looking at the picture; “it is a handsome face. But, Lizzy, you can tell

us whether it is like or not.”
Mrs. Reynolds’ respect for Elizabeth seemed to increase on this

intimation of her knowing her master.
“Does that young lady know Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth coloured, and said, “A little.”
“And do not you think him a very handsome gentleman, ma’am?”
“Yes, very handsome.”
“I am sure I know none so handsome; but in the gallery upstairs you

will see a finer, larger picture of him than this. This room was my late

master’s favourite room, and these miniatures are just as they used to

be then. He was very fond of them.”
This accounted to Elizabeth for Mr. Wickham’s being among them.
Mrs. Reynolds then directed their attention to one of Miss Darcy, drawn

when she was only eight years old.
“And is Miss Darcy as handsome as her brother?” said Mr. Gardiner.
“Oh, yes—the handsomest young lady that ever was seen; and so

accomplished! She plays and sings all day long. In the next room is a

new instrument just come down for her—a present from my master: she

comes here to-morrow with him.”
Mr. Gardiner, whose manners were easy and pleasant,{305} encouraged her

communicativeness by his questions and remarks: Mrs. Reynolds, either

from pride or attachment, had evidently great pleasure in talking of her

master and his sister.
“Is your master much at Pemberley in the course of the year?”
“Not so much as I could wish, sir: but I dare say he may spend half his

time here; and Miss Darcy is always down for the summer months.”
“Except,” thought Elizabeth, “when she goes to Ramsgate.”
“If your master would marry, you might see more of him.”
“Yes, sir; but I do not know when that will be. I do not know who is

good enough for him.”
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled. Elizabeth could not help saying, “It is

very much to his credit, I am sure, that you should think so.”
“I say no more than the truth, and what everybody will say that knows