Pagina 186 di 817

The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread

his features, but he said not a word; and Elizabeth, though

blaming herself for her own weakness, could not go on. At length

Darcy spoke, and in a constrained manner said,--

"Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may insure his

making friends; whether he may be equally capable of retaining

them, is less certain."

"He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship," replied

Elizabeth, with emphasis, "and in a manner which he is likely to

suffer from all his life."

Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the

subject. At that moment Sir William Lucas appeared close to them,

meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room;

but, on perceiving Mr. Darcy, he stopped, with a bow of superior

courtesy, to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.