第138章[第1页/共5页]

“Very,very much.Nothing could give either Bingley or myself more delight.But we considered it,we talked of it as impossible. And do you really love him quite well enough? Oh, Lizzy! do anything rather than marry without affection.Are you quite sure that you feel what you ought to do?”

Miss Bennet still looked all amazement. Elizabeth again, and more seriously assured her of its truth.

“Now I am quite happy,”said she,“for you will be as happy as myself.I always had a value for him.Were it for nothing but his love of you, I must always have esteemed him; but now, as Bingley's friend and your husband,there can be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me.But Lizzy,you have been very sly,very reserved with me. How little did you tell me of what passed at Pemberley and Lambton!I owe all that I know of it to another, not to you.”

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

“I am quite sorry,Lizzy,that you should be forced to have that disagreeable man all to yourself, but I hope you will not mind it.It is all for Jane's sake,you know;and there is no occasion for talking to him,except just now and then.So,do not put yourself to inconvenience.”

Another entreaty that she would be serious,however,produced the desired effect; and she soon satisfied Jane by her solemn assurances of attachment.When convinced on that article,Miss Bennet had nothing further to wish.