Pagina 488 de 817

On the very last day of the regiment's remaining in Meryton, he

dined, with others of the officers, at Longbourn; and so little

was Elizabeth disposed to part from him in good-humour, that, on

his making some inquiry as to the manner in which her time had

passed at Hunsford, she mentioned Colonel Fitzwilliam's and Mr.

Darcy's having both spent three weeks at Rosings, and asked him

if he were acquainted with the former.

He looked surprised, displeased, alarmed; but, with a moment's

recollection, and a returning smile, replied, that he had

formerly seen him often; and, after observing that he was a very

gentlemanlike man, asked her how she had liked him. Her answer

was warmly in his favour. With an air of indifference, he soon

afterwards added, "How long did you say that he was at Rosings?"

"Nearly three weeks."

"And you saw him frequently?"

"Yes, almost every day."

"His manners are very different from his cousin's."

"Yes, very different; but I think Mr. Darcy improves on

acquaintance."