{{prxprp036.jpg}} || 36 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

not know what would become of her, for she is very ill indeed,

and suffers a vast deal, though with the greatest patience in the

world, which is always the way with her, for she has, without

exception, the sweetest temper I ever met with. I often tell my

other girls they are nothing to her. You have a sweet room here,

Mr. Bingley, and a charming prospect over the gravel walk.

I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield.

You will not think of quitting it in a hurry, I hope, though you

have but a short lease.'

'Whatever I do is done in a hurry,' replied he; 'and therefore

if I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in

five minutes. At present, however, I consider myself as quite

fixed here.'

'That is exactly what I should have supposed of you,' said

Elizabeth.

'You begin to comprehend me, do you?' cried he, turning

towards her.

'Oh! yes -- I understand you perfectly.'

'I wish I might take this for a compliment; but to be so easily

seen through I am afraid is pitiful.'

'That is as it happens. It does not necessarily follow that a

deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a

one as yours.'

'Lizzy,' cried her mother, 'remember where you are, and do

not run on in the wild manner that you are suffered to do at home.'

T did not know before,' continued Bingley immediately, 'that

you were a studier of character. It must be an amusing study.'

'Yes, but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have

at least that advantage.'

'The country,' said Darcy, 'can in general supply but few

subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move

in a very confined and unvarying society.'

'But people themselves alter so much, that there is something

new to be observed in them for ever.'

'Yes, indeed,' cried Mrs. Bennet, offended by his manner of

mentioning a country neighbourhood. 'I assure you there is

quite as much of that going on in the country as in town.'

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