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persuaded, would be hastening to the same vexatious conclu-

sion. At that instant she felt that years of happiness could

not make Jane or herself amends for moments of such painful

confusion.

'The first wish of my heart,' said she to herself, 'is never

more to be in company with either of them. Their society

can afford no pleasure that will atone for such wretchedness

as this! Let me never see either one or the other again!'

Yet the misery, for which years of happiness were to offer

no compensation, received soon afterwards material relief,

from observing how much the beauty of her sister rekindled

the admiration of her former lover. When first he came in,

he had spoken to her but little; but every five minutes seemed

to be giving her more of his attention. He found her as

handsome as she had been last year; as good-natured, and as

unaffected, though not quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that

no difference should be perceived in her at all, and was really

persuaded that she talked as much as ever; but her mind was

so busily engaged, that she did not always know when she

was silent.

When the gentlemen rose to go away, Mrs. Bennet was

mindful of her intended civility, and they were invited and

engaged to dine at Longbourn in a few days' time.

'You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley,' she added;

'for when you went to town last winter, you promised to take

a family dinner with us as soon as you returned. I have not

forgot, you see; and I assure you I was very much dis-

appointed that you did not come back and keep your engage-

ment.'

Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection, and said

something of his concern at having been prevented by busi-

ness. They then went away.

Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay

and dine there that day; but, though she always kept a very

good table, she did not think anything less than two courses

could be good enough for a man on whom she had such

anxious designs, or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who

had ten thousand a year.

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