{{prhprp391.jpg}}

by observing, that his arrival had been very unexpected -- 'for

your housekeeper,' she added, 'informed us that you would

certainly not be here till to-morrow; and, indeed, before we

left Bakewell, we understood that you were not immediately

expected in the country.' He acknowledged the truth of it

all; and said that business with his steward had occasioned

his coming forward a few hours before the rest of the party

with whom he had been travelling. 'They will join me early

to-morrow,' he continued, 'and among them are some who

will claim an acquaintance with you, -- Mr. Bingley and his

sisters.'

Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts

were instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley's

name had been last mentioned between them; and if she

might judge from _his_ complexion, his mind was not very

differently engaged.

'There is also one other person in the party,' he continued

after a pause, 'who more particularly wishes to be known to

you. Will you allow me, or do I ask too much to introduce my

sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?'

The surprise of such an application was great indeed; it

was too great for her to know in what manner she acceded

to it. She immediately felt that whatever desire Miss Darcy

might have of being acquainted with her must be the work of

her brother, and without looking farther, it was satisfactory;

it was gratifying to know that his resentment had not made

him think really ill of her.

They now walked on in silence; each of them deep in

thought. Elizabeth was not comfortable; that was impos-

sible; but she was flattered and pleased. His wish of intro-

ducing his sister to her was a compliment of the highest kind.

They soon outstripped the others; and when they had reached

the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were half a quarter of

a mile behind.

He then asked her to walk into the house -- but she declared

herself not tired, and they stood together on the lawn. At

such a time much might have been said, and silence was very

awkward. She wanted to talk, but there seemed an embargo

on every subject. At last she recollected that she had been

travelling, and they talked of Matlock and Dovedale with

 [391]