When Jane and Elizabeth were finally alone, Jane—who had been quiet about her feelings before—told her sister how much she admired Mr. Bingley.
"He is exactly what a young man should be," Jane said. "He is smart, cheerful, and has such wonderful manners!"
"He is also handsome," Elizabeth added, "which a young man should also be if he can. That makes him perfect."
"I was so happy when he asked me to dance a second time," Jane said. "I didn't expect it."
"Didn't you? I did," said Elizabeth. "That is the difference between us. You are always surprised by a compliment, but I am not. It was natural for him to ask you again. He could see that you were much prettier than any other woman in the room. He is very likable, and I give you permission to like him."
"Dear Lizzy!"
"You are too kind, Jane," Elizabeth continued. "You never see a fault in anyone. To you, the whole world is good. I have never heard you say a bad word about anyone in my life."
"I don't want to be quick to criticize people," Jane replied. "I only say what I truly think."
"I know you do. You are so honest that you don't even see when people are being silly. But tell me, do you like his sisters too? Their manners are not as good as his."
"Maybe not at first," Jane said, "but they are very pleasant when you talk to them. Miss Bingley will live with her brother and run his house. I think she will be a very good neighbor."
Elizabeth listened but did not agree. She had watched the sisters at the ball. They were fine ladies, but they were also proud and thought they were better than everyone else. They were beautiful and rich, and they had been to the best schools in London. They liked to spend money and spend time with high-ranking people. Because of this, they looked down on others.
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were very close friends, even though they were very different. Bingley was liked by everyone because he was so friendly and open. Darcy was cleverer than Bingley, but he was also very proud and cold. He often offended people, while Bingley was always sure to be liked.
Their opinions of the dance were very different. Bingley said he had never met such pleasant people or such pretty girls in his life. He felt like he was friends with everyone in the room. As for Jane Bennet, he thought she was the most beautiful "angel" he had ever seen.
Darcy, on the other hand, saw nothing but a group of people who were not fashionable or interesting. He felt no interest in anyone. He admitted that Jane was pretty, but he complained that she "smiled too much."
Mr. Bingley’s sisters agreed with Darcy, but they still said Jane was a "sweet girl." Because his sisters liked her, Mr. Bingley felt he could continue thinking about her as much as he wanted.