Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 166 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 166

JANE AUSTEN

had taken himself out of the way. His coming into the

country at all is a most insolent thing, indeed, and I

wonder how he could presume to do it. I pity you, Miss

Eliza, for this discovery of your favourite’s guilt; but

really, considering his descent, one could not expect

much better.”

“His guilt and his descent appear by your account to

be the same,” said Elizabeth angrily; “for I have heard

you accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son

of Mr. Darcy’s steward, and of that, I can assure you, he

informed me himself.”

“I beg your pardon,” replied Miss Bingley, turning

away with a sneer. “Excuse my interferenceit was

kindly meant.”

“Insolent girl!” said Elizabeth to herself. “You are

much mistaken if you expect to influence me by such

a paltry attack as this. I see nothing in it but your

own wilful ignorance and the malice of Mr. Darcy.” She

then sought her eldest sister, who had undertaken to

make inquiries on the same subject of Bingley. Jane

met her with a smile of such sweet complacency, a

glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked

how well she was satisfied with the occurrences of

the evening. Elizabeth instantly read her feelings, and

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