I never saw a more promising inclination; he was growing quite inattentive to other people, and wholly engrossed by her. Every time they met, it was more decided and remarkable. At his own ball he offended two or three young ladies, by not asking them to dance; and I spoke to him twice myself, without receiving an answer. Could there be finer symptoms? Is not general incivility the very essence of love?
– Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 25. Elizabeth speaks about Mr. Bingley’s love for Jane. She believes that it was a very real and deep love, not something fleeting as Elizabeth’s aunt Mrs. Gardiner has suggested. She cites Bingley’s behavior at his own ball in Netherfield, where he was totally engrossed by Jane and ignoring the other young ladies.