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"You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley," she added; "for

when you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family

dinner with us as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you

see; and I assure you I was very much disappointed that you did

not come back and keep your engagement."

Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection, and said

something of his concern at having been prevented by business.

They then went away.

Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay and

dine there that day; but, though she always kept a very good

table, she did not think anything less than two courses could be

good enough for a man on whom she had such anxious designs, or

satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a

year.

CHAPTER LIV.

As soon as they were gone, Elizabeth walked out to recover her

spirits; or, in other words, to dwell without interruption on

those subjects which must deaden them more. Mr. Darcy's behaviour

astonished and vexed her.