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 anything 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.
Elizabeth's misery increased,at such unnecessary,such officious attention!Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago,every thing,she was persuaded,would be hastening to the same vexatious conclusion.At that instant, she felt that years of happiness could not make Jane or herself amends for moments of such painful confusion.
“Could I expect it to be otherwise!”said she.“Yet why did he come?”
“It is a long time,Mr.Bingley,since you went away,”said Mrs. Bennet.
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.
Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection,and said something of his concern at having been prevented by business.They then went away.