Elizabeth, who knew this to be levelled at Mr. Darcy, was such misery of shame,that she could hardly keep her seat.It drew from her,however,the exertion of speakg,which nothg else had so effectually done before;and she asked Bgley whether he meant to make any stay the country at present.A few weeks,he believed.
“When you have killed all your own birds, Mr. Bgley,”said her mother,“I beg you will come here,and shoot as many as you please on Mr.Bennet''s manor.I am sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you,and will save all the best of the coveys for you.”
Elizabeth''s misery creased,at such unnecessary,such officious attention!Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago,every thg,she was persuaded,would be hasteng to the same vexatious conclusion.At that stant, she felt that years of happess could not make Jane or herself amends for moments of such paful confusion.
“The first wish of my heart,”said she to herself,“is never more to be 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 aga!”
Yet the misery, for which years of happess were to offer no compensation, received soon afterwards material relief, from observg how much the beauty of her sister re-kdled the admiration of her former lover.When first he came , he had spoken to her but little; but every five mutes seemed to be givg her more of his attention. He found her as handsome 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 her at all,and was really persuaded that she talked as much as ever.But her md was so busily engaged,that she did not always know when she was silent.
When the gentlemen rose to go away,Mrs.Bennet was mdful of her tended civility,and they were vited and engaged to de at Longbourn a few days time.
“You are quite a visit my debt,Mr.Bgley,”she added,“for when you went to town last wter,you promised to take a family dner with us, as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you see;and I assure you,I was very much disappoted that you did not come back and keep your engagement.”
Bgley looked a little silly at this reflection,and said somethg of his concern at havg been prevented by busess.They then went away.
Mrs. Bennet had been strongly cled to ask them to stay and de there that day;but,though she always kept a very good table,she did not thk anythg less than two courses could be good enough for a man on whom she had such anxious designs,or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a year.
↑返回顶部↑