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CHAPTER LIV . AS soon as they were gone , Elizabeth walked out to recover her spirits ; or , in other words , to dwell without interruption on those subjects which must deaden them more . Mr . Darcy’s behaviour astonished and vexed her . “ Why , if he came only to be silent , grave , and indifferent , ” said she , “ did he come at all ? ” She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure . “ He could be still amiable , still pleasing to my uncle and aunt , when he was in town ; and why not to me ? If he fears me , why come hither ? If he no longer cares for me , why silent ? Teasing , teasing man ! I will think no more about him . ” Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by the approach of her sister , who joined her with a cheerful look which showed her better satisfied with their visitors than Elizabeth . “ Now , ” said she , “ that this first meeting is over , I feel perfectly easy . I know my own strength , and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming . I am glad he dines here on Tuesday . It will then be publicly seen , that on both sides we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance . ” “ Yes , very indifferent , indeed , ” said Elizabeth , laughingly . “ Oh , Jane ! take care . ” “ My dear Lizzy , you cannot think me so weak as to be in danger now . ” “ I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever . ” They did not see the gentlemen again till Tuesday ; and Mrs . Bennet , in the meanwhile , was giving way to all the happy schemes which the good - humour and common politeness of Bingley , in half an hour’s visit , had revived . On Tuesday there was a large party assembled at Longbourn ; and the two who were most anxiously expected , to the credit of their punctuality as sportsmen , were in very good time . When they repaired to the dining - room , Elizabeth eagerly watched to see whether Bingley would take the place which , in all their former parties , had belonged to him , by her sister . Her prudent mother , occupied by the same ideas , forbore to invite him to sit by herself . On entering the room , he seemed to hesitate ; but Jane happened to look round , and happened to smile : it was decided . He placed himself by her . Elizabeth , with a triumphant sensation , looked towards his friend . He bore it with noble indifference ; and she would have imagined that Bingley had received his sanction to be happy , had she not seen his eyes likewise turned towards Mr . Darcy , with an expression of half - laughing alarm . His behaviour to her sister was such during dinnertime as showed an admiration of her , which , though more guarded than formerly , persuaded Elizabeth , that , if left wholly to himself , Jane’s happiness , and his own , would be speedily secured . Though she dared not depend upon the consequence , she yet received pleasure from observing his behaviour . It gave her all the animation that her spirits could boast ; for she was in no cheerful humour .
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