{{prxprp218.jpg}} || 218 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

where the opening of the trees gave the eye power to wander,

were many charming views of the valley, the opposite hills, with

the long range of woods overspreading many, and occasionally

part of the stream. Mr. Gardiner expressed a wish of going round

the whole park, but feared it might be beyond a walk. With a

triumphant smile, they were told, that it was ten miles round. It

settled the matter; and they pursued the accustomed circuit; which

brought them again, after some time, in a descent among hanging

woods, to the edge of the water, and one of its narrowest pans.

They crossed it by a simple bridge, in character with the general

air of the scene; it was a spot less adorned than any they had yet

visited; and the valley, here contracted into a glen, allowed room

only for the stream, and a narrow walk amidst the rough coppice

wood which bordered it. Elizabeth longed to explore its windings:

but when they had crossed the bridge, and perceived their distance

from the house, Mrs. Gardiner, who was not a great walker, could

go no farther, and thought only of returning to the carriage as

quickly as possible. Her niece was, therefore, obliged to submit,

and they took their way towards the house on the opposite side

of the river, in the nearest direction; but their progress was slow,

for Mr. Gardiner, though seldom able to indulge the taste, was

very fond of fishing, and was so much engaged in watching the

occasional appearance of some trout in the water, and talking to

the man about them, that he advanced but little. Whilst wander--

ing on in this slow manner, they were again surprized, and

Elizabeth's astonishment was quite equal to what it had been at

first, by the sight of Mr. Darcy approaching them, and at no

great distance. The walk being here less sheltered than on the

other side, allowed them to see him before they met. Elizabeth,

however astonished, was at least more prepared for an interview

than before, and resolved to appear and to speak with calmness,

if he really intended to meet them. For a few moments, indeed,

she felt that he would probably strike into some other path.

The idea lasted while a turning in the walk concealed him from

their view; the turning past, he was immediately before them.

With a glance she saw, that he had lost none of his recent civility;

and, to imitate his politeness, she began as they met to admire

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