{{prxprp022.jpg}} || 22 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

so much beauty is before you.' And taking her hand, he would

ha\c giscn it to Mr. Darcy, who, though cxticmcly surprised,

was net unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew back,

and said with some discomposure to Sir William,

'Indeed, Sir, I have not the least intention o{ dancing. -- I

entreat \ou tut to suppose that I mo\cd (his w.-y in order to

beg for a partner.'

Mr. Darcy, with grave propriety, requested to be allowed the

honour c( 1 cr hand; but in vain. Elizabeth was determined;

nor did Sir William at all shake her purpt *c by his attempt

at persuasion.

'You excel so much in the dance, Miss Eluu, that it is cruel

to deny me the happiness of seeing you; and though this gentleman

dislikes the amusement in general, he can have no objection,

I am sure, to oblige us for one half hour.'

'Mr. Darcy is all politeness,' said Elizabeth, smiling.

'1 Ic is indeed -- but considering the inducement, my dc..r Miss

I liza, we cannot wonder at his complaisance; for who would

object to such a partner?'

??bhzalcth looked archly, and turned away. Her rcsi tancc had

not injured her with the gentleman, and he was thinking of her

with some complacency, when thus accosted by Miss Binglcy.

'1 can guess the subject of your reverie.'

'J should imagine not.'

'You arc considering how insupportable it would be to pass

many evenings in this manner -- in such society; and indeed

I am quite of \our opinion. I was never more annoyed! The

insipidity, and yet the noise; the nothingness, and jet the self-

importance of all these people! -- What would 1 give to hear

your strictures on them!'

'Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind

was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the

very great pleasure which a pair of fine C)cs in the face of a pretty

woman can bestow.'

Miss Binglcy immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and

desired he would tell her what lady had the credit of inspiring

such reflections. Mr. Darcy replied with great intrepidity,

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