第124章[第1頁/共6頁]

Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection,and said something of his concern at having been prevented by business.They then went away.

She was in no humour for conversation with anyone but himself;and to him she had hardly courage to speak.

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.

“I began to be afraid you would never come back again.People did say you meant to quit the place entirely at Michaelmas;but, however, I hope it is not true.A great many changes have happened in the neighbourhood,since you went away.Miss Lucas is married and settled.And one of my own daughters.I suppose you have heard of it;indeed,you must have seen it in the papers. It was in The Times and The Courier,I know;though it was not put in as it ought to be.It was only said,'Lately,George Wickham, Esq.to Miss Lydia Bennet,'without there being a syllable said of her father, or the place where she lived, or anything. It was my brother Gardiner's drawing up too,and I wonder how he came to make such an awkward business of it.Did you see it?”