“It is a long time,Mr.Bingley,since you went away,”said Mrs. Bennet.
Elizabeth's misery increased,at such unnecessary,such officious attention!Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago,every thing,she was persuaded,would be hastening to the same vexatious conclusion.At that instant, she felt that years of happiness could not make Jane or herself amends for moments of such painful confusion.
When the gentlemen rose to go away,Mrs.Bennet was mindful of her intended civility,and they were invited and engaged to dine at Longbourn in a few days time.
“The first wish of my heart,”said she to herself,“is never more to be in company with either of them.Their society can afford no pleasure that will atone for such wretchedness as this!Let me never see either one or the other again!”