Mr. Bingley--Colonel Forster!--Mr. Bingley!

[_All drink as_ BINGLEY _bows_.]

SIR WILLIAM.

[_Rising._] And may _I_ be allowed to still farther express the sentiments of this community, by proposing another toast in which I am sure you will all join me with enthusiasm? [_Raising his gla.s.s._] To the Master of Netherfield! May he retain that t.i.tle from his present fortunate youth, to his future green and honoured old age!

ALL.

[_Drinking._] Mr. Bingley! Sir William! Mr. Bingley!

BINGLEY.

[_Rising._] Ladies and gentlemen! Friends!

ALL.

Hear! Hear!

BINGLEY.

I--I really cannot tell you how much I am touched by the very kind words of Colonel Forster and Sir William! And--and I only wish that I deserved them.

ALL.

Indeed, you do!

BINGLEY.

[_Embarra.s.sed and looking toward_ DARCY, _who with folded arms, is staring at the ceiling_.] No, I do not. I--I did not like to speak of such a painful thing on an occasion like this, and so I have told no one of the fact that I am about to--to leave Netherfield.

ALL.

Leave Netherfield! Oh! Oh!

BINGLEY.

[_Still more ill at ease._] Yes.--It is a very sudden decision, but--but important interests have made it necessary for me to--[_Lamely._] to leave Netherfield.

SIR WILLIAM.

But only for a time, Mr. Bingley! Let us hope it will only be a--a _temporary_ separation.

MRS. BENNET.

Why, surely, Mr. Bingley, you will be back again very soon.

BINGLEY.

[_In a dogged manner._] No--no. I am afraid my returning at all is extremely uncertain. In fact, I--I expect to leave Netherfield _permanently_.

[_Great consternation._ JANE _looks down_. ELIZABETH _looks at_ DARCY. MISS BINGLEY _has a triumphant smile_.]

COLONEL FORSTER.

[_Incredulously._] Oh, my dear Mr. Bingley!

SIR WILLIAM.

[_Solemnly._] This is, indeed, a calamity.

MRS. BENNET.

[_To_ ELIZABETH.] Good Lord, Lizzy, poor Jane! What----

ELIZABETH.

Oh, hush, mamma!

BINGLEY.

[_Looks again at_ DARCY, _who remains perfectly calm through all this commotion. This time the sight of him seems to make_ BINGLEY _somewhat angry, and he pulls himself together and speaks in a firmer tone and in a more cheerful manner_.] But, my friends, n.o.body knows what may happen.

We shall undoubtedly all meet again sometime, and meanwhile, you must not let what I have said spoil your pleasure. [_The music is now heard again in the ball-room._] There is the music. We must have another dance together.

[_There is a general movement among the guests. Those at the back of the room begin to go into the ball-room._]

BINGLEY.

[_To_ JANE, COLONEL FORSTER, _and others near him_.] Let us make up a set here; I think there will be room.

COLONEL FORSTER.

Capital idea!