been forming a new acquaintance.”
The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his

features, but he said not a word; and Elizabeth, though blaming herself

for her own weakness, could not go on. At length Darcy spoke, and in a

constrained manner said,—
“Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may insure his

making friends; whether he may be equally capable of retaining them,

is less certain.”
“He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship,” replied Elizabeth,

with emphasis, “and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all

his life.”
Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the subject. At

that moment Sir William Lucas appeared close to them, meaning to pass

through the set to the other side of the room; but, on perceiving Mr.

Darcy, he stopped, with a bow of superior courtesy, to compliment him on

his dancing and his partner.
“I have been most highly gratified, indeed, my dear sir; such very

superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the

first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not

disgrace you: and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated,

especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Eliza (glancing

at her sister and Bingley), shall take place. What congratulations will

then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy;—but let me not interrupt you, sir.

You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of

that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me.{118}”

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“Such very superior dancing is not

often seen.”

[Copyright 1894 by George Allen.]

The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by Darcy; but Sir

William’s allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly, and his

eyes were directed, with a very serious expression, towards Bingley and

Jane, who were dancing together. Recovering himself, however, shortly,

he turned to his partner, and said,—