{{prxprp088.jpg}} || 88 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

Lucas might soon be equally fortunate, though evidently and

triumphantly believing there was no chance of it.

In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity of her

mother's words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a less

audible whisper; for to her inexpressible vexation, she could

perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, who sat

opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being

nonsensical.

"What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of

him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to

be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear.'

'For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. -- What advantage

can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy? -- You will never recommend

yourself to his friend by so doing.'

Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her

mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone.

Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation.

She could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy,

though every glance convinced her of what she dreaded; for

though he was not always looking at her mother, she was con^

vinced that his attention was invariably fixed by her. The

expression of his face changed gradually from indignant contempt

to a composed and steady gravity.

At length, however, Mrs. Bennet had no more to say; and

Lady Lucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of

delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the

comforts of cold ham and chicken. Elizabeth now began to

revive. But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for when

supper was over, singing was talked of, and she had the mortifica^

tion of seeing Mary, after very little entreaty, preparing to oblige

the company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties,

did she endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance, -- but

in vain; Mary would not understand them; such an opportunity

of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she began her song.

Elizabeth's eyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations;

and she watched her progress through the several stanzas with

an impatience which was very ill rewarded at their close; for

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