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'What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What is it you

are talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me

hear what it is.'

'We are speaking of music, madam,' said he, when no

longer able to avoid a reply.

'Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects

my delight. I must have my share in the conversation, if

you are speaking of music. There are few people in England,

I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than my-

self, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should

have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her

health had allowed her to apply. I am confident that she

would have performed delightfully. How does Georgiana get

on, Darcy?'

Mr. Darcy spoke with affectionate praise of his sister's

proficiency.

'I am very glad to hear such a good account of her,' said

Lady Catherine; 'and pray tell her from me, that she cannot

expect to excel if she does not practise a great deal.'

'I assure you, madam,’ he replied, 'that she does not need

such advice. She practises very constantly.'

'So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and

when I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it

on any account. I often tell young ladies that no excellence

in music is to be acquired without constant practice. I have

told Miss Bennet several times that she will never play really

well unless she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has

no instrument, she is very welcome, as I have often told her,

to come to Rosings every day, and play on the pianoforte in

Mrs. Jenkinson's room. She would be in nobody's way, you

know, in that part of the house.'

Mr. Darcy looked a little ashamed of his aunt's ill-breeding,

and made no answer.

When coffee was over, Colonel Fitzwilliam reminded

Elizabeth of having promised to play to him; and she sat

down directly to the instrument. He drew a chair near her.

Lady Catherine listened to half a song, and then talked, as

before, to her other nephew; till the latter walked away from

her, and, moving with his usual deliberation towards the

pianoforte, stationed himself so as to command a full view

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