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"You are very cruel," said her sister, "you will not let me

smile, and are provoking me to it every moment."

"How hard it is in some cases to be believed! And how impossible

in others! But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel

more than I acknowledge?"

"That is a question which I hardly know how to answer. We all

love to instruct, though we can teach only what is not worth

knowing. Forgive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not

make me your confidante."

CHAPTER LV.

A few days after this visit, Mr. Bingley called again, and alone.

His friend had left him that morning for London, but was to

return home in ten days' time. He sat with them above an hour,

and was in remarkably good spirits. Mrs. Bennet invited him to

dine with them; but, with many expressions of concern, he

confessed himself engaged elsewhere.

"Next time you call," said she, "I hope we shall be more lucky."