Chapter 55 330
the prospect of their relationship . They shook hands with great cordiality ; and then , till her sister came down , she had to listen to all he had to say of his own happiness , and of Jane ' s perfections ; and in spite of his being a lover , Elizabeth really believed all his expectations of felicity to be rationally founded , because they had for basis the excellent understanding , and super-excellent disposition of Jane , and a general similarity of feeling and taste between her and himself .
It was an evening of no common delight to them all ; the satisfaction of Miss Bennet ' s mind gave a glow of such sweet animation to her face , as made her look handsomer than ever . Kitty simpered and smiled , and hoped her turn was coming soon . Mrs . Bennet could not give her consent or speak her approbation in terms warm enough to satisfy her feelings , though she talked to Bingley of nothing else for half an hour ; and when Mr . Bennet joined them at supper , his voice and manner plainly showed how really happy he was .
Not a word , however , passed his lips in allusion to it , till their visitor took his leave for the night ; but as soon as he was gone , he turned to his daughter , and said :
" Jane , I congratulate you . You will be a very happy woman ." Jane went to him instantly , kissed him , and thanked him for his goodness .
" 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 ."
" I hope not so . Imprudence or thoughtlessness in money matters would be unpardonable in me ."