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Chapter XLV

Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley's

dislike of her had originated in jealousy, she could not

help feeling how very unwelcome her appearance at

Pemberley must be to her, and was curious to know with

how much civility on that lady's side the acquaintance would

now be renewed.

On reaching the house they were shown through the hall

into the saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful

for summer. Its windows, opening to the ground, admitted

a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the

house, and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which

were scattered over the intermediate lawn.

In this room they were received by Miss Darcy, who was

sitting there with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the lady

with whom she lived in London. Georgiana's reception of

them was very civil, but attended with all that embarrassment

which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing

wrong, would easily give to those who felt themselves in-

ferior the belief of her being proud and reserved. Mrs. Gar-

diner and her niece, however, did her justice, and pitied her.

By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley they were noticed only

by a courtesy; and on their being seated, a pause, awkward

as such pauses must always be, succeeded for a few moments.

It was first broken by Mrs. Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-~

looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce some kind of

discourse proved her to be more truly well-bred than either

of the others; and between her and Mrs. Gardiner, with

occasional help from Elizabeth, the conversation was carried

on. Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough

to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence,

when there was least danger of its being heard.

Elizabeth soon saw that she was herself closely watched

by Miss Bingley, and that she could not speak a word,

especially to Miss Darcy, without calling her attention. This

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