{{prxprp166.jpg}} || 166 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

the strength of that attachment which, in spite of all his endeavours,

he had found impossible to conquer; and with expressing his

hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance of his

hand. As he said this, she could easily see that he had no doubt

of a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety,

but his countenance expressed real security. Such a circumstance

could only exasperate farther, and, when he ceased, the colour

rose into her cheeks, and she said,

'In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to

express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however

unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation

should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now thank

you. But I cannot -- I have never desired your good opinion, and

you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry

to have occasioned pain to any one. It has been most uncon^

sciously done, however, and I hope will be of short duration.

The feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the

acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in

overcoming it after this explanation.'

Mr. Darcy, who was leaning against the mantlcpiece with his

eyes fixed on her face, seemed to catch her words with no less

resentment than surprize. His complexion became pale with

anger, and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every

feature. He was struggling for the appearance of composure,

and would not open his lips, till he believed himself to have

attained it. The pause was to Elizabeth's feelings dreadful. At

length, in a voice of forced calmness, he said,

'And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of

expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with

so little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small

importance.'

T might as well inquire,' replied she, 'why with so evident a

design of offending and insulting me, you chose to tell me that

you liked me against your will, against your reason, and even

against your character; Was not this some excuse for incivility,

if I was uncivil? But I have other provocations. You know

I have. Had not my own feelings decided against you, had they

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