Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 567 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 567

Pride and Prejudice

Mrs. Bennet’s schemes for this day were ineffectual.

Bingley was every thing that was charming, except

the professed lover of her daughter. His ease and

cheerfulness rendered him a most agreeable addition

to their evening party; and he bore with the ill-judged

officiousness of the mother, and heard all her silly

remarks with a forbearance and command of counte-

nance particularly grateful to the daughter.

He scarcely needed an invitation to stay supper;

and before he went away, an engagement was formed,

chiefly through his own and Mrs. Bennet’s means, for

his coming next morning to shoot with her husband.

After this day, Jane said no more of her indifference.

Not a word passed between the sisters concerning

Bingley; but Elizabeth went to bed in the happy belief

that all must speedily be concluded, unless Mr. Darcy

returned within the stated time. Seriously, however, she

felt tolerably persuaded that all this must have taken

place with that gentleman’s concurrence.

Bingley was punctual to his appointment; and he

and Mr. Bennet spent the morning together, as had

been agreed on. The latter was much more agreeable

than his companion expected. There was nothing of

presumption or folly in Bingley that could provoke his

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