Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 413 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 413

Pride and Prejudice

avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks

of both were overspread with the deepest blush. He

absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immov-

able from surprise; but shortly recovering himself,

advanced towards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if

not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect

civility.

She had instinctively turned away; but stopping

on his approach, received his compliments with an

embarrassment impossible to be overcome. Had his first

appearance, or his resemblance to the picture they had

just been examining, been insufficient to assure the

other two that they now saw Mr. Darcy, the gardener’s

expression of surprise, on beholding his master, must

immediately have told it. They stood a little aloof

while he was talking to their niece, who, astonished

and confused, scarcely dared lift her eyes to his face,

and knew not what answer she returned to his civil

inquiries after her family. Amazed at the alteration

of his manner since they last parted, every sentence

that he uttered was increasing her embarrassment; and

every idea of the impropriety of her being found there

recurring to her mind, the few minutes in which they

continued were some of the most uncomfortable in her

life. Nor did he seem much more at ease; when he

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