Page 16 of 817

Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity of gentlemen,

to sit down for two dances; and during part of that time, Mr.

Darcy had been standing near enough for her to overhear a

conversation between him and Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance

for a few minutes to press his friend to join it.

"Come, Darcy," said he, "I must have you dance. I hate to see you

standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much

better dance."

"I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am

particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as

this, it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and

there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a

punishment to me to stand up with."

"I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried Bingley, "for a

kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls

in my life as I have this evening; and there are several of them,

you see, uncommonly pretty."