{{prxprp046.jpg}} || 46 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

'This walk is not wide enough for our parry. We had better

go into the avenue.'

But Elizabeth, who had not the least inclination to remain

with them, laughingly answered:

'No, no; stay where you are. You are charmingly group'd,

and appear to uncommon advantage. The picturesque would

be spoilt by admitting a fourth. Good bye.'

She then ran gaily off, rejoicing, as she rambled about, in the

hope of being at home again in a day or two. Jane was already

so much recovered as to intend leaving her room for a couple

of hours that evening.

Chapter XI

When the ladies removed after dinner, Elizabeth ran up to her

sister, and seeing her well guarded from cold, attended her into

the drawing-room, where she was welcomed by her two friends

with many professions of pleasure; and Elizabeth had never seen

them so agreeable as they were during the hour which passed

before the gentlemen appeared. Their powers of conversation

were considerable. They could describe an entertainment with

accuracy, relate an anecdote with humour, and laugh at their

acquaintance with spirit.

But when the gentlemen entered, Jane was no longer the first

object; Miss Bingley's eyes were instantly turned towards Darcy,

and she had something to say to him before he had advanced

many steps. He addressed himself directly to Miss Bennet, with a

polite congratulation; Mr. Hurst also made her a slight bow, and

said he was Very glad'; bu* diffuseness and warmth remained for

Bingley's salutation. He was full of joy and attention. The

first half'hour was spent in piling up the fire, lest she should

suffer from the change of room; and she removed at his desire

to the other side of the fireplace, that she might be farther from

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