Mrs. Bennet, in short, was in very great spirits; she had seen enough of Bingley's behaviour to Jane,to be convinced that she would get him at last;and her expectations of advantage to her family,when in a happy humour,were so far beyond reason,that she was quite disappointed at not seeing him there again the next day,to make his proposals.
“Lizzy,you must not do so. You must not suspect me.It mortifies me. I assure you that I have now learnt to enjoy his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man,without having a wish beyond it.I am perfectly satisfied,from what his manners now are,that he never had any design of engaging my affection.It is only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address,and a stronger desire of generally pleasing,than any other man.”
“That is a question which I hardly know how to answer.We all love to instruct,though we can teach only what is not worth knowing. Forgive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not make me your confidante.”
She could think of nothing more to say; but if he wished to converse with her,he might have better success.He stood by her, however,for some minutes,in silence;and,at last,on the young lady's whispering to Elizabeth again,he walked away.
“And quite alone?Have all her friends left her?”
“Mrs.Annesley is with her.The others have been gone on to Scarborough,these three weeks.”