صفحة 726 من 817

Mrs. Bennet's schemes for this day were ineffectual. Bingley was

everything that was charming, except the professed lover of her

daughter. His ease and cheerfulness rendered him a most agreeable

addition to their evening party; 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 grateful to

the daughter.

He scarcely needed an invitation to stay supper; and before he

went away an engagement was formed, chiefly through his own and

Mrs. Bennet's means, for his coming next morning to shoot with

her husband.

After this day, Jane said no more of 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 within the stated time. Seriously,

however, she felt tolerably persuaded that all this must have

taken place with that gentleman's concurrence.