MRS. BENNET.

Certainly, my dear, n.o.body said there was--but as to not meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I believe there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with four-and-twenty families.

[_As all become embarra.s.sed at this speech_, BINGLEY _comes to the rescue_.]

BINGLEY.

Yes, there are many fine estates hereabout. Can you see Sir William Lucas' place from the garden? I am not quite sure I have placed it.

MRS. BENNET.

Oh, yes, there is a fine view of the chimneys from the terrace. Sir William is our nearest neighbour. Such an agreeable man--so genteel, and so easy---- [_Rising, she goes toward the gla.s.s doors._] Come, Jane, we must show Mr. Bingley Sir William's chimneys.

[MRS. BENNET, BINGLEY, _and_ JANE _go out upon the terrace_.]

ELIZABETH.

[_Smiling mischievously._] Would not you also like to see the chimneys, Mr. Darcy?

DARCY.

Thank you. Like yourself, I prefer people to places.

ELIZABETH.

Did I say that?

DARCY.

Not precisely. But I have drawn that conclusion.

ELIZABETH.

[_Gathering her sewing materials, begins to embroider._] Well, I can laugh at people better than places, and I dearly love a laugh.

DARCY.

Isn't that rather a dangerous trait, Miss Bennet? The wisest and the best of men may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke.

ELIZABETH.

Certainly. But I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good. Whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.

[_Mischievously._] But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without.

DARCY.

Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to ridicule.

ELIZABETH.

And in your list of weaknesses do you include such faults as vanity and pride, for instance?

DARCY.

Yes, vanity is a weakness, indeed, but _pride_, where there is a real superiority of mind--pride will be always under good regulation.

ELIZABETH.

I am perfectly convinced, Mr. Darcy, that you have no defect.

DARCY.

I have made no such pretension, Miss Bennet. I have faults enough. My temper I dare not vouch for. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others against myself. My good opinion once lost is lost forever.

ELIZABETH.

That is a failing, indeed. Implacable resentment _is_ a shade in a character. But you have chosen your fault well. I really cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me.

DARCY.

There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil--a natural defect which not even the best education can overcome.

ELIZABETH.

And your defect is a propensity to hate everybody.

DARCY.

[_Smiling._] And yours to wilfully misunderstand them.

[_Voices are heard outside._ ELIZABETH _applies herself to her embroidery_. BINGLEY, JANE, _and_ MRS. BENNET _return from the terrace_.]

BINGLEY.