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The introduction, however, was immediately made; and as

she named their relationship to herself, she stole a sly look at

him, to see how he bore it; and was not without the expec-

tation of his decamping; as fast as he could from such dis-

graceful companions. That he was _surprised_ by the connec-

tion was evident: he sustained it, however, with fortitude:

and, so far from going away, turned back with them, and

entered into conversation with Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth

could not but be pleased, could not but triumph. It was con-

soling that he should know she had some relations for whom

there was no need to blush. She listened most attentively to

all that passed between them, and gloried in every expression,

every sentence of her uncle, which marked his intelligence,

his taste, or his good manners.

The conversation soon turned upon fishing; and she heard

Mr. Darcy invite him, with the greatest civility, to fish there

as often as he chose, while he continued in the neighbour-

hood, offering at the same time to supply him with fishing

tackle, and pointing out those parts of the stream where there

was usually most sport. Mrs. Gardiner, who was walking

arm in arm with Elizabeth, gave her a look expressive of her

wonder. Elizabeth said nothing, but it gratified her exceed-

ingly; the compliment must be all for herself. Her aston-

ishment, however, was extreme; and continually was she re-

peating, 'Why is he so altered? From what can it proceed?

It cannot be for _me,_ it cannot be for _my_ sake that his man-

ners are thus softened. My reproofs at Hunsford could not

work such a change as this. It is impossible that he should

still love me.'

After walking some time in this way, the two ladies in

front, the two gentlemen behind, on resuming their places,

after descending to the brink of the river for the better in-

spection of some curious water-plant, there chanced to be a

little alteration. It originated in Mrs. Gardiner, who, fa-

tigued by the exercise of the morning, found Elizabeth's arm

inadequate to her support, and consequently preferred her

husband's. Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece, and they

walked on together. After a short silence the lady first spoke.

She wished him to know that she had been assured of his

absence before she came to the place, and accordingly began

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