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Chapter XI

When the ladies removed after dinner Elizabeth

ran up to her sister, and seeing her well guarded

from cold, attended her into the drawing-room,

where she was welcomed by her two friends with many

professions of pleasure; and Elizabeth had never seen them

so agreeable as they were during the hour which passed

before the gentlemen appeared. Their powers of conver-

sation were considerable. They could describe an enter-

tainment with accuracy, relate an anecdote with humour,

and laugh at their acquaintance with spirit.

But when the gentlemen entered, Jane was no longer the

first object; Miss Bingley's eyes were instantly turned towards

Darcy, and she had something to say to him before he had

advanced many steps. He addressed himself directly to Miss

Bennet with a polite congratulation; Mr. Hurst also made her

a slight bow, and said he was 'very glad;' but diffuseness

and warmth remained for Bingley's salutation. He was full

of joy and attention. The first half-hour was spent in piling

up the fire, lest she should suffer from the change of room;

and she removed, at his desire, to the other side of the fire-

place, that she might be farther from the door. He then sat

down by her, and talked scarcely to any one else. Elizabeth,

at work in the opposite corner, saw it all with great delight.

When tea was over Mr. Hurst reminded his sister-in-law

of the card-table-- but in vain. She had obtained private

intelligence that Mr. Darcy did not wish for cards, and Mr.

Hurst soon found even his open petition rejected. She as-

sured him that no one intended to play, and the silence of

the whole party on the subject seemed to justify her. Mr.

Hurst had, therefore, nothing to do but to stretch himself

on one of the sofas and go to sleep. Darcy took up a book.

Miss Bingley did the same; and Mrs. Hurst, principally occu-

pied in playing with her bracelets and rings, joined now and

then in her brother's conversation with Miss Bennet.

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