Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 162 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 162

JANE AUSTEN

“I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear

sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is

evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to

say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace

you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often

repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my

dear Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley) shall take

place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal

to Mr. Darcy:but let me not interrupt you, sir. You will

not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching

converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also

upbraiding me.”

The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by

Darcy; but Sir William’s allusion to his friend seemed

to strike him forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a

very serious expression towards Bingley and Jane, who

were dancing together. Recovering himself, however,

shortly, he turned to his partner, and said, “Sir William’s

interruption has made me forget what we were talking

of.”

“I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William

could not have interrupted any two people in the room

who had less to say for themselves. We have tried two

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