Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 23 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 23

Pride and Prejudice

part of that time, Mr. Darcy had been standing near

enough for her to hear a conversation between him

and Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance for a few

minutes, to press his friend to join it.

“Come, Darcy,” said he, “I must have you dance. I

hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid

manner. You had much better dance.”

“I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it,

unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner.

At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable.

Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another

woman in the room whom it would not be a punish-

ment to me to stand up with.”

“I would not be so fastidious as you are,” cried

Mr. Bingley, “for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never

met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have

this evening; and there are several of them you see

uncommonly pretty.”

“You are dancing with the only handsome girl in

the room,” said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss

Bennet.

“Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld!

But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind

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