Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and desired he would tell her what lady had the credit of inspiring such reflections.
Mr. Darcy replied with great intrepidity:
— “Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
— “Miss Elizabeth Bennet!”
repeated Miss Bingley.
“I am all astonishment.
How long has she been such a favourite?
—and pray, when am I to wish you joy?”
— “That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask.
A lady's imagination is very rapid;
it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.
I knew you would be wishing me joy.”
— “Nay, if you are serious about it, I shall consider the matter is absolutely settled.
— You will be having a charming mother-in-law, indeed, and, of course, she will always be at Pemberley with you.”
He listened to her with perfect indifference, while she chose to entertain herself in this manner;
and as his composure convinced her that all was safe, her wit flowed long.