Page 711 of 817

Yet the misery, for which years of happiness were to offer no

compensation, received soon afterwards material relief, from

observing how much the beauty of her sister rekindled the

admiration of her former lover. When first he came in, he had

spoken to her but little, but every five minutes seemed to be

giving her more of his attention. He found her as handsome as she

had been last year; as good-natured, and as unaffected, though

not quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that no difference should

be perceived in her at all, and was really persuaded that she

talked as much as ever; but her mind was so busily engaged, that

she did not always know when she was silent.

When the gentlemen rose to go away, Mrs. Bennet was mindful of

her intended civility, and they were invited and engaged to dine

at Longbourn in a few days' time.