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Elizabeth, gave her a look expressive of wonder. Elizabeth said nothing, but it gratified her exceedingly; the compliment must be all for herself. Her astonishment, however, was extreme, and
continually was she repeating,  Why is he so altered? From what can it proceed? It cannot be for me-it cannot be for my sake that his manners are thus softened. It is impossible that he should still
love me, unless, by kicking him into the mantelpiece during our battle at Hunsford, I affected some severe change in his countenance.
After walking some time in this way, the two ladies in front, the two gentlemen behind, on resuming their places, after descending to the brink of the river for the better inspection of some zombie
droppings, there chanced to be a little alteration. It originated in Mrs. Gardiner, who, fatigued by the exercise of the morning, found Elizabeth s arm inadequate to her support, and consequently
preferred her husband s. Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece, and they walked on together. After a short silence, the lady first spoke. She wished him to know that she had been assured of his
absence before she came to the place, and accordingly began by observing, that his arrival had been very unexpected- for your housekeeper, she added,  informed us that you would certainly not be
here till to-morrow; and indeed, before we left Bakewell, we understood that you were not immediately expected in the country. He acknowledged the truth of it all, and said that business with his
steward had occasioned his coming forward a few hours before the rest of the party with whom he had been travelling.  They will join me early to-morrow, he continued,  and among them are some
who will claim an acquaintance with you-Mr. Bingley and his sisters.
Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts were instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley s name had been the
last mentioned between them; and, if she might judge by his complexion, his mind was not very differently engaged.
 There is also one other person in the party, he continued after a pause,  who more particularly wishes to be known to you. Will you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister to your
acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?
The surprise of such an application was great indeed; it was too great for her to know in what manner she acceded to it. She immediately felt that whatever desire Miss Darcy might have of being
acquainted with her must be the work of her brother, and, without looking farther, it was satisfactory; it was gratifying to know that his resentment had not made him think really ill of her.
They now walked on in silence, each of them deep in thought. Elizabeth was not comfortable; that was impossible; but she was flattered and pleased. His wish of introducing his sister to her was
a compliment of the highest kind. They soon outstripped the others, and when they had reached the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were half a quarter of a mile behind.
He then asked her to walk into the house-but she declared herself not tired, and they stood together on the lawn. At such a time much might have been said, but nothing was. Elizabeth and Darcy
merely looked at one another in awkward silence, until the latter reached both arms around her. She was frozen- What does he mean to do? she thought. But his intentions were respectable, for
Darcy merely meant to retrieve his Brown Bess, which Elizabeth had affixed to her back during her walk. She remembered the lead ammunition in her pocket and offered it to him.  Your balls, Mr.
Darcy? He reached out and closed her hand around them, and offered,  They belong to you, Miss Bennet. Upon this, their colour changed, and they were forced to look away from one another, lest
they laugh. On Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner s coming up they were all pressed to go into the house and take some refreshment; but this was declined, and they parted on each side with utmost
politeness. Mr. Darcy handed the ladies into the carriage; and when it drove off, Elizabeth saw him walking slowly towards the house.
The observations of her uncle and aunt now began; and each of them pronounced him to be infinitely superior to anything they had expected.  He is perfectly well behaved, polite, and
unassuming, said her uncle.
 There is something a little stately in him, to be sure, replied her aunt,  but it is confined to his air, and is not unbecoming. I can now say with the housekeeper, that though some people may call
him proud, I have seen nothing of it. Such horsemanship! Such musketry!
 I was never more surprised than by his behaviour to us. It was more than civil; it was really attentive; and there was no necessity for such attention. His acquaintance with Elizabeth was very
trifling. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]