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'From the former. I had narrowly observed her, during

the two visits which I had lately made her here; and I was

convinced of her affection.'

'And your assurance of it, I suppose, carried immediate

conviction to him.'

'It did. Bingley is most unaffectedly modest. His diffi-

dence had prevented his depending on his own judgment

in so anxious a case, but his reliance on mine made every-

thing easy. I was obliged to confess one thing, which for a

time, and not unjustly, offended him. I could not allow

myself to conceal that your sister had been in town three

months last winter, that I had known it, and purposely kept

it from him. He was angry. But his anger, I am per-

suaded, lasted no longer than he remained in any doubt

of your sister's sentiments. He has heartily forgiven me

now.'

Elizabeth longed to observe that Mr. Bingley had been

a most delightful friend; so easily guided that his worth was

invaluable; but she checked herself. She remembered that

he had yet to learn to be laughed at, and it was rather too

early to begin. In anticipating the happiness of Bingley,

which of course was to be inferior only to his own, he con-

tinued the conversation till they reached the house. In the

hall they parted.

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