Jane went to him instantly,kissed him,and thanked him for his goodness.
She then hastened away to her mother, who had purposely broken up the card party,and was sitting up stairs with Kitty.
“I must go instantly to my mother;”she cried.“I would not on any account trifle with her affectionate solicitude;or allow her to hear it from anyone but myself.He is gone to my father already. Oh!Lizzy,to know that what I have to relate will give such pleasure to all my dear family!how shall I bear so much happiness!”
“Jane,I congratulate you.You will be a very happy woman.”
“And this,”said she,“is the end of all his friend's anxious circumspection!of all his sister's falsehood and contrivance!the happiest,wisest,most reasonable end!”
Elizabeth, who was left by herself, now smiled at the rapidity and ease with which an affair was finally settled,that had given them so many previous months of suspense and vexation.
Not a word,however,passed his lips in allusion to it,till their visitor took his leave for the night;but as soon as he was gone,he turned to his daughter,and said:
“With my mother upstairs. She will be down in a moment, I dare say.”
It was an evening of no common delight to them all; the satisfaction of Miss Bennet's mind gave a glow of such sweet animation to her face, as made her look handsomer than ever. Kitty simpered and smiled,and hoped her turn was coming soon. Mrs.Bennet could not give her consent or speak her approbation in terms warm enough to satisfy her feelings,though she talked to Bingley of nothing else for half an hour;and when Mr.Bennet joined them at supper,his voice and manner plainly showed how really happy he was.