{{prxprp220.jpg}} || 220 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

sake that his manners are thus softened. My reproofs at Hunsford

could not work such a change as this. It is impossible that he

should still love me.'

After walking some time in this way, the two ladies in front,

the two gentlemen behind, on resuming their places, after descend'

ing to the brink of the river for the better inspection of some curious

water-plant, there chanced to be a little alteration. It originated

in Mrs. Gardiner, who, fatigued by the exercise of the morning,

found Elizabeth's arm inadequate to her support, and consequently

preferred her husband's. Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece,

and they walked on together. After a short silence, the lady first

spoke. She wished him to know that she had been assured of

his absence before she came to the place, and accordingly began

by observing, that his arrival had been very unexpected -- Tor

your housekeeper,' she added, 'informed us that you would

certainly not be here till to-morrow; and indeed, before we left

Bakewell, we understood that you were not immediately expected

in the country.' He acknowledged the truth of it all; and said

that business with his steward had occasioned his coming forward

a few hours before the rest of the party with whom he had been

travelling. 'They will join me early to-morrow,' he continued,

'and among them are some who will claim an acquaintance with

you, -- Mr. Bingley and his sisters.'

Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts were

instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley's name

had been last mentioned between them; and if she might

judge from his complexion, his mind was not very differently

engaged.

'There is also one other person in the party,' he continued after

a pause, 'who more particularly wishes to be known to you.

Will you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister

to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?'

The surprize of such an application was great indeed: it was

too great for her to know in what manner she acceded to it. She

immediately felt that whatever desire Miss Darcy might have of

being acquainted with her, must be the work of her brother, and

without looking farther, it was satisfactory; it was gratifying to

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