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 last mentioned

between them; and if she might judge from 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?{315}”
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, and silence was very awkward. She wanted to talk, but

there seemed an embargo on every subject. At last she recollected that

she had been travelling, and they talked of Matlock and Dovedale with

great perseverance. Yet time and her aunt moved slowly—and her patience

and her ideas were nearly worn out before the tête-à-tête was over.
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