Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 611 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 611

Pride and Prejudice

“From the former. I had narrowly observed her

during the two visits which I had lately made here; and

I was convinced of her affection.”

“And your assurance of it, I suppose, carried imme-

diate conviction to him.”

“It did. Bingley is most unaffectedly modest. His

diffidence had prevented his depending on his own

judgment in so anxious a case, but his reliance on

mine made every thing easy. I was obliged to confess

one thing, which for a time, and not unjustly, offended

him. I could not allow myself to conceal that your

sister had been in town three months last winter, that

I had known it, and purposely kept it from him. He

was angry. But his anger, I am persuaded, lasted no

longer than he remained in any doubt of your sister’s

sentiments. He has heartily forgiven me now.”

Elizabeth longed to observe that Mr. Bingley had

been a most delightful friend; so easily guided that

his worth was invaluable; but she checked herself. She

remembered that he had yet to learn to be laughed at,

and it was rather too early to begin. In anticipating the

happiness of Bingley, which of course was to be inferior

only to his own, he continued the conversation till they

reached the house. In the hall they parted.

603