Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 32 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 32

JANE AUSTEN

could offer a greater contrast to his own, and though

with his own he never appeared dissatisfied. On the

strength of Darcy’s regard, Bingley had the firmest

reliance, and of his judgement the highest opinion. In

understanding, Darcy was the superior. Bingley was by

no means deficient, but Darcy was clever. He was at

the same time haughty, reserved, and fastidious, and his

manners, though well-bred, were not inviting. In that

respect his friend had greatly the advantage. Bingley

was sure of being liked wherever he appeared, Darcy

was continually giving offense.

The manner in which they spoke of the Meryton

assembly was sufficiently characteristic. Bingley had

never met with more pleasant people or prettier girls in

his life; everybody had been most kind and attentive to

him; there had been no formality, no stiffness; he had

soon felt acquainted with all the room; and, as to Miss

Bennet, he could not conceive an angel more beautiful.

Darcy, on the contrary, had seen a collection of people

in whom there was little beauty and no fashion, for

none of whom he had felt the smallest interest, and

from none received either attention or pleasure. Miss

Bennet he acknowledged to be pretty, but she smiled

too much.

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