Pagina 212 di 817

She was at least free from the offence of Mr. Darcy's further

notice: though often standing within a very short distance of

her, quite disengaged, he never came near enough to speak. She

felt it to be the probable consequence of her allusions to Mr.

Wickham, and rejoiced in it.

The Longbourn party were the last of all the company to depart;

and by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennet had to wait for their carriage

a quarter of an hour after everybody else was gone, which gave

them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of

the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister scarcely opened their

mouths except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently

impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every

attempt of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, and, by so doing, threw a

languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by

the long speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting Mr.

Bingley and his sisters on the elegance of their entertainment,

and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their

behaviour to their guests. Darcy said nothing at all. Mr. Bennet,

in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr. Bingley and Jane

were standing together a little detached from the rest, and

talked only to each other.