第129章[第3頁/共4頁]

“That is the most unforgiving speech,”said Elizabeth,“that I ever heard you utter.Good girl!It would vex me,indeed,to see you again the dupe of Miss Bingley's pretended regard.”

“He made a little mistake to be sure;but it is to the credit of his modesty.”

Mary petitioned for the use of the library at Netherfield;and Kitty begged very hard for a few balls there every winter.

This naturally introduced a panegyric from Jane on his diffidence, and the little value he put on his own good qualities.Elizabeth was pleased to find that he had not betrayed the interference of his friend;for,though Jane had the most generous and forgiving heart in the world,she knew it was a circumstance which must prejudice her against him.

“Exceed their income!My dear Mr.Bennet,”cried his wife,“what are you talking of?Why,he has four or five thousand a year,and very likely more.”Then addressing her daughter,“Oh!my dear,dear Jane,I am so happy!I am sure I shan't get a wink of sleep all night.I knew how it would be.I always said it must be so,at last.I was sure you could not be so beautiful for nothing!I remember,as soon as ever I saw him,when he first came into Hertfordshire last year,I thought how likely it was that you should come together.Oh!he is the handsomest young man that ever was seen!”