{{prxprp013.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 13 ||

he was tempted by an accidental recommendation to look at

Netherfield House. He did look at it and into it for half an

hour, was pleased with the situation and the principal rooms,

satisfied with what the owner said in its praise, and took it

immediately.

Between him and Darcy there was a very steady friendship, in

spite of great opposition of character. Bingley was endeared to

Darcy by the easiness, openness, and ductility of his temper,

though no disposition could offer a greater contrast to his own,

and though with his own he never appeared dissatisfied. On

the strength of Darcy's regard Bingley had the firmest reliance,

and of his judgment the highest opinion. In understanding,

Darcy was the superior. Bingley was by no means deficient, but

Darcy was clever. He was at the same time haughty, reserved,

and fastidious, and his manners, though well bred, were not

inviting. In that respect his friend had greatly the advantage.

Bingley was sure of being liked wherever he appeared; Darcy

was continually giving offence.

The manner in which they spoke of the Meryton assembly was

sufficiently characteristic. Bingley had never met with pleasanter

people or prettier girls in his life; everybody had been most kind

and attentive to him, there had been no formality, no stiffness,

he had soon felt acquainted with all the room; and as to Miss

Bennet, he could not conceive an angel more beautiful. Darcy,

on the contrary, had seen a collection of people in whom there

was little beauty and no fashion, for none of whom he had felt

the smallest interest, and from none received either attention or

pleasure. Miss Bennet he acknowledged to be pretty, but she

smiled too much.

Mrs. Hurst and her sister allowed it to be so -- but still they

admired her and liked her, and pronounced her to be a sweet

girl, and one whom they should not object to know more of.

Miss Bennet was therefore established as a sweet girl, and their

brother felt authorised by such commendation to think of her

as he chose.

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