Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 175 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 175

Pride and Prejudice

of sharing, was left to the comforts of cold ham and

chicken. Elizabeth now began to revive. But not long

was the interval of tranquillity; for, when supper was

over, singing was talked of, and she had the mortifica-

tion of seeing Mary, after very little entreaty, preparing

to oblige the company. By many significant looks and

silent entreaties, did she endeavour to prevent such a

proof of complaisance, but in vain; Mary would not

understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting

was delightful to her, and she began her song.

Elizabeth’s eyes were fixed on her with most painful

sensations, and she watched her progress through the

several stanzas with an impatience which was very

ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving,

amongst the thanks of the table, the hint of a hope

that she might be prevailed on to favour them again,

after the pause of half a minute began another. Mary’s

powers were by no means fitted for such a display; her

voice was weak, and her manner affected. Elizabeth was

in agonies. She looked at Jane, to see how she bore it;

but Jane was very composedly talking to Bingley. She

looked at his two sisters, and saw them making signs

of derision at each other, and at Darcy, who continued,

however, imperturbably grave. She looked at her father

to entreat his interference, lest Mary should be singing

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