Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 54

As soon as they were gone, Elizabeth walked out to recover

her spirits; or in other words, to dwell without interruption

on those subjects that must deaden them more. Mr. Darcy's

behaviour astonished and vexed her.

"Why, if he came only to be silent, grave, and indifferent,"

said she, "did he come at all?"

She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure.

"He could be still amiable, still pleasing, to my uncle and

aunt, when he was in town; and why not to me? If he fears me,

why come hither? If he no longer cares for me, why silent?

Teasing, teasing, man! I will think no more about him."

Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by

the approach of her sister, who joined her with a cheerful

look, which showed her better satisfied with their visitors,

than Elizabeth.

"Now," said she, "that this first meeting is over, I feel

perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be

embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here on

Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides,

we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance."

"Yes, very indifferent indeed," said Elizabeth, laughingly.

"Oh, Jane, take care."

"My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me so weak, as to be in danger

now?"

"I think you are in very great danger of making him as much

in love with you as ever."

* * * * *

They did not see the gentlemen again till Tuesday; and

Mrs. Bennet, in the meanwhile, was giving way to all the

happy schemes, which the good humour and common politeness

of Bingley, in half an hour's visit, had revived.

On Tuesday there was a large party assembled at Longbourn;

and the two who were most anxiously expected, to the credit of

their punctuality as sportsmen, were in very good time. When

they repaired to the dining-room, Elizabeth eagerly watched to

see whether Bingley would take the place, which, in all their

former parties, had belonged to him, by her sister. Her

prudent mother, occupied by the same ideas, forbore to invite

him to sit by herself. On entering the room, he seemed to

hesitate; but Jane happened to look round, and happened to

smile: it was decided. He placed himself by her.

Elizabeth, with a triumphant sensation, looked towards his

friend. He bore it with noble indifference, and she would have