He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologized for his

intrusion, by letting her know that he had understood all the ladies to

be within.
They then sat down, and when her inquiries after Rosings were made,

seemed in danger of sinking into total silence. It was absolutely

necessary, therefore, to think of something; and in this emergency

recollecting when she had seen him last in Hertfordshire, and feeling

curious to know what he would say on the subject of their hasty

departure, she observed,—
“How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November, Mr. Darcy!

It must have been a most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley to see you

all after him so soon; for, if I recollect right, he went but the day

before. He and his sisters were well, I hope, when you left London?”
“Perfectly so, I thank you.”
She found that she was to receive no other answer; and, after a short

pause, added,—
“I think I have understood that Mr. Bingley has not much idea of ever

returning to Netherfield again?”
“I have never heard him say so; but it is probable that he may spend

very little of his time there in future. He has many friends, and he is

at a time of life when friends and engagements are continually

increasing.”
“If he means to be but little at Netherfield, it would be better for the

neighbourhood that he should give up the place entirely, for then we

might possibly get a settled family there. But, perhaps, Mr. Bingley did

not take the{223} house so much for the convenience of the neighbourhood as

for his own, and we must expect him to keep or quit it on the same

principle.”
“I should not be surprised,” said Darcy, “if he were to give it up as

soon as any eligible purchase offers.”
Elizabeth made no answer. She was afraid of talking longer of his

friend; and, having nothing else to say, was now determined to leave the

trouble of finding a subject to him.
He took the hint and soon began with, “This seems a very comfortable