five minutes seemed to be giving her more of his attention. He found her

as handsome as she had{414} been last year; as good-natured, and as

unaffected, though not quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that no

difference should be perceived in her at all, and was really persuaded

that she talked as much as ever; but her mind was so busily engaged,

that she did not always know when she was silent.
When the gentlemen rose to go away, Mrs. Bennet was mindful of her

intended civility, and they were invited and engaged to dine at

Longbourn in a few days’ time.
“You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley,” she added; “for when

you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family dinner with

us as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you see; and I assure you

I was very much disappointed that you did not come back and keep your

engagement.”
Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection, and said something of

his concern at having been prevented by business. They then went away.
Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay and dine

there that day; but, though she always kept a very good table, she did

not think anything less than two courses could be good enough for a man

on whom she had such anxious designs, or satisfy the appetite and pride

of one who had ten thousand a year.{415}

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“Jane happened to look round.”


CHAPTER LIV.

AS soon as they were gone, Elizabeth walked out to recover her spirits;

or, in other words, to dwell without interruption on those subjects

which must deaden them more. Mr. Darcy’s behaviour astonished and vexed

her.
“Why, if he came only to be silent, grave, and indifferent,” said she,

“did he come at all?”
She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure.
“He could be still amiable, still pleasing to my uncle and aunt, when he

was in town; and why not to me?{416} If he fears me, why come hither? If he