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"It is a compliment which I never pay to any place if I can avoid

it."

"You have a house in town, I conclude?"

Mr. Darcy bowed.

"I had once some thoughts of fixing in town myself, for I am fond

of superior society; but I did not feel quite certain that the

air of London would agree with Lady Lucas."

He paused in hopes of an answer: but his companion was not

disposed to make any; and Elizabeth at that instant moving

towards them, he was struck with the notion of doing a very

gallant thing, and called out to her,--

"My dear Miss Eliza, why are not you dancing? Mr. Darcy, you must

allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable

partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much

beauty is before you." And, taking her hand, he would have given

it to Mr. Darcy, who, though extremely surprised, was not

unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew back, and said

with some discomposure to Sir William,--