{{prhprp464.jpg}}

Chapter LIV

As soon as they were gone, Elizabeth walked out to re-

cover her spirits; or, in other words, to dwell without

interruption on those subjects that must deaden them

more. Mr. Darcy's behaviour astonished and vexed her.

'Why, if he came only to be silent, grave, and indifferent,'

said she, 'did he come at all?'

She could settle it in no way at all that gave her pleasure.

'He could be still amiable, still pleasing, to my uncle and

aunt, when he was in town; and why not to me? If he fears

me, why come hither? If he no longer cares for me, why

silent? Teasing, teasing man! I will think no more about

him.'

Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by

the approach of her sister, who joined her with a cheerful

look which showed her better satisfied with their visitors than

Elizabeth.

'Now,' said she, 'that this first meeting is over, I feel

perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never

be embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines

here on Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen that on both

sides we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance.'

'Yes, very indifferent indeed,' said Elizabeth, laughingly.

'Oh, Jane! take care.'

'My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me so weak as to be in

danger now.'

'I think you are in very great danger of making him as

much in love with you as ever.'

They did not see the gentlemen again till Tuesday; and

Mrs. Bennet, in the meanwhile, was giving way to all the

happy schemes which the good-humour and common polite-

ness of Bingley, in half an hour's visit, had revived.

On Tuesday there was a large party assembled at Long-

bourn; and the two who were most anxiously expected, to

the credit of their punctuality as sportsmen, were in very

 [464]