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Chapter XXXII

Elizabeth was sitting by herself the next morning,

and writing to Jane, while Mrs. Collins and Maria

were gone on business into the village, when she was

startled by a ring at the door, the certain signal of a visitor.

As she had heard no carriage, she thought it not unlikely to

be Lady Catherine; and under that apprehension was putting

away her half-finished letter, that she might escape all im-

pertinent questions, when the door opened, and to her very

great surprise Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only, entered the

room.

He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apolo-

gised for his intrusion, by letting her know that he had under-

stood all the ladies to be within.

They then sat down, and when her inquiries after Rosings

were made, seemed in danger of sinking into total silence. It

was absolutely necessary, therefore, to think of something;

and in this emergency recollecting _when_ she had seen him

last in Hertfordshire, and feeling curious to know what he

would say on the subject of their hasty departure, she

observed,--

'How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last Novem-

ber, Mr. Darcy! It must have been a most agreeable surprise

to Mr. Bingley to see you all after him so soon; for, if I re-

collect right, he went but the day before. He and his sisters

were well, I hope, when you left London?'

'Perfectly so, I thank you.'

She found that she was to receive no other answer; and,

after a short pause, added,--

'I think I have understood that Mr. Bingley has not much

idea of ever returning to Netherfield again?'

'I have never heard him say so; but it is probable that

he may spend very little of his time there in future. He has

many friends, and he is at a time of life when friends and

engagements are continually increasing.'

'If he means to be but little at Netherfield, it would be

better for the neighbourhood that he should give up the place

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