Page 505 of 817

Elizabeth said no more; but her mind could not acquiesce. The

possibility of meeting Mr. Darcy, while viewing the place,

instantly occurred. It would be dreadful! She blushed at the very

idea; and thought it would be better to speak openly to her aunt,

than to run such a risk. But against this there were objections;

and she finally resolved that it could be the last resource, if

her private inquiries as to the absence of the family were

unfavourably answered.