Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 48 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 48

JANE AUSTEN

“I had once had some thought of fixing in town

myselffor I am fond of superior society; but I did not

feel quite certain that the air of London would agree

with Lady Lucas.”

He paused in hopes of an answer; but his companion

was not disposed to make any; and Elizabeth at that

instant moving towards them, he was struck with the

notion of doing a very gallant thing, and called out to

her:

“My dear Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing?

Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this young

lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot

refuse to dance, I am sure when so much beauty is

before you.” And, taking her hand, he would have given

it to Mr. Darcy who, though extremely surprised, was

not unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew

back, and said with some discomposure to Sir William:

“Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing.

I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in

order to beg for a partner.”

Mr. Darcy, with grave propriety, requested to be

allowed the honour of her hand, but in vain. Elizabeth

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