Chapter 58 354
" That is to say , you had given your permission . I guessed as much ." And though he exclaimed at the term , she found that it had been pretty much the case .
" On the evening before my going to London ," said he , " I made a confession to him , which I believe I ought to have made long ago . I told him of all that had occurred to make my former interference in his affairs absurd and impertinent . His surprise was great . He had never had the slightest suspicion . I told him , moreover , that I believed myself mistaken in supposing , as I had done , that your sister was indifferent to him ; and as I could easily perceive that his attachment to her was unabated , I felt no doubt of their happiness together ."
Elizabeth could not help smiling at his easy manner of directing his friend .
" Did you speak from your own observation ," said she , " when you told him that my sister loved him , or merely from my information last spring ?"
" 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 ."
" And your assurance of it , I suppose , carried immediate conviction to him ."
" It did . Bingley is most unaffectedly modest . His diffidence had prevented his depending on his own judgment in so anxious a case , but his reliance on mine made every thing easy . I was obliged to confess one thing , which for a time , and not unjustly , offended him . I could not allow myself to conceal that your sister had been in town three months last winter , that I had known it , and purposely kept it from him . He was angry . But his anger , I am persuaded , lasted no longer than he remained in any doubt of your sister ' s sentiments . He has heartily forgiven me now ."
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 ,