"Whatever I do is done in a hurry," replied he; "and therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, I consider myself as quite fixed here."

     "That is exactly what I should have supposed of you," said Elizabeth.

     "You begin to comprehend me, do you?" cried he, turning towards her.

     "Oh! yes--I understand you perfectly."

     "I wish I might take this for a compliment; but to be so easily seen through I am afraid is pitiful."

     "That is as it happens. It does not follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours."

     "Lizzy," cried her mother, "remember where you are, and do not run on in the wild manner that you are suffered to do at home."

     "I did not know before," continued Bingley immediately, "that you were a studier of character. It must be an amusing study."

     "Yes, but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have at least that advantage."