Chapter 55 332
" It must have been his sister ' s doing . They were certainly no friends to his acquaintance with me , which I cannot wonder at , since he might have chosen so much more advantageously in many respects . But when they see , as I trust they will , that their brother is happy with me , they will learn to be contented , and we shall be on good terms again ; though we can never be what we once were to each other ."
" That is the most unforgiving speech ," said Elizabeth , " that I ever heard you utter . Good girl ! It would vex me , indeed , to see you again the dupe of Miss Bingley ' s pretended regard ."
" Would you believe it , Lizzy , that when he went to town last November , he really loved me , and nothing but a persuasion of my being indifferent would have prevented his coming down again !"
" He made a little mistake to be sure ; but it is to the credit of his modesty ."
This naturally introduced a panegyric from Jane on his diffidence , and the little value he put on his own good qualities . Elizabeth was pleased to find that he had not betrayed the interference of his friend ; for , though Jane had the most generous and forgiving heart in the world , she knew it was a circumstance which must prejudice her against him .
" I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed !" cried Jane . " Oh ! Lizzy , why am I thus singled from my family , and blessed above them all ! If I could but see you as happy ! If there were but such another man for you !"
" If you were to give me forty such men , I never could be so happy as you . Till I have your disposition , your goodness , I never can have your happiness . No , no , let me shift for myself ; and , perhaps , if I have very good luck , I may meet with another Mr . Collins in time ."
The situation of affairs in the Longbourn family could not be long a secret . Mrs . Bennet was privileged to whisper it to Mrs . Phillips , and she ventured , without any permission , to do the same by all her neighbours in Meryton .