{{prxprp292.jpg}} || 292 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

Chapter LIV

As soon as they were gone, Elizabeth walked out to recover her

spirits; or in other words, to dwell without interruption on

those subjects that must deaden them more. Mr. Darcy's

behaviour astonished and vexed her.

'Why, if he came only to be silent, grave, and indifferent,'

said she, 'did he come at all?'

She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure.

'He could be still amiable, still pleasing to my uncle and aunt,

when he was in town; and why not to me? If he fears me, why

come hither? If he no longer cares for me, why silent? -- Teazing,

teazing man! I will think no more about him.'

Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by the

approach of her sister, who joined her with a cheerful look which

shewed her better satisfied with their visitors, than Elizabeth.

'Now,' said she, 'that this first meeting is over, I feel perfectly

easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed

again by his coming. I am glad he dines here on Tuesday. It

will then be publicly seen, that on both sides, we met only as

common and indifferent acquaintance.'

'Yes, very indifferent indeed,' said Elizabeth, laughingly. 'Oh,

Jane! take care.'

'My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me so weak, as to be in

danger now.'

'I think you are in very great danger of making him as much

in love with you as ever.'

They did not sec the gentlemen again till Tuesday; and Mrs.

Bennet, in the mean while, was giving way to all the happy

schemes, which the good'humour and common politeness of

Bingley, in half an hour's visit, had revived.

On Tuesday there was a large party assembled at Longbourn;

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