第126章[第3頁/共5頁]

“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.”

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.

“You are very cruel,”said her sister,“you will not let me smile, and are provoking me to it every moment.”

“Yes,she will remain there till Christmas.”

Mrs. Bennet had designed to keep the two Netherfield gentlemen to supper; but their carriage was unluckily ordered before any of the others,and she had no opportunity of detaining them.

“Is your sister at Pemberley still?”

The gentlemen came;and she thought he looked as if he would have answered her hopes;but,alas!the ladies had crowded round the table, where Miss Bennet was making tea, and Elizabeth pouring out the coffee,in so close a confederacy that there was not a single vacancy near her which would admit of a chair.And on the gentlemen's approaching,one of the girls moved closer to her than ever,and said,in a whisper: