Chapter 4 14
Chapter 4
When Jane and Elizabeth were alone , the former , who had been cautious in her praise of Mr . Bingley before , expressed to her sister just how very much she admired him .
" He is just what a young man ought to be ," said she , " sensible , good-humoured , lively ; and I never saw such happy manners ! --so much ease , with such perfect good breeding !"
" He is also handsome ," replied Elizabeth , " which a young man ought likewise to be , if he possibly can . His character is thereby complete ."
" I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a second time . I did not expect such a compliment ."
" Did not you ? I did for you . But that is one great difference between us . Compliments always take you by surprise , and me never . What could be more natural than his asking you again ? He could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty as every other woman in the room . No thanks to his gallantry for that . Well , he certainly is very agreeable , and I give you leave to like him . You have liked many a stupider person ."
" Dear Lizzy !"
" Oh ! you are a great deal too apt , you know , to like people in general . You never see a fault in anybody . All the world are good and agreeable in your eyes . I never heard you speak ill of a human being in your life ."
" I would not wish to be hasty in censuring anyone ; but I always speak what I think ."
" I know you do ; and it is that which makes the wonder . With your good sense , to be so honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of others ! Affectation of candour is common enough--one meets with it everywhere . But to be candid without ostentation or design--to take the good of