Page 278 of 817

She could think of nothing else; and yet, whether Bingley's

regard had really died away, or were suppressed by his friends'

interference; whether he had been aware of Jane's attachment, or

whether it had escaped his observation; whichever were the case,

though her opinion of him must be materially affected by the

difference, her sister's situation remained the same, her peace

equally wounded.

A day or two passed before Jane had courage to speak of her

feelings to Elizabeth; but at last, on Mrs. Bennet's leaving them

together, after a longer irritation than usual about Netherfield

and its master, she could not help saying,--

"O that my dear mother had more command over herself! she can

have no idea of the pain she gives me by her continual

reflections on him. But I will not repine. It cannot last long.

He will be forgot, and we shall all be as we were before."

Elizabeth looked at her sister with incredulous solicitude, but

said nothing.