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As she spoke, she observed him looking at her earnestly; and the

manner in which he immediately asked her why she supposed Miss

Darcy likely to give them any uneasiness, convinced her that she

had somehow or other got pretty near the truth. She directly

replied,--

"You need not be frightened. I never heard any harm of her; and I

dare say she is one of the most tractable creatures in the world.

She is a very great favourite with some ladies of my

acquaintance, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. I think I have heard

you say that you know them."

"I know them a little. Their brother is a pleasant, gentlemanlike

man--he is a great friend of Darcy's."

"Oh yes," said Elizabeth drily--"Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to

Mr. Bingley, and takes a prodigious deal of care of him."