A few days after this visit,Mr.Bingley called again,and alone. His friend had left him that morning for London, but was to return home in ten days time.He sat with them above an hour, and was in remarkably good spirits. Mrs. Bennet invited him to dine with them; but, with many expressions of concern, he confessed himself engaged elsewhere.
Bingley was punctual to his appointment; and he and Mr. Bennet spent the morning together,as had been agreed on.The latter was much more agreeable than his companion expected. There was nothing of presumption or folly in Bingley that could provoke his ridicule,or disgust him into silence;and he was more communicative,and less eccentric,than the other had ever seen him. Bingley of course returned with him to dinner; and in the evening Mrs.Bennet's invention was again at work to get every body away from him and her daughter.Elizabeth,who had a letter to write,went into the breakfast room for that purpose soon after tea;for as the others were all going to sit down to cards,she could not be wanted to counteract her mother's schemes.
“Lizzy,my dear,I want to speak with you.”
“Tis too much!”she added,“by far too much.I do not deserve it.Oh!why is not everybody as happy?”