Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 50 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 50

JANE AUSTEN

nothingness, and yet the self-importance of all those

people! What would I give to hear your strictures on

them!”

“Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you.

My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been

meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of

fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.”

Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face,

and desired he would tell her what lady had the credit of

inspiring such reflections. Mr. Darcy replied with great

intrepidity:

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet!” repeated Miss Bingley. “I

am all astonishment. How long has she been such a

favourite?and pray, when am I to wish you joy?”

“That is exactly the question which I expected you

to ask. A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps

from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a

moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy.”

“Nay, if you are serious about it, I shall consider

the matter is absolutely settled. You will be having a

charming mother-in-law, indeed; and, of course, she

will always be at Pemberley with you.”