{{prxprp325.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 325 ||

very reserved with me. How little did you tell me of what

passed at Pemberley and Lambton! I owe all that I know of

it to another, not to you.'

Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy. She had been

unwilling to mention Bingley; and the unsettled state of her own

feelings had made her equally avoid the name of his friend. But

now she would no longer conceal from her his share in Lydia's

marriage. All was acknowledged, and half the night spent in

conversation.

'Good gracious!' cried Mrs. Bennet, as she stood at a window

the next morning, 'if that disagreeable Mr. Darcy is not coming

here again with our dear Bingley! What can he mean by being

so tiresome as to be always coming here? I had no notion but

he would go a shooting, or something or other, and not disturb

us with his company. What shall we do with him? Lizzy,

you must walk out with him again, that he may not be in

Bingley 's way.'

Elizabeth could hardly help laughing at so convenient a pro'

posal; yet was really vexed that her mother should be always

giving him such an epithet.

As soon as they entered, Bingley looked at her so expressively,

and shook hands with such warmth, as left no doubt of his good

information; and he soon afterwards said aloud, ['Mrs.] Bennet,

have you no more lanes hereabouts in which Lizzy may lose her

way again Kvday?'

'I advise Mr. Darcy, and Lizzy, and Kitty,' said Mrs. Bennet,

'to walk to Oakham Mount this morning. It is a nice long

walk, and Mr. Darcy has never seen the view.'

'It may do very well for the others,' replied Mr. Bingley; 'but

I am sure it will be too much for Kitty. Won't it, Kitty?'

Kitty owned that she had rather stay at home. Darcy professed

a great curiosity to see the view from the Mount, and Elizabeth

silently consented. As she went up stairs to get ready, Mrs. Bennet

followed her, saying:

'I am quite sorry, Lizzy, that you should be forced to have that

 [[325]]