“Why,if he came only to be silent,grave,and indifferent,”said she,“did he come at all?”
“Yes,very indifferent indeed,”said Elizabeth,laughingly.“Oh, Jane,take care.”
“If he does not come to me,then,”said she,“I shall give him up for ever.”
“My dear Lizzy,you cannot think me so weak,as to be in danger now?”
They did not see the gentlemen again till Tuesday; and Mrs. Bennet,in the meanwhile,was giving way to all the happy schemes, which the good humour and common politeness of Bingley,in half an hour's visit,had revived.
“I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.”
Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by the approach of her sister,who joined her with a cheerful look,which showed her better satisfied with their visitors,than Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, with a triumphant sensation, looked towards his friend. He bore it with noble indifference, and she would have imagined that Bingley had received his sanction to be happy,had she not seen his eyes likewise turned towards Mr.Darcy,with an expression of half-laughing alarm.
“Now,”said she,“that this first meeting is over,I feel perfectly easy.I know my own strength,and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here on Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides, we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance.”