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Elizabeth longed to explore its windings; but when they had

crossed the bridge, and perceived their distance from the house,

Mrs. Gardiner, who was not a great walker, could go no farther,

and thought only of returning to the carriage as quickly as

possible. Her niece was, therefore, obliged to submit, and they

took their way towards the house on the opposite side of the

river, in the nearest direction; but their progress was slow, for

Mr. Gardiner, though seldom able to indulge the taste, was very

fond of fishing, and was so much engaged in watching the

occasional appearance of some trout in the water, and talking to

the man about them, that he advanced but little. Whilst wandering

on in this slow manner, they were again surprised, and

Elizabeth's astonishment was quite equal to what it had been at

first, by the sight of Mr. Darcy approaching them, and at no

great distance. The walk being here less sheltered than on the

other side, allowed them to see him before they met.