{{prxprp154.jpg}} || 154 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

privilege of hearing you can think anything wanting. We

neither of us perform to strangers.'

Here they were interrupted by Lady Catherine, who called

out to know what they were talking of. Elizabeth immediately

began playing again. Lady Catherine approached, and, after

listening for a few minutes, said to Darcy,

'Miss Bennet would not play at all amiss, if she practised more,

and could have the advantage of a London Master. She has a

very good notion of fingering, though her taste is not equal to

Anne's. Anne would have been a delightful performer, had

her health allowed her to learn.'

Elizabeth looked at Darcy to see how cordially he assented to

his cousin's praise; but neither at that moment nor at any other

could she discern any symptom of love; and from the whole of

his behaviour to Miss de Bourgh she derived this comfort for

Miss Bingley, that he might have been just as likely to marry her,

had she been his relation.

Lady Catherine continued her remarks on Elizabeth's per'

formance, mixing with them many instructions on execution

and taste. Elizabeth received them with all the forbearance of

civility; and, at the request of the gentlemen, remained at the

instrument till her ladyship's carriage was ready to take them

all home.

 [[154]]