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been seeing him before, nor thinking of him since, with

the smallest degree of unreasonable admiration. The offi-

cers of the shire were in general a very creditable, gen-

tlemanlike set, and the best of them were of the present

party; but Mr. Wickham was as far beyond them all in

person, countenance, air, and walk, as _they_ were superior

to the broad-faced stuffy uncle Philips, breathing port wine,

who followed them into the room.

Mr. Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost

every female eye was turned, and Elizabeth was the happy

woman by whom he finally seated himself; and the agree-

able manner in which he immediately fell into conversation,

though it was only on its being a wet night, and on the

probability of a rainy season, made her feel that the com-

monest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be rendered in-

teresting by the skill of the speaker.

With such rivals for the notice of the fair as Mr. Wick-

ham and the officers, Mr. Collins seemed to sink into in-

significance; to the young ladies he certainly was nothing;

but he had still at intervals a kind listener in Mrs. Philips,

and was, by her watchfulness, most abundantly supplied with

coffee and muffin.

When the card tables were placed, he had an opportunity

of obliging her, in return, by sitting down to whist.

'I know little of the game at present,' said he, 'but I

shall be glad to improve myself; for in my situation of life--'

Mrs. Philips was very thankful for his compliance,

but could not wait for his reason.

Mr. Wickham did not play at whist, and with ready de-

light was he received at the other table between Elizabeth

and Lydia. At first there seemed danger of Lydia's en-

grossing him entirely, for she was a most determined talker;

but being likewise extremely fond of lottery tickets, she

soon grew too much interested in the game, too eager in

making bets and exclaiming after prizes, to have attention

for any one in particular. Allowing for the common de-

mands of the game, Mr. Wickham was therefore at leisure

to talk to Elizabeth, and she was very willing to hear him,

though what she chiefly wished to hear she could not hope

to be told, the history of his acquaintance with Mr. Darcy.

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