Pagina 187 di 817

"I have been most highly gratified, indeed, my dear sir; such

very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you

belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your

fair partner does not disgrace you: and that I must hope to have

this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable

event, my dear Miss Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley),

shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I

appeal to Mr. Darcy;--but let me not interrupt you, sir. You will

not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of

that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me."

]

The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by Darcy; but

Sir William's allusion to his friend seemed to strike him

forcibly, and his eyes were directed, with a very serious

expression, towards Bingley and Jane, who were dancing together.

Recovering himself, however, shortly, he turned to his partner,

and said,--