{{prxprp230.jpg}} || 230 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

curtsey; and on their being seated, a pause, awkward as such

pauses must always be, succeeded for a few moments. It was first

broken by Mrs. Annesley, a genteel, agreeablclooking woman,

whose [endeavour] to introduce some kind of discourse, proved

her to be more truly well-bred than either of the others; and

between her and Mrs. Gardiner, with occasional help from

Elizabeth, the conversation was carried on. Miss Darcy looked

as if she wished for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes

did venture a short sentence, when there was least danger of its

being heard.

Elizabeth soon saw that she was herself closely watched by Miss

Bingley, and that she could not speak a word, especially to Miss

Darcy, without calling her attention. This observation would

not have prevented her from trying to talk to the latter, had they

not been seated at an inconvenient distance; but she was not

sorry to be spared the necessity of saying much. Her own thoughts

were employing her. She expected every moment that some of

the gentlemen would enter the room. She wished, she feared

that the master of the house might be amongst them; and whether

she wished or feared it most, she could scarcely determine. After

sitting in this manner a quarter of an hour, without hearing Miss

Bingley 's voice, Elizabeth was roused by receiving from her a

cold inquiry after the health of her family. She answered with

equal indifference and brevity, and the other said no more.

The next variation which their visit afforded was produced by

the entrance of servants with cold meat, cake, and a variety of all

the finest fruits in season; but this did not take place till after

many a significant look and smile from Mrs. Annesley to Miss

Darcy had been given, to remind her of her post. There was now

employment for the whole party; for though they could not all

talk, they could all eat; and the beautiful pyramids of grapes,

nectarines, and peaches, soon collected them round the table.

While thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of

deciding whether she most feared or wished for the appearance

of Mr. Darcy, by the feelings which prevailed on his entering the

room; and then, though but a moment before she had believed

her wishes to predominate, she began to regret that he came.

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