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now; but in such cases as these a good memory is unpardon-

able. This is the last time I shall ever remember it myself.'

Miss Bennet still looked all amazement. Elizabeth again,

and more seriously, assured her of its truth.

'Good heaven! can it be really so? Yet now I must

believe you,' cried Jane. 'My dear, dear Lizzy, I would, I

do congratulate you; but are you certain -- forgive the ques-

tion -- are you quite certain that you can be happy with

him?'

'There can be no doubt of that. It is settled between us

already that we are to be the happiest couple in the world.

But are you pleased, Jane? Shall you like to have such a

brother?'

'Very, very much. Nothing could give either Bingley or

myself more delight. But we considered it, we talked of

it as impossible. And do you really love him quite well

enough? Oh, Lizzy, do anything rather than marry without

affection. Are you quite sure that you feel what you ought

to do?'

'Oh, yes! You will only think I feel _more_ than I ought

to do when I tell you all.'

'What do you mean?'

'Why, I must confess that I love him better than I do

Bingley. I am afraid you will be angry.'

'My dearest sister, now _be,_ be serious. I want to talk very

seriously. Let me know everything that I am to know with-

out delay. Will you tell me how long you have loved him?'

'It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know

when it began; but I believe I must date it from my first

seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.'

Another entreaty that she would be serious, however,

produced the desired effect; and she soon satisfied Jane by

her solemn assurances of attachment. When convinced on

that article, Miss Bennet had nothing further to wish.

'Now I am quite happy,' said she, 'for you will be as

happy as myself. I always had a value for him. Were it

for nothing but his love of you, I must always have esteemed

him; but now, as Bingley's friend and your husband, there

can be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me. But,

Lizzy, you have been very sly, very reserved with me. How

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