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dreaded; for though he was not always looking at her mother,

she was convinced that his attention was invariably fixed by

her. The expression of his face changed gradually from

indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.

At length, however, Mrs. Bennet had no more to say; and

Lady Lucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of

delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to

the comforts of cold ham and chicken. Elizabeth now began

to revive. But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for

when supper was over, singing was talked of, and she had

the mortification of seeing Mary, after very little entreaty,

preparing to oblige the company. By many significant looks

and silent entreaties did she endeavour to prevent such a

proof of complaisance, -- but in vain; Mary would not under-

stand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful

to her, and she began her song. Elizabeth's eyes were fixed

on her, with most painful sensations; and she watched her

progress through the several stanzas with an impatience

which was very ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on re-

ceiving amongst the thanks of the table the hint of a hope

that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after

the pause of half a minute, began another. Mary's powers

were by no means fitted for such a display; her voice was

weak, and her manner affected. Elizabeth was in agonies.

She looked at Jane to see how she bore it; but Jane was very

composedly talking to Bingley. She looked at his two sisters,

and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at

Darcy, who continued, however, impenetrably grave. She

looked at her father to entreat his interference, lest Mary

should be singing all night. He took the hint, and, when

Mary had finished her second song, said aloud,--

'That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted

us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to

exhibit.'

Mary, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat dis-

concerted; and Elizabeth, sorry for her, and sorry for her

father's speech, was afraid her anxiety had done no good.

Others of the party were now applied to.

'If I,' said Mr. Collins, 'were so fortunate as to be able to

sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the

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