“What could become of Mr. Bingley and Jane!”was a wonder which introduced the discussion of their affairs. Darcy was delighted with their engagement; his friend had given him the earliest information of it.
“Your surprise could not be greater than mine in being noticed by you.My conscience told me that I deserved no extraordinary politeness, and I confess that I did not expect to receive more than my due.”
After walking several miles in a leisurely manner,and too busy to know anything about it,they found at last,on examining their watches,that it was time to be at home.
“That is to say, you had given your permission. I guessed as much.”And though he exclaimed at the term,she found that it had been pretty much the case.
“I must ask whether you were surprised?”said Elizabeth.
“I am almost afraid of asking what you thought of me,when we met at Pemberley.You blamed me for coming?”
“And your assurance of it,I suppose,carried immediate conviction to him.”
“From the former.I had narrowly observed her during the two visits which I had lately made here;and I was convinced of her affection.”
Elizabeth longed to observe that Mr.Bingley had been a most delightful friend;so easily guided that his worth was invaluable;but she checked herself. She remembered that he had yet to learn to be laughed at, and it was rather too early to begin. In anticipating the happiness of Bingley,which of course was to be inferior only to his own,he continued the conversation till they reached the house.In the hall they parted.