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their own; and with many men, I daresay, it succeeds; but,

in my opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art.'

'Undoubtedly,' replied Darcy, to whom this remark was

chiefly addressed, 'there is meanness in _all_ the arts which

ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation.

Whatever bears affinity to cunning is despicable.'

Miss Bingley was not so entirely satisfied with this reply

as to continue the subject.

Elizabeth joined them again only to say that her sister was

worse, and that she could not leave her. Bingley urged Mr.

Jones's being sent for immediately; while his sisters, con-

vinced that no country advice could be of any service, recom-

mended an express to town for one of the most eminent

physicians. This she would not hear of; but she was not

so unwilling to comply with their brother's proposal; and

it was settled that Mr. Jones should be sent for early in

the morning, if Miss Bennet were not decidedly better.

Bingley was quite uncomfortable; his sisters declared that

they were miserable. They solaced their wretchedness,

however, by duets after supper, while he could find no better

relief to his feelings than by giving his housekeeper direc-

tions that every possible attention might be paid to the sick

lady and her sister.

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