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and the principal rooms, satisfied with what the owner said

in its praise, and took it immediately.

Between him and Darcy there was a very steady friend-

ship, in spite of a great opposition of character. Bingley

was endeared to Darcy by the easiness, openness, and ductil-

ity of his temper, though no disposition could offer a greater

contrast to his own, and though with his own he never ap-

peared dissatisfied. On the strength of Darcy's regard Bing-

ley had the firmest reliance, and of his judgment the highest

opinion. In understanding, Darcy was the superior. Bing-

ley was by no means deficient; but Darcy was clever. He

was at the same time haughty, reserved, and fastidious; and

his manners, though well bred, were not inviting. In that

respect his friend had greatly the advantage. Bingley was

sure of being liked wherever he appeared; Darcy was con-

tinually giving offence.

The manner in which they spoke of the Meryton assembly

was sufficiently characteristic. Bingley had never met with

pleasanter people or prettier girls in his life; everybody had

been most kind and attentive to him; there had been no

formality, no stiffness; he had soon felt acquainted with all

the room; and as to Miss Bennet, he could not conceive an

angel more beautiful. Darcy, on the contrary, had seen a

collection of people in whom there was little beauty and no

fashion, for none of whom he had felt the smallest interest,

and from none received either attention or pleasure. Miss

Bennet he acknowledged to be pretty; but she smiled too

much.

Mrs. Hurst and her sister allowed it to be so; but still they

admired her and liked her, and pronounced her to be a sweet

girl, and one whom they should not object to know more of.

Miss Bennet was therefore established as a sweet girl; and

their brother felt authorised by such commendation to think

of her as he chose.

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