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'That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can answer.'

'But if he does it any more, I shall certainly let him know

that I see what he is about. He has a very satirical eye,

and if I do not begin by being impertinent myself, I shall

soon grow afraid of him.'

On his approaching them soon afterwards, though with-

out seeming to have any intention of speaking, Miss Lucas

defied her friend to mention such a subject to him, which

immediately provoking Elizabeth to do it, she turned to

him and said,--

'Did not you think, Mr. Darcy, that I expressed myself

uncommonly well just now, when I was teasing Colonel

Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?'

'With great energy; but it is a subject which always

makes a lady energetic.'

'You are severe on us.'

'It will be _her_ turn soon to be teased,' said Miss Lucas.

'I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know

what follows.'

'You are a very strange creature by way of a friend! --

always wanting me to play and sing before anybody and

everybody! If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you

would have been invaluable; but as it is, I would really

rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit

of hearing the very best performers.' On Miss Lucas's

persevering, however, she added, 'Very well; if it must be

so, it must.' And gravely glancing at Mr. Darcy, 'There is

a very fine old saying, which everybody here is of course

familiar with -- "Keep your breath to cool your porridge," --

and I shall keep mine to swell my song.'

Her performance was pleasing, though by no means

capital. After a song or two, and before she could reply to

the entreaties of several that she would sing again, she

was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary,

who having, in consequence of being the only plain one in

the family, worked hard for knowledge and accomplish-

ments, was always impatient for display.

Mary had neither genius nor taste; and though vanity

had given her application, it had given her likewise a

pedantic air and conceited manner, which would have in-

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