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Pride & Prejudice – page 259

Pride and Prejudice

Her fellow-travellers the next day were not of a kind

to make her think him less agreeable. Sir William Lucas,

and his daughter Maria, a good-humoured girl, but as

empty-headed as himself, had nothing to say that could

be worth hearing, and were listened to with about as

much delight as the rattle of the chaise. Elizabeth loved

absurdities, but she had known Sir William’s too long.

He could tell her nothing new of the wonders of his

presentation and knighthood; and his civilities were

worn out, like his information.

It was a journey of only twenty-four miles, and they

began it so early as to be in Gracechurch Street by

noon. As they drove to Mr. Gardiner’s door, Jane was at

a drawing-room window watching their arrival; when

they entered the passage she was there to welcome

them, and Elizabeth, looking earnestly in her face, was

pleased to see it healthful and lovely as ever. On the

stairs were a troop of little boys and girls, whose eager-

ness for their cousin’s appearance would not allow

them to wait in the drawing-room, and whose shyness,

as they had not seen her for a twelvemonth, prevented

their coming lower. All was joy and kindness. The day

passed most pleasantly away; the morning in bustle and

shopping, and the evening at one of the theatres.

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