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By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley they were noticed only by a

courtesy; and on their being seated, a pause, awkward as such

pauses must always be, succeeded for a few moments. It was first

broken by Mrs. Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-looking woman,

whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse proved her to

be more truly well-bred than either of the others; and between

her and Mrs. Gardiner, with occasional help from Elizabeth, the

conversation was carried on. Miss Darcy looked as if she wished

for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a

short sentence, when there was least danger of its being heard.