Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 430 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 430

JANE AUSTEN

that he talked less than on former occasions, and once

or twice pleased herself with the notion that, as he

looked at her, he was trying to trace a resemblance.

But, though this might be imaginary, she could not

be deceived as to his behaviour to Miss Darcy, who

had been set up as a rival to Jane. No look appeared

on either side that spoke particular regard. Nothing

occurred between them that could justify the hopes of

his sister. On this point she was soon satisfied; and

two or three little circumstances occurred ere they

parted, which, in her anxious interpretation, denoted

a recollection of Jane not untinctured by tenderness,

and a wish of saying more that might lead to the

mention of her, had he dared. He observed to her, at

a moment when the others were talking together, and

in a tone which had something of real regret, that it

“was a very long time since he had had the pleasure of

seeing her;” and, before she could reply, he added, “It

is above eight months. We have not met since the 26th

of November, when we were all dancing together at

Netherfield.” Elizabeth was pleased to find his memory

so exact; and he afterwards took occasion to ask her,

when unattended to by any of the rest, whether all her

sisters were at Longbourn. There was not much in the

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