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body hoped that he would never come there again. Amongst

the most violent against him was Mrs. Bennet, whose dis-

like of his general behaviour was sharpened into particular

resentment by his having slighted one of her daughters.

Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity of gen-

tlemen, to sit down for two dances; and during part of that

time, Mr. Darcy had been standing near enough for her to

overhear a conversation between him and Mr. Bingley, who

came from the dance for a few minutes to press his friend

to join it.

'Come, Darcy,' said he, 'I must have you dance. I hate to

see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner.

You had much better dance.'

'I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless

I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an

assembly as this, it would be insupportable. Your sisters are

engaged, and there is not another woman in the room whom

it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with.'

'I would not be so fastidious as you are,' cried Bingley,

'for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so

many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening; and

there are several of them, you see, uncommonly pretty.'

_'You_ are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room,'

said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet.

'Oh, she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld!

But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you,

who is very pretty, and I daresay very agreeable. Do let

me ask my partner to introduce you.'

'Which do you mean?' and turning round, he looked for

a moment at Elizabeth, till, catching her eye, he withdrew

his own, and coldly said, 'She is tolerable; but not handsome

enough to tempt _me;_ and I am in no humour at present to

give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other

men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her

smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.'

Mr. Bingley followed his advice. Mr. Darcy walked off;

and Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings towards

him. She told the story, however, with great spirit among

her friends; for she had a lively, playful disposition, which

delighted in anything ridiculous.

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