Page 366 of 817

Elizabeth was sitting by herself the next morning, and writing to

Jane, while Mrs. Collins and Maria were gone on business into the

village, when she was startled by a ring at the door, the certain

signal of a visitor. As she had heard no carriage, she thought it

not unlikely to be Lady Catherine; and under that apprehension

was putting away her half-finished letter, that she might escape

all impertinent questions, when the door opened, and to her very

great surprise Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only, entered the room.

He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologized for

his intrusion, by letting her know that he had understood all the

ladies to be within.