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"Pray let me hear what you have to accuse him of," cried Colonel

Fitzwilliam. "I should like to know how he behaves among

strangers."

"You shall hear, then--but prepare for something very dreadful.

The first time of my ever seeing him in Hertfordshire, you must

know, was at a ball--and at this ball, what do you think he did?

He danced only four dances! I am sorry to pain you, but so it

was. He danced only four dances, though gentlemen were scarce;

and, to my certain knowledge, more than one young lady was

sitting down in want of a partner. Mr. Darcy, you cannot deny the

fact."

"I had not at that time the honour of knowing any lady in the

assembly beyond my own party."

"True; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room. Well,

Colonel Fitzwilliam, what do I play next? My fingers wait your

orders."

"Perhaps," said Darcy, "I should have judged better had I sought

an introduction, but I am ill-qualified to recommend myself to

strangers."