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either. But there was still something lurking behind, of

which prudence forbade the disclosure. She dared not relate

the other half of Mr. Darcy's letter, nor explain to her sister

how sincerely she had been valued by his friend. Here was

knowledge in which no one could partake; and she was sen-

sible that nothing less than a perfect understanding between

the parties could justify her in throwing off this last encum-

brance of mystery. 'And then,' said she, 'if that very im-

probable event should ever take place, I shall merely be able

to tell what Bingley may tell in a much more agreeable

manner himself. The liberty of communication cannot be

mine till it has lost all its value!'

She was now, on being settled at home, at leisure to observe

the real state of her sister's spirits. Jane was not happy.

She still cherished a very tender affection for Bingley. Hav-

ing never even fancied herself in love before, her regard

had all the warmth of first attachment, and from her age and

disposition, greater steadiness than first attachments often

boast; and so fervently did she value his remembrance, and

prefer him to every other man, that all her good sense, and

all her attention to the feelings of her friends, were requisite

to check the indulgence of those regrets which must have

been injurious to her own health and their tranquillity.

'Well, Lizzy,' said Mrs. Bennet, one day, 'what is your

opinion _now_ of this sad business of Jane's? For my part, I

am determined never to speak of it again to anybody. I

told my sister Philips so the other day. But I cannot find

out that Jane saw anything of him in London. Well, he is

a very undeserving young man -- and I do not suppose there

is the least chance in the world of her ever getting him now.

There is no talk of his coming to Netherfield again in the

summer; and I have inquired of everybody, too, who is

likely to know.'

'I do not believe that he will ever live at Netherfield any

more.'

'Oh, well! it is just as he chooses. Nobody wants him to

come; though I shall always say that he used my daughter

extremely ill; and, if I was her, I would not have put up with

it. Well, my comfort is, I am sure Jane will die of a broken

heart, and then he will be sorry for what he has done.'

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