{{prxprp028.jpg}} || 28 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

admiration of the brilliancy which exercise had given to her

complexion, and doubt as to the occasion's justifying her coming

so far alone. The latter was thinking only of his breakfast.

Her inquiries after her sister were not very favourably answered.

Miss Bennet had slept ill, and though up, was very feverish, and

not well enough to leave her room. Elizabeth was glad to be

taken to her immediately; and Jane, who had only been withheld

by the fear of giving alarm or inconvenience from expressing in

her note how much she longed for such a visit, was delighted at

her entrance. She was not equal, however, to much conversa^

tion, and when Miss Bingley left them together, could attempt

little beside expressions of gratitude for the extraordinary kindness

she was treated with. Elizabeth silently attended her.

When breakfast was over they were joined by the sisters; and

Elizabeth began to like thein herself, when she saw how much

affection and solicitude they shewed for Jane. The apothecary

came, and having examined his patient, said, as might be sup^

posed, that she had caught a violent cold, and that they must

endeavour to get the better of it; advised her to return to bed,

and promised her some draughts. The advice was followed

readily, for the feverish symptoms increased, and her head ached

acutely. Elizabeth did not quit her room for a moment; nor

were the other ladies often absent: the gentlemen being out, they

had in fact nothing to do elsewhere.

When the clock struck three, Elizabeth felt that she must go,

and very unwillingly said so. Miss Bingley offered her the

carriage, and she only wanted a little pressing to accept it, when

Jane testified such concern in parting with her, that Miss Bingley

was obliged to convert the offer of the chaise into an invitation

to remain at Nctherficld for the present. Elizabeth most thank'

fully consented, and a servant was dispatched to Longbourn to

acquaint the family with her stay, and bring back a supply

of clodies.

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