{{prxprp021.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 21 ||

airs, at the request of her younger sisters, who, with some of the

Lucases, and two or three officers, joined eagerly in dancing at

one end of the room.

Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent indignation at such a

mode of passing the evening, to the exclusion of all conversation,

and was too much engrossed by his thoughts to perceive that

Sir William Lucas was his neighbour, till Sir William thus began:

'What a charming amusement for young people this is,

Mr. Darcy! -- There is nothing like dancing after all. -- I consider

it as one of the first refinements of polished societies.'

'Certainly, Sir; -- and it has the advantage also of being in vogue

amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage

can dance.'

Sir William only smiled. 'Your friend performs delightfully,'

he continued after a pause, on seeing Bingley join the group; --

'and I doubt not that you are an adept in the science yourself,

Mr. Darcy.'

'You saw me dance at Meryton, I believe, Sir.'

'Yes, indeed, and received no inconsiderable pleasure from

the sight. Do you often dance at St. James's;'

'Never, Sir.'

'Do you not think it would be a proper compliment to the

place?'

'It is a compliment which I never pay to any place if I can

avoid it.'

'You have a house in town, I conclude?'

Mr. Darcy bowed.

'I had once some thoughts of fixing in town myself -- for I am

fond of superior society; but I did not feel quite certain that the

air of London would agree with Lady Lucas.'

He paused in hopes of an answer; but his companion was not

disposed to make any; and Elizabeth at that instant moving

towards them, he was struck with the action of doing a very

gallant thing, and called out to her:

'My dear Miss Eliza, why are not you dancing? -- Mr. Darcy,

you must allow me to present this young lady to you as a very

desirable partner. -- You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when

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