She burst into tears as she alluded to it,and for a few minutes could not speak 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 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 of―of Mr. Wickham.They are 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 to―she is lost for ever.”
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 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.”