Pagina 183 di 817

When the dancing recommenced, however, and Darcy approached to

claim her hand, Charlotte could not help cautioning her, in a

whisper, not to be a simpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham

to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man often times

his consequence. Elizabeth made no answer, and took her place in

the set, amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being

allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and reading in her

neighbours' looks their equal amazement in beholding it. They

stood for some time without speaking a word; and she began to

imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances,

and, at first, was resolved not to break it; till suddenly

fancying that it would be the greater punishment to her partner

to oblige him to talk, she made some slight observation on the

dance. He replied, and was again silent. After a pause of some

minutes, she addressed him a second time, with--