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'I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there

can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our

different opinions.'

'No -- I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is

always full of something else.'

'The _present_ always occupies you in such scenes -- does

it?' said he, with a look of doubt.

'Yes, always,' she replied, without knowing what she said;

for her thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon

afterwards appeared by her suddenly exclaiming, 'I remem-

ber hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever

forgave; -- that your resentment, once created, was unap-

peasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its _being_

_created?'_

'I am,' said he, with a firm voice.

'And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?'

'I hope not.'

'It is particularly incumbent on those who never change

their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.'

'May I ask to what these questions tend?'

'Merely to the illustration of _your_ character,' said she,

endeavouring to shake off her gravity. 'I'm trying to make

it out.'

'And what is your success?'

She shook her head. 'I do not get on at all. I hear such

different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.'

'I can readily believe,' answered he, gravely, 'that reports

may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss

Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the pres-

ent moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance

would reflect no credit on either.'

'But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have

another opportunity.'

'I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours,' he

coldly replied. She said no more, and they went down the

other dance and parted in silence; on each side dissatisfied,

though not to an equal degree; for in Darcy's breast there

was a tolerably powerful feeling towards her, which soon

procured her pardon, and directed all his anger against an-

other.

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