صفحة 47 من 817

"Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. I

entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg

for a partner."

Mr. Darcy, with grave propriety, requested to be allowed the

honour of her hand, but in vain. Elizabeth was determined; nor

did Sir William at all shake her purpose by his attempt at

persuasion.

"You excel so much in the dance, Miss Eliza, that it is cruel to

deny me the happiness of seeing you; and though this gentleman

dislikes the amusement in general, he can have no objection, I am

sure, to oblige us for one half hour."

"Mr. Darcy is all politeness," said Elizabeth, smiling.

"He is, indeed: but considering the inducement, my dear Miss

Eliza, we cannot wonder at his complaisance; for who would object

to such a partner?"

Elizabeth looked archly, and turned away. Her resistance had not

injured her with the gentleman, and he was thinking of her with

some complacency, when thus accosted by Miss Bingley,--

"I can guess the subject of your reverie."