Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 552 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 552

JANE AUSTEN

stay I do not know how long. His regiment is there; for

I suppose you have heard of his leaving the shire,

and of his being gone into the regulars. Thank Heaven!

he has some friends, though perhaps not so many as he

deserves.”

Elizabeth, who knew this to be levelled at Mr. Darcy,

was in such misery of shame, that she could hardly

keep her seat. It drew from her, however, the exertion

of speaking, which nothing else had so effectually done

before; and she asked Bingley whether he meant to

make any stay in the country at present. A few weeks,

he believed.

“When you have killed all your own birds,

Mr. Bingley,” said her mother, “I beg you will come

here, and shoot as many as you please on Mr. Bennet’s

manor. I am sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you,

and will save all the best of the covies for you.”

Elizabeth’s misery increased, at such unnecessary,

such officious attention! Were the same fair prospect

to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago,

every thing, she was persuaded, would be hastening to

the same vexatious conclusion. At that instant, she felt

that years of happiness could not make Jane or herself

amends for moments of such painful confusion.

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