{{prhprp174.jpg}}

Chapter IV

When Jane and Elizabeth were alone, the former,

who had been cautious in her praise of Mr. Bing-

ley before, expressed to her sister how very much

she admired him.

'He is just what a young man ought to be,' said she, 'sen-

sible, good-humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy

manners! so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!'

'He is also handsome,' replied Elizabeth, 'which a young

man ought likewise to be if he possibly can. His character

is thereby complete.'

'I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a

second time. I did not expect such a compliment.'

'Did not you? _I_ did for you. But that is one great

difference between us. Compliments always take _you_ by

surprise, and _me_ never. What could be more natural than

his asking you again? He could not help seeing that you

were about five times as pretty as every other woman in the

room. No thanks to his gallantry for that. Well, he cer-

tainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him.

You have liked many a stupider person.'

'Dear Lizzy!'

'Oh, you are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people

in general. You never see a fault in anybody. All the

world are good and agreeable in your eyes. I never heard

you speak ill of a human being in my life.'

'I would wish not to be hasty in censuring any one; but I

always speak what I think.'

'I know you do; and it is _that_ which makes the wonder.

With _your_ good sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies

and nonsense of others! Affectation of candour is common

enough; one meets with it everywhere. But to be candid

without ostentation or design, -- to take the good of every-

body's character and make it still better, and say nothing of

the bad, -- belongs to you alone. And so, you like this man's

sisters, too, do you? Their manners are not equal to his.'

 [174]