{{prxprp151.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 151 ||

Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed really glad to see them; any thing

was a welcome relief to him at Rosings; and Mrs. Collins's pretty

friend had moreover caught his fancy very much. He now

seated himself by her, and talked so agreeably of Kent and

Hertfordshire, of travelling and staying at home, of new books

and music, that Elizabeth had never been half so well entertained

in that room before; and they conversed with so much spirit and

flow, as to draw the attention of Lady Catherine herself, as well

as of Mr. Darcy. His eyes had been soon and repeatedly turned

towards them with a look of curiosity; and that her ladyship,

after a while, shared the feeling, was more openly acknowledged,

for she did not scruple to call out,

'What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam; What is it you are

talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet; Let me hear

what it is.'

'We are speaking of music, madam,' said he, when no longer

able to avoid a reply.

'Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects my

delight. I must have my share in the conversation, if you are

speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose,

who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better

natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great

proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her

to apply. I am confident that she would have performed

delightfully. How does Georgiana get on, Darcy?'

Mr. Darcy spoke with affectionate praise of his sister's proficiency.

'I am very glad to hear such a good account of her,' said Lady

Catherine; 'and pray tell her from me, that she cannot expect to

excel, if she does not practise a great deal.'

'I assure you, madam,' he replied, 'that she does not need such

advice. She practises very constantly.'

'So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and when

I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any

account. I often tell young ladies, that no excellence in music

is to be acquired, without constant practice. I have told Miss

Bennet several times, that she will never play really well, unless

she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument,

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