He then told her of Georgiana's delight in her acquaintance,and of her disappointment at its sudden interruption;which naturally leading to the cause of that interruption,she soon learnt that his resolution of following her from Derbyshire in quest of her sister had been formed before he quitted the inn,and that his gravity and thoughtfulness there had arisen from no other struggles than what such a purpose must comprehend.
“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.”
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.
She expressed her gratitude again, but it was too painful a subject to each,to be dwelt on farther.
“I must ask whether you were surprised?”said Elizabeth.
“And your assurance of it,I suppose,carried immediate conviction to him.”
“I am almost afraid of asking what you thought of me,when we met at Pemberley.You blamed me for coming?”
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.