صفحة 781 من 817

"From the former. I had narrowly observed her, during the two

visits which I had lately made her here; and I was convinced of

her affection."

"And your assurance of it, I suppose, carried immediate

conviction to him."

"It did. Bingley is most unaffectedly modest. His diffidence had

prevented his depending on his own judgment in so anxious a case,

but his reliance on mine made everything easy. I was obliged to

confess one thing, which for a time, and not unjustly, offended

him. I could not allow myself to conceal that your sister had

been in town three months last winter, that I had known it, and

purposely kept it from him. He was angry. But his anger, I am

persuaded, lasted no longer than he remained in any doubt of your

sister's sentiments. He has heartily forgiven me now."