第138章[第1页/共5页]

Jane looked at her doubtingly.“Oh,Lizzy!it cannot be.I know how much you dislike him.”

“It may do very well for the others,”replied Mr.Bingley;“but I am sure it will be too much for Kitty.Won't it,Kitty?”

At night she opened her heart to Jane.Though suspicion was very far from Miss Bennet's general habits, she was absolutely incredulous here.

Kitty owned that she had rather stay at home.Darcy professed a great curiosity to see the view from the Mount,and Elizabeth silently consented.As she went upstairs to get ready,Mrs.Bennet followed her,saying:

“Good Heaven!can it be really so!Yet now I must believe you,”cried Jane.“My dear,dear Lizzy,I would―I do congratulate you―but are you certain?forgive the question―are you quite certain that you can be happy with him?”

As soon as they entered,Bingley looked at her so expressively, and shook hands with such warmth,as left no doubt of his good information; and he soon afterwards said aloud,“Mrs. Bennet, have you no more lanes hereabouts in which Lizzy may lose her way again to-day?”

“What do you mean?”

“You are joking,Lizzy.This cannot be!―engaged to Mr.Darcy! No,no,you shall not deceive me.I know it to be impossible.”

Elizabeth could hardly help laughing at so convenient a proposal;yet was really vexed that her mother should be always giving him such an epithet.