第125章[第1頁/共4頁]

“My dear Lizzy,you cannot think me so weak,as to be in danger now?”

“He could be still amiable,still pleasing,to my uncle and aunt, when he 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.”

They did not see the gentlemen again 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 hour's visit,had revived.

“Yes,very indifferent indeed,”said Elizabeth,laughingly.“Oh, Jane,take care.”

She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure.

As soon as they were gone,Elizabeth walked out to recover her spirits;or in other words,to dwell without interruption on those subjects that must deaden them more. Mr. Darcy's behaviour astonished and vexed her.

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, 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 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 to smile: it was decided. He placed himself by her.