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"It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. I talked about

the dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size

of the room, or the number of couples."

He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say

should be said.

"Very well; that reply will do for the present. Perhaps,

by-and-by, I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter

than public ones; but now we may be silent."

"Do you talk by rule, then, while you are dancing?"

"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd

to be entirely silent for half an hour together; and yet, for the

advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged as that

they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible."

"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do

you imagine that you are gratifying mine?"