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"And that," said Mrs. Reynolds, pointing to another of the

miniatures, "is my master--and very like him. It was drawn at the

same time as the other--about eight years ago."

"I have heard much of your master's fine person," said Mrs.

Gardiner, 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.