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The introduction, however, was immediately made; and as she named

their relationship to herself, she stole a sly look at him, to

see how he bore it; and was not without the expectation of his

decamping as fast as he could from such disgraceful companions.

That he was surprised by the connection was evident: he sustained

it, however, with fortitude: and, so far from going away, turned

back with them, and entered into conversation with Mr. Gardiner.

Elizabeth could not but be pleased, could not but triumph. It was

consoling that he should know she had some relations for whom

there was no need to blush. She listened most attentively to all

that passed between them, and gloried in every expression, every

sentence of her uncle, which marked his intelligence, his taste,

or his good manners.