(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth listened in silence, but was not convinced; their behaviour atthe assembly had not been calculated to please in general; and with morequickness of observation and less pliancy of temper than her sister,and with a judgement too unassailed by any attention to herself, shewas very little disposed to approve them.
Itwas generally evident whenever they met, that he did admire her andto her it was equally evident that Jane was yielding to the preferencewhich she had begun to entertain for him from the first, and was in away to be very much in love; but she considered with pleasure that itwas not likely to be discovered by the world in general, since Janeunited, with great strength of feeling, a composure of temper and auniform cheerfulness of manner which would guard her from the suspicionsof the impertinent.
My temper I dare not vouchfor.
He hadnot a temper to bear the sort of competition in which we stood--the sortof preference which was often given me.
Jane's temper was not desponding, and she was gradually led to hope,though the diffidence of affection sometimes overcame the hope, thatBingley would return to Netherfield and answer every wish of her heart.
But itwas her business to be satisfied--and certainly her temper to be happy;and all was soon right again.
The children, two girls of six and eight years old, and twoyounger boys, were to be left under the particular care of theircousin Jane, who was the general favourite, and whose steady sense andsweetness of temper exactly adapted her for attending to them in everyway--teaching them, playing with them, and loving them.
One enjoyment was certain--that of suitableness of companions;a suitableness which comprehended health and temper to bearinconveniences--cheerfulness to enhance every pleasure--and affectionand intelligence, which might supply it among themselves if there weredisappointments abroad.