sister scarcely opened their mouths except to complain of fatigue, and

were evidently impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed

every attempt of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, and, by so doing, threw a

languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by the long

speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting Mr. Bingley and his

sisters on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and

politeness which had marked their behaviour to their guests. Darcy said

nothing at all. Mr. Bennet, in equal silence, was enjoying the scene.

Mr. Bingley and Jane were standing together a little detached from the

rest, and talked only to each other. Elizabeth preserved as steady a

silence as either Mrs. Hurst or Miss Bingley; and even Lydia was too

much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of “Lord,

how tired I am!” accompanied by a violent yawn.{131}
When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was most pressingly

civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn; and

addressed herself particularly to Mr. Bingley, to assure him how happy

he would make them, by eating a family dinner with them at any time,

without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Bingley was all grateful

pleasure; and he readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of

waiting on her after his return from London, whither he was obliged to

go the next day for a short time.
Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied; and quitted the house under the

delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary preparations of

settlements, new carriages, and wedding clothes, she should undoubtedly

see her daughter settled at Netherfield in the course of three or four

months. Of having another daughter married to Mr. Collins she thought

with equal certainty, and with considerable, though not equal, pleasure.

Elizabeth was the least dear to her of all her children; and though the