Pagina 406 de 817

After walking two or three times along that part of the lane, she

was tempted, by the pleasantness of the morning, to stop at the

gates and look into the park. The five weeks which she had now

passed in Kent had made a great difference in the country, and

every day was adding to the verdure of the early trees. She was

on the point of continuing her walk, when she caught a glimpse of

a gentleman within the sort of grove which edged the park: he was

moving that way; and fearful of its being Mr. Darcy, she was

directly retreating. But the person who advanced was now near

enough to see her, and stepping forward with eagerness,

pronounced her name. She had turned away; but on hearing herself

called, though in a voice which proved it to be Mr. Darcy, she

moved again towards the gate. He had by that time reached it

also; and, holding out a letter, which she instinctively took,

said, with a look of haughty composure, "I have been walking in

the grove some time, in the hope of meeting you.