Pagina 48 de 817

"I should imagine not."

"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many

evenings in this manner,--in such society; and, indeed, I am

quite of your opinion. I was never more annoyed! The insipidity,

and yet the noise--the nothingness, and yet the self-importance,

of all these people! What would I give to hear your strictures on

them!"

"Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more

agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great

pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman

can bestow."

Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and desired

he would tell her what lady had the credit of inspiring such

reflections. Mr. Darcy replied, with great intrepidity,--

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" repeated Miss Bingley. "I am all

astonishment. How long has she been such a favourite? and pray

when am I to wish you joy?"