LYDIA.

I think we are being treated abominably ill, Lizzy! It seems that Mr.

Wickham has gone off on business somewhere, so he will not be here at all. [LYDIA _looks off toward the ball-room_.]

DENNY.

[_Aside to_ ELIZABETH _significantly_.] I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now if he had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman.

LYDIA.

[_Suddenly._] Why, Mr. Denny--I do believe the reel is half over--I dearly love a reel! We shall miss it, altogether. Come! [_She drags_ DENNY _off_.]

ELIZABETH.

[_Alone._] Well! Well! The world is surely upside down. Charlotte and--Collins! _What_ a match!

DARCY.

[_Approaching from the ball-room._] Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?

[ELIZABETH _makes no answer_.]

Do not you enjoy the reel, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH.

[_Looking up._] Oh, I heard you before, but I could not immediately determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know, to say--"Yes,"

that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste; but I always delight in overthrowing that kind of scheme. I have therefore made up my mind to tell you that I do not want to dance a reel at all; and now despise me, if you dare!

DARCY.

[_Smiling._] I do not dare.

[MISS BINGLEY _enters from the ball-room with an officer. They talk together._]

COLONEL FORSTER.

[_Entering from the ball-room, and looking about him, sees_ ELIZABETH _and comes to her_.] May I have the honour, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH.

I do not dance the reel, Colonel Forster.

COLONEL FORSTER.

Oh, the reel is over. This is our dance.

ELIZABETH.

Oh!

[_She goes off with_ COLONEL FORSTER. DARCY _remains where_ ELIZABETH _leaves him and watches her till she disappears into the ball-room. The officer bows and leaves_ MISS BINGLEY.]

MISS BINGLEY.

[_Approaching_ DARCY.] I can guess the subject of your reverie.

DARCY.

I should imagine not.

MISS BINGLEY.

You are considering how insufferable it would be to pa.s.s many evenings in such society. Indeed, I am quite of your opinion. I was never more annoyed. The insipidity and yet the noise;--the nothingness and yet the self-importance of all these people! What would I give to hear your strictures on them!

DARCY.

Your conjecture is totally wrong. I a.s.sure you, my mind was more agreeably engaged. I was meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.

MISS BINGLEY.

[_Looking at him very meaningly and sweetly, speaks with coquetry._]

Indeed! And will not you tell me what lady has the credit of inspiring such reflections?

DARCY.

[_With great intrepidity._] Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

MISS BINGLEY.

[_Taken aback._] Miss Elizabeth Bennet! I am all astonishment! How long has she been such a favourite? Pray when am I to wish you joy?