{{prxprp322.jpg}} || 322 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

two visits which I had lately made her heTe; and I was convinced

of her affection.'

'And your assurance of it, I suppose, carried immediate

conviction to him.'

'It did. Bingley is most unaffectedly modest. His diffidence

had prevented his depending on his own judgment in so anxious

a case, but his reliance on mine made everything easy. I was

obliged to confess one thing, which for a time, and not unjustly,

offended him. I could not allow myself to conceal that your

sister had been in town three months last winter, that I had

known it, and purposely kept it from him. He was angry. But

his anger, I am persuaded, lasted no longer than he remained in

any doubt of your sister's sentiments. He has heartily forgiven

me now.'

Elizabeth longed to observe that Mr. Bingley had been a most

delightful friend; so easily guided that his worth was invaluable;

but she checked herself She remembered that he had yet to

learn to be laughed at, and it was rather too early to begin. In

anticipating the happiness of Bingley, which of course was to

be inferior only to his own, he continued the conversation till

they reached the house. In the hall they parted.

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