{{prxprp011.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 11 ||

Chapter IV

When Jane and Elizabeth were alone, the former, who had

been cautious in her praise of Mr. Bingley before, expressed to her

sister how very much she admired him.

'He is just what a young man ought to be,' said she, 'sensible,

good humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners! --

so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!'

'He is also handsome,' replied Elizabeth; 'which a young man

ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby

complete.'

'I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a second

time. I did not expect such a compliment.'

'Did not you? I did for you. But that is one great difference

between us. Compliments always take you by surprize, and me

never. What could be more natural than his asking you again?

He could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty

as every other woman in the room. No thanks to his gallantry

for that. Well, he certainly is very agreeable, and I give you

leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.'

'Dear Lizzy!'

'Oh! you are a great deal too apt, you know, tr?? like people in

general. You never see a fault in anybody. All the world are

good and agreeable in your eyes. I never heard you speak ill of

a human being in my life.'.

'I would wish not to be hasty in censuring any one; but I

always speak what I think.'

'I know ycu do; and it is that which makes the wonder. With

your good sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies and nonsense

of others! Affectation of candour is common enough; -- one

meets it everywhere. But to be candid without ostentation or

design -- to take the good of everybody's character and make it

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