Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy. She had been unwilling to

mention Bingley; and the unsettled state of her own feelings had made

her equally avoid the name of his friend: but now she would no longer

conceal from her his share in Lydia’s marriage. All was acknowledged,

and half the night spent in conversation.
“Good gracious!” cried Mrs. Bennet, as she stood at a window the next

morning, “if that disagreeable Mr. Darcy is not coming here again with

our dear Bingley! What can he mean by being so tiresome as to be always

coming here? I had no notion but he would go a-shooting, or something or

other, and not disturb us with his company. What shall we do with him?

Lizzy, you must walk out with him again, that he may not be in Bingley’s

way.”
Elizabeth could hardly help laughing at so convenient a proposal; yet

was really vexed that her mother should be always giving him such an

epithet.
As soon as they entered, Bingley looked at her so expressively, and

shook hands with such warmth, as left no doubt of his good information;

and he soon afterwards said aloud, “Mrs. Bennet, have you no more lanes

hereabouts in which Lizzy may lose her way again to-day?”
“I advise Mr. Darcy, and Lizzy, and Kitty,” said Mrs.{461} Bennet, “to walk

to Oakham Mount this morning. It is a nice long walk, and Mr. Darcy has

never seen the view.”
“It may do very well for the others,” replied Mr. Bingley; “but I am

sure it will be too much for Kitty. Won’t it, Kitty?”
Kitty owned that she had rather stay at home. Darcy professed a great

curiosity to see the view from the Mount, and Elizabeth silently

consented. As she went upstairs to get ready, Mrs. Bennet followed her,

saying,—
“I am quite sorry, Lizzy, that you should be forced to have that

disagreeable man all to yourself; but I hope you will not mind it. It is

all for Jane’s sake, you know; and there is no occasion for talking to