Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 82 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 82

JANE AUSTEN

the attention of the officers, to whom her uncle’s good

dinners, and her own easy manners recommended her,

had increased into assurance. She was very equal,

therefore, to address Mr. Bingley on the subject of the

ball, and abruptly reminded him of his promise; adding,

that it would be the most shameful thing in the world

if he did not keep it. His answer to this sudden attack

was delightful to their mother’s ear:

“I am perfectly ready, I assure you, to keep my

engagement; and when your sister is recovered, you

shall, if you please, name the very day of the ball. But

you would not wish to be dancing when she is ill.”

Lydia declared herself satisfied. “Oh! yesit would

be much better to wait till Jane was well, and by that

time most likely Captain Carter would be at Meryton

again. And when you have given your ball,” she added,

“I shall insist on their giving one also. I shall tell Colonel

Forster it will be quite a shame if he does not.”

Mrs. Bennet and her daughters then departed, and

Elizabeth returned instantly to Jane, leaving her own

and her relations’ behaviour to the remarks of the two

ladies and Mr. Darcy; the latter of whom, however,

could not be prevailed on to join in their censure of her,

in spite of all Miss Bingley’s witticisms on fine eyes.