Page 531 of 817

She wished him to know that she had been assured of his absence

before she came to the place, and accordingly began by observing,

that his arrival had been very unexpected--"for your

housekeeper," she added, "informed us that you would certainly

not be here till to-morrow; and, indeed, before we left Bakewell,

we understood that you were not immediately expected in the

country." He acknowledged the truth of it all; and said that

business with his steward had occasioned his coming forward a few

hours before the rest of the party with whom he had been

travelling. "They will join me early to-morrow," he continued,

"and among them are some who will claim an acquaintance with

you,--Mr. Bingley and his sisters."

Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts were

instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley's name had

been last mentioned between them; and if she might judge from his

complexion, his mind was not very differently engaged.