Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 427 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 427

Pride and Prejudice

and many of the circumstances of the preceding day,

opened to them a new idea on the business. Nothing

had ever suggested it before, but they felt that there

was no other way of accounting for such attentions

from such a quarter than by supposing a partiality

for their niece. While these newly-born notions were

passing in their heads, the perturbation of Elizabeth’s

feelings was at every moment increasing. She was quite

amazed at her own discomposure; but amongst other

causes of disquiet, she dreaded lest the partiality of the

brother should have said too much in her favour; and,

more than commonly anxious to please, she naturally

suspected that every power of pleasing would fail her.

She retreated from the window, fearful of being

seen; and as she walked up and down the room,

endeavouring to compose herself, saw such looks of

inquiring surprise in her uncle and aunt as made

everything worse.

Miss Darcy and her brother appeared, and this

formidable introduction took place. With astonishment

did Elizabeth see that her new acquaintance was at

least as much embarrassed as herself. Since her being

at Lambton, she had heard that Miss Darcy was

exceedingly proud; but the observation of a very few

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