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Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Elizabeth, this

was not the best method of recommending herself; but angry people

are not always wise; and in seeing him at last look somewhat

nettled, she had all the success she expected. He was resolutely

silent, however; and, from a determination of making him speak,

she continued,--

"I remember, when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how amazed

we all were to find that she was a reputed beauty; and I

particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been

dining at Netherfield, 'She a beauty! I should as soon call her

mother a wit.' But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I

believe you thought her rather pretty at one time."

"Yes," replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, "but

that was only when I first knew her; for it is many months since

I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my

acquaintance."