{{prxprp294.jpg}} || 294 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

passed in the drawing-room, before the gentlemen came, was

wearisome and dull to a degree, that almost made her uncivil.

She looked forward to their entrance, as the point on which all

her chance of pleasure for the evening must depend.

'If he does not come to me then,' said she, 'I shall give him up

for ever.'

The gentlemen came; and she thought he looked as if he would

have answered her hopes; but, alas! the ladies had crowded round

the table, where Miss Bennet was making tea, and Elizabeth pour'

ing out the coffee, in so close a confederacy, that there was not a

single vacancy near her, which would admit of a chair. And

on the gentlemen's approaching, one of the girls moved closer to

her than ever, and said, in a whisper:

'The men shan't come and part us, I am determined. We

want none of them; do we?'

Darcy had walked away to another part of the room. She

followed him with her eyes, envied every one to whom he spoke,

had scarcely patience enough to help any body to coffee; and then

was enraged against herself for being so silly!

'A man who has once been refused! How could I ever be

foolish enough to expect a renewal of his love; Is there one

among the sex, who would not protest against such a weakness as

a second proposal to the same woman I There is no indignity so

abhorrent to their feelings!'

She was a little revived, however, by his bringing back his

coffee cup himself; and she seized the opportunity of saying: 'Is

your sister at Pemberley still I '

'Yes, she will remain there till Christmas.'

'And quite alone J Have all her friends left her J*

'Mrs. Annesley is with her. The others have been gone on

to Scarborough these three weeks.'

She could think of nothing more to say; but if he wished to

converse witii her, he might have better success. He stood by

her, however, for some minutes, in silence; and, at last, on the

young ladies whispering to Elizabeth again, he walked away.

When the tea tilings were removed, and the card^-tables placed,

the ladies all rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon

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