Amongst the most violent against him was Mrs. Bennet, whose dislike of

his general behaviour was sharpened into particular resentment by his

having slighted one of her daughters.
Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity of gentlemen, to sit

down for two dances; and during part of that time, Mr. Darcy had been

standing near enough for her to overhear a conversation between him and

Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance for a few minutes to press his

friend to join it.
“Come, Darcy,” said he, “I must have you dance. I hate to see you

standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better

dance.”
“I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am

particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this, it

would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not

another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to

stand up with.”
“I would not be so fastidious as you are,” cried Bingley, “for a

kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my

life as I have this evening; and there are several of them, you see,

uncommonly pretty.”
“You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room,” said Mr.

Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet.
“Oh, she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld!{15} But there is one

of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I

dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.”

[Image unavailable.]


“She is tolerable”

[Copyright 1894 by George Allen.]

“Which do you mean?” and turning round, he looked for a moment at

Elizabeth, till, catching her eye, he withdrew his own, and coldly said,

“She is tolerable: but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no

humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted

by other men. You had better return to your{16} partner and enjoy her

smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”