She then hastened away to her mother, who had purposely broken up the card party,and was sitting up stairs with Kitty.
“I hope not so. Imprudence or thoughtlessness in money matters would be unpardonable in me.”
“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!”
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.
“You are a good girl;”he replied,“and I have great pleasure in thinking you will be so happily settled.I have not a doubt of your doing very well together.Your tempers are by no means unlike.You are each of you so complying,that nothing will ever be resolved on;so easy,that every servant will cheat you;and so generous,that you will always exceed your income.”
“With my mother upstairs. She will be down in a moment, I dare say.”
In a few minutes she was joined by Bingley,whose conference with her father had been short and to the purpose.