[_Smiling._] What think you of books?

ELIZABETH.

Books? Oh no: I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings.

DARCY.

I am sorry you think so, but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions of them.

ELIZABETH.

No, I cannot talk of books at a ball--my head is always full of something else.

DARCY.

The present always occupies you in such scenes, does it?

ELIZABETH.

[_In an absent manner._] Yes, always. [_Suddenly._] I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave; that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created?

DARCY.

[_Firmly._] I am.

ELIZABETH.

And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?

DARCY.

I hope not.

ELIZABETH.

It is particularly inc.u.mbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.

DARCY.

May I ask to what these questions lead?

ELIZABETH.

Merely to the ill.u.s.tration of your character. I am trying to make it out.

DARCY.

And what is your success?

ELIZABETH.

[_Shaking her head._] I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.

DARCY.

[_Gravely._] I can readily believe that reports may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either.

ELIZABETH.

But if I do not take your likeness now I may never have another opportunity.

DARCY.

[_Very stiffly._] I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours.

[MISS BINGLEY _enters from the ball-room. She comes directly to_ DARCY _and_ ELIZABETH.]

MISS BINGLEY.

Oh, Mr. Darcy--would you be so good as to go to Charles? He wishes very much to consult with you about some of the table arrangements. You will find him in the dining-parlour. [_With exaggerated politeness to_ ELIZABETH.] That is, if Miss Bennet will permit you.

ELIZABETH.

[_Carelessly._] Oh, certainly.

[DARCY _bows and goes out_.]

MISS BINGLEY.

[_To_ ELIZABETH, _after a moment's silence_.] So, Miss Bennet, I hear that you are quite delighted with George Wickham. He must have told you all a pretty tale. As to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false. I do not know the particulars, but I do know that George Wickham has treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. His coming into the county at all is a most insolent thing. I feel very strongly on this point, Miss Bennet, as Mr. Darcy's interests are so intimately a.s.sociated with our own. [_She watches_ ELIZABETH.] We hope Miss Georgiana Darcy may some day be my sister. My brother admires her greatly.