was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation—a

readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the

whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably,

when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were

seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the ladies of the group

the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and began the usual

civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the

principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to Longbourn on

purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with a bow, and

was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they

were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger; and Elizabeth

happening to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other,

was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting. Both changed colour,

one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few moments,

touched his hat—a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return.

What could be the meaning of it?{93} It was impossible to imagine; it was

impossible not to long to know.
In another minute Mr. Bingley, but without seeming to have noticed what

passed, took leave and rode on with his friend.
Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham walked with the young ladies to the door of

Mr. Philips’s house, and then made their bows, in spite of Miss Lydia’s

pressing entreaties that they would come in, and even in spite of Mrs.

Philips’s throwing up the parlour window, and loudly seconding the

invitation.
Mrs. Philips was always glad to see her nieces; and the two eldest, from

their recent absence, were particularly welcome; and she was eagerly

expressing her surprise at their sudden return home, which, as their own

carriage had not fetched them, she should have known nothing about, if

she had not happened to see Mr. Jones’s shopboy in the street, who had