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yet, whether Bingley's regard had really died away, or were

suppressed by his friends' interference; whether he had been

aware of Jane's attachment, or whether it had escaped his

observation; whatever were the case, though her opinion of

him must be materially affected by the difference, her sister's

situation remained the same, her peace equally wounded.

A day or two passed before Jane had courage to speak of

her feeling to Elizabeth; but at last, on Mrs. Bennet's leaving

them together, after a longer irritation than usual about

Netherfield and its master, she could not help saying,--

'Oh that my dear mother had more command over herself;

she can have no idea of the pain she gives me by her con-

tinual reflections on him. But I will not repine. It cannot

last long. He will be forgot, and we shall all be as we

were before.'

Elizabeth looked at her sister with incredulous solicitude,

but said nothing.

'You doubt me,' cried Jane, slightly colouring; 'indeed

you have no reason. He may live in my memory as the

most amiable man of my acquaintance, but that is all. I

have nothing either to hope or fear, and nothing to re-

proach him with. Thank God I have not _that_ pain. A

little time, therefore -- I shall certainly try to get the bet-

ter--'

With a stronger voice she soon added, 'I have this com-

fort immediately, that it has not been more than an error of

fancy on my side, and that it has done no harm to any

one but myself.'

'My dear Jane,' exclaimed Elizabeth, 'you are too good.

Your sweetness and disinterestedness are really angelic; I

do not know what to say to you. I feel as if I had never

done you justice, or loved you as you deserve.'

Miss Bennet eagerly disclaimed all extraordinary merit,

and threw back the praise on her sister's warm affection.

'Nay,' said Elizabeth, 'this is not fair. _You_ wish to think

all the world respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of any-

body. _I_ only want to think _you_ perfect, and you set yourself

against it. Do not be afraid of my running into any excess,

of my encroaching on your privilege of universal goodwill.

You need not. There are few people whom I really love,

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