“I saw you look at me to-day, Lizzy, when my aunt told us of the present report;and I know I appeared distressed.But don't imagine it was from any silly cause.I was only confused for the moment,because I felt that I should be looked at.I do assure you that the news does not affect me either with pleasure or pain.I am glad of one thing,that he comes alone;because we shall see the less of him.Not that I am afraid of myself,but I dread other people's remarks.”
The subject which had been so warmly canvassed between their parents, about a twelvemonth ago, was now brought forward again.
But the spiritless condition which this event threw her into was shortly relieved, and her mind opened again to the agitation of hope,by an article of news which then began to be in circulation. The housekeeper at Netherfield had received orders to prepare for the arrival of her master,who was coming down in a day or two,to shoot there for several weeks.Mrs.Bennet was quite in the fidgets.She looked at Jane,and smiled and shook her head by turns.
“Oh,lord!I don't know.Not these two or three years,perhaps.”
“Well,well,and so Mr.Bingley is coming down,sister,”(for Mrs. Phillips first brought her the news).“Well, so much the better. Not that I care about it,though.He is nothing to us,you know, and I am sure I never want to see him again. But, however, he is very welcome to come to Netherfield,if he likes it.And who knows what may happen? But that is nothing to us.You know, sister,we agreed long ago never to mention a word about it.And so,is it quite certain he is coming?”