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Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and

desired he would tell her what lady had the credit of in-

spiring such reflections. Mr. Darcy replied, with great

intrepidity,--

'Miss Elizabeth Bennet.'

'Miss Elizabeth Bennet!' repeated Miss Bingley. 'I am

all astonishment. How long has she been such a favourite?

and pray when am I to wish you joy?'

'That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask.

A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration

to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment. I knew you

would be wishing me joy.'

'Nay, if you are so serious about it, I shall consider the

matter as absolutely settled. You will have a charming

mother-in-law, indeed, and of course she will be always

at Pemberley with you.'

He listened to her with perfect indifference, while she

chose to entertain herself in this manner; and as his com-

posure convinced her that all was safe, her wit flowed along.

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