Page 474 of 817

She was now, on being settled at home, at leisure to observe the

real state of her sister's spirits. Jane was not happy. She still

cherished a very tender affection for Bingley. Having never even

fancied herself in love before, her regard had all the warmth of

first attachment, and from her age and disposition, greater

steadiness than first attachments often boast; and so fervently

did she value his remembrance, and prefer him to every other man,

that all her good sense, and all her attention to the feelings of

her friends, were requisite to check the indulgence of those

regrets which must have been injurious to her own health and

their tranquillity.