any design of engaging my affection. It is only that he is blessed with

greater sweetness of address, and a stronger desire of generally

pleasing, than any other man.”
“You are very cruel,” said her sister, “you will not let me smile, and

are provoking me to it every moment.”
“How hard it is in some cases to be believed! And how impossible in

others! But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I

acknowledge?”
“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.{422}”

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“Lizzy, my dear, I want to speak to you.”


CHAPTER LV.

A FEW days after this visit, Mr. Bingley called again, and alone. His

friend had left him that morning for London, but was to return home in

ten days’ time. He sat with them above an hour, and was{423} in remarkably

good spirits. Mrs. Bennet invited him to dine with them; but, with many

expressions of concern, he confessed himself engaged elsewhere.
“Next time you call,” said she, “I hope we shall be more lucky.”
He should be particularly happy at any time, etc., etc.; and if she

would give him leave, would take an early opportunity of waiting on

them.
“Can you come to-morrow?”
Yes, he had no engagement at all for to-morrow; and her invitation was

accepted with alacrity.
He came, and in such very good time, that the ladies were none of them

dressed. In ran Mrs. Bennet to her daughters’ room, in her

dressing-gown, and with her hair half finished, crying out,—
“My dear Jane, make haste and hurry down. He is come—Mr. Bingley is

come. He is, indeed. Make haste, make haste. Here, Sarah, come to Miss

Bennet this moment, and help her on with her gown. Never mind Miss

Lizzy’s hair.”
“We will be down as soon as we can,” said Jane; “but I dare say Kitty is

forwarder than either of us, for she went upstairs half an hour ago.”