{{prxprp091.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 91 ||

depart; and by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennct, had to wait for their

carriage a quarter of an hour after everybody else was gone,

which gave them time to sec how heartily they were wished away

by some of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister scarcely opened

their mouths except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently

impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every

attempt of Mrs. Bcnnet at conversation, and by so doing, threw

a languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by

the long speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting

Mr. Bingley and his sisters on the elegance of their entertainment,

and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their beha^

viour to their guests. Darcy said nothing at all. Mr. Bennet,

in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr. Bingley and Jane

were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked

only to each other. Elizabeth preserved as steady a silence as

either Mrs. Hurst or Miss Bingley; and even Lydia was too much

fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of 'Lord,

how tired I am!' accompanied by a violent yawn.

When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was

most pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon

at Longbourn; and addressed herself particularly to Mr. Bingley,

to assure him how happy he would make them, by eating a family

dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal

invitation. Bingley was all grateful pleasure, and he readily

engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her,

after his return from London, whither he was obliged to go the

next day for a short time.

Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied; and quitted the house

under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary

preparations of settlements, new carriages and wedding clothes,

she should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at Netherfield,

in the course of three or four months. Of having another

daughter married to Mr. Collins she thought with equal certainty,

and with considerable, though not equal, pleasure. Elizabeth

was the least dear to her of all her children; and though the man

and the match were quite good enough for her, the worth of each

was eclipsed by Mr. Bingley and Netherfield.

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