeth roja de
asombro y de desdn, me admira que
se haya molestado en venir tan lejos.
Qu es lo que se propone?
Ante todo, intentar que esa noticia

infatuation loves folly, sentimiento amoro- 35 of infatuation [obsesin], have made him
so muy exagerado,apasionamiento, ena-
moramiento loco, encaprichamiento,
infatuacin engao, conceit, engreimiento,
infatuate v.tr.1 inspire with intense usu.
transitory fondness or admiration. 2
affect with extreme folly.
Austen Pride
report universally contradicted.
Your coming to Longbourn, to see
me and my family, said Elizabeth coolly,
5 will be rather a confirmation of it; if,
indeed, such a report is in existence.
If! Do you then pretend to be
ignorant of it? Has it not been
10 industriously circulated by yourselves?
Do you not know that such a report is
spread abroad?
I never heard that it was.
15
And can you likewise declare, that
there is no foundation for it?
I do not pretend to possess equal
20 frankness with your ladyship. You may
ask questions which I shall not choose to
answer.
This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet,
25 I insist on being satisfied. Has he, has
my nephew, made you an offer of
marriage?
Your ladyship has declared it to be
30 impossible.
It ought to be so; it must be so, while
he retains the use of his reason. But your
arts and allurements may, in a moment
forget what he owes to himself and
to all his family. You may have drawn
him in.
40 If I have, I shall be the last person
to confess it.
Miss Bennet, do you know who I
am? I have not been accustomed to such
45 language as this. I am almost the
nearest relation he has in the world, and
am entitled to know all his dearest
concerns.
50 But you are not entitled to
know mine; nor will such
behaviour as this, ever induce me
to be explicit.
55 Let me be rightly understood. This
match, to which you have the
presumption to aspire, can never take
place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged
to my daughter. Now what have you to
60 say?
Only this; that if he is so, you can
have no reason to suppose he will make
an offer to me.
65
299
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
sea rectificada en todas sus partes.
Su venida a Longbourn para visitarme
a m y a mi familia observ Elizabeth
framente, la confirmar con ms visos de
verdad, si es que tal noticia ha circulado.
Que si ha circulado?
Pretende ignorarlo? No han sido
ustedes mismos los que se han tomado el
trabajo de difundirla? _________ _____
X _______________
Jams he odo nada que se le parezca.
Y va usted a decirme tambin que no
hay ningn fundamento de lo que le digo?
No presumo de tanta franqueza
como Su Seora. Usted puede hacerme
preguntas que yo puedo no querer
contestar.
Es inaguantable! Seorita
Bennet, insisto en que me responda.
Le ha hecho mi sobrino proposiciones
de matrimonio?
Su Seora ha declarado ya que eso
era imposible.
Debe serlo, tiene que serlo mientras
Darcy conserve el uso de la razn. Pero sus
artes y sus seducciones pueden haberle
hecho olvidar en un momento de ceguera
lo que debe a toda su familia y a s
mismo. A lo mejor le ha arrastrado usted
a hacerlo.
Si lo hubiese hecho, no sera yo
quien lo confesara.
Seorita Bennet, sabe usted quin
soy? No estoy acostumbrada a ese
lenguaje. Soy casi el familiar ms cercano
que tiene mi sobrino en el mundo, y tengo
motivos para saber cules son sus ms
caros intereses.
Pero no los tiene usted para saber
cules son los mos, ni el proceder de usted
es el ms indicado para inducirme a ser ms
explcita.
Entindame bien: ese matrimonio
al que tiene usted la presuncin de
aspirar nunca podr realizarse, nunca.
El seor Darcy est comprometido con
mi hija. Qu tiene usted que decir
ahora?
Slo esto: que si es as, no tiene
usted razn para suponer que me har
proposicin alguna.
 Austen Pride
Lady Catherine hesitated for a
moment, and then replied:
The engagement between them is of
5 a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they
have been intended for each other. It was
the favourite wish of HIS mother, as well
as of hers. While in their cradles, we
planned the union: and now, at the
10 moment when the wishes of both sisters
would be accomplished in their marriage,
to be prevented by a young woman of
inferior birth, of no importance in the
world, and wholly unallied to the family!
15 Do you pay no regard to the wishes
o f h i s f r i e n d s ? To h i s t a c i t
engagement with Mi s s d e B o u r g h ?
A r e yo u l o s t t o e v e r y f e e l i n g o f
propriety and delicacy? Have you not
20 heard me say that from his earliest hours
he was destined for his cousin?
Yes, and I had heard it before. But
what is that to me? If there is no other
25 o b j e c t i o n t o m y m a r r y i n g y o u r
nephew, I shall certainly not be kept
from it by knowing that his mother and
aunt wished him to marry Miss de
Bourgh. You both did as much as you
30 could in planning the marriage. Its
completion depended on others. If Mr.
Darcy is neither by honour nor
inclination confined to his cousin, why
is not he to make another choice? And
wilful, willful 1 (= obstinate) testarudo, terco 2 (=
deliberate) intencionado, deliberado, premedi- 35 if I am that choice, why may not I
tado; [murder etc] premeditado accept him?
B e c a u s e h o n o u r, d e c o r u m ,
prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes,
slight v.tr. 1 treat or speak of (a person etc.) 40 Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect
as not worth attention, fail in courtesy or
respect towards, markedly neglect. 2 hist.
to be noticed by his family or friends,
make militarily useless, raze (a fortification if you wilfully act against the
etc.). Desairar, ofender, insultar inclinations of all. You will be censured,
disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame; slighted, and despised, by everyone
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family). 45 connected with him. Your alliance will
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful be a disgrace; your name will never
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus even be mentioned by any of us.
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour. These are heavy misfortunes,
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia, 50 replied Elizabeth. But the wife of Mr.
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation; Darcy must have such extraordinary
out of favour. sources of happiness necessarily attached
to her situation, that she could, upon the
repine express discontent; complain; kick; whole, have no cause to repine.
plain; sound off; quetch; kvetch 55
Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am
ashamed of you! Is this your gratitude for
my attentions to you last spring? Is
nothing due to me on that score? Let us
60 sit down. You are to understand, Miss
Bennet, that I came here with the
determined resolution of carrying my
purpose; nor will I be dissuaded from it.
I have not been used to submit to any
65 persons whims. I have not been in the
300
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Lady Catherine vacil un momento y
luego dijo:
El compromiso entre ellos es
peculiar. Desde su infancia han sido
destinados el uno para el otro. Era el
mayor deseo de la madre de l y de la
de ella. Desde que nacieron
proyectamos su unin; y ahora, en el
momento en que los anhelos de las dos
hermanas iban a realizarse, lo va a
impedir la intrusin de una muchacha de
cuna inferior, sin ninguna categora y
ajena por completo a la familia? No
valen nada para usted los deseos de los
amigos de Darcy, relativos a su tcito
compromiso con la seorita de Bourgh?
Ha perdido usted toda nocin de
decencia y de delicadeza? No me ha
odo usted decir que desde su edad ms
temprana fue destinado a su prima?
S, lo he odo decir; pero, qu tiene
que ver eso conmigo? Si no hubiera otro
obstculo para que yo me casara con su
sobrino, tenga por seguro que no dejara de
efectuarse nuestra boda por suponer que su
madre y su ta deseaban que se uniese con
la seorita de Bourgh. Ustedes dos hicieron
lo que pudieron con proyectar ese
matrimonio, pero su realizacin depende de
otros. Si el seor Darcy no se siente ligado
a su prima ni por el honor ni por la
inclinacin, por qu no habra de elegir a
otra? Y si soy yo la elegida, por qu no
habra de aceptarlo?
Porque se lo impiden el honor, el
decoro, la prudencia e incluso el inters. S,
seorita Bennet, el inters; porque no espere
usted ser reconocida por la familia o los
amigos de Darcy si obra usted tercamente
contra la voluntad de todos. Ser usted
censurada, desairada y despreciada por
todas las relaciones de Darcy. Su enlace ser
una calamidad; sus nombres no sern nunca
pronunciados por ninguno de nosotros.
Graves desgracias son sas
replic Elizabeth. Pero la
esposa del seor Darcy gozar
seguramente de tales venturas
que podr a pesar de todo
sentirse muy satisfecha.
Ah, criatura tozuda y
obstinada! Me da usted vergenza!
Es esa su gratitud por mis
atenciones en la pasada primavera?
Sentmonos. Ha de saber usted,
seorita Bennet, que he venido aqu
con la firme resolucin de conseguir
mi propsito. No me dar por
vencida. No estoy acostumbrada a
someterme a los caprichos de nadie;
 Austen Pride
brook digest, endure, stick out, stomach, bear, habit of brooking disappointment.
stand, tolerate, support, abide, suffer, put up
put up with something or somebody THAT will make your ladyships
unpleasant; I cannot bear his constant
situation at present more pitiable; but it
criticism; The new secretary had to endure
a lot of unprofessional remarks; he 5 will have no effect on me.
learned to tolerate the heat; She stuck out
two years in a miserable marriage I will not be interrupted. Hear me in
silence. My daughter and my nephew are
formed for each other. They are
10 descended, on the maternal side, from the
same noble line; and, on the fathers,
from respectable, honourable, and
ancientthough untitledfamilies.
Their fortune on both sides is splendid.
15 They are destined for each other by the
voice of every member of their respective
houses; and what is to divide them?
upstart presuntuoso, advenedizo The upstar t p r e t e n s i o n s o f a
upstart N (pej) 1 (= arrogant person) presun- y o u n g w o m a n w i t h o u t f a m i ly,
tuoso/a 2 (= social climber) arribista, ad-
20 connections, or fortun e . I s t h i s t o b e
venedizo/a
endured! But it must not, shall not be.
If you were sensible of your own good,
you would not wish to quit the sphere in
which you have been brought up.
25
In marrying your nephew, I should
not consider myself as quitting that
sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a
gentlemans daughter; so far we are
30 equal.
True. You ARE a gentlemans
daughter. But who was your mother?
Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not
35 imagine me ignorant of their condition.
Whatever my connections may be,
said Elizabeth, if your nephew does
not object to them, they can be nothing
40 to YOU.
Tell me once for all, are you engaged
to him?
45 Though Elizabeth would not, for the
mere purpose of obliging Lady
Catherine, have answered this question,
she could not but say, after a moments
deliberation:
50
I am not.
Lady Catherine seemed pleased.
55 And will you promise me, never to
enter into such an engagement?
I will make no promise of the kind.
60 Miss Bennet I am shocked and
astonished. I expected to find a more
reasonable young woman. But do not
deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever
recede. I shall not go away till you have
65 given me the assurance I require.
301
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
no estoy hecha a pasar sinsabores.
Esto puede que haga ms lastimosa
la situacin actual de Su Seora, pero a m
no me afecta.
No quiero que me interrumpa!
Escuche usted en silencio. Mi hija y mi
sobrino han sido formados el uno para
el otro. Por lnea materna descienden de
la misma ilustre rama, y por la paterna,
de familias respetables, honorables y
antiguas, aunque sin ttulo. La fortuna
de ambos lados es esplndida. Estn
destinados el uno para el otro por el voto
de todos los miembros de sus casas
respectivas; y qu puede separarlos?
Las intempestivas pr e t e n s i o n e s d e
una muchacha de humilde cuna
y sin fortuna. Cmo puede
admitirse? Pero no ocurrir!
Si velara por su propio bien,
no querra salir de la esfera en
que ha nacido.
Al casarme con su sobrino no
creera salirme de mi esfera. l es un
caballero y yo soy hija de otro
caballero; por consiguiente, somos
iguales.
As es; usted es hija de un
caballero. Pero, quin es su madre?
Quines son sus tos y tas? Se
figura que ignoro su condicin?
Cualesquiera que sean mis parientes,
si su sobrino no tiene nada que decir de
ellos, menos tiene que decir usted repuso
Elizabeth.
Dgame de una vez por todas, est
usted comprometida con l?
Aunque por el mero deseo de que se lo
agradeciese lady Catherine, Elizabeth no
habra contestado a su pregunta; no pudo
menos que decir, tras un instante de
deliberacin:
No lo estoy.
Lady Catherine pareca complacida.
Y me promete usted no hacer nunca
semejante compromiso?
No har ninguna promesa de esa clase.
S e o r i t a B e n n e t ! E s t o y
horrorizada y sorprendida! Esperaba
que fuese usted ms sensata. Pero no
se haga usted ilusiones: no pienso
ceder. No me ir hasta que me haya
dado la seguridad que le exijo.

importune, insist beg persistently and urgently;
I importune you to help them
importunar molestar, incomodar
incensed indignant, outraged, umbrageous,
furioso, indignado angered at something 50
unjust or wrong; an indignant denial;
incensed at the judges unfairness; a
look of outraged disbelief; umbrageous
at the loss of their territory
shame, loss of honor, deshonra, vergenza, [no 55 must d i s g r a c e him in the eyes of
en infortunio, mala suerte o desgracia]
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
Austen Pride
And I certainly NEVER shall give
it. I am not to be intimidated into
anything so wholly unreasonable. Your
5 ladyship wants Mr. Darcy to marry your
daughter; but would my giving you the
wished-for promise make their marriage
at all more probable? Supposing him to
be attached to me, would my refusing
10 to accept his hand make him wish to
bestow [grant] it on his cousin? Allow
me to say, Lady Catherine, that the
ar guments with which you have
supported this extraordinary application
15 have been as frivolous as the application
was ill-judged. You have widely mistaken
my character, if you think I can be
worked on by such persuasions as these.
How far your nephew might approve of
20 your interference in his affairs, I cannot
tell; but you have certainly no right to
concern yourself in mine. I must beg,
therefore, to be importuned no farther
on the subject.
25
Not so hasty, if you please. I have
by no means done. To all the objections
I have already urged, I have still another
to add. I am no stranger to the particulars
30 of your youngest sister s infamous
elopement. I know it all; that the young
mans marrying her was a patched-up
business, at the expence of your father
and uncles. And is such a girl to be my
35 nephews sister? Is her husband, is the
son of his late fathers steward, to be his
brother? Heaven and earth!of what are
you thinking? Are the shades of
Pemberley to be thus polluted?
40
You can now have nothing further to
say, she resentfully answered. You have
insulted me in every possible method. I
must beg to return to the house.
45
And she rose as she spoke. Lady
Catherine rose also, and they turned
back. Her ladyship was highly
incensed.
You have no regard, then, for the
honour and credit of my nephew!
Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not
consider that a connection with you
everybody?
Lady Catherine, I have nothing further
to say. You know my sentiments.
60
Yo u a r e t h e n r e s o l v e d t o h a v e
him?
I have said no such thing. I am
65 only resolved to act in that manner,
302
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Pues la verdad es que no se la dar
jams. No crea usted que voy a
intimidarme por una cosa tan disparatada.
Lo que Su Seora quiere es que Darcy se
case con su hija; pero si yo le hiciese a
usted la promesa que ansa, resultara
ms probable ese matrimonio?
Supongamos que est interesado por m;
si yo me negara a aceptar su mano, cree
usted que ira a ofrecrsela a su prima?
Permtame decirle, lady Catherine, que los
argumentos en que ha apoyado usted su
extraordinaria exigencia han sido tan
frvolos como irreflexiva la exigencia. Se
ha equivocado usted conmigo enormemente,
si se figura que puedo dejarme convencer
por semejantes razones. No s hasta qu
punto podr aprobar su sobrino la
intromisin de usted en sus asuntos; pero
desde luego no tiene usted derecho a meterse
en los mos. Por consiguiente, le suplico
que no me importune ms sobre esta
cuestin.
No se precipite, por favor, no he
terminado todava. A todas las objeciones
que he expuesto, tengo que aadir otra
ms. No ignoro los detalles del infame
rapto de su hermana menor. Lo s todo.
S que el muchacho se cas con ella
gracias a un arreglo hecho entre su padre
y su to. Y esa mujer ha de ser la
hermana de mi sobrino? Y su marido, el
hijo del antiguo administrador de su
padre, se ha de convertir en el hermano
de Darcy? Por todos los santos! Qu
se cree usted? Han de profanarse as los
antepasados de Pemberley?
Ya lo ha dicho usted todo
contest Elizabeth indignada. Me ha
insultado de todas las formas posibles.
Le ruego que volvamos a casa.
Y al decir esto se levant. Lady
Catherine se levant tambin y
regresaron. Su Seora estaba
hecha una f u r i a.
As, pues, no tiene usted ninguna
consideracin a la honra y a la reputacin
de mi sobrino? Criatura insensible y
egosta! No repara en que si se casa con
usted quedar desacreditado a los ojos de
todo el mundo?
Lady Catherine, no tengo nada ms que
decir. Ya sabe cmo pienso.
Est usted, pues, decidida a
conseguirlo?
No he dicho tal cosa., No
estoy decidida ms que a proceder

excited y excitado conllevan la idea de alegre,
entusiasta, pero excited tiene ms
denotaciones, como nervioso, agitado, aca-
lorado, emocionante. To excite y excitar se
refieren a estimular, entusiasmar, pero to ex-
cite significa adems emocionar / conmover,
poner nervioso / agitado, provocar [emocio-
nes], instigar [desrdenes], alborotar [gen-
te], y to get excited es acalorarse. A su vez,
excitar se usa para to raise [dudas], arouse
[curiosidad, apetito]. Excitedly significa agi-
tada- o acaloradamente.
Dont get excited = no te pongas nervioso.
Austen Pride
which will, in my own opinion,
constitute my happiness, without
reference to YOU, or to any person so
wholly unconnected with me.
5
I t i s w e l l . Yo u r e f u s e , t h e n , t o
o b l i g e m e . Yo u r e f u s e t o o b e y t h e
c l a i m s o f d u t y, h o n o u r, a n d
g r a t i t u d e . Yo u a r e d e t e r m i n e d t o
10 r u i n h i m i n t h e o p i n i o n o f a l l h i s
friends, and make him the contempt
of t he world.
Neither duty, nor honour, nor
15 gratitude, replied Elizabeth, have any
possible claim on me, in the present
instance. No principle of either would be
violated by my marriage with Mr. Darcy.
And with regard to the resentment of his
20 family, or the indignation of the world,
if the former WERE excited by his
marrying me, it would not give me one
moments concernand the world in
general would have too much sense to
25 join in the scorn.
And this is your real opinion! This
is your final resolve! Very well. I shall
now know how to act. Do not imagine,
30 Miss Bennet, that your ambition will ever
be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped
to find you reasonable; but, depend upon
it, I will carry my point.
35 In this manner Lady Catherine talked
on, till they were at the door of the
carriage, when, turning hastily round, she
added, I take no leave of you, Miss
Bennet. I send no compliments to your
40 mother. You deserve no such attention. I
am most seriously displeased.
Elizabeth made no answer; and
without attempting to persuade her
45 ladyship to return into the house, walked
quietly into it herself. She heard the
carriage drive away as she proceeded up
stairs. Her mother impatiently met her at
the door of the dressing-room, to ask why
50 Lady Catherine would not come in again
and rest herself.
She did not choose it, said her
daughter, she would go.
55
She is a very fine-looking woman!
and her calling here was prodigiously
civil! for she only came, I suppose, to
tell us the Collinses were well. She is on
60 her road somewhere, I dare say, and so,
passing through Meryton, thought she
might as well call on you. I suppose she
had nothing particular to say to you,
Lizzy?
65
303
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
del modo que crea ms conveniente
para mi felicidad sin tenerla en
cuenta a usted ni a nadie que tenga
tan poco que ver conmigo.
Muy bien. Entonces se niega usted a
complacerme. Rehsa usted obedecer al
imperio del deber, del honor y de la
gratitud. Est usted determinada a rebajar
a mi sobrino delante de todos sus amigos y
a convertirle en el hazmerrer de todo el
mundo.
Ni el deber, ni el honor, ni la gratitud
repuso Elizabeth, pueden exigirme
nada en las presentes circunstancias.
Ninguno de sus principios sera viola -
d o p o r m i c a s a m i e n t o c o n D a r c y.
Y en cuanto al resentimiento de su
familia o a la indignacin del mundo,
si los primeros s e e n f u r e c e n por mi
boda con su sobrino, no me importara
lo ms mnimo; y el mundo tendra el
suficiente buen sentido de sumarse a mi
desprecio.
Y sta es su actitud, su ltima
resolucin? Muy bien; ya s lo que tengo que
hacer. No se figure que su ambicin, seorita
Bennet, quedar nunca satisfecha. Vine para
probarla. Esperaba que fuese usted una
persona razonable. Pero tenga usted por
seguro que me saldr con la ma.
Todo esto fue diciendo lady Catherine
hasta que llegaron a la puerta del coche.
Entonces se volvi y dijo:
No me despido de usted, seorita
Bennet; no mando ningn saludo a su madre;
no se merece usted esa atencin. Me ha
ofendido gravemente.
Elizabeth no respondi ni trat de
convencer a Su Seora de que
entrase en la casa. Se fue sola y
despacio. Cuando suba la escalera,
oy que el coche parta. Su madre,
impaciente, le sali al encuentro a la
puerta del vestidor para preguntarle
cmo no haba vuelto a descansar
lady Catherine.
No ha querido dijo su hija. Se
ha marchado.
Qu mujer tan distinguida! Y
qu cortesa la suya al venir a
visitarnos! Porque supongo que habr
venido para decirnos que los Collins
estn bien. Deba de ir a alguna parte
y al pasar por Meryton pens que
podra visitarnos. Supongo que no
tena nada de particular que decirte,
verdad, Lizzy?
 Austen Pride
Elizabeth was forced to give into a
little falsehood here; for to acknowledge
the substance of their conversation was
impossible.
5
10
Chapter 57
15 The discomposure of spirits which
this extraordinary visit threw Elizabeth
into, could not be easily overcome; nor
could she, for many hours, learn to think
of it less than incessantly. Lady
20 Catherine, it appeared, had actually
taken the trouble of this journey from
Rosings, for the sole purpose of breaking
off her supposed engagement with Mr.
Darcy. It was a rational scheme, to be
25 sure! but from what the report of their
engagement could originate, Elizabeth
was at a loss to imagine; till she
recollected that HIS being the intimate
friend of Bingley, and HER being the
30 sister of Jane, was enough, at a time when
the expectation of one wedding made
everybody eager for another, to supply
the idea. She had not herself forgotten to
feel that the marriage of her sister must
35 bring them more frequently together. And
her neighbours at Lucas Lodge, therefore
(for through their communication with
the Collinses, the report, she concluded,
had reached lady Catherine), had only set
40 that down as almost certain and
immediate, which she had looked
forward to as possible at some future
time.
45 In revolving Lady Catherines
expressions, however, she could not help
feeling some uneasiness as to the possible
consequence of her persisting in this
interference. From what she had said of
50 her resolution to prevent their marriage,
it occurred to Elizabeth that she must
meditate an application to her nephew;
and how HE might take a similar
representation of the evils attached to a
55 connection with her, she dared not
pronounce. She knew not the exact
degree of his affection for his aunt, or
his dependence on her judgment, but it
was natural to suppose that he thought
60 much higher of her ladyship than SHE
could do; and it was certain that, in
enumerating the miseries of a marriage
with ONE, whose immediate connections
were so unequal to his own, his aunt
65 would address him on his weakest side.
304
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Elizabeth se vio obligada a contar
una pequea mentira, porque descubrir
la materia de su conversacin era
imposible.
Captulo LVII
No sin dificultad logr vencer
Elizabeth la agitacin que le caus
aquella extraordinaria visita. Estuvo
muchas horas sin poder pensar en otra
cosa. Al parecer, lady Catherine se
haba tomado la molestia de hacer el
viaje desde Rosings a Hertfordshire
con el nico fin de romper su
s u p u e s t o c o m p r o m i s o c o n D a r c y.
Aunque lady Catherine era muy capaz
de semejante proyecto, Elizabeth no
alcanzaba a imaginar de dnde haba
sacado la noticia de dicho
compromiso, hasta que record que el
ser l tan amigo de Bingley y ella
hermana de Jane, poda haber dado
origen a la idea, ya que la boda de los
unos predispona a suponer la de los
otros. Elizabeth haba pensado,
efectivamente, que el matrimonio de
su hermana les acercara a ella y a
Darcy. Por eso mismo debi de ser
por lo que los Lucas por cuya
correspondencia con los Collins
presuma Elizabeth que la conjetura
haba llegado a odos de lady
Catherine dieron por inmediato lo que
ella tambin haba credo posible para
ms adelante.
Pero al meditar sobre las palabras
de lady Catherine, no pudo evitar
cierta intranquilidad por las conse-
cuencias que poda tener su
intromisin. De lo que dijo acerca de
s u re s o l u c i n d e i m p e d i r e l
casamiento, dedujo Elizabeth que
tena el propsito de interpelar a su
sobrino, y no saba cmo tomara
Darcy la relacin de los peligros que
entraaba su unin con ella. Ignoraba
hasta dnde llegaba el afecto de Darcy
por su ta y el caso que haca de su
parecer; pero era lgico suponer que
tuviese ms consideracin a Su
Seora de la que tena ella, y estaba
segura de que su ta le tocara el punto
flaco al enumerar las desdichas de un
matrimonio con una persona de familia
tan desigual a la suya. Dadas las ideas
d e D a r c y s o b r e e s e p a r t i c u l a r,
 Austen Pride
With his notions of dignity, he would
probably feel that the arguments, which
to Elizabeth had appeared weak and
ridiculous, contained much good sense
5 and solid reasoning.
If he had been wavering before as
to what he should do, which had often
seemed likely, the advice and entreaty
10 o f s o n e a r a r e l a t i o n m i g h t s e t t l e
every doubt, and determine him at
once to be as happy as dignity
unblemished could make him. In that
case he would return no more. Lady
15 Catherine might see him in her way
through town; and his engagement to
Bingley of coming again to
Netherfield must give way.
20 If, therefore, an excuse for not
keeping his promise should come to his
friend within a few days, she added,
I shall know how to understand it. I
shall then give over every expectation,
25 every wish of his constancy. If he is
satisfied with only regretting me, when
he might have obtained my affections
and hand, I shall soon cease to regret
him at all.
30
*****
The surprise of the rest of the family,
on hearing who their visitor had been, was
35 very great; but they obligingly satisfied
it, with the same kind of supposition which
had appeased Mrs. Bennets curiosity; and
Elizabeth was spared from much teasing
on the subject.
40
The next morning, as she was going
downstairs, she was met by her father,
who came out of his library with a letter
in his hand.
45
Lizzy, said he, I was going to look
for you; come into my room.
She followed him thither; and her
50 curiosity to know what he had to tell her
was heightened by the supposition of its
being in some manner connected with the
letter he held. It suddenly struck her that
it might be from Lady Catherine; and she
55 anticipated with dismay all the
consequent explanations.
She followed her father to the fire
place, and they both sat down. He then
60 said,
I have received a letter this morning
that has astonished me exceedingly. As
it principally concerns yourself, you
65 ought to know its contents. I did not know
305
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Elizabeth crea probable que los
a rgumentos que a ella le haban
parecido tan dbiles y ridculos se le
antojasen a l llenos de buen sentido
y slido razonamiento.
De modo que si Darcy haba vacilado
antes sobre lo que tena que hacer, cosa que
a menudo haba aparentado, las advertencias
e instancias de un deudo tan allegado
disiparan quiz todas sus dudas y le inclina-
ran de una vez para siempre a ser todo lo
feliz que le permitiese una dignidad
inmaculada. En ese caso, Darcy no volvera
a Hertfordshire. Lady Catherine le vera a
su paso por Londres, y el joven rescindira
su compromiso con Bingley de volver a
Netherfield.
Por lo tanto se dijo Elizabeth,
si dentro de pocos das Bingley recibe
una excusa de Darcy para no venir, sabr
a qu atenerme. Y entonces tendr que
alejar de m toda esperanza y toda
ilusin sobre su constancia. Si se
conforma con lamentar mi prdida
cuando poda haber obtenido mi amor y
mi mano, yo tambin dejar pronto de
lamentar el perderle a l.
La sorpresa del resto de la
familia al saber quin haba sido
la visita fue enorme; pero se lo
explicaron todo del mismo modo
que la seora Bennet, y Eliza-
beth se ahorr tener que
mencionar su indignacin.
A la maana siguiente, al bajar de
su cuarto, se encontr con su padre
que sala de la biblioteca con una
carta en la mano.
Elizabeth le dijo, iba a
buscarte. Ven conmigo.
Elizabeth le sigui y su curiosidad
por saber lo que tendra que
comunicarle aument pensando que a
lo mejor estaba relacionado con lo del
da anterior. Repentinamente se le
ocurri que la carta poda ser de lady
Catherine, y previ con desaliento de
lo que se trataba.
Fue con su padre hasta la chimenea y
ambos se sentaron. Entonces el seor
Bennet dijo:
He recibido una carta esta
maana que me ha dejado patidifuso.
Como se refiere a ti principalmente,
debes conocer su contenido. No he
 Austen Pride
before, that I had two daughters on the
brink of matrimony. Let me congratulate
you on a very important conquest.
5 The colour now rushed into
Elizabeths cheeks in the instantaneous
conviction of its being a letter from the
nephew, instead of the aunt; and she was
undetermined whether most to be pleased
10 that he explained himself at all, or
offended that his letter was not rather
addressed to herself; when her father
continued:
15 You look conscious. Young ladies
have great penetration in such matters
as these; but I think I may defy even
YOUR sagacity, to discover the name of
your admirer. This letter is from Mr.
20 Collins.
From Mr. Collins! and what can HE
have to say?
25 Something very much to the purpose
of course. He begins with congratulations
on the approaching nuptials of my eldest
daughter, of which, it seems, he has been
told by some of the good-natured,
30 gossiping Lucases. I shall not sport with
your impatience, by reading what he says
on that point. What relates to yourself, is
as follows: Having thus offered you
the sincere congratulations of Mrs.
35 Collins and myself on this happy
event, let me now add a short hint on
the subject of another; of which we
have been advertised by the same
authority. Your daughter Elizabeth, it
40 is presumed, will not long bear the
name of Bennet, after her elder sister
has resigned it, and the chosen partner
of her fate may be reasonably looked
up to as one of the most illustrious
45 personages in this land.
Can you possibly guess,
L i z z y, w h o i s m e a n t b y t h i s ?
This young gentleman is blessed, in a
50 peculiar way, with every thing the heart
of mortal can most desire,splendid
property, noble kindred, and extensive
patronage. Yet in spite of all these
temptations, let me warn my cousin
55 Elizabeth, and yourself, of what evils you
may incur by a precipitate closure with
this gentlemans proposals, which, of
course, you will be inclined to take
immediate advantage of.
60
Have you any idea, Lizzy, who this
gentleman is? But now it comes out:
My motive for cautioning you is as
65 follows. We have reason to imagine that
306
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
sabido hasta ahora que tena dos hijas
a punto de casarse. Permteme que te
felicite por una conquista as.
Elizabeth se qued
demudada creyendo que la
carta en vez de ser de la ta
era del sobrino; y titubeaba
entre alegrarse de que Darcy
se explicase por fin, y
ofenderse de que no le hubiese
dirigido a ella la carta, cuando
su padre continu:
Parece que lo adivinas. Las
muchachas tenis una gran intuicin para
estos asuntos. Pero creo poder desafiar tu
sagacidad retndote a que descubras el
nombre de tu admirador. La carta es de
Collins.
De Collins! Y qu tiene l que
decir?
Como era de esperar, algo muy
oportuno. Comienza con la enhorabuena
por la prxima boda de mi hija mayor, de
la cual parece haber sido informado por
alguno de los bondadosos y parlanchines
Lucas. No te aburrir leyndote lo que
dice sobre ese punto. Lo referente a ti es
lo siguiente:
Despus de haberle felicitado a
usted de parte de la seora Collins y ma
por tan fausto acontecimiento, permtame
aadir una breve advertencia acerca de
otro asunto, del cual hemos tenido noticia
por el mismo conducto. Se supone que
su hija Elizabeth no llevar mucho
tiempo el nombre de Bennet en cuanto
lo haya dejado su hermana mayor, y que
la pareja que le ha tocado en suerte puede
razonablemente ser considerada como
una de nuestras ms ilustres
personalidades.
Puedes sospechar, Lizzy, lo que esto
significa?
Ese joven posee todo lo que se puede
ambicionar en este mundo: soberbias
propiedades, ilustre familia y un extenso
patronato. Pero a pesar de todas esas
tentaciones, permtame advertir a mi prima
Elizabeth y a usted mismo los peligros a que
pueden exponerse con una precipitada
aceptacin de las proposiciones de
semejante caballero, que, como es natural,
se inclinarn ustedes considerar como
ventajosas.
No tienes idea de quin es el
caballero, Elizabeth? Ahora viene.
L o s m o t i v o s q u e t e n g o p a r a
avisarle son los siguientes: su

disgrace 1 the loss of reputation; shame;
ignominy (brought disgrace on his family).
2 a dishonourable, inefficient, or shameful
person, thing, state of affairs, etc.(the bus
service is a disgrace).1 bring shame or
discredit on; be a disgrace to. 2 degrade from
a position of honour; dismiss from favour.
Deshonra, verguenza, oprobio, ignominia,
in disgrace having lost respect or reputation;
out of favour.
disgrace y desgracia son dos mundos diferen-
tes, porque disgrace se ha degradado para
tomar un matiz moral negativo de deshon-
ra, vergenza [shame], ignominia, cada
[downfall], mientras que desgracia ha man-
tenido el sentido original de misfortune [in-
fortunio], tragedy, blow / setback [mala
suerte], mishap [percance]; la expresin
desgracias personales es casualty. De igual
modo, disgraced significa desacreditado,
deshonrado, mientras que desgraciado es
unfortunate, unlucky, unhappy, pero a ve-
ces toma un matiz mis negativo, como
wretched, poor, y en algunas partes de
Amrica es un insulto serio, bastard [ca-
brn]. To disgrace traduce deshonrar,
avergonzar, desacreditar, mientras que
desgraciar es to damage, spoil, cripple [li-
siarse].
disgraceful shameful, deshonrosa
Austen Pride
his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, does
not look on the match with a friendly
eye.
5 MR. DARCY, you see, is the man!
Now, Lizzy, I think I HAVE surprised
you. Could he, or the Lucases, have
pitched on any man within the circle of
our acquaintance, whose name would
10 have given the lie more effectually to
what they related? Mr. Darcy, who never
looks at any woman but to see a blemish,
and who probably never looked at you in
his life! It is admirable!
15
Elizabeth tried to join in her fathers
pleasantry, but could only force one most
reluctant smile. Never had his wit been
directed in a manner so little agreeable
20 to her.
Are you not diverted?
Oh! yes. Pray read on.
25
After mentioning the likelihood of
this marriage to her ladyship last night,
she immediately, with her usual
condescension, expressed what she felt
30 on the occasion; when it become
apparent, that on the score of some
family objections on the part of my
cousin, she would never give her consent
to what she termed so disgraceful a
35 match. I thought it my duty to give the
speediest intelligence of this to my
cousin, that she and her noble admirer
may be aware of what they are about, and
not run hastily into a marriage which has
40 not been properly sanctioned. Mr.
Collins moreover adds, I am truly
rejoiced that my cousin Lydias sad
business has been so well hushed up, and
am only concerned that their living
45 together before the marriage took place
should be so generally known. I must not,
however, neglect the duties of my station,
or refrain from declaring my amazement
at hearing that you received the young
50 couple into your house as soon as they
were married. It was an encouragement
of vice; and had I been the rector of
Longbourn, I should very strenuously
have opposed it. You ought certainly to
55 forgive them, as a Christian, but never to
admit them in your sight, or allow their
names to be mentioned in your hearing.
That is his notion of Christian forgiveness!
The rest of his letter is only about his dear
60 Charlottes situation, and his expectation
of a young olive-branch. But, Lizzy, you
look as if you did not enjoy it. You are
not going to be MISSISH, I hope, and
pretend to be affronted at an idle report.
65 For what do we live, but to make sport
307
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
ta, lady Catherine de Bourgh,
no mira ese matrimonio con
buenos ojos.
Como ves, el caballero en cuestin es
el seor Darcy. Creo, Elizabeth, que te
habrs quedado de una pieza. Ni Collins ni
los Lucas podan haber escogido entre el
crculo de nuestras amistades un nombre que
descubriese mejor que lo que propagan es
un infundio. El seor Darcy, que no mira a
una mujer ms que para criticarla, y que
probablemente no te ha mirado a ti en su
vida! Es fenomenal!
Elizabeth trat de bromear con su
padre, pero su esfuerzo no lleg ms que a
una sonrisa muy tmida. El humor de su
padre no haba tomado nunca un derrotero
ms desagradable para ella.
No te ha divertido?
Claro! Sigue leyendo.
Cuando anoche mencion a Su
Seora la posibilidad de ese
casamiento, con su habitual
condescendencia expres
su parecer sobre el
a s u n t o . Si fuera cierto, lady
Catherine no dara jams su
consentimiento a lo que
c o n s i d e r a desatinadsima unin por
ciertas objeciones a la familia de mi prima.
Yo cre mi deber comunicar esto cuanto
antes a mi prima, para que ella y su noble
admirador sepan lo que ocurre y no se
apresuren a efectuar un matrimonio que
no ha sido debidamente autorizado.
Y el seor Collins, adems, aada:
Me alegro sinceramente de que el
asunto de su hija Lydia se haya
solucionado tan bien, y slo lamento que
se extendiese la noticia de que vivan
juntos antes de que el casamiento se
hubiera celebrado. No puedo olvidar lo
que debo a mi situacin abstenindome
de declarar mi asombro al saber que
recibi usted a la joven pareja cuando
estuvieron casados. Eso fue alentar el
vicio; y si yo hubiese sido el rector de
Longbourn, me habra opuesto resueltamente.
Verdad es que debe usted perdonarlos como
cristiano, pero no admitirlos en su presencia
ni permitir que sus nombres sean
pronunciados delante de usted.
ste es su concepto del perdn cristiano!
El resto de la carta se refiere nicamente al estado
de su querida Charlotte, y a su esperanza de
tener un retoo. Pero, Elizabeth, parece
que no te ha divertido. Supongo que no iras
a enojarte y a d a r t e p o r o f e n d i d a
por e s t a i m b e c i l i d a d .
Para qu vivimos si no es para
 Austen Pride
for our neighbours, and laugh at them in
our turn?
Oh! cried Elizabeth, I am
5 excessively diverted. But it is so
strange!
YesTHAT is what makes it
amusing. Had they fixed on any other
10 man it would have been nothing; but HIS
perfect indifference, and YOUR pointed
dislike, make it so delightfully absurd!
Much as I abominate writing, I would not
give up Mr. Collinss correspondence for
15 any consideration. Nay, when I read a
letter of his, I cannot help giving him the
preference even over Wickham, much as
impudence insolencia, descaro, impudencia, I value the impudence and hypocrisy of
desvergenza, atrevimiento, desplante, osa-
da, desparpajo my son-in-law. And pray, Lizzy, what said
impudent no es impudente (desvergonzado, sin 20 Lady Catherine about this report? Did she
pudor) sino atrevido, descarado, insolente, call to refuse her consent?
mientras que impudente es immodest,
shameless, desvengorzado
To t h i s q u e s t i o n h i s d a u g h t e r
replied only with a laugh; and as it
25 h a d b e e n a s k e d w i t h o u t t h e l e a s t
suspicion, she was not distressed by
his repeating it. Elizabeth had never
been more at a loss to make her
feelings appear what they were not.
30 It was necessary to laugh, when she
would rather have cried. Her father
had most cruelly mortified her, by
w h a t h e s a i d o f M r. D a r c y s
indifference, and she could do
35 nothing but wonder at such a want of
penetration, or fear that perhaps,
instead of his seeing too little, she
might have fancied too much.
40
45
Chapter 58
Instead of receiving any such letter
of excuse from his friend, as Elizabeth
50 half expected Mr. Bingley to do, he was
able to bring Darcy with him to
Longbourn before many days had passed
after Lady Catherines visit. The
gentlemen arrived early; and, before Mrs.
55 Bennet had time to tell him of their
having seen his aunt, of which her
daughter sat in momentary dread,
Bingley, who wanted to be alone with
Jane, proposed their all walking out. It
60 was agreed to. Mrs. Bennet was not in
the habit of walking; Mary could never
spare time; but the remaining five set off
together. Bingley and Jane, however,
soon allowed the others to outstrip them.
65 They lagged behind, while Elizabeth,
308
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
entretener a nuestros vecinos y rernos
nosotros de ellos a la vez?
S, me he divertido mucho
exclam Elizabeth. Pero es
tan extrao!
Pues eso es lo que lo hace ms
gracioso. Si hubiesen pensado en otro
hombre, no tendra nada de particular; pero
la absoluta indiferencia de Darcy y la
profunda tirria que t le tienes, es lo que
hace el chiste. Por mucho que me moleste
escribir, no puedo prescindir de la
correspondencia de Collins. La verdad es
que cuando leo una carta suya, me parece
superior a Wickham, a pesar de que tengo a
mi yerno por el espejo de la desvergenza
y de la hipocresa. Y dime, Eliza, cmo
tom la cosa lady Catherine? Vino para
negarte su consentimiento?
A esta pregunta Elizabeth contest
con una carcajada, y como su padre se
la haba dirigido sin la menor
sospecha, no le importaba que se la
repitiera. Elizabeth no se haba visto
nunca en la situacin de fingir que sus
sentimientos eran lo que no eran en
realidad. Pero ahora tuvo que rer
cuando ms bien habra querido llorar.
Su padre la haba herido cruelmente
al decirle aquello de la indiferencia de
D a r c y, y n o p u d o m e n o s q u e
maravillarse de la falta de intuicin de
su padre, o temer que en vez de haber
visto l demasiado poco, hubiese ella
visto demasiado mucho.
Captulo LVIII
Pocos das despus de la visita de
lady Catherine, Bingley no slo no
recibi ninguna carta de excusa de su
amigo, sino que le llev a Longbourn
en persona. Los caballeros llegaron
temprano, y antes de que la seora
Bennet tuviese tiempo de decirle a
Darcy que haba venido a visitarles su
ta, cosa que Elizabeth temi por un
momento, Bingley, que quera estar
solo con Jane, propuso que todos
salieran de paseo. Se acord as, pero
la seora Bennet no tena costumbre de
pasear y Mary no poda perder el
tiempo. As es que salieron los cinco
restantes. Bingley y Jane dejaron en
seguida que los otros se adelantaran y
ellos se quedaron atrs. Elizabeth,
 Austen Pride
Kitty, and Darcy were to entertain each
other. Very little was said by either;
Kitty was too much afraid of him
to talk; Elizabeth was secretly
5 forming a desperate resolution ;
and perhaps he might be doing the
same.
They walked towards the Lucases,
10 because Kitty wished to call upon
Maria; and as Elizabeth saw no
occasion for making it a general
concern, when Kitty left them she went
boldly on with him alone. Now was the
15 moment for her to be executed, and,
while her courage was high , she
immediately said:
Mr. Darcy, I am a very selfish
20 creature; and, for the sake of giving relief
to my own feelings, care not how much I
may be wounding yours. I can no longer
help thanking you for your unexampled
kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I
25 have known it, I have been most anxious
to acknowledge to you how gratefully I
feel it. Were it known to the rest of my
family, I should not have merely my own
gratitude to express.
30
I am sorry, exceedingly sorry,
replied Darcy, in a tone of surprise and
emotion, that you have ever been
informed of what may, in a mistaken
35 light, have given you uneasiness. I did
not think Mrs. Gardiner was so little to
be trusted.
You must not blame my aunt. Lydias
40 thoughtlessness first betrayed to me that
you had been concerned in the matter;
and, of course, I could not rest till I knew
the particulars. Let me thank you again
and again, in the name of all my family,
45 for that generous compassion which
induced you to take so much trouble, and
bear so many mortifications, for the sake
of discovering them.
50 If you WILL thank me, he replied,
let it be for yourself alone. That the wish
of giving happiness to you might add
force to the other inducements which led
me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But
55 your FAMILY owe me nothing. Much as
I respect them, I believe I thought only
of YOU.
Elizabeth was too much embarrassed
60 to say a word. After a short pause, her
c o m p a n i o n a d d e d , Yo u a r e t o o
generous to trifle with me. If your
feelings are still what they were last
April, tell me so at once. MY affections
65 and wishes are unchanged, but one word
309
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Darcy y Catherine iban juntos, pero
hablaban muy poco. Catherine tena
demasiado miedo a Darcy para poder
charlar; Elizabeth tomaba en su fuero
interno una decisin desesperada, y
puede que Darcy estuviese haciendo lo
mismo.
Se encaminaron hacia la casa de los
Lucas, porque Catherine quera ver a
Mara, y como Elizabeth crey que esto
poda interesarle a ella, cuando
Catherine les dej sigui andando
a u d a z m ente sola con Darcy. Lleg
entonces el momento de poner en prctica
su decisin, y armndose de valor dijo
inmediatamente:
Seor Darcy, soy una criatura
muy egosta que no me preocupo ms
que de mis propios sentimientos, sin
pensar que quiz lastimara los suyos.
Pero ya no puedo pasar ms tiempo
sin darle a usted las gracias por su
bondad sin igual para con mi pobre
hermana. Desde que lo supe he estado
ansiando manifestarle mi gratitud. Si
mi familia lo supiera, ellos tambin
lo habran hecho.
Siento muchsimo replic
Darcy en tono de sorpresa y emocin
que haya sido usted informada de una
cosa que, mal interpretada, poda
haberle causado alguna inquietud. No
cre que la seora Gardiner fuese tan
poco reservada.
No culpe a mi ta. La indiscrecin
de Lydia fue lo primero que me descubri
su intervencin en el asunto; y, como es
natural, no descans hasta que supe todos
los detalles. Djeme que le agradezca una
y mil veces, en nombre de toda mi
familia, el generoso inters que le llev
a tomarse tanta molestia y a sufrir tantas
mortificaciones para dar con el paradero
de los dos.
Si quiere darme las gracias
repuso Darcy, hgalo slo en su
nombre. No negar que el deseo de
tranquilizarla se sum a las otras razones
que me impulsaron a hacer lo que hice;
pero su familia no me debe nada. Les
tengo un gran respeto, pero no pens ms
que en usted.
Elizabeth estaba tan confusa que no
poda hablar. Despus de una corta pausa,
su compaero aadi: Es usted
demasiado generosa para burlarse de m. Si
sus sentimientos son an los mismos que en
el pasado abril, dgamelo de una vez. Mi
cario y mis deseos no han cambiado, pero
 Austen Pride
from you will silence me on this subject
for ever.
Elizabeth, feeling all the more than
5 common awkwardness and anxiety of his
situation, now forced herself to speak;
and immediately, though not very
fluently, gave him to understand that her
sentiments had undergone so material a
10 change, since the period to which he
alluded, as to make her receive with
gratitude and pleasure his present
assurances. The happiness which this
reply produced, was such as he had
15 probably never felt before; and he
expressed himself on the occasion as
sensibly and as warmly as a man violently
in love can be supposed to do. Had
Elizabeth been able to encounter his eye,
20 she might have seen how well the
expression of heartfelt delight, diffused
over his face, became him; but, though
she could not look, she could listen, and
he told her of feelings, which, in proving
25 of what importance she was to him, made
his affection every moment more
valuable.
They walked on, without knowing in
30 what direction. There was too much to
be thought, and felt, and said, for
attention to any other objects. She soon
learnt that they were indebted for their
present good understanding to the efforts
35 of his aunt, who did call on him in her
return through London, and there relate
her journey to Longbourn, its motive, and
the substance of her conversation with
Elizabeth; dwelling emphatically on
40 every expression of the latter which, in
her ladyships apprehension, peculiarly
denoted her perverseness and assurance;
in the belief that such a relation must
assist her endeavours to obtain that
45 promise from her nephew which she had
refused to give. But, unluckily for her
ladyship, its effect had been exactly
contrariwise.
50 It taught me to hope, said he, as I
had scarcely ever allowed myself to
hope before. I knew enough of your
disposition to be certain that, had you
been absolutely, irrevocably decided
55 a g a i n s t m e , y o u w o u l d h a v e
acknowledged it to Lady Catherine,
frankly and openly.
Elizabeth coloured and
60 l a u g h e d a s s h e r e p l i e d , Ye s , y o u
know enough of my frankness to
b e l i e v e m e c a p a b l e o f T H AT .
After abusing you so abominably
to your face, I could have no
65 s c r u p l e i n a b u s i n g y o u t o a l l y o u r
310
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
con una sola palabra suya no volver a
insistir ms.
Elizabeth, sintindose ms torpe y
ms angustiada que nunca ante la
situacin de Darcy, hizo un esfuerzo
para hablar en seguida, aunque no
rpidamente, le dio a entender que sus
sentimientos haban experimentado
un cambio tan absoluto desde la
poca a la que l se refera, que ahora
reciba con placer y gratitud sus
proposiciones. La dicha que esta
contestacin proporcion a Darcy fue
la mayor de su existencia, y se
expres con todo el calor y la ternura
que pueden suponerse en un hombre
locamente enamorado. Si Elizabeth
hubiese sido capaz de mirarle a los
ojos, habra visto cun bien se
reflejaba en ellos la delicia que
inundaba su corazn; pero poda
escucharle, y los sentimientos que
Darcy le confesaba y que le demos-
traban la importancia que ella tena
para l, hacan su cario cada vez ms
valioso.
Siguieron paseando sin preocuparse
de la direccin que llevaban. Tenan
demasiado que pensar, que sentir y que
decir para fijarse en nada ms.
Elizabeth supo en seguida que deban
su acercamiento a los afanes de la ta
de Darcy, que le visit en Londres a su
regreso y le cont su viaje a
Longbourn, los mviles del mismo y la
sustancia de su conversacin con la
joven, recalcando enfticamente la s
expresiones que denotaban, a
j u i c i o d e Su Seora, la perversidad
y descaro de E l i z a b e t h , s e g u r a d e
que este relato le ayudara en su
empresa de a r r a n c a r a l s o b r i n o l a
p r o m e s a q ue ella se haba negado a
darle. Pero p o r d e s g r a c i a p a r a S u
Seora, el efecto fue
contraproducente.
Gracias a eso conceb esperanzas
que antes apenas me habra atrevido a
formular. Conoca de sobra el carcter
de usted para saber que si hubiese
estado absoluta e irrevocablemente
decidida contra m, se lo habra dicho
a lady Catherine con toda claridad y
franqueza.
Elizabeth se ruboriz y se ri,
contestando:
S, conoca usted de sobra mi
franqueza para creerme capaz de eso.
Despus de haberle rechazado tan
odiosamente cara a cara, no poda tener
reparos en decirle lo mismo a todos sus
 Austen Pride
relations.
What did you say of me, that I did
not deserve? For, though your
5 accusations were ill-founded, formed on
mistaken premises, my behaviour to you
at the time had merited the severest
reproof. It was unpardonable. I cannot
think of it without abhorrence.
10
We will not quarrel for the greater
share of blame annexed to that evening,
said Elizabeth. The conduct of neither,
if strictly examined, will be
15 irreproachable; but since then, we have
both, I hope, improved in civility.
reconcile v.tr. 1make friendly again after an I cannot be so easily reconciled to
estrangement. 2 (usu. in refl. or passive; foll. myself. The recollection of what I then
by to) make acquiescent or contentedly 20 said, of my conduct, my manners, my
submissive to (something disagreeable or
unwelcome) Acostrumbrado a (was reconciled expressions during the whole of it, is
to failure). 3 settle (a quarrel etc.). 4 a now, and has been many months,
harmonize; make compatible. b show the inexpressibly painful to me. Your
compatibility of by argument or in practice reproof, so well applied, I shall never
(cannot reconcile your views with the facts). 25 forget: had you behaved in a more
gentlemanlike manner. Those were your
words. You know not, you can scarcely
conceive, how they have tortured me;
though it was some time, I confess,
30 before I was reasonable enough to allow
their justice.
I was certainly very far from
expecting them to make so strong an
35 impression. I had not the smallest idea
of their being ever felt in such a way.
I can easily believe it. You thought
me then devoid of every proper feeling,
40 I am sure you did. The turn of your
countenance I shall never forget, as you
said that I could not have addressed you
in any possible way that would induce
you to accept me.
45
Oh! do not repeat what I then said.
These recollections will not do at all. I
assure you that I have long been most
heartily ashamed of it.
50
Darcy mentioned his letter. Did it,
said he, did it soon make you think
better of me? Did you, on reading it, give
any credit to its contents?
55
She explained what its effect on her
had been, and how gradually all her
former prejudices had been removed.
60 I knew, said he, that what I wrote
must give you pain, but it was necessary.
I hope you have destroyed the letter.
There was one part especially, the
opening of it, which I should dread your
65 having the power of reading again. I can
311
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
parientes.
No me dijo nada que no me
mereciese. Sus acusaciones
estaban mal fundadas, pero mi
proceder con usted era acreedor
del ms severo reproche.
Aquello fue imperdonable; me
horroriza pensarlo.
No vamos a discutir quin
estuvo peor aquella tarde dijo
Elizabeth. Bien mirado, los dos
tuvimos nuestras culpas. Pero me
parece que los dos hemos ganado en
cortesa desde entonces.
Yo n o p u e d o r e c o n c i l i a r m e
conmigo mismo con tanta facilidad.
El recuerdo de lo que dije e hice en
aquella ocasin es y ser por mucho
tiempo muy doloroso para m. No
puedo olvidar su frase tan acertada:
Si se hubiese portado usted ms
caballerosamente. stas fueron
sus palabras. No sabe, no puede
imaginarse cunto me han
torturado, aunque confieso que
tard en ser lo bastante razonable
para reconocer la verdad que
encerraban.
Crea usted que yo estaba lejos de
suponer que pudieran causarle tan mala
impresin. No tena la menor idea de
que le afligiran de ese modo.
No lo dudo. Entonces me
supona usted desprovisto de todo
sentimiento elevado, estoy seguro.
Nunca olvidar tampoco su expresin
al decirme que de cualquier modo que
me hubiese dirigido a usted, no me
habra aceptado.
No repita todas mis palabras de
aquel da. Hemos de borrar ese recuerdo.
Le juro que hace tiempo que estoy
sinceramente avergonzada de aquello.
Darcy le habl de su carta:
Le hizo a usted rectificar su
opinin sobre m? Dio crdito a su
contenido?
Ella le explic el efecto que le haba
producido y cmo haban ido desapareciendo
sus anteriores prejuicios.
Ya saba prosigui Darcy que
lo que le escrib tena que apenarla, pero
era necesario. Supongo que habr
destruido la carta. Haba una parte,
especialmente al empezar, que no
querra que volviese usted a leer. Me
 Austen Pride
remember some expressions which might
justly make you hate me.
The letter shall certainly be burnt, if
5 you believe it essential to the
preservation of my regard; but, though
we have both reason to think my opinions
not entirely unalterable, they are not, I
hope, quite so easily changed as that
10 implies.
When I wrote that letter, replied
Darcy, I believed myself perfectly calm
and cool, but I am since convinced that
15 it was written in a dreadful bitterness of
spirit.
The letter, perhaps, began in
bitterness, but it did not end so. The adieu
20 is charity itself. But think no more of the
letter. The feelings of the person who
wrote, and the person who received it,
are now so widely different from what
they were then, that every unpleasant
25 circumstance attending it ought to be
forgotten. You must learn some of my
philosophy. Think only of the past as its
remembrance gives you pleasure.
30 I cannot give you credit for any
philosophy of the kind. Your
retrospections must be so totally void of
reproach, that the contentment arising
from them is not of philosophy, but, what
35 is much better, of innocence. But with
me, it is not so. Painful recollections will
intrude which cannot, which ought not,
to be repelled. I have been a selfish being
all my life, in practice, though not in
40 principle. As a child I was taught what
was right, but I was not taught to correct
my temper. I was given good principles,
but left to follow them in pride and
conceit. Unfortunately an only son (for
45 many years an only child), I was spoilt
by my parents, who, though good
themselves (my father, particularly, all
that was benevolent and amiable),
allowed, encouraged, almost taught me
50 to be selfish and overbearing; to care for
none beyond my own family circle; to
think meanly of all the rest of the world;
to wish at least to think meanly of their
sense and worth compared with my own.
55 Such I was, from eight to eight and
twenty; and such I might still have been
but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth!
What do I not owe you! You taught me a
lesson, hard indeed at first, but most
60 advantageous. By you, I was properly
humbled. I came to you without a doubt
of my reception. You showed me how
insufficient were all my pretensions to
please a woman worthy of being
65 pleased.
312
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
acuerdo de ciertas expresiones que
podran hacer que me odiase.
Quemaremos la carta si cree
que es preciso para preservar mi
afecto, pero aunque los dos tenemos
razones para pensar que mis
opiniones no son enteramente
inalterables, no cambian tan
fcilmente como usted supone.
Cuando redact aquella carta
replic Darcy me crea perfectamente
fro y tranquilo; pero despus me convenc
de que la haba escrito en un estado de
tremenda amargura.
Puede que empezase con amargura,
pero no terminaba de igual modo. La
despedida era muy cariosa. Pero no
piense ms en la carta. Los sentimientos
de la persona que la escribi y los de la
persona que la recibi son ahora tan
diferentes, que todas las circunstancias
desagradables que a ella se refieran
deben ser olvidadas. Ha de aprender mi
filosofa. Del pasado no tiene usted que
recordar ms que lo placentero.
No puedo creer en esa filosofa
suya. Sus recuerdos deben de estar tan
limpios de todo reproche que la
satisfaccin que le producen no proviene
de la filosofa, sino de algo mejor: de la
tranquilidad de conciencia. Pero conmigo
es distinto: me salen al paso recuerdos
penosos que no pueden ni deben ser
ahuyentados. He sido toda mi vida un
egosta en la prctica, aunque no en los
principios. De nio me ensearon a pensar
bien, pero no a corregir mi temperamento.
Me inculcaron buenas normas, pero
dejaron que las siguiese cargado de
orgullo y de presuncin. Por desgracia fui
hijo nico durante varios aos, y mis
padres, que eran buenos en s,
particularmente mi padre, que era la
bondad y el amor personificados, me
permitieron, me consintieron y casi me
encaminaron hacia el egosmo y el
autoritarismo, hacia la despreocupacin
por todo lo que no fuese mi propia familia,
hacia el desprecio del resto del mundo o,
por lo menos, a creer que la inteligencia y
los mritos de los dems eran muy
inferiores a los mos. As desde los ocho
hasta los veintiocho aos, y as sera an
si no hubiese sido por usted, amadsima
Elizabeth. Se lo debo todo. Me dio una
leccin que fue, por cierto, muy dura al
principio, pero tambin muy provechosa.
Usted me humill como convena, usted
me ense lo insuficientes que eran mis
pretensiones para halagar a una mujer que
merece todos los halagos.
 Austen Pride
Had you then persuaded yourself
that I should?
5 Indeed I had. What will you think of
my vanity? I believed you to be wishing,
expecting my addresses.
My manners must have been in fault,
10 but not intentionally, I assure you. I never
meant to deceive you, but my spirits
might often lead me wrong. How you
must have hated me after THAT
evening?
15
Hate you! I was angry perhaps at
first, but my anger soon began to take a
proper direction.
20 I am almost afraid of asking what
you thought of me, when we met at
Pemberley. You blamed me for coming?
No indeed; I felt nothing but
25 surprise.
Your surprise could not be greater
than MINE in being noticed by you. My
conscience told me that I deserved no
30 extraordinary politeness, and I confess
that I did not expect to receive MORE
than my due.
My object then, replied Darcy, was
35 to show you, by every civility in my
power, that I was not so mean as to resent
[take offence at] the past; and I hoped
to obtain your forgiveness, to lessen your
ill opinion, by letting you see that your
40 reproofs had been attended to. How soon
any other wishes introduced themselves
I can hardly tell, but I believe in about
half an hour after I had seen you.
45 He then told her of Georgianas
delight in her acquaintance, and of
her disappointment at its sudden
interruption; which naturally
leading to the cause of that
50 interruption, she soon learnt that his
resolution of following her from
Derbyshire in quest of her sister had been
formed before he quitted the inn, and that
his gravity and thoughtfulness there had
55 arisen from no other struggles than what
such a purpose must comprehend.
She expressed her gratitude again, but
it was too painful a subject to each, to be
60 dwelt on farther.
After walking several miles in a
leisurely 1 lento, pausado; at a ~ pace sin leisurely manner, and too busy to know
prisas 2 relajado: lets take a leisurely stroll, anything about it, they found at last, on
demos un paseo sin prisas 3 adv. tranquila- 65 examining their watches, that it was time
mente
313
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Crea usted que le iba a
aceptar?
Claro que s. Qu piensa usted de
mi vanidad? Crea que usted esperaba y
deseaba mi declaracin.
Me port mal, pero fue sin
intencin. Nunca quise
engaarle, y sin embargo
muchas veces me equivoco.
Cmo debi odiarme despus
de aquella tarde!
Odiarla! Tal vez me qued resentido
al principio; pero el resentimiento no tard
en transformarse en algo mejor.
Casi no me atrevo a preguntarle
qu pens al encontrarme en Pemberley.
Le pareci mal que hubiese ido?
Nada de eso. Slo me qued
sorprendido.
Su sorpresa no sera mayor
que la ma al ver que usted me
saludaba. No cre tener derecho a
sus atenciones y confieso que no
esperaba recibir ms que las
merecidas.
Me propuse contest Darcy
demostrarle, con mi mayor
cortesa, que no era tan ruin como para
estar dolido de lo pasado, y esperaba
conseguir su perdn y atenuar el mal
concepto en que me tena probndole que
no haba menospreciado sus reproches. Me
es difcil decirle cunto tardaron en mezclar-
se a estos otros deseos, pero creo que fue a
la media hora de haberla visto.
Entonces le explic lo encantada que
haba quedado Georgiana al conocerla y
lo que lament la repentina interrupcin
de su amistad. Esto les llev, natural-
mente, a tratar de la causa de dicha
interrupcin, y Elizabeth se enter de que
Darcy h a b a d e c i d i d o i r s e d e
Derbyshire en busca de Lydia antes
de salir de la fonda, y que su
seriedad y aspecto meditabundo no
obedecan a ms cavilaciones que las
inherentes al citado proyecto.
Volvi Elizabeth a darle las gracias, pero
aquel asunto era demasiado agobiante para
ambos y no insistieron en l.
Despus de andar varias millas
en completo abandono y demasiado
ocupados para cuidarse de otra cosa, mi-
raron sus relojes y vieron que era hora
 Austen Pride
to be at home.
What could become of Mr. Bingley
and Jane! was a wonder which
5 introduced the discussion of their affairs.
Darcy was delighted with their
engagement; his friend had given him the
earliest information of it.
10 I must ask whether you were
surprised? said Elizabeth.
Not at all. When I went away, I felt
that it would soon happen.
15
That is to say, you had given your
permission. I guessed as much. And
though he exclaimed at the term, she
found that it had been pretty much the
20 case.
On the evening before my going to
London, said he, I made a confession
to him, which I believe I ought to have
25 made long ago. I told him of all that had
occurred to make my former interference
in his affairs absurd and impertinent. His
surprise was great. He had never had the
slightest suspicion. I told him, moreover,
30 that I believed myself mistaken in
supposing, as I had done, that your sister
was indifferent to him; and as I could
easily perceive that his attachment to her
was unabated, I felt no doubt of their
35 happiness together.
Elizabeth could not help smiling at his
easy manner of directing his friend.
40 Did you speak from your own
observation, said she, when you told
him that my sister loved him, or merely
from my information last spring?
45 From the former. I had narrowly
observed her during the two visits which
I had lately made here; and I was
convinced of her affection.
50 And your assurance of it, I suppose,
carried immediate conviction to him.
It did. Bingley is most
unaffectedly modest. His
diffidence, self-doubt, self-distrust lack of self- 55 diffidence had prevented his depending
confidence inseguridad, falta de confianza on his own judgment in so anxious a
en uno mismo case, but his reliance on mine made
every thing easy. I was obliged to
confess one thing, which for a time, and
60 not unjustly, offended him. I could not
allow myself to conceal that your sister
had been in town three months last
w i n t e r, t h a t I h a d k n o w n i t , a n d
purposely kept it from him. He was
65 angry. But his anger, I am persuaded,
314
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
de volver a casa.
Qu habr sido de Bingley y de Jane?
Esta exclamacin les llev a hablar
de los asuntos de ambos. Darcy estaba
contentsimo con su compromiso, que
Bingley le haba notificado
inmediatamente.
Puedo preguntarle si le sorprendi?
dijo Elizabeth.
De ningn modo. Al marcharme
comprend que la cosa era inminente.
Es decir, que le dio usted su permiso.
Ya lo sospechaba.
Y aunque l protest de semejantes
trminos, ella encontr que eran muy
adecuados.
La tarde anterior a mi viaje a
Londres dijo Darcy le hice una
confesin que deb haberle hecho
desde mucho antes. Le dije todo lo que
haba ocurrido para convertir mi
intromisin en absurda e impertinente.
Se qued boquiabierto. Nunca haba
sospechado nada. Le dije adems
X __________ ________ __ _______ ___
__________ ___ q u e m e h a b a
engaado al suponer que Jane no le
amaba, y cuando me di cuenta de que
Bingley la segua queriendo, ya no
dud de que seran felices.
Elizabeth no pudo menos que sonrer al ver
cun fcilmente manejaba a su amigo.
Cuando le dijo que mi hermana le
amaba, fue porque usted lo haba
observado o porque yo se lo haba
confesado la pasada primavera?
Por lo primero. La observ
detenidamente durante las dos visitas que
le hice ltimamente, y me qued
convencido de su cario por Bingley.
Y su convencimiento le dej a l
tambin convencido, verdad?
As es. Bingley es el hombre ms
modesto y menos presumido del mundo.
Su apocamiento le impidi fiarse de su
propio juicio e n u n c a s o d e t a n t a
importancia;. pero su sumisin al mo
lo arregl todo. Tuve que declararle una
cosa que por un tiempo y con toda razn
le tuvo muy disgustado. No pude
ocultarle que su hermana haba estado
tres meses en Londres el pasado
invierno, que yo lo saba y que no se lo
dije a propsito. Se enfad mucho. Pero
estoy seguro de que se le pas al
 Austen Pride
lasted no longer than he remained in any
doubt of your sisters sentiments. He has
heartily forgiven me now.
5 Elizabeth longed to observe that
Mr. Bingley had been a most
delightful friend; so easily guided
that his worth was invaluable; but
she checked herself. She
10 remembered that he had yet to learn
to be laughed at, and it was rather
too early to begin. In anticipating
the happiness of Bingley, which of
course was to be inferior only to his
15 own, he continued the conversation
till they reached the house. In the
hall they parted.
20
25 Chapter 59
My dear Lizzy, where can you have
been walking to? was a question which
Elizabeth received from Jane as soon as
30 she entered their room, and from all the
others when they sat down to table. She
had only to say in reply, that they had
wandered about, till she was beyond her
own knowledge. She coloured as she
35 spoke; but neither that, nor anything else,
awakened a suspicion of the truth.
The evening passed quietly, unmarked
by anything extraordinary. The
40 acknowledged lovers talked and laughed,
the unacknowledged were silent. Darcy
was not of a disposition in which
happiness overflows in mirth; and
Elizabeth, agitated and confused, rather
45 KNEW that she was happy than FELT
herself to be so; for, besides the
immediate embarrassment, there were
other evils before her. She anticipated
what would be felt in the family when her
50 situation became known; she was aware
that no one liked him but Jane; and even
feared that with the others it was a dislike
which not all his fortune and consequence
might do away.
55
At night she opened her heart to Jane.
Though suspicion was very far from Miss
Bennets general habits, she was
absolutely incredulous here.
60
You are joking, Lizzy. This cannot
be!engaged to Mr. Darcy! No, no, you
shall not deceive me. I know it to be
impossible.
65
315
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
convencerse de que su hermana le
amaba todava. Ahora me ha perdonado
ya de todo corazn.
Elizabeth habra querido aadir que
Bingley era el ms estupendo de los
amigos por la facilidad con que se le
poda traer y llevar, y que era realmente
impagable. Pero su contuvo. Record que
Darcy tena todava que aprender a rerse
de estas cosas, y que era demasiado
pronto para empezar. Haciendo cbalas
sobre la felicidad de Bingley que, desde
luego, slo poda ser inferior a la de ellos
dos, Darcy sigui hablando hasta que
llegaron a la casa. En el vestbulo se
despidieron.
Captulo LIX
Elizabeth, querida, por dnde has
estado paseando?
sta es la pregunta que Jane le dirigi a
Elizabeth en cuanto estuvieron en su cuarto,
y la que le hicieron todos los dems al
sentarse a la mesa. Elizabeth respondi que
haban estado vagando hasta donde acababa
el camino que ella conoca. Al decir esto se
sonroj, pero ni esto ni nada despert la
menor sospecha sobre la verdad.
La velada pas tranquilamente sin
que ocurriese nada extraordinario.
Los novios oficiales charlaron y
rieron, y los no oficiales estuvieron
callados. La felicidad de Darcy nunca
se desbordaba en regocijo; Elizabeth,
agitada y confusa, saba que era feliz
ms que sentirlo, pues adems de su
aturdimiento inmediato la
inquietaban otras cosas. Prevea la
que se armara en la familia cuando
supiesen lo que haba ocurrido. Le
constaba que Darcy no gustaba a
ninguno de los de su casa ms que a
Jane, e incluso tema que ni su fortuna
ni su posicin fuesen bastante para
contentarles.
Por la noche abri su corazn a
Jane, y aunque Jane no era de
natural desconfiada, no pudo creer
lo que su hermana le deca:
Ests bromeando, Eliza! Eso no
puede ser! T, comprometida con Darcy!
No, no; no me engaars. Ya s que
es imposible.
 Austen Pride
This is a wretched beginning indeed!
My sole dependence was on you; and I
am sure nobody else will believe me, if
you do not. Yet, indeed, I am in earnest.
5 I speak nothing but the truth. He still
loves me, and we are engaged.
Jane looked at her doubtingly. Oh,
Lizzy! it cannot be. I know how much
10 you dislike him.
You know nothing of the matter.
THAT is all to be forgot. Perhaps I did
not always love him so well as I do now.
15 But in such cases as these, a good
memory is unpardonable. This is the last
time I shall ever remember it myself.
Miss Bennet still looked all
20 a m a z e m e n t . E l i z a b e t h a g a i n , a n d
more seriously assured her of its
truth.
Good Heaven! can it be really so! Yet
25 now I must believe you, cried Jane. My
dear, dear Lizzy, I wouldI do congratulate
youbut are you certain? forgive the
question are you quite certain that you
can be happy with him?
30
There can be no doubt of that. It is
settled between us already, that we are
to be the happiest couple in the world.
But are you pleased, Jane? Shall you like
35 to have such a brother?
Very, very much. Nothing could give
either Bingley or myself more delight.
But we considered it, we talked of it as
40 impossible. And do you really love him
X _ __ __ Y t, le quieres realmente
quite well enough? Oh, Lizzy! do
anything rather than marry without
affection. Are you quite sure that you feel
what you ought to do?
45
Oh, yes! You will only think I feel
MORE than I ought to do, when I tell you
all.
50 What do you mean?
Why, I must confess that I love him
better than I do Bingley. I am afraid you
will be angry.
55
My dearest sister, now
B E s e r i o u s . I want to talk very
seriously. Let me know every thing that I
am to know, without delay. Will you tell
60 me how long you have loved him?
It has been coming on so gradually,
that I hardly know when it began. But I
believe I must date it from my first
65 s e e i n g h i s b e a u t i f u l g r o u n d s a t
316
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Pues s que empieza mal el
asunto! Slo en ti confiaba, pero si t
no me crees, menos me van a creer los
dems. Te estoy diciendo la pura verdad.
Darcy todava me quiere y nos hemos
comprometido.
Jane la mir dudando:
Elizabeth, no es posible. Pero si s
que no le puedes ni ver!
No sabes nada de nada. Hemos
d e o l v i d a r t o d o e s o . Ta l v e z n o
siempre le haya querido como ahora;
pero en estos casos una buena memoria
es imperdonable. sta es la ltima vez
que yo lo recuerdo.
Jane contemplaba a su hermana con
asombro. Elizabeth volvi a afirmarle con
la mayor seriedad que lo que deca era
cierto.
Cielo Santo! Es posible? De
veras? Pero ahora ya te creo exclam
Jane. Querida Elizabeth! Te felicitara,
te felicito, pero..., ests segura, y perdona
la pregunta, completamente segura de que
sers dichosa con l?
S i n d u d a a l g u n a . Ya h e m o s
convenido que seremos la pareja ms
venturosa de la tierra. Ests contenta,
Jane? Te gustar tener a Darcy por
hermano?
Mucho, muchsimo, es lo que ms
placer puede darnos a Bingley y a m .
_______ ____ ________ _______ __ _
bastante? Oh, Elizabeth! Haz
cualquier cosa menos casarte
sin amor. Ests absolutamente segura
de que sientes lo que debe sentirse?
Oh, s! Y te convencers de que
siento ms de lo que debo cuando te lo
haya contado todo.
Qu quieres decir?
Pues que he de confesarte que le
quiero ms que t a Bingley. Temo que te
disgustes.
Hermana, querida, no
ests hablando en serio.
Dime una cosa que necesito
saber al momento: desde
cundo le quieres?
Ese amor me ha ido viniendo tan
gradualmente que apenas s cundo
empez; pero creo que data de la primera
vez que vi sus hermosas posesiones de
 Austen Pride
Pemberley.
Another entreaty that she would be
serious, however, produced the desired
5 effect; and she soon satisfied Jane by her
solemn assurances of attachment. When
convinced on that article, Miss Bennet
had nothing further to wish.
10 Now I am quite happy, said she,
for you will be as happy as myself. I
always had a value for him. Were it for
nothing but his love of you, I must always
have esteemed him; but now, as Bingleys
15 friend and your husband, there can be
only Bingley and yourself more dear
to me. But Lizzy, you have been very
sly [astuto/malicioso], very reserved with
me. How little did you tell me of what
20 passed at Pemberley and Lambton! I
owe all that I know of it to another,
not to you.
Elizabeth told her the motives of her
25 secrecy. She had been unwilling to
mention Bingley; and the unsettled state
of her own feelings had made her equally
avoid the name of his friend. But now she
would no longer conceal from her his
30 share in Lydias marriage. All was
acknowledged, and half the night spent
in conversation.
*****
35
Good gracious! cried Mrs. Bennet,
as she stood at a window the next
morning, if that disagreeable Mr. Darcy
is not coming here again with our dear
40 Bingley! What can he mean by being so
tiresome as to be always coming here? I
had no notion but he would go a-
shooting, or something or other, and not
disturb us with his company. What shall
45 we do with him? Lizzy, you must walk
out with him again, that he may not be in
Bingleys way.
Elizabeth could hardly help laughing
50 at so convenient a proposal; yet was
really vexed [angered] that her mother
should be always giving him such an
epithet.
55 As soon as they entered, Bingley
looked at her so expressively, and
shook hands with such warmth, as left
no doubt of his good information; and
he soon afterwards said aloud,
60 Mrs. Bennet, have you no more lanes
hereabouts in which Lizzy may lose
her way again to-day?
I advise Mr. Darcy, and Lizzy,
65 and Kitty, said Mrs. Bennet, to walk
317
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Pemberley.
Jane volvi a pedirle
formalidad y Elizabeth habl
entonces solemnemente
a f i r m a n d o q u e a d o r a b a a D a r c y.
Jane qued convencida y se dio
enteramente por satisfecha.
Ahora s soy feliz del todo dijo
, porque t vas a serlo tanto como yo.
Siempre he sentido gran estimacin por
Darcy. Aunque no fuera ms que por su
amor por ti, ya le tendra que querer;
pero ahora que adems de ser el amigo
de Bingley ser tu marido, slo a
Bingley y a ti querr ms que a l. Pero
qu callada y reservada has estado
conmigo! Cmo no me hablaste de lo
que pas en Pemberley y en Lambton?
Lo tuve que saber todo por otra persona
y no por ti.
Elizabeth le expuso los motivos de su
secreto. No haba querido nombrarle a
Bingley, y la indecisin de sus propios
sentimientos le hizo evitar tambin el
nombre de su amigo. Pero ahora no quiso
ocultarle la intervencin de Darcy en el
asunto de Lydia. Todo qued aclarado y
las dos hermanas se pasaron hablando la
mitad de la noche.
Ay, ojal ese antiptico seor
Darcy no . venga otra vez con nuestro
querido Bingley! suspir la seora
Bennet al asomarse a la ventana al da
siguiente. Por qu ser tan pesado
y v e n d r a q u c o n t i n u a m e n t e ? Ya
podra irse a cazar o a hacer cualquier
cosa en lugar de venir a importunarnos.
Cmo podramos quitrnoslo de
encima? Elizabeth, tendrs que volver
a salir de paseo con l para que no
estorbe a Bingley.
Elizabeth por poco suelta una
carcajada al escuchar aquella
proposicin tan interesante, a pesar
de que le dola que su madre le
estuviese siempre insultando.
En cuanto entraron los dos caballeros,
Bingley mir a Elizabeth expresivamente
y le estrech la mano con tal ardor que la
joven comprendi que ya lo saba todo.
Al poco rato Bingley dijo:
Seor Bennet, no tiene usted por ah
otros caminos en los que Elizabeth pueda
hoy volver a perderse?
Recomiendo al seor Darcy, a Lizzy
y a Kitty dijo la seora Bennet que
 Austen Pride
to Oakham Mount this morning. It is
a nice long walk, and Mr. Darcy has
never seen the view.
5 It may do very well for the others,
replied Mr. Bingley; but I am sure it will
be too much for Kitty. Wont it, Kitty?
Kitty owned that she had rather stay at
home. Darcy professed a great curiosity
10 to see the view from the Mount, and
Elizabeth silently consented. As she went
up stairs to get ready, Mrs. Bennet
followed her, saying:
15 I am quite sorry, Lizzy, that you
should be forced to have that
disagreeable man all to yourself. But I
hope you will not mind it: it is all for
Janes sake, you know; and there is no
20 occasion for talking to him, except just
now and then. So, do not put yourself to
inconvenience.
During their walk, it was resolved that
25 Mr. Bennets consent should be asked in
the course of the evening. Elizabeth
reserved to herself the application for her
mothers. She could not determine how
her mother would take it; sometimes
30 doubting whether all his wealth and
grandeur would be enough to overcome
her abhorrence of the man. But whether
she were violently set against the match,
or violently delighted with it, it was
35 certain that her manner would be equally
ill adapted to do credit to her sense; and
she could no more bear that Mr. Darcy
should hear the first raptures of her joy,
than the first vehemence of her
40 disapprobation.
*****
I n t h e e v e n i n g , s o o n a f t e r M r.
45 Bennet withdrew to the library, she
saw Mr. Darcy rise also and follow
him, and her agitation on seeing it was
extreme. She did not fear her father s
opposition, but he was going to be
50 made unhappy; and that it should be
through her meansthat SHE , his
favourite child, should be distressing
him by her choice, should be filling
him with fears and regrets in disposing
55 of herwas a wretched reflection, and
s h e s a t i n m i s e r y t i l l M r. D a r c y
appeared again, when, looking at him,
she was a little relieved by his smile.
In a few minutes he approached the
60 table where she was sitting with
Kitty; and, while pretending to
admire her work said in a whisper,
Go to your father, he
wants you in the library.
65 She was gone directly.
318
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
vayan esta maana a la montaa de Oagham.
Es un paseo largo y precioso y el seor
Darcy nunca ha visto ese panorama.
Esto puede estar bien para los otros
dos explic Bingley, pero me parece
que Catherine se cansara. Verdad?
La muchacha confes que preferira
quedarse en casa; Darcy manifest gran
curiosidad por disfrutar de la vista de aquella
montaa, y Elizabeth accedi a
acompaarle. Cuando subi para arreglarse,
la seora Bennet la sigui para decirle:
L i z z y, s i e n t o m u c h o
que te veas obligada a
andar con una persona tan
antiptica; pero espero que
lo hagas por Jane. Adems,
slo tienes que hablarle de
vez en cuando. No te
molestes mucho.
Durante el paseo decidieron que
aquella misma tarde pediran el
consentimiento del padre. Elizabeth se
reserv el notificrselo a la madre. No
poda imaginarse cmo lo tomara; a
veces dudaba de si toda la riqueza y la
alcurnia de Darcy seran suficientes para
contrarrestar el odio que le profesaba;
pero tanto si se opona violentamente al
matrimonio, como si lo aprobaba tambin
con violencia, lo que no tena duda era
que sus arrebatos no seran ninguna
muestra de buen sentido, y por ese
motivo no podra soportar que Darcy
presenciase ni los primeros raptos de
jbilo ni las primeras manifestaciones de
su desaprobacin.
____________
Por la tarde, poco despus de
haberse retirado el seor Bennet a su
biblioteca, Elizabeth vio que Darcy se
levantaba tambin y le segua. El
corazn se le puso a latir fuertemente.
No tema que su padre se opusiera,
pero le afligira mucho y el hecho de
que fuese ella, su hija favorita, la que
le daba semejante disgusto y la que iba
a inspirarle tantos cuidados y
pesadumbres con su desafortunada
eleccin, tena a Elizabeth muy
entristecida. Estuvo muy abatida
hasta que Darcy volvi a entrar y hasta
que, al mirarle, le dio nimos su sonrisa.
A los pocos minutos Darcy se acerc a la
mesa junto a la cual estaba sentada
Elizabeth con Catherine, y haciendo como
que miraba su labor, le dijo al odo:
Va y a a v e r a s u p a d r e : l a
necesita en la biblioteca.
Elizabeth sali disparada.
 Austen Pride
Her father was walking about the
room, looking grave and anxious.
Lizzy, said he, what are you doing?
5 Are you out of your senses, to be
accepting this man? Have not you always
hated him?
How earnestly did she then wish that
10 her former opinions had been more
reasonable, her expressions more
moderate! It would have spared her from
explanations and professions which it
was exceedingly awkward to give; but
15 they were now necessary, and she assured
him, with some confusion, of her
attachment to Mr. Darcy.
Or, in other words, you are
20 determined to have him. He is rich, to be
sure, and you may have more fine clothes
and fine carriages than Jane. But will they
make you happy?
25 Have you any other objection, said
Elizabeth, than your belief of my
indifference?
None at all. We all know him to
30 be a proud, unpleasant sort of man;
but this would be nothing if you
really liked him.
I do, I do like him, she replied,
35 with tears in her eyes, I love him.
Indeed he has no improper pride. He is
perfectly amiable. You do not know what
he really is; then pray do not pain me
by speaking of him in such terms.
40
Lizzy, said her father, I have given
him my consent. He is the kind of man,
indeed, to whom I should never dare
refuse anything, which he condescended
45 to ask. I now give it to YOU, if you are
resolved on having him. But let me advise
you to think better of it. I know your
disposition, Lizzy. I know that you could
be neither happy nor respectable, unless
50 you truly esteemed your husband; unless
you looked up to him as a superior. Your
lively talents would place you in the
greatest danger in an unequal marriage.
You could scarcely escape discredit and
55 misery. My child, let me not have the
grief of seeing YOU unable to respect
your partner in life. You know not what
you are about.
60 Elizabeth, still more affected, was
earnest and solemn in her reply; and at
length, by repeated assurances that Mr.
Darcy was really the object of her choice,
by explaining the gradual change which
65 her estimation of him had undergone,
319
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Su padre se paseaba por la estancia y
pareca muy serio e inquieto.
Elizabeth le dijo, qu vas a
hacer? Ests en tu sano juicio al aceptar a
ese hombre? No habamos quedado en que
le odiabas?
Cunto sinti Elizabeth que su primer
concepto de Darcy hubiera sido tan injusto
y sus expresiones tan inmoderadas! As se
habra ahorrado ciertas explicaciones y
confesiones que le daban muchsima ver-
genza, pero que no haba ms remedio
que hacer. Bastante confundida, Elizabeth
asegur a su padre que amaba a Darcy
profundamente.
En otras palabras, que ests
decidida a casarte con l. Es rico,
eso s; podrs tener mejores trajes y
mejores coches que Jane. Pero te
har feliz todo eso?
Tu nica objecin
es que crees que no le
amo?
Ni ms ni menos. Todos sabemos
que es un hombre orgulloso y
desagradable; pero esto no tiene nada que
ver si a ti te gusta.
Pues s, me gusta replic Elizabeth
con lgrimas en los ojos; le amo. Adems
no tiene ningn orgullo. Es lo ms amable
del mundo. T no le conoces. Por eso te
suplico que no me hagas dao hablndome
de l de esa forma.
Elizabeth aadi su padre, le he
dado mi consentimiento. Es uno de esos
hombres, adems, a quienes nunca te
atreveras a negarles nada de lo que tuviesen
la condescendencia de pedirte. Si ests deci-
dida a casarte con l, te doy a ti tambin mi
consentimiento. Pero djame advertirte que
lo pienses mejor. Conozco tu carcter, Lizzy.
S que nunca podrs ser feliz ni prudente si
no aprecias verdaderamente a tu marido, si
no le consideras como a un superior. La
viveza de tu talento te pondra en el ms
grave de los peligros si hicieras un
matrimonio desigual. Difcilmente podras
salvarte del descrdito y la catstrofe. Hija
ma, no me des el disgusto de verte incapaz
de respetar al compaero de tu vida. No
sabes lo que es eso.
Elizabeth, ms conmovida aun que su
padre, le respondi con vehemencia y
solemnidad; y al fin logr vencer la
incredulidad de su padre reiterndole la
sinceridad de su amor por Darcy,
exponindole el cambio gradual que se
 Austen Pride
relating her absolute certainty that his
affection was not the work of a day, but
had stood the test of many months
suspense, and enumerating with energy
5 all his good qualities, she did conquer her
fathers incredulity, and reconcile him to
the match.
Well, my dear, said he, when she
10 ceased speaking, I have no more to say.
If this be the case, he deserves you. I
could not have parted with you, my Lizzy,
to anyone less worthy.
15 To complete the favourable
impression, she then told him what Mr.
Darcy had voluntarily done for Lydia. He
heard her with astonishment.
20 This is an evening of wonders,
indeed! And so, Darcy did every thing;
made up the match, gave the money, paid
the fellows debts, and got him his
commission! So much the better. It will
25 save me a world of trouble and economy.
Had it been your uncles doing, I must
and WOULD have paid him; but these
violent young lovers carry every thing
their own way. I shall offer to pay him
rant 1 intr. use bombastic language. 2 tr. & 30 to-morrow; he will rant and storm about
intr. declaim, recite theatrically. 3 tr. & his love for you, and there will be an end
intr. preach noisily. despotricar
1 a piece of ranting, a tirade. 2 empty
of the matter.
turgid talk. lenguaje campanudo, discur-
so rimbombante; complain using He then recollected her
abusive language; 35 embarrassment a few days before, on his
reading Mr. Collinss letter; and after
laughing at her some time, allowed her
at last to gosaying, as she quitted the
room, If any young men come for
40 Mary or Kitty, send them in, for I
am quite at leisure.
Elizabeths mind was now relieved
from a very heavy weight; and, after half
tolerable aceptable, soportable, fairly good, 45 an hours quiet reflection in her own
mediocre, pasable room, she was able to join the others with
tolerable composure [calmness]. Every
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- thing was too recent for gaiety, but the
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero
compostura es tambin repair, mending, evening passed tranquilly away; there
tidiness, agreement 50 was no longer anything material to be
dreaded, and the comfort of ease and
familiarity would come in time.
When her mother went up to her
55 dressing-room at night, she followed her,
and made the important communication.
Its effect was most extraordinary; for on
first hearing it, Mrs. Bennet sat quite still,
and unable to utter a syllable. Nor was it
60 under many, many minutes that she could
comprehend what she heard; though not
in general backward to credit what was
for the advantage of her family, or that
came in the shape of a lover to any of
65 them. She began at length to recover, to
320
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
haba producido en sus sentimientos por l,
afirmndole que el afecto de l no era cosa
de un da, sino que haba resistido la prueba
de muchos meses, y enumerando
enrgicamente todas sus buenas cualidades.
Hasta el punto que el seor Bennet aprob
ya sin reservas la boda.
Bueno, querida le dijo cuando
ella termin de hablar, no tengo ms
que decirte. Siendo as, es digno de ti.
Lizzy ma, no te habra entregado a otro
que valiese menos.
Para completar la favorable
impresin de su padre, Elizabeth le
relat lo que Darcy haba hecho
espontneamente por Lydia.
sta es de veras una tarde de
asombro! De modo que Darcy lo hizo
todo: llev a efecto el casamiento, dio
el dinero, pag las deudas del pollo y
le obtuvo el destino? Mejor: as me
librar de un mar de confusiones y de
cuentas. Si lo hubiese hecho tu to,
habra tenido que pagarle; pero esos
jvenes y apasionados enamorados
cargan con todo. Maana le ofrecer
pagarle; l pr otestar y har una
escena invocando su amor por ti, y
asunto concluido.
Entonces record el seor Bennet lo mal
que lo haba pasado Elizabeth mientras l
le lea la carta de Collins, y despus de
bromear con ella un rato, la dej que se fuera
y le dijo cuando sala de la habitacin:
Si viene algn muchacho por Mary o
Catherine, envamelo, que estoy
completamente desocupado.
Elizabeth sinti que le haban quitado un
enorme peso de encima, y despus de media
hora de tranquila reflexin en su aposento,
se hall en disposicin de reunirse con los
dems, bastante sosegada. Las cosas estaban
demasiado recientes para poderse abandonar
a la alegra, pero la tarde pas en medio de la
mayor serenidad. Nada tena que temer, y el
bienestar de la soltura y de la familiaridad
vendran a su debido tiempo.
Cuando su madre se retir a su cuarto
por la noche, Elizabeth entr con ella y le
hizo la importante comunicacin. El efecto
fue extraordinario, porque al principio la
seora Bennet se qued absolutamente
inmvil, incapaz de articular palabra; y hasta
al cabo de muchos minutos no pudo
comprender lo que haba odo, a pesar de
que comnmente no era muy reacia a creer
todo lo que significase alguna ventaja para
su familia o noviazgo para alguna de sus
hijas. Por fin empez a recobrarse y a
 Austen Pride
fidget about in her chair, get up, sit down
again, wonder, and bless herself.
Good gracious! Lord bless me! only
5 think! dear me! Mr. Darcy! Who would
have thought it! And is it really true? Oh!
my sweetest Lizzy! how rich and how
great you will be! What pin-money, what
jewels, what carriages you will have!
10 Janes is nothing to itnothing at all. I
am so pleasedso happy. Such a
charming man!so handsome! so tall!
Oh, my dear Lizzy! pray apologise for
my having disliked him so much before.
15 I hope he will overlook it. Dear, dear
Lizzy. A house in town! Every thing that
is charming! Three daughters married!
Ten thousand a year! Oh, Lord! What will
distracted 1 : mentally confused, troubled, or become of me. I shall go distracted.
remote 2 : maddened or deranged especially 20
by grief or anxiety This was enough to prove that her
1 confuso, perplejo, aturdido, 2 desconsue- approbation need not be doubted: and
lo [distress]
Elizabeth, rejoicing that such an effusion
was heard only by herself, soon went
25 away. But before she had been three
minutes in her own room, her mother
followed her.
My dearest child, she cried, I can
30 think of nothing else! Ten thousand a
year, and very likely more! Tis as good
as a Lord! And a special licence. You
must and shall be married by a special
licence. But my dearest love, tell me what
35 dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of,
that I may have it to-morrow.
This was a sad omen of what her
mother s behaviour to the gentleman
40 himself might be; and Elizabeth found
that, though in the certain possession of
his warmest affection, and secure of her
relations consent, there was still
something to be wished for. But the
45 morrow passed off much better than she
expected; for Mrs. Bennet luckily stood
in such awe of her intended son-in-law
that she ventured not to speak to him,
unless it was in her power to offer him
50 any attention, or mark her deference for
his opinion.
Elizabeth had the satisfaction of
seeing her father taking pains to get
55 acquainted with him; and Mr. Bennet
soon assured her that he was rising every
hour in his esteem.
I admire all my three sons-in-law
60 highly, said he. Wickham, perhaps, is my
favourite; but I think I shall like YOUR
husband quite as well as Janes.
65
321
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
agitarse. Se levantaba y se volva a sentar.
Se maravillaba y se congratulaba:
Cielo santo! Que Dios me bendiga!
Qu dices querida hija? El seor Darcy?
Quin lo iba a decir! ______ _____ _____
Oh, Eliza de mi alma! Qu rica y qu
importante vas a ser! Qu dineral, qu
joyas, qu coches vas a tener! Lo de Jane
no es nada en comparacin, lo que se dice
nada. Qu contenta estoy, qu feliz! Qu
hombre tan encantador, tan guapo, tan bien
plantado! Lizzy, vida ma, perdname que
antes me fuese tan antiptico! Espero que
l me perdone tambin. Elizabeth de mi
corazn! Una casa en la capital! Todo lo
apetecible! Tres hijas casadas! Diez mil
libras al ao! Madre ma! Qu va a ser
de m? Voy a enloquecer!
Esto bastaba para demostrar que su
aprobacin era indudable. Elizabeth,
encantada de que aquellas efusiones no
hubiesen sido odas ms que por ella, se
fue en seguida. Pero no haca tres
minutos que estaba en su cuarto, cuando
entr su madre.
Hija de mi corazn! exclam .
No puedo pensar en otra cosa. Diez mil
libras anuales y puede que ms! Vale
tanto como un lord! Y licencia especial,
porque debis tener que casaros con
licencia especial. Prenda ma, dime qu
plato le gusta ms a Darcy para que pueda
preparrselo para maana.
Mal presagio era esto de lo que iba
a ser la conducta de la seora Bennet
con el caballero en cuestin, y
Elizabeth comprendi que a pesar de
poseer el ardiente amor de Darcy y el
consentimiento de toda su familia,
todava le faltaba algo. Pero la maana
siguiente transcurri mejor de lo que
haba credo, porque, felizmente, su
futuro yerno le infunda a la seora
Bennet tal pavor, que no se atreva a
hablarle ms que cuando poda
dedicarle alguna atencin o asentir a
lo que l deca.
Elizabeth tuvo la satisfaccin
de ver que su padre se esforzaba
en intimar con l, y le asegur,
para colmo, que cada da le
gustaba ms.
_________________________ ____
X ______________________ _________
___ ________________ ____________
____________________
 Austen Pride
5
Chapter 60
Elizabeths spirits soon rising to
playfulness again, she wanted Mr. Darcy
10 to account for his having ever fallen in
love with her. How could you begin?
said she. I can comprehend your going
on charmingly, when you had once made
a beginning; but what could set you off
15 in the first place?
I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot,
or the look, or the words, which laid the
foundation. It is too long ago. I was in
20 the middle before I knew that I HAD
begun.
My beauty you had early withstood,
and as for my mannersmy behaviour
25 to YOU was at least always bordering on
the uncivil, and I never spoke to you
without rather wishing to give you pain
than not. Now be sincere; did you admire
me for my impertinence?
30
For the liveliness of your mind, I
did.
You may as well call it impertinence
35 at once. It was very little less. The fact
is, that you were sick of civility, of
deference, of officious attention. You
dusgust el sustantivo disgust es asco, repug- were disgusted with the women who
nancia, aversin, mientras que disgusto tra- were always speaking, and looking, and
duce displeasure, misfortune, argument, 40 thinking for YOUR approbation alone. I X
minor quarrel, trouble, sorrow; el adjetivo
roused, and interested you, because I was
disgusted es hastiado, asqueado, indignado,
mientras que disgustado es annoyed, so unlike THEM. Had you not been really
displeased, angry. amiable, you would have hated me for
it; but in spite of the pains you took to
45 disguise yourself, your feelings were
always noble and just; and in your heart,
you thoroughly despised the persons who
so assiduously courted you. ThereI
have saved you the trouble of accounting
50 for it; and really, all things considered, I
begin to think it perfectly reasonable. To
be sure, you knew no actual good of
mebut nobody thinks of THAT when
they fall in love.
55
Was there no good in your
affectionate behaviour to Jane while she
was ill at Netherfield?
60 Dearest Jane! who could have done
less for her? But make a virtue of it by
all means. My good qualities are under
your protection, and you are to
exaggerate them as much as possible;
65 and, in return, it belongs to me to find
322
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Captulo LX
Elizabeth no tard en recobrar su alegra,
y quiso que Darcy le contara cmo se haba
enamorado de ella:
Cmo empez todo? le
dijo. Comprendo que una vez en
el camino siguieras adelante, pero
cul fue el primer momento en el
que te gust?
No puedo concretar la hora, ni el sitio,
ni la mirada, ni las palabras que pusieron
los cimientos de mi amor. Hace bastante
tiempo. Estaba ya medio enamorado de ti
antes de saber que te quera.
Pues mi belleza bien poco te
conmovi. Y en lo que se refiere
a mis modales contigo, lindaban
con la grosera. Nunca te hablaba
ms que para molestarte. S
franco: me admiraste por mi
impertinencia?
Por tu vigor y por tu
inteligencia.
Puedes llamarlo impertinencia,
pues era poco menos que eso. Lo cierto
es que estabas harto de cortesas, de
d e f e r e n c i a s , d e a t e n c i o n e s . Te
fastidiaban las m u j e r e s q u e
hablaban slo para
a t r a e r t e . Yo te irrit y te interes
porque no me pareca a ellas. Por eso, si
no hubieses sido en realidad tan afable,
me habras odiado; pero a pesar del
trabajo que te tomabas en disimular, tus
sentimientos eran nobles y justos, y desde
el fondo de tu corazn despreciabas por
completo a las personas que tan
asiduamente te cortejaban. Mira cmo te
he ahorrado la molestia de explicrmelo.
Y, la verdad, al fin y al cabo, empiezo a
creer que es perfectamente razonable.
Estoy segura de que ahora no me
encuentras ningn mrito, pero nadie
repara en eso cuando se enamora.
No haba ningn mrito en tu
cariosa conducta con Jane cuando cay
enferma en Netherfield?
Mi querida Jane! Cualquiera habra
hecho lo mismo por ella. Pero interprtalo
como virtud, si quieres. Mis buenas
cualidades te pertenecen ahora, y puedes
exagerarlas cuanto se te antoje. En cambio
a m me corresponde el encontrar ocasiones

30 have spoken, if I had not asked you! My
breach n. 1(often foll. by of) the breaking of or 35 springs from a breach of promise? for I
failure to observe a law, contract, etc. 2 a a
breaking of relations; an estrangement. b a
quarrel. 3 a a broken state. b a gap, esp. one
made by artillery in fortifications.
v.tr. 1 break through; make a gap in. 2 break (a
law, contract, etc.).
breach of the peace an infringement or
violation of the public peace by any
disturbance or riot etc.
breach of promise the breaking of a promise,
esp. a promise to marry.
stand in the breach bear the brunt of an attack.
step into the breach give help in a crisis, esp.
by replacing someone who has dropped out.
breach
I nombre 1 brecha, grieta
2 Jur (de la ley) incumplimiento
breach of contract, incumplimiento de con-
trato
breach of the peace, alteracin del orden
pblico
breach of trust, abuso de confianza
Jur prevaricacin
3 Pol (de relaciones) ruptura
II verbo transitivo incumplir
Austen Pride
occasions for teasing and quarrelling with
you as often as may be; and I shall begin
directly by asking you what made you so
unwilling to come to the point at last.
5 What made you so shy of me, when you
first called, and afterwards dined here?
Why, especially, when you called, did
you look as if you did not care about
me?
10
Because you were grave and silent,
and gave me no encouragement.
But I was embarrassed.
15
And so was I.
You might have talked to me more
when you came to dinner.
20
A man who had felt less,
might.
How unlucky that you should have a
25 reasonable answer to give, and that I
should be so reasonable as to admit it!
But I wonder how long you WOULD
have gone on, if you had been left to
yourself. I wonder when you WOULD
resolution of thanking you for your
kindness to Lydia had certainly great
effect. TOO MUCH, I am afraid; for what
becomes of the moral, if our comfort
ought not to have mentioned the subject.
This will never do.
You need not distress yourself. The
40 moral will be perfectly fair. Lady
Catherines unjustifiable endeavours to
separate us were the means of removing
all my doubts. I am not indebted for my
present happiness to your eager desire of
45 expressing your gratitude. I was not in a
humour to wait for any opening of yours.
My aunts intelligence had given me
hope, and I was determined at once to
know every thing.
50
Lady Catherine has been of infinite
use, which ought to make her happy, for
she loves to be of use. But tell me, what
did you come down to Netherfield for?
55 Was it merely to ride to Longbourn and
be embarrassed? or had you intended any
more serious consequence?
My real purpose was to see YOU,
60 and to judge, if I could, whether I might
ever hope to make you love me. My
avowed one, or what I avowed to myself,
was to see whether your sister were still
partial to Bingley, and if she were, to
65 make the confession to him which I have
323
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
de contrariarte y de discutir contigo tan a
menudo como pueda. As es que voy a
empezar ahora mismo. Por qu tardaste
tanto en volverme a hablar de tu cario?
Por qu estabas tan tmido cuando viniste
la primera vez y luego cuando comiste con
nosotros? Por qu, especialmente, mientras
estabas en casa, te comportabas como si yo
no te importase nada?
Porque te vea seria y silenciosa y no
me animabas.
Estaba muy violenta.
Y yo tambin.
Podas haberme hablado ms cuando
venas a comer.
Si hubiese estado menos conmovido,
lo habra hecho.
Qu lstima que siempre tengas
una contestacin razonable, y que yo
sea tambin tan razonable que la
admita! Pero si t hubieses tenido que
decidirte, todava estaramos
esperando. Cundo me habras dicho
algo, si no soy yo la que empieza? Mi
decisin de darte las gracias por lo que
hiciste por Lydia surti buen efecto;
demasiado: estoy asustada; porque
cmo queda la moral si nuestra
felicidad brot de la infraccin de una
promesa? Yo no deb haber hablado de
aquello, no volver a hacerlo.
No te atormentes. La moral
quedar a salvo por completo. El
incalificable proceder de lady
Catherine para separarnos fue lo que
disip todas mis dudas. No debo mi
dicha actual a tu vehemente deseo
de expresarme tu gratitud. No
necesitaba que t me dijeras nada.
La narracin de mi ta me haba
dado esperanzas y estaba decidido
a saberlo todo de una vez.
Lady Catherine nos ha sido, pues,
infinitamente til, cosa que debera
extasiarla a ella que tanto le gusta ser til a
todo el mundo. Pero dime, por qu
volviste a Netherfield? Fue slo para venir
a Longbourn a azorarte, o pensaste en
obtener un resultado ms serio?
Mi verdadero propsito era
verte y comprobar si poda abrigar
an esperanzas de que me amases. Lo
que confesaba o me confesaba a m
mismo era ver si tu hermana quera
t o d a v a a B i n g l e y, y, d e s e r a s ,
reiterarle la confesin que ya otra vez
 Austen Pride
since made.
Shall you ever have courage to
announce to Lady Catherine what is to
befall, happen, occur, or be the case in the 5 befall her?
course of events or by chance
I am more likely to want more time
than courage, Elizabeth. But it ought to
done, and if you will give me a sheet of
10 paper, it shall be done directly.
And if I had not a letter to write
myself, I might sit by you and admire
the evenness of your writing, as another
15 young lady once did. But I have an
aunt, too, who must not be longer
neglected.
From an unwillingness to confess how
20 much her intimacy with Mr. Darcy had
been over-rated, Elizabeth had never yet
answered Mrs. Gardiners long letter; but
now, having THAT to communicate
which she knew would be most welcome,
25 she was almost ashamed to find that her
uncle and aunt had already lost three days
of happiness, and immediately wrote as
follows:
30 I would have thanked you before, my
dear aunt, as I ought to have done, for
your long, kind, satisfactory, detail of
particulars; but to say the truth, I was too
cross to write. You supposed more than
35 really existed. But NOW suppose as
much as you choose; give a loose rein to
your fancy, indulge your imagination in
every possible flight which the subject
will afford, and unless you believe me
40 actually married, you cannot greatly err.
You must write again very soon, and
praise him a great deal more than you did
in your last. I thank you, again and again,
for not going to the Lakes. How could I
45 be so silly as to wish it! Your idea of the
ponies is delightful. We will go round the
Park every day. I am the happiest creature
in the world. Perhaps other people have
said so before, but not one with such
50 justice. I am happier even than Jane; she
only smiles, I laugh. Mr. Darcy sends you
all the love in the world that he can spare
from me. You are all to come to
Pemberley at Christmas. Yours, etc.
55
Mr. Darcys letter to Lady Catherine
was in a different style; and still different
from either was what Mr. Bennet sent to
Mr. Collins, in reply to his last.
60
DEAR SIR,
I must trouble you once more for
congratulations. Elizabeth will soon
65 be the wife of Mr. Darcy. Console
324
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
le haba hecho.
Te n d r s valor de
anunciarle a lady Catherine lo
que le espera?
Puede que ms bien me falte
tiempo que valor. Vamos a ello ahora
mismo. Si me das un pliego de papel,
lo hago inmediatamente.
Y si yo no tuviese que escribir otra
carta, podra sentarme a tu lado y admirar
la uniformidad de tu letra, como haca
cierta seorita en otra ocasin. Pero yo
tengo una ta a la que no quiero dejar
olvidada por ms tiempo.
Por no querer confesar que haban
exagerado su intimidad con Darcy,
Elizabeth no haba contestado an a
la larga carta de la seora Gardiner.
Pero ahora, al poder anunciarles lo
que tan bien recibido sera, casi se
a v e rg o n z a b a d e q u e s u s t o s s e
hubieran perdido tres das de
disfrutar de aquella noticia. Su carta
fue como sigue:
Querida ta: te habra dado antes,
como era mi deber, las gracias por tu
extensa, amable y satisfactoria
descripcin del hecho que t sabes; pero
sabrs que estaba demasiado afligida para
hacerlo. Tus suposiciones iban ms all
de la realidad. Pero ahora ya puedes
suponer lo que te plazca, puedes dar
rienda suelta a tu fantasa, puedes permitir
a tu imaginacin que vuele libremente, y
no errars ms que si te figuras que ya
estoy casada. Tienes que escribirme
pronto y alabar a Darcy mucho ms de lo
que le alababas en tu ltima carta. Doy
gracias a Dios una y mil veces por no
haber ido a los Lagos. Qu necedad la
ma al desearlo! Tu idea de las jacas es
magnfica; todos los das recorreremos la
finca. Soy la criatura ms dichosa del
mundo. Tal vez otros lo hayan dicho antes,
pero nadie con tanta justicia. Soy todava
ms feliz que Jane. Ella slo sonre. Yo
me ro del todo. Darcy te enva todo el
cario de que pueda privarme. Vendris
todos a Pemberley para las Navidades.
La misiva de Darcy a lady Catherine
fue diferente. Y todava ms diferente fue
la que el seor Bennet le mand al seor
Collins en contestacin a su ltima:
Querido seor:
tengo que molestarle una vez ms con la
cuestin de las enhorabuenas: Elizabeth
ser pronto la esposa del seor Darcy.

render hacer intil, resultar, dejar (ciego), presen-
tar, dar, rendir (cuentas), prestar (ayuda), en-
lucir, interpretar, traducir, verter 30
render v.tr. 1 cause to be or become; make (rendered
us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.),
esp. in return or as a thing due (render thanks;
rendered good for evil). 3 (often foll. by to) a give
(assistance) (rendered aid to the injured man). b
show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4
submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.). 35
5 a represent or portray artistically, musically, etc.
b act (a role); represent (a character, idea, etc.)
(the dramatists conception was well rendered). c
Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate (rendered the
poem into French). 7 (often foll. by down) melt
down (fat etc.) esp. to clarify; extract by melting.
8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. 9
archaic a give back; hand over; deliver, give up, 40
surrender (render to Caesar the things that are
Caesars). b show (obedience).
obsequious servile, aduln, zalamero
obsequioso polite, obliging, helpful, courteous
composure quiere decir compostura [comedi- 50
miento, moderacin, dignidad, calma], pero
compostura es tambin repair, mending,
tidiness, agreement
decent respetable, bueno, que se precie, que parece
de los ms sensato, cordial, amable, limpio, correcto,
adecuado, mdico
decent adj. 1 a conforming with current standards of
behaviour or propriety. b avoiding obscenity. 2
respectable. 3 acceptable, passable; good enough.
4 Brit. kind, obliging, generous (was decent enough
to apologize).
decent es uno de esos adjetivos muy usados, tal vez
abusados, en ingls moderno; se usa para satisfactorio
/ pasable, adecuado [salario, alimento], mdico [precio],
simptico / amable, presentable / visible [en ropa,
aseo].
A su vez, decente parece enfatizar la idea moral de
honradez en las personas, como honest, honorable,
respectable, y tambin la idea de limpieza en las cosas
como clean, tidy, neat [aseado].
Austen Pride
Lady Catherine as well as you can.
But, if I were you, I would stand by
the nephew. He has more to give.
Yours sincerely, etc.
5
Miss Bingleys congratulations to her
brother, on his approaching marriage,
were all that was affectionate and
insincere. She wrote even to Jane on the
10 occasion, to express her delight, and
repeat all her former professions of
regard. Jane was not deceived, but she
was affected; and though feeling no
reliance on her, could not help writing
15 her a much kinder answer than she knew
was deserved.
The joy which Miss Darcy
expressed on receiving similar
20 information, was as sincere as her
brother s in sending it. Four sides of
paper were insufficient to contain all
her delight, and all her earnest desire
of being loved by her sister.
25
Before any answer could arrive from
Mr. Collins, or any congratulations to
Elizabeth from his wife, the Longbourn
family heard that the Collinses were
come themselves to Lucas Lodge. The
reason of this sudden removal was soon
evident. Lady Catherine had been
rendered so exceedingly angry by the
contents of her nephews letter, that
Charlotte, really rejoicing in the match,
was anxious to get away till the storm was
blown over. At such a moment, the arrival
of her friend was a sincere pleasure to
Elizabeth, though in the course of their
meetings she must sometimes think the
pleasure dearly bought, when she saw Mr.
Darcy exposed to all the parading and
obsequious civility of her husband. He X
bore it, however, with admirable
45 calmness. He could even listen to Sir
William Lucas, when he complimented
him on carrying away the brightest jewel
of the country, and expressed his hopes
of their all meeting frequently at St.
Jamess, with very decent composure X
[calmness]. If he did shrug his shoulders,
it was not till Sir William was out of X
sight.
55 Mrs. Phillipss vulgarity was another,
and perhaps a greater, tax on his
forbearance; and though Mrs. Phillips, as
well as her sister, stood in too much awe
of him to speak with the familiarity which
60 Bingleys good humour encouraged, yet,
whenever she DID speak, she must be
vulgar. Nor was her respect for him,
though it made her more quiet, at all
likely to make her more elegant.
65 Elizabeth did all she could to shield him
325
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
Consuele a lady Catherine lo mejor que
pueda; pero yo que usted me quedara con
el sobrino. Tiene ms que ofrecer. Le
saludo atentamente.
Los parabienes de la seorita Bingley
a su hermano con ocasin de su prxima
boda fueron muy cariosos, pero no
sinceros. Escribi tambin a Jane para
expresarle su alegra y repetirle sus
antiguas manifestaciones de afecto. Jane
no se enga, pero se sinti conmovida, y
aunque no le inspiraba ninguna confian-
za, no pudo menos que remitirle una
contestacin mucho ms amable de lo que
pensaba que mereca.
La alegra que le caus a la seorita Darcy
la noticia fue tan verdadera como la de su
hermano al comunicrsela. Mand una carta
de cuatro pginas que todava le pareci
insuficiente para expresar toda su satisfac-
cin y su vivo deseo de obtener el cario de
su hermana.
Antes de que llegara ninguna
respuesta de Collins ni felicitacin
de su esposa a Elizabeth, la familia
de Longbourn se enter de que los
Collins iban a venir a casa de los
Lucas. Pronto se supo la razn de
tan repentino traslado. Lady
Catherine se haba puesto tan
furiosa al recibir la carta de su
sobrino, que Charlotte, que de veras
se alegraba de la boda, quiso
marcharse hasta que la tempestad
amainase. La llegada de su amiga en
aquellos momentos fue un gran placer
para Elizabeth; aunque durante sus
encuentros este placer se le vena
abajo al ver a Darcy expuesto a la
ampulosa cortesa de Collins. Pero
Darcy lo soport todo con admirable
serenidad. Incluso atendi a sir
Wi l l i a m L u c a s c u a n d o f u e a
cump limentarle por llevarse la ms
brillante joya del condado y le expres
sus esperanzas de que se encontrasen
todos en St. James___ __ __ __________.
Darcy se encogi de hombros, pero
c u a n d o y a s i r Wi l l i a m n o p o d a
verle.
La vulgaridad de la seora Philips fue
otra y quiz la mayor de las
contribuciones impuestas a su paciencia,
pues aunque dicha seora, lo mismo que
su hermana, le tena demasiado respeto
para hablarle con la familiaridad a que
se prestaba el buen humor de Bingley, no
poda abrir la boca sin decir una vulgari-
dad. Ni siquiera aquel respeto que la
reportaba un poco consigui darle alguna
elegancia. Elizabeth haca todo lo que
 Austen Pride
from the frequent notice of either, and
was ever anxious to keep him to herself,
and to those of her family with whom he
might converse without mortification;
5 and though the uncomfortable feelings
arising from all this took from the season
of courtship much of its pleasure, it
added to the hope of the future; and she
looked forward with delight to the time
10 when they should be removed from
society so little pleasing to either, to all
the comfort and elegance of their family
party at Pemberley.
15
20
Chapter 61
Happy for all her maternal feelings
25 was the day on which Mrs. Bennet got
rid of her two most deserving daughters.
With what delighted pride she afterwards
visited Mrs. Bingley, and talked of Mrs.
Darcy, may be guessed. I wish I could
30 say, for the sake of her family, that the
accomplishment of her earnest desire in
the establishment of so many of her
children produced so happy an effect as
to make her a sensible, amiable, well-
35 informed woman for the rest of her life;
though perhaps it was lucky for her
husband, who might not have relished
domestic felicity in so unusual a form,
that she still was occasionally nervous
invariably siempre 40 and invariably silly.
Mr. Bennet missed his second
daughter exceedingly; his affection for
her drew him oftener from home than
45 anything else could do. He delighted in
going to Pemberley, especially when he
was least expected.
Mr. Bingley and Jane remained at
50 Netherfield only a twelvemonth. So near
a vicinity to her mother and Meryton
relations was not desirable even to HIS
easy temper, or HER affectionate heart.
The darling wish of his sisters was then
55 gratified; he bought an estate in a
neighbouring county to Derbyshire, and
Jane and Elizabeth, in addition to every
other source of happiness, were within
thirty miles of each other.
60
K i t t y, t o h e r v e r y m a t e r i a l
advantage, spent the chief of her time
with her two elder sisters. In society so
superior to what she had generally
65 known, her improvement was great. She
326
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
poda para protegerle de todos y siempre
procuraba tenerle junto a ella o junto a
las personas de su familia cuya
conversacin no le mortificaba. Las
molestias que acarre todo esto quitaron
al noviazgo buena parte de sus placeres,
pero aadieron mayores esperanzas al
futuro. Elizabeth pensaba con delicia en
el porvenir, cuando estuvieran alejados
de aquella sociedad tan ingrata para
ambos y disfrutando de la comodidad y
la elegancia de su tertulia familiar de
Pemberley.
Captulo LXI
El da en que la seora Bennet se
separ de sus dos mejores hijas, fue de
gran bienaventuranza para todos sus
sentimientos maternales. Puede suponerse
con qu delicioso orgullo visit despus
a la seora Bingley y habl de la seora
Darcy. Querra poder decir, en atencin a
su familia, que el cumplimiento de sus ms
vivos anhelos al ver colocadas a tantas de
sus hijas, surti el feliz efecto de
convertirla en una mujer sensata, amable
y juiciosa para toda su vida; pero quiz
fue una suerte para su marido (que no
habra podido gozar de la dicha del hogar
en forma tan desusada) que siguiese
ocasionalmente nerviosa e
invariablemente mentecata.
El seor Bennet ech mucho de menos
a su Elizabeth; su afecto por ella le sac
de casa con una frecuencia que no habra
logrado ninguna otra cosa. Le deleitaba ir
a Pemberley, especialmente cuando menos
le esperaban.
Bingley y Jane slo estuvieron un ao
en Netherfield. La proximidad de su madre
y de los parientes de Meryton no era
deseable ni aun contando con el fcil
carcter de Bingley y con el carioso
corazn de Jane. Entonces se realiz el
sueo dorado de las hermanas de Bingley;
ste compr una posesin en un condado
cercano a Derbyshire, y Jane y Elizabeth,
para colmo de su felicidad, no estuvieron
ms que a treinta millas de distancia.
Catherine , slo por su inters
material, se pasaba la mayor parte del
tiempo con sus dos hermanas mayores; y
frecuentando una sociedad tan superior
a la que siempre haba conocido,
 Austen Pride
was not of so ungovernable a temper
a s Ly d i a ; a n d , r e m o v e d f r o m t h e
influence of Lydias example, she
became, by proper attention and
5 management, less irritable, less
ignorant, and less insipid. From the
further disadvantage of Lydias society
she was of course carefully kept, and
t h o u g h M r s . Wi c k h a m f r e q u e n t l y
10 invited her to come and stay with her,
with the promise of balls and young
men, her father would never consent to
her going.
15 Mary was the only daughter who
remained at home; and she was
necessarily drawn from the pursuit of
accomplishments by Mrs. Bennets being
quite unable to sit alone. Mary was
20 obliged to mix more with the world, but
she could still moralize over every
morning visit; and as she was no longer
mortified by comparisons between her
sisters beauty and her own, it was
25 suspected by her father that she submitted
to the change without much reluctance.
As for Wickham and Lydia, their
characters suffered no revolution from
30 the marriage of her sisters. He bore with
philosophy the conviction that Elizabeth
must now become acquainted with
whatever of his ingratitude and falsehood
had before been unknown to her; and in
35 spite of every thing, was not wholly
without hope that Darcy might yet be
prevailed on to make his fortune. The
congratulatory letter which Elizabeth
received from Lydia on her marriage,
40 explained to her that, by his wife at least,
if not by himself, such a hope was
cherished. The letter was to this effect:
MY DEAR LIZZY,
45
I wish you joy. If you love Mr.
Darcy half as well as I do my dear
Wickham, you must be very happy.
It is a great comfort to have you so
50 rich, and when you have nothing else
to do, I hope you will think of us. I
am sure Wickham would like a place
at court very much, and I do not think
we shall have quite money enough to
55 live upon without some help. Any
place would do, of about three or
four hundred a year; but however, do
not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if
you had rather not.
60 Yours, etc. X __________
As it happened that Elizabeth had
MUCH rather not, she endeavoured in
her answer to put an end to every entreaty
65 and expectation of the kind. Such relief,
327
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
progres notablemente. Su
temperamento no era tan indomable
como el de Lydia, y lejos del influjo de
sta, lleg, gracias a una atencin y
direccin conveniente, a ser menos
irritable, menos ignorante y menos
inspida. Como era natural, la apartaron
cuidadosamente de las anteriores
desventajas de la compaa de Lydia, y
aunque la seora Wickham la invit
muchas veces a ir a su casa, con la
promesa de bailes y galanes, su padre
nunca consinti que fuese.
Mary fue la nica que se qued en
la casa y se vio obligada a no
despegarse de las faldas de la seora
Bennet, que no saba estar sola. Con
tal motivo tuvo que mezclarse ms
con el mundo, pero pudo todava
moralizar acerca de todas las visitas
de las maanas, y como ahora no la
mortificaban las comparaciones
entre su belleza y la de sus hermanas,
su padre sospech que haba
aceptado el cambio sin disgusto.
En cuanto a Wickham y Lydia, las
bodas de sus hermanas les dejaron tal
como estaban. l aceptaba
filosficamente la conviccin de que
Elizabeth sabra ahora todas sus
falsedades y toda su ingratitud que
antes haba ignorado; pero, no
obstante, alimentaba an la esperanza
de que Darcy influira para labrar su
suerte. La carta de felicitacin por su
matrimonio que Elizabeth recibi de
Ly d i a d a b a a e n t e n d e r q u e t a l
esperanza era acariciada, si no por l
mismo, por lo menos por su mujer.
Deca textualmente as:
Mi querida Lizzy:
Te deseo la mayor felicidad. Si quieres
al seor Darcy la mitad de lo que yo
quiero a mi adorado Wickham, sers muy
dichosa. Es un gran consuelo pensar que
eres tan rica; y cuando no tengas nada
ms que hacer, acurdate de nosotros.
Estoy segura de que a Wickham le
gustara muchsimo un destino de la
corte, y nunca tendremos bastante dinero
para vivir all sin alguna ayuda. Me refiero
a una plaza de trescientas o cuatrocientas
libras anuales aproximadamente; pero, de
todos modos, no le hables a Darcy de eso
si no lo crees conveniente.
Y como daba la casualidad de que
Elizabeth lo crea muy
inconveniente, en su contestacin
trat de poner fin a todo ruego y
 Austen Pride
however, as it was in her power to afford,
by the practice of what might be called
economy in her own private expences,
she frequently sent them. It had always
5 been evident to her that such an income
as theirs, under the direction of two
persons so extravagant in their wants,
and heedless of the future, must be very
insufficient to their support; and
10 whenever they changed their quarters,
either Jane or herself were sure of being
applied to for some little assistance
towards discharging their bills. Their
manner of living, even when the
15 restoration of peace dismissed them to a
home, was unsettled in the extreme. They
were always moving from place to place
in quest of a cheap situation, and always
spending more than they ought. His
20 affection for her soon sunk into
indifference; hers lasted a little longer;
and in spite of her youth and her manners,
she retained all the claims to reputation
which her marriage had given her.
25
Though Darcy could never receive
HIM at Pemberley, yet, for Elizabeths
sake, he assisted him further in his
profession. Lydia was occasionally a
30 visitor there, when her husband was gone
to enjoy himself in London or Bath; and
with the Bingleys they both of them
frequently staid so long, that even
Bingleys good humour was overcome,
35 and he proceeded so far as to talk of
giving them a hint to be gone.
Miss Bingley was very deeply
mortified by Darcys marriage; but as she
40 thought it advisable to retain the right of
visiting at Pemberley, she dropt all her
resentment; was fonder than ever of
Georgiana, almost as attentive to Darcy
as heretofore, and paid off every arrear
45 of civility to Elizabeth.
Pemberley was now
G e o r g i a n a s h o m e ; and the
attachment of the sisters was exactly what
50 Darcy had hoped to see. They were able
to love each other even as well as they
intended. Georgiana had the highest
opinion in the world of Elizabeth; though
at first she often listened with an
55 astonishment bordering on alarm at her
lively, sportive, manner of talking to
h e r b r o t h e r. H e , w h o h a d a l w a y s
inspired in herself a respect which
almost overcame her affection, she
60 now saw the object of open
p l e a s a n t r y. H e r m i n d r e c e i v e d
knowledge which had never before
f a l l e n i n h e r w a y. B y E l i z a b e t h s
instructions, she began to
65 comprehend that a woman may take
328
tr. de M Antonia Ibez
sueo de esa ndole. Pero con
frecuencia le mandaba todas las
ayudas que le permita su prctica de
lo que ella llamaba economa en sus
gastos privados. Siempre se vio que
los ingresos administrados por
personas tan manirrotas como ellos
dos y tan descuidados por el
porvenir, haban de ser insuficientes
p a r a mantenerse. Cada vez que se
mudaban, o Jane o ella reciban alguna
splica de auxilio para pagar sus
cuentas. Su vida, incluso despus de
que la paz les confin a un hogar, era
extremadamente agitada. Siempre
andaban cambindose de un lado para
otro en busca de una casa ms barata y
siempre gastando ms de lo que podan.
El afecto de Wickham por Lydia no
tard en convertirse en indiferencia; el
de Lydia dur un poco ms, y a pesar
de su juventud y de su aire, conserv
todos los derechos a la reputacin que
su matrimonio le haba dado.
Aunque Darcy nunca recibi a
Wickham en Pemberley, le ayud a
progresar en su carrera por conside-
racin a Elizabeth. Lydia les hizo
alguna que otra visita cuando su
marido iba a divertirse a Londres o
iba a tomar baos. A menudo pasaban
temporadas con los Bingley, hasta tan
punto que lograron acabar con el buen
humor de Bingley y lleg a
insinuarles que se largasen.
La seorita Bingley qued muy
resentida con el matrimonio de Darcy, pero
en cuanto se crey con derecho a visitar
Pemberley, se le pas el resentimiento:
estuvo ms loca que nunca por Georgiana,
casi tan atenta con Darcy como en otro
tiempo y tan corts con Elizabeth que le
pag sus atrasos de urbanidad.
G e o rg i a n a s e q u e d e n t o n c e s
a vivir en Pemberley y se
encari con su hermana tanto
como Darcy haba previsto. Las
dos se queran tiernamente.
Georgiana tena el ms alto
concepto de Elizabeth, aunque
al principio se asombrase y
casi se asustase al ver lo
juguetona q u e e r a c o n s u
hermano; vea a aquel hombre
que siempre le haba inspirado un
respeto que casi sobrepasaba al
cario, convertido en objeto de
francas bromas. Su entendimiento
recibi unas luces con las que
nunca se haba tropezado.
Ilustrada por Elizabeth, empez a
comprender que una mujer puede
 Austen Pride tr. de M Antonia Ibez

liberties with her husband which a tomarse con su marido unas

5
abusive
1 (= offensive) ofensivo, insultante; to become
abusive ponerse grosero
2 (physically) [person] que maltrata; [relationship] 10
de malos tratos
3 (sexually) [person] que abusa (sexualmente);
[relationship] de abuso sexual
4 [practice] abusivo
intercourse 1 trato, relaciones, communication
or dealings between individuals, nations, etc.
2 sexual intercourse, acto sexual, coito. 3 15
communion between human beings and God.
20
25
brother will not always allow in a
sister more than ten years younger
than himself.
Lady Catherine was extremely
indignant on the marriage of her
nephew; and as she gave way to all the
genuine frankness of her character in
her reply to the letter which announced
its arrangement, she sent him language
so very abusive, especially of
Elizabeth, that for some time all
intercourse was at an end. But at
length, by Elizabeths persuasion, he
was prevailed on to overlook the
offence, and seek a reconciliation; and,
after a little further resistance on the
part of his aunt, her resentment gave
way, either to her affection for him, or
her curiosity to see how his wife
conducted herself; and she
condescended to wait on them at
Pemberley, in spite of that pollution
which its woods had received, not
merely from the presence of such a
mistress, but the visits of her uncle
and aunt from the city.
libertades que un hermano nunca
puede tolerar a una hermana diez
aos menor que l.
Lady Catherine se puso como una
fiera con la boda de su sobrino, y
como abri la esclusa a toda su
genuina franqueza al contestar a la
carta en la que l le informaba de su
compromiso, us un lenguaje tan
inmoderado, especialmente al
referirse a Elizabeth, que sus
relacione s q u e d a r o n i n t e r r u m p i d a s
por algn tiempo. Pero, al final,
convencido por Elizabeth, Darcy
accedi a perdonar la ofensa y
busc la reconciliacin. Su ta
resisti todava un poquito, pero
cedi o a su cario por l o a su
curiosidad por ver cmo se
comportaba su esposa, de modo
que se dign visitarles en
Pemberley, a pesar de la profanacin
que haban sufrido sus bosques no
slo por la presencia de semejante
duea, sino tambin por las visitas
de sus tos de Londres.

30 With the Gardiners, they were always
on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well
as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they
were both ever sensible of the warmest
gratitude towards the persons who, by
35 bringing her into Derbyshire, had been
the means of uniting them.
Con los Gardiner estuvieron siempre
los Darcy en las ms ntima relacin.
Darcy, lo mismo que Elizabeth, les quera
de veras; ambos sentan la ms ardiente
gratitud por las personas que, al llevar a
Elizabeth a Derbyshire, haban sido las
causantes de su unin.

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EBOOK, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ***

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