{{prxprp045.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 45 ||

at his gallantry; but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness

in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody;

and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he

was by her. He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority

of her connections, he should be in some danger.

Miss Bingley saw, or suspected enough to be jealous; and her

great anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend Jane received

some assistance from her desire of getting rid of Elizabeth.

She often tried to provoke Darcy into disliking her guest, by

talking of their supposed marriage, and planning his happiness

in such an alliance.

'I hope,' said she, as they were walking together in the shrubbery

the next day, 'you will give your mother-in-law a few hints,

when this desirable event takes place, as to the advantage of holding

her tongue; and if you can compass it, do cure the younger girls

of running after the officers. -- And, if I may mention so delicate

a subject, endeavour to check that little something, bordering on

conceit and impertinence, which your lady possesses.'

'Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity;'

'Oh! yes. -- Do let the portraits of your uncle and aunt Philips

be placed in the gallery at Pemberley. Put them next to your

greats-uncle the judge. They are in the same profession, you

know; only in different lines. As for your Elizabeth's picture,

you must not attempt to have it taken, for what painter could

do justice to those beautiful eyes;'

'It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression, but

their colour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably fine,

might be copied.'

At that moment they were met from another walk by Mrs. Hurst

and Elizabeth herself.

'I did not know that you intended to walk,' said Miss Bingley,

in some confusion, lest they had been overheard.

'You used us abominably ill,' answered Mrs. Hurst, 'running

away without telling us that you were coming out.'

Then taking the disengaged arm of Mr. Darcy, she left Elizabeth

to walk by herself. The path just admitted three. Mr. Darcy

felt their rudeness, and immediately said, --

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