Page 196 of 817

She then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each,

and on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Elizabeth

listened with delight to the happy though modest hopes which Jane

entertained of Bingley's regard, and said all in her power to

heighten her confidence in it. On their being joined by Mr.

Bingley himself, Elizabeth withdrew to Miss Lucas; to whose

inquiry after the pleasantness of her last partner she had

scarcely replied, before Mr. Collins came up to them, and told

her with great exultation, that he had just been so fortunate as

to make a most important discovery.