{{prxprp291.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 291 ||

to be in company with either of them. Their society can afford

no pleasure, that will atone for such wretchedness as this! Let

me never see either one or the other again!'

Yet the misery, for which years of happiness were to offer no

compensation, received soon afterwards material relief, from

observing how much the beauty of her sister rekindled the

admiration of her former lover. When first he came in, he had

spoken to her but little; but every five minutes seemed to be giving

her more of his attention. He found her as handsome as she had

been last year; as good-natured, and as unaffected, though not

quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that no difference should be

perceived in her at all, and was really persuaded that she talked

as much as ever. But her mind was so busily engaged, that she

did not always know when she was silent.

When the gentlemen rose to go away, Mrs. Bennet was mindful

of her intended civility, and they were invited and engaged to

dine at Longbourn in a few days' time.

'You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley,' she added, Tor

when you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family

dinner with us, as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you

see; and I assure you, I was very much disappointed that you did

not come back and keep your engagement.'

Bingley looked a litde silly at this reflection, and said something

of his concern at having been prevented by business. They then

went away.

Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay

and dine there that day; but, though she always kept a very good

table, she did not think any thing less than two courses could be

good enough for a man, on whom she had such anxious designs,

or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand

a^year.

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