Elizabeth made no attempt to reason with her mother, but remained quietly in the hall,till she and Kitty were out of sight, then returned into the drawing-room.
Mrs. Bennet's schemes for this day were ineffectual. Bingley was every thing that was charming, except the professed lover of her daughter.His ease and cheerfulness rendered him a most agreeable addition to their evening party;and he bore with the ill-judged officiousness of the mother,and heard all her silly remarks with a forbearance and command of countenance particularly grateful to the daughter.
A few days after this visit,Mr.Bingley called again,and alone. His friend had left him that morning for London, but was to return home in ten days time.He sat with them above an hour, and was in remarkably good spirits. Mrs. Bennet invited him to dine with them; but, with many expressions of concern, he confessed himself engaged elsewhere.
“Oh!hang Kitty!what has she to do with it?Come be quick,be quick!Where is your sash,my dear?”