Part 4 (1/2)

WICKHAM.

I wish I might. That is indeed a temptation. But you know Miss Elizabeth has just reminded me of my duty.

MRS. BENNET.

Oh, n.o.body ever minds Lizzy!

WICKHAM.

Truly, I cannot to-day, Mrs. Bennet. It is too bad, but I am to meet Colonel Forster [_Smiling at_ ELIZABETH] on important _business_ at the Drake Farm.

MRS. BENNET.

Well, I am very sorry.

WICKHAM.

[_Hesitatingly._] I might perhaps bring Colonel Forster in for a few moments on the way back--that is, if we return this way.

ALL.

Oh, yes, do.

MRS. BENNET.

Yes, indeed. Tell Colonel Forster we should be delighted to see him.

WICKHAM.

Thank you, I will. But now I really must be gone. [_Bowing brightly to_ JANE _and_ LYDIA.] Good morning.

[_To_ CHARLOTTE LUCAS.] Good morning, Miss Lucas. You must let me hear more about those clever plans of yours. I am vastly interested in them.

[_To_ ELIZABETH.] Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. [_Laughing._] You must try to temper your justice with mercy the next time I join you in a walk. [_Pausing, he looks at_ MRS. BENNET, _who is standing between her daughters._] Do you know, Mrs. Bennet, that you always remind me of one of my old schoolboy phrases. _Filiae pulchrae!--Mater pulchrior!_ Good-bye.

[_He runs off laughing. He has only gone a few steps when_ LYDIA, _who has been standing close to the door, runs out and calls to him._]

LYDIA.

Oh, Mr. Wickham!

[WICKHAM _turns and_ LYDIA _runs up to him and whispers something in his ear._ WICKHAM _laughs, then shakes his finger at her, still laughing, and goes off._ LYDIA _stops outside and watches him._]