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The invitation was accepted, of course, and at a proper hour they

joined the party in Lady Catherine's drawing-room. Her Ladyship

received them civilly, but it was plain that their company was by

no means so acceptable as when she could get nobody else; and she

was, in fact, almost engrossed by her nephews, speaking to them,

especially to Darcy, much more than to any other person in the

room.

Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed really glad to see them: anything was

a welcome relief to him at Rosings; and Mrs. Collins's pretty

friend had, moreover, caught his fancy very much. He now seated

himself by her, and talked so agreeably of Kent and

Hertfordshire, of travelling and staying at home, of new books

and music, that Elizabeth had never been half so well entertained

in that room before; and they conversed with so much spirit and

flow as to draw the attention of Lady Catherine herself, as well

as of Mr. Darcy. His eyes had been soon and repeatedly turned

towards them with a look of curiosity; and that her Ladyship,

after a while, shared the feeling, was more openly acknowledged,

for she did not scruple to call out,--