Pagina 787 van 817

Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy. She had been

unwilling to mention Bingley; and the unsettled state of her own

feelings had made her equally avoid the name of his friend: but

now she would no longer conceal from her his share in Lydia's

marriage. All was acknowledged, and half the night spent in

conversation.

"Good gracious!" cried Mrs. Bennet, as she stood at a window the

next morning, "if that disagreeable Mr. Darcy is not coming here

again with our dear Bingley! What can he mean by being so

tiresome as to be always coming here? I had no notion but he

would go a-shooting, or something or other, and not disturb us

with his company. What shall we do with him? Lizzy, you must walk

out with him again, that he may not be in Bingley's way."

Elizabeth could hardly help laughing at so convenient a proposal;

yet was really vexed that her mother should be always giving him

such an epithet.