Pagina 182 van 817

She danced next with an officer, and had the refreshment of

talking of Wickham, and of hearing that he was universally liked.

When those dances were over, she returned to Charlotte Lucas, and

was in conversation with her, when she found herself suddenly

addressed by Mr. Darcy, who took her so much by surprise in his

application for her hand, that, without knowing what she did, she

accepted him. He walked away again immediately, and she was left

to fret over her own want of presence of mind: Charlotte tried to

console her.

"I dare say you will find him very agreeable."

"Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all! To

find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish

me such an evil."