{{prxprp197.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 197 ||

disclosure. She dared not relate the other half of Mr. Darcy's

letter, nor explain to her sister how sincerely she had been valued

by his friend. Here was knowledge in which no one could

partake; and she was sensible that nothing less than a perfect

understanding between the parties could justify her in throwing

off this last incumbrance of mystery. 'And then,' said she, 'if

that very improbable event should ever take place, I shall merely

be able to tell what Bingley may tell in a much more agreeable

manner himself The liberty of communication cannot be mine

till it has lost all its value!'

She was now, on being settled at home, at leisure to observe

the real state of her sister's spirits. Jane was not happy. She

still cherished a very tender affection for Bingley. Having never

even fancied herself in love before, her regard had all the warmth

of first attachment, and from her age and disposition, greater

steadiness than first attachments often boast; and so fervently did

she value his remembrance, and prefer him to every other man,

that all her good sense, and all her attention to the feelings of her

friends, were requisite to check the indulgence of those regrets,

which must have been injurious to her own health and their

tranquillity.

'Well, Lizzy,' said Mrs. Bennet, one day, 'what is your opinion

now of this sad business of Jane's? For my part, I am determined

never to speak of it again to anybody. I told my sister Philips

so the other day. But I cannot find out that Jane saw any thing

of him in London. Well, he is a very undeserving young man --

and I do not suppose there 's the least chance in the world of her

ever getting him now. There is no talk of his coming to Nether^

field again in the summer; and I have inquired of everybody too,

who is likely to know.'

'I do not believe that he will ever live at Netherfield any

more.'

'Oh, well! it is just as he chooses. Nobody wants him to

come. Though I shall always say that he used my daughter

extremely ill; and if I was her, I would not have put up with

it. Well, my comfort is, I am sure Jane will die of a broken

heart; and then he will be sorry for what he has done.'

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