{{prxprp082.jpg}} || 82 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also up'

braiding me.'

The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by Darcy; but

Sir William's allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly,

and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards

Bingley and Jane, who were dancing together. Recovering himself,

however, shortly, he turned to his partner, and said, 'Sir William's

interruption has made me forget what we were talking of.'

'I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could

not have interrupted any two people in the room who had less

to say for themselves. We have tried two or three subjects

already without success, and what we are to talk of next I

cannot imagine.'

'What think you of books?' said he, smiling.

'Books -- Oh! no. -- I am sure we never read the same, or not

with the same feelings.'

'I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at

least be no want of subject. -- We may compare our different

opinions.'

'No -- I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is always

full of something else.'

'The present always occupies you in such scenes -- does it;' said

he, with a look of doubt.

'Yes, always,' she replied, without knowing what she said, for

her thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon afterwards

appeared by her suddenly exclaiming, 'I remember hearing you

once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your

resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very

cautious, I suppose, as to its being created*'

'I am,' said he, with a firm voice.

'And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice;'

'I hope not.'

'It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their

opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.'

'May I ask to what these questions tend;'

'Merely to the illustration of your character,' said she, endear

vouring to shake off her gravity. 'I am trying to make it out.'

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