Page 367 of 817

They then sat down, and when her inquiries after Rosings were

made, seemed in danger of sinking into total silence. It was

absolutely necessary, therefore, to think of something; and in

this emergency recollecting when she had seen him last in

Hertfordshire, and feeling curious to know what he would say on

the subject of their hasty departure, she observed,--

"How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November, Mr.

Darcy! It must have been a most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley

to see you all after him so soon; for, if I recollect right, he

went but the day before. He and his sisters were well, I hope,

when you left London?"

"Perfectly so, I thank you."

She found that she was to receive no other answer; and, after a

short pause, added,--

"I think I have understood that Mr. Bingley has not much idea of

ever returning to Netherfield again?"