Perhaps. To deserve the word, a woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages. She must also possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking--the tone of her voice--her address and expression, and to all this she must yet add something more substantial--[_With a little bow to_ ELIZABETH.]

in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.

ELIZABETH.

[_Laughing._] I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women! I rather wonder at your knowing any.

HARRIS.

[_Enters and announces._] Colonel Forster and Mr. Wickham.

[_The gentlemen enter, smiling._]

WICKHAM.

Here I am again, Mrs. Bennet. I found that Colonel Forster had a message for the young ladies.

MRS. BENNET.

I am delighted to see you. You are just in time to meet our new neighbours. [_Introducing the gentlemen._] Colonel Forster, Mr.

Wickham--Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy.

[_As the gentlemen enter_, MR. DARCY _has his back turned to them in conversation with_ ELIZABETH. _At the sound of_ WICKHAM'S _voice he starts and turns so that he faces the latter just in time for the introduction. At sight of_ DARCY, WICKHAM _starts and is greatly confused_. DARCY _stiffens and scarcely nods when_ WICKHAM _is introduced. The whole situation is so marked that everyone looks on with an astonishment to which_ MRS. BENNET _gives audible expression_.]

MRS. BENNET.

Well, well! If ever there was a proud, stiff man----

JANE.

[_In a dismayed whisper._] Mamma!

BINGLEY.

[_Looking distressed, speaks hurriedly._] Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I'm sorry that we cannot wait for Mr. Bennet. We--we--were on the way to meet my steward--and we are already late for the appointment.

MRS. BENNET.

[_Effusively._] I am very sorry you must go, Mr. Bingley. But I hope you will come again. We must engage you soon for dinner.

BINGLEY.

[_In an absent and worried way._] It will be a pleasure.

[_Then with bows, the party moves toward the door._]

MRS. BENNET.

[_Bustling._] Your best way to the paddock is by the terrace.

[_The gentlemen have almost reached the gla.s.s doors when_ MR.

COLLINS _comes in excitedly, putting himself directly in the way of_ BINGLEY _and_ DARCY.]

MR. COLLINS.

My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have this moment found out by a singular accident that there is now in this room a near relation of my patroness Lady Catherine de Bourg. Will you present me?

[_He looks enquiringly from one to the other of the young men._]

ELIZABETH.

Mr. Bingley, allow me to present my cousin, Mr. Collins--Mr. Darcy--Mr.

Collins.

MR. COLLINS.

[_Taking almost no notice of_ MR. BINGLEY, _he greets_ MR. DARCY _with servile effusion_.] My dear sir--I trust you will pardon me for not having paid my respects before. My total ignorance of your presence here must plead my apology. [_Looking severely about him at the ladies._] I was not informed of it. Is there any message, sir, which I could take from you to my honoured patroness--your aunt, or to your fair cousin--Miss de Bourg?

DARCY.

[_Stiffly._] Thank you, I will not trouble you so far.

MR. COLLINS.

It would be no trouble--but an honour and a privilege.

DARCY.

[_Disgusted, turns from him to_ BINGLEY.] We are already very late, Bingley.

BINGLEY.

Yes,--we have no time to lose.

[DARCY _and_ BINGLEY _give pa.s.sing bows and go out by the gla.s.s doors_. MR. COLLINS _keeps by_ DARCY'S _side and, as they pa.s.s out of sight, is seen still talking to him, to his evident annoyance.

All the time that the party is bidding good-bye to_ BINGLEY _and_ DARCY, WICKHAM _has been moodily standing by the fireplace_.

ELIZABETH _has evidently been concerned about him, for throughout the foregoing interview with_ MR. COLLINS, _she has looked at_ WICKHAM _from time to time_.]