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little did you tell me of what passed at Pemberley and

Lambton! I owe all that I know of it to another, not to

_you.'_

Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy. She had

been unwilling to mention Bingley; and the unsettled state

of her own feelings had made her equally avoid the name

of his friend: but now she would no longer conceal from

her his share in Lydia's marriage. All was acknowledged,

and half the night spent in conversation.

'Good gracious!' cried Mrs. Bennet, as she stood at a

window the next morning, 'if that disagreeable Mr. Darcy is

not coming here again with our dear Bingley! What can

he mean by being so tiresome as to be always coming here?

I had no notion but he would go a shooting, or something

or other, and not disturb us with his company. What shall

we do with him? Lizzy, you must walk out with him again,

that he may not be in Bingley's way.'

Elizabeth could hardly help laughing at so convenient a

proposal; yet was really vexed that her mother should be

always giving him such an epithet.

As soon as they entered, Bingley looked at her so ex-

pressively, and shook hands with such warmth, as left no

doubt of his good information; and he soon afterwards said

aloud, 'Mrs. Bennet, have you no more lanes hereabouts in

which Lizzy may lose her way again to-day?'

'I advise Mr. Darcy, and Lizzy, and Kitty,' said Mrs.

Bennet, 'to walk to Oakham Mount this morning. It is a

nice long walk, and Mr. Darcy has never seen the view.'

'It may do very well for the others,' replied Mr. Bingley;

'but I am sure it will be too much for Kitty. Won't it

Kitty?'

Kitty owned that she had rather stay at home. Darcy

professed a great curiosity to see the view from the Mount,

and Elizabeth silently consented. As she went upstairs to

get ready, Mrs. Bennet followed her, saying,--

'I am quite sorry, Lizzy, that you should be forced to have

that disagreeable man all to yourself; but I hope you will

not mind it. It is all for Jane's sake, you know; and there

is no occasion for talking to him except just now and then,

so do not put yourself to inconvenience.'

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