{{prxprp155.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 155 ||

Chapter XXXII

Elizabeth was sitting by herself the next morning, and writing

to Jane, while Mrs. Collins and Maria were gone on business

into the village, when she was startled by a ring at the door, the

certain signal of a visitor. As she had heard no carriage, she

thought it not unlikely to be Lady Catherine, and under that

apprehension was putting away her half-finished letter that she

might escape all impertinent questions, when the door opened,

and, to her very great surprize, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only,

entered the room.

He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologised

for his intrusion, by letting her know that he had understood all

the ladies to be within.

They then sat down, and when her inquiries after Rosings

were made, seemed in danger of sinking into total silence. It

was absolutely necessary, therefore, to think of something, and in

this emergence recollecting when she had seen him last in Hert'

fordshire, and feeling curious to know what he would say on

the subject of their hasty departure, she observed,

'How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November,

Mr. Darcy! It must have been a most agreeable surprize to

Mr. Bingley to see you all after him so soon; for, if I recollect

right, he went but the day before. He and his sisters were well,

I hope, when you left London?'

'Perfectly so -- I thank you.'

She found that she was to receive no other answer -- and, after

a short pause, added,

'I think I have understood that Mr. Bingley has not much idea

of ever returning to Netherfield again?'

'I have never heard him say so; but it is probable that he may

spend very little of his time there in future. He has many friends,

and he is at a time of life when friends and engagements are

continually increasing.'

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