{{prxprp037.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 37 ||

Every body was surprized, and Darcy, after looking at her for

a moment, turned silently away. Mrs. Bennet, who fancied she

had gained a complete victory over him, continued her triumph.

'I cannot see that London has any great advantage over the

country, for my part, except the shops and public places. The

country is a vast deal pleasanter, is not it, Mr. Bingley J '

'When I am in the country,' he replied, 'I never wish to leave

it; and when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They

have each their advantages, and I can be equally happy in either.'

'Aye -- that is because you have the right disposition. But

that gentleman,' looking at Darcy, 'seemed to think the country

was nothing at all.'

'Indeed, Mamma, you are mistaken,' said Elizabeth, blushing

for her mother. 'You quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant

that there was not such a variety of people to be met with in the

country as in town, which you must acknowledge to be true.'

'Certainly, my dear, nobody said there were; but as to not

meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I believe

there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with

four^and^twenty families.'

Nothing but concern for Elizabeth could enable Bingley to

keep his countenance. -- His sister was less delicate, and directed

her eye towards Mr. Darcy with a very expressive smile. Eliza'

beth, for the sake of saying something that might turn her mother's

thoughts, now asked her if Charlotte Lucas had been at

Longbourn since her coming away.

'Yes, she called yesterday with her father. What an agreeable

man Sir William is, Mr. Bingley -- is not he? so much the man of

fashion! so genteel and so easy! -- He has always something to

say to every body. -- That is my idea of good'breeding; and those

persons who fancy themselves very important, and never open

their mouths, quite mistake the matter.'

'Did Charlotte dine with you?'

'No, she would go home. I fancy she was wanted about the

mince'pies. For my part, Mr. Bingley, I always keep servants

that can do their own work; my daughters are brought up dif-

ferently. But every body is to judge for themselves, and the

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