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lieved that, were it not for the inferiority of her connec-

tions, he should be in some danger.

Miss Bingley saw, or suspected, enough to be jealous;

and her great anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend

Jane received some assistance from her desire of getting rid

of Elizabeth.

She often tried to provoke Darcy into disliking her guest,

by talking of their supposed marriage, and planning his

happiness in such an alliance.

'I hope,' said she, as they were walking together in the

shrubbery the next day, 'you will give your mother-in-law

a few hints, when this desirable event takes place, as to the

advantage of holding her tongue; and if you can compass it,

to cure the younger girls of running after the officers. And,

if I may mention so delicate a subject, endeavour to check

that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence,

which your lady possesses.'

'Have you anything else to propose for my domestic

felicity?'

'Oh yes. Do let the portraits of your uncle and aunt

Philips be placed in the gallery at Pemberley. Put them

next to your great uncle the judge. They are in the same

profession, you know, only in different lines. As for your

Elizabeth's picture, you must not attempt to have it taken,

for what painter could do justice to those beautiful

eyes?'

'It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression;

but their colour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably

fine, might be copied.'

At that moment they were met from another walk by

Mrs. Hurst and Elizabeth herself.

'I did not know that you intended to walk,' said Miss

Bingley, in some confusion lest they had been overheard.

'You used us abominably ill,' answered Mrs. Hurst 'run-

ning away without telling us that you were coming out.'

Then taking the disengaged arm of Mr. Darcy, she left

Elizabeth to walk by herself. The path just admitted three.

Mr. Darcy felt their rudeness, and immediately said,--

'This walk is not wide enough for our party. We had

better go into the avenue.'

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