Elizabeth, who knew this to be levelled at Mr. Darcy, was in such misery of shame,that she could hardly keep her seat.It drew from her,however,the exertion of speaking,which nothing else had so effectually done before;and she asked Bingley whether he meant to make any stay in the country at present.A few weeks,he believed.
“Could I expect it to be otherwise!”said she.“Yet why did he come?”
“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.”
She inquired after his sister,but could do no more.
Yet the misery, for which years of happiness were to offer no compensation, received soon afterwards material relief, from observing how much the beauty of her sister re-kindled the admiration of her former lover.When first he came in, he had spoken to her but littl