Till Elizabeth entered the drawing-room at Netherfield and looked in vain for Mr. Wickham among the cluster of red coats there assembled, a doubt of his being present had never occurred to her. The certainty of meeting him had not been checked by any of those recollections that might not unreasonably have alarmed her. She had dressed with more than usual care, and prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained unsubdued of his heart, trusting that it was not more than might be won in the course of the evening. But in an instant arose the dreadful suspicion of his being purposely omitted for Mr. Darcy's pleasure in the Bingleys' invitation to the officers; and though this was not exactly the case, the absolute fact of his absence was pronounced by his friend Mr. Denny, to whom Lydia eagerly applied, and who told them that Wickham had been obliged to go to town on business the day before, and was not yet returned; adding, with a significant smile, 

"I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now, if he had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman here."

This part of his intelligence, though unheard by Lydia, was caught by Elizabeth, and as it assured her that Darcy was not less answerable for Wickham's absence than if her first surmise had been just, every feeling of displeasure against the former was so sharpened by immediate disappointment, that she could hardly reply with tolerable civility to the polite inquiries which he directly afterwards approached to make. -- Attention, forbearance, patience with Darcy, was injury to Wickham. She was resolved against any sort of conversation with him, and turned away with a degree of ill humour, which she could not wholly surmount even in speaking to Mr. Bingley, whose blind partiality provoked her.

But Elizabeth was not formed for ill-humour; and though every prospect of her own was destroyed for the evening, it could not dwell long on her spirits; and having told all her griefs to Charlotte Lucas, whom she had not seen for a week, she was soon able to make a voluntary transition to the oddities of her cousin, and to point him out to her particular notice. The two first dances, however, brought a return of distress; they were dances of mortification. Mr. Collins, awkward and solemn, apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. The moment of her release from him was exstacy.

She danced next with an officer, and had the refreshment of talking of Wickham, and of hearing that he was universally liked. When those dances were over she returned to Charlotte Lucas, and was in conversation with her, when she found herself suddenly addressed by Mr. Darcy, who took her so much by surprise in his application for her hand, that, without knowing what she did, she accepted him. He walked away again immediately, and she was left to fret over her own want of presence of mind; Charlotte tried to console her.

"I dare say you will find him very agreeable."

"Heaven forbid! -- That would be the greatest misfortune of all! -- To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! -- Do not wish me such an evil."

When the dancing recommenced, however, and Darcy approached to claim her hand, Charlotte could not help cautioning her, in a whisper, not to be a simpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten times his consequence. Elizabeth made no answer, and took her place in the set, amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and reading in her neighbours' looks their equal amazement in beholding it. They stood for some time without speaking a word; and she began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater punishment to her partner to oblige him to talk, she made some slight observation on the dance. He replied, and was again silent. After a pause of some minutes, she addressed him a second time with:

"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 as possible."

"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?"

"Both," replied Elizabeth archly; "for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. -- We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb."

"This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure," said he. "How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. -- You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly."

"I must not decide on my own performance."

He made no answer, and they were again silent till they had gone down the dance, when he asked her if she and her sisters did not very often walk to Meryton. She answered in the affirmative, and, unable to resist the temptation, added, "When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance."

The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features, but he said not a word, and Elizabeth, though blaming herself for her own weakness, could not go on. At length Darcy spoke, and in a constrained manner said,

"Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends -- whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain."

"He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship," replied Elizabeth with emphasis, "and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life."

Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the subject. At that moment Sir William Lucas appeared close to them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on perceiving Mr. Darcy he stopt with a bow of superior courtesy, to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.

"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear Sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley), shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy: -- but let me not interrupt you, Sir. -- You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me."

The latter part of this address was scarcely, heard by Darcy; but Sir William's allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Bingley and Jane, who were dancing together. Recovering himself, however, shortly, he turned to his partner, and said,

"Sir William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of."

"I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have interrupted any two people in the room who had less to say for themselves. -- We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next I cannot imagine."

"What think you of books?" said he, smiling.

"Books -- Oh! no. -- I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings."

"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. -- We may compare our different opinions."

"No -- I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is always full of something else."

"The present always occupies you in such scenes -- does it?" said he, with a look of doubt.

"Yes, always," she replied, without knowing what she said, for her thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon afterwards appeared by her suddenly exclaiming,

"I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created."

"I am," said he, with a firm voice.

"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?"

"I hope not."

"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first."

"May I ask to what these questions tend?"

"Merely to the illustration of your character," said she, endeavouring to shake off her gravity. "I am trying to make it out."

"And what is your success?"

She shook her head. "I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly."

"I can readily believe," answered he gravely, "that report may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either."

"But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity."

"I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours," he coldly replied. She said no more, and they went down the other dance and parted in silence; on each side dissatisfied, though not to an equal degree, for in Darcy's breast there was a tolerable powerful feeling towards her, which soon procured her pardon, and directed all his anger against another.

They had not long separated when Miss Bingley came towards her, and with an expression of civil disdain thus accosted her,

"So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite delighted with George Wickham! -- Your sister has been talking to me about him, and asking me a thousand questions; and I find that the young man forgot to tell you, among his other communications, that he was the son of old Wickham, the late Mr. Darcy's steward. Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit confidence to all his assertions; for as to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has been always remarkably kind to him, though George Wickham has treated Mr. Darcy, in a most infamous manner. I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Mr. Darcy is not in the least to blame, that he cannot bear to hear George Wickham mentioned, and that though my brother thought he could not well avoid including him in his invitation to the officers, he was excessively glad to find that he had taken himself out of the way. His coming into the country at all, is a most insolent thing indeed, and I wonder how he could presume to do it. I pity you, Miss Eliza, for this discovery of your favorite's guilt; but really, considering his descent one could not expect much better."

"His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same," said Elizabeth angrily; "for I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Darcy's steward, and of that, I can assure you, he informed me himself."

"I beg your pardon," replied Miss Bingley, turning away with a sneer. "Excuse my interference. -- It was kindly meant."

"Insolent girl!" said Elizabeth to herself. -- "You are much mistaken if you expect to influence me by such a paltry attack as this. I see nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and the malice of Mr. Darcy." She then sought her eldest sister, who had undertaken to make inquiries on the same subject of Bingley. Jane met her with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well she was satisfied with the occurrences of the evening. -- Elizabeth instantly read her feelings, and at that moment solicitude for Wickham, resentment against his enemies and every thing else gave way before the hope of Jane's being in the fairest way for happiness.

"I want to know," said she, with a countenance no less smiling than her sister's, "what you have learnt about Mr. Wickham. But perhaps you have been too pleasantly engaged to think of any third person, in which case you may be sure of my pardon."

"No," replied Jane, "I have not forgotten him; but I have nothing satisfactory to tell you. Mr. Bingley does not know the whole of his history, and is quite ignorant of the circumstances which have principally offended Mr. Darcy; but he will vouch for the good conduct, the probity and honour of his friend, and is perfectly convinced that Mr. Wickham has deserved much less attention from Mr. Darcy than he has received; and I am sorry to say that by his account as well as his sister's, Mr. Wickham is by no means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr. Darcy's regard."

"Mr. Bingley does not know Mr. Wickham himself?"

"No; he never saw him till the other morning at Meryton."

"This account then is what he has received from Mr. Darcy. I am perfectly satisfied. But what does he say of the living?"

"He does not exactly recollect the circumstances, though he has heard them from Mr. Darcy more than once, but he believes that it was left to him conditionally only."

"I have not a doubt of Mr. Bingley's sincerity," said Elizabeth warmly; "but you must excuse my not being convinced by assurances only. Mr. Bingley's defence of his friend was a very able one I dare say, but since he is unacquainted with several parts of the story, and has learnt the rest from that friend himself, I shall venture still to think of both gentlemen as I did before."

She then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each, and on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Elizabeth listened with delight to the happy, though modest hopes which Jane entertained of Bingley's regard, and said all in her power to heighten her confidence in it. On their being joined by Mr. Bingley himself, Elizabeth withdrew to Miss Lucas; to whose inquiry after the pleasantness of her last partner she had scarcely replied, before Mr. Collins came up to them and told her with great exultation that he had just been so fortunate as to make a most important discovery.

"I have found out," said he, "by a singular accident, that there is now in the room a near relation of my patroness. I happened to overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young lady who does the honours of this house the names of his cousin Miss de Bourgh, and of her mother Lady Catherine. How wonderfully these sort of things occur! Who would have thought of my meeting with -- perhaps -- a nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in this assembly! -- I am most thankful that the discovery is made in time for me to pay my respects to him, which I am now going to do, and trust he will excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology."

"You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Darcy?"

"Indeed I am. I shall intreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Lady Catherine's nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se'nnight."

Elizabeth tried hard to dissuade him from such a scheme; assuring him that Mr. Darcy would consider his addressing him without introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment to his aunt; that it was not in the least necessary there should be any notice on either side, and that if it were, it must belong to Mr. Darcy, the superior in consequence, to begin the acquaintance. -- Mr. Collins listened to her with the determined air of following his own inclination and when she ceased speaking, replied thus,

"My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world of your excellent judgment in all matters within the scope of your understanding, but permit me to say that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom -- provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which leads me to perform what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon me for neglecting to profit by your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant guide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to decide on what is right than a young lady like yourself." And with a low bow he left her to attack Mr. Darcy, whose reception of his advances she eagerly watched, and whose astonishment at being so addressed was very evident. Her cousin prefaced his speech with a solemn bow, and though she could not hear a word of it, she felt as if hearing it all, and saw in the motion of his lips the words "apology," "Hunsford," and "Lady Catherine de Bourgh." -- It vexed her to see him expose himself to such a man. Mr. Darcy was eyeing him with unrestrained wonder, and when at last Mr. Collins allowed him time to speak, replied with an air of distant civility. Mr. Collins, however, was not discouraged from speaking again, and Mr. Darcy's contempt seemed abundantly increasing with the length of his second speech, and at the end of it he only made him a slight bow, and moved another way. Mr. Collins then returned to Elizabeth.

"I have no reason, I assure you," said he, "to be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr. Darcy seemed much pleased with the attention. He answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid me the compliment of saying that he was so well convinced of Lady Catherine's discernment as to be certain she could never bestow a favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon the whole, I am much pleased with him."

As Elizabeth had no longer any interest of her own to pursue, she turned her attention almost entirely on her sister and Mr. Bingley, and the train of agreeable reflections which her observations gave birth to, made her perhaps almost as happy as Jane. She saw her, in idea, settled in that very house, in all the felicity which a marriage of true affection could bestow; and she felt capable, under such circumstances, of endeavouring even to like Bingley's two sisters. Her mother's thoughts she plainly saw were bent the same way, and she determined not to venture near her, lest she might hear too much. When they sat down to supper, therefore, she considered it a most unlucky perverseness which placed them within one of each other; and deeply was she vexed to find that her mother was talking to that one person (Lady Lucas) freely, openly, and of nothing else but of her expectation that Jane would be soon married to Mr. Bingley. -- It was an animating subject, and Mrs. Bennet seemed incapable of fatigue while enumerating the advantages of the match. His being such a charming young man, and so rich, and living but three miles from them, were the first points of self-gratulation; and then it was such a comfort to think how fond the two sisters were of Jane, and to be certain that they must desire the connection as much as she could do. It was, moreover, such a promising thing for her younger daughters, as Jane's marrying so greatly must throw them in the way of other rich men; and lastly, it was so pleasant at her time of life to be able to consign her single daughters to the care of their sister, that she might not be obliged to go into company more than she liked. It was necessary to make this circumstance a matter of pleasure, because on such occasions it is the etiquette, but no one was less likely than Mrs. Bennet to find comfort in staying at home at any period of her life. She concluded with many good wishes that Lady Lucas might soon be equally fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing there was no chance of it.

In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity of her mother's words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a less audible whisper; for to her inexpressible vexation, she could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being nonsensical.

"What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear."

"For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. -- What advantage can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy? -- You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so doing."

Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation. She could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy, though every glance convinced her of what she dreaded; for though he was not always looking at her mother, she was convinced that his attention was invariably fixed by her. The expression of his face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.

At length however Mrs. Bennet had no more to say; and Lady Lucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts of cold ham and chicken. Elizabeth now began to revive. But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for when supper was over, singing was talked of, and she had the mortification of seeing Mary, after very little entreaty, preparing to oblige the company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties, did she endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance, -- but in vain; Mary would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she began her song. Elizabeth's eyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations; and she watched her progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was very ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving amongst the thanks of the table, the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of half a minute began another. Mary's powers were by no means fitted for such a display; her voice was weak, and her manner affected. -- Elizabeth was in agonies. She looked at Jane, to see how she bore it; but Jane was very composedly talking to Bingley. She looked at his two sisters, and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at Darcy, who continued however impenetrably grave. She looked at her father to entreat his interference, lest Mary should be singing all night. He took the hint, and when Mary had finished her second song, said aloud,

"That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit."

Mary, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat disconcerted; and Elizabeth sorry for her, and sorry for her father's speech, was afraid her anxiety had done no good. -- Others of the party were now applied to.

"If I," said Mr. Collins, "were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air; for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman. -- I do not mean however to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to. The rector of a parish has much to do. -- In the first place, he must make such an agreement for tithes as may be beneficial to himself and not offensive to his patron. He must write his own sermons; and the time that remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and the care and improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be excused from making as comfortable as possible. And I do not think it of light importance that he should have attentive and conciliatory manners towards every body, especially towards those to whom he owes his preferment. I cannot acquit him of that duty; nor could I think well of the man who should omit an occasion of testifying his respect towards any body connected with the family." And with a bow to Mr. Darcy, he concluded his speech, which had been spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room. -- Many stared. -- Many smiled; but no one looked more amused than Mr. Bennet himself, while his wife seriously commended Mr. Collins for having spoken so sensibly, and observed in a half-whisper to Lady Lucas, that he was a remarkably clever, good kind of young man.

To Elizabeth it appeared, that had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit, or finer success; and happy did she think it for Bingley and her sister that some of the exhibition had escaped his notice, and that his feelings were not of a sort to be much distressed by the folly which he must have witnessed. That his two sisters and Mr. Darcy, however, should have such an opportunity of ridiculing her relations was bad enough, and she could not determine whether the silent contempt of the gentleman, or the insolent smiles of the ladies, were more intolerable.

The rest of the evening brought her little amusement. She was teazed by Mr. Collins, who continued most perseveringly by her side, and though he could not prevail with her to dance with him again, put it out of her power to dance with others. In vain did she entreat him to stand up with somebody else, and offer to introduce him to any young lady in the room. He assured her that as to dancing, he was perfectly indifferent to it; that his chief object was by delicate attentions to recommend himself to her, and that he should therefore make a point of remaining close to her the whole evening. There was no arguing upon such a project. She owed her greatest relief to her friend Miss Lucas, who often joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr. Collins's conversation to herself.

She was at least free from the offence of Mr. Darcy's farther notice; though often standing within a very short distance of her, quite disengaged, he never came near enough to speak. She felt it to be the probable consequence of her allusions to Mr. Wickham, and rejoiced in it.

The Longbourn party were the last of all the company to depart; and by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennet, had to wait for their carriages a quarter of an hour after every body else was gone, which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister scarcely opened their mouths except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every attempt of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, and by so doing, threw a languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by the long speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting Mr. Bingley and his sisters on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their behaviour to their guests. Darcy said nothing at all. Mr. Bennet, in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr. Bingley and Jane were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other. Elizabeth preserved as steady a silence as either Mrs. Hurst or Miss Bingley; and even Lydia was too much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of "Lord how tired I am!" accompanied by a violent yawn.

When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was most pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn; and addressed herself particularly to Mr. Bingley, to assure him how happy he would make them by eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Bingley was all grateful pleasure, and he readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her, after his return from London, whither he was obliged to go the next day for a short time.

Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied; and quitted the house under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary preparations of settlements, new carriages, and wedding clothes, she should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at Netherfield in the course of three or four months. Of having another daughter married to Mr. Collins, she thought with equal certainty, and with considerable, though not equal, pleasure. Elizabeth was the least dear to her of all her children; and though the man and the match were quite good enough for her, the worth of each was eclipsed by Mr. Bingley and Netherfield.

--正文

伊丽莎白来到了耐热屯的客厅，在一簇簇的红大衣中间，寻找着维克汉姆的身影，但是没有看到，但她从没有怀疑他今晚是否到场。伊丽莎白仔细想了想，之前好像没有约过他一起来，这次并不一定能见到他，不过她并不担心。这次她是盛装打扮了一番，雄心勃勃的要征服他剩余所有的未被征服的心。对于在今晚搞定这件事，她可是胸有成竹。但她突然又有了个可怕的念头：达西会不会为了私怨，故意不让宾利邀请他参加舞会。但事实很快就被澄清了，在莉迪亚的迫切询问下，维克汉姆的朋友，丹尼先生宣布了他缺席的原因：昨天维克汉姆有事要去城里一趟，现在还没回来呢。他说：“我觉得他要不是想躲这儿的某位先生，怎么也不会那么凑巧昨天才走啊？”，脸上挂着个意味深长的笑容。

说者无心，听者有意，莉迪亚自然是听不到，但是伊丽莎白注意到了这句话。这让她确信了，就跟她之前猜想的差不多，果然是达西从背后捣鬼，维克汉姆才没来。结果之前她对达西只是不悦，现在已经是无比失望了。后面达西主动过来找她问好，她费了老鼻子劲才忍住没有撕破脸，算是礼貌地回复了。因为此时对达西的关注和宽容，就是对维克汉姆的伤害。她决心再不跟他说话，气冲冲的转身走了，就连跟宾利说话也是这样，因为他对达西盲目的偏袒让她怒火中烧。

但是伊丽莎白毕竟爱生气的，尽管她计划里的夜晚是被毁掉了，但是这也没有让她低沉太久。不一会，伊丽莎白撞到了一周没见的夏洛特.卢卡斯小姐，便向她好好吐槽了一番达西和维克汉姆的事情。不一会儿，伊丽莎白就转而吐槽她堂哥的种种古怪的事情了，还把他指出来给卢卡斯小姐看。好景不长，头两场舞又让她头疼了，因为跟柯林斯跳舞实在是太丢人了。柯林斯跳起舞来既尴尬又古板，他并不把心思放在跳舞上，反而一直在道歉，而且他老是跳错，自己还不知道。如果世上有任何一个只跳两支舞，就能让你如此丢人又痛苦的舞伴的话，那他一定是非柯林斯莫属了。跳完离开柯林斯的时候，伊丽莎白感觉自己开心得要飞起来了。

伊丽莎白的下一支舞是跟一个军官跳的，她十分起劲的跟这个军官聊起了维克汉姆，结果听说军营里每个人都喜欢他。上半场舞跳完后，伊丽莎白很快找到了卢卡斯小姐聊天，就在这时，她突然发现达西叫她，请求跟她跳下一只舞。伊丽莎白很惊讶，而且不知道怎么的，答应了他的请求。达西听完转身离开了，留她自己在那怪懊悔，刚才怎么那么没脑子答应他了呢。

卢卡斯小姐就在旁边安慰她说：“我敢说你会觉得他讨人喜欢的。”

“天啦噜！这世上还会有这种惨事？我已下定决心厌恶他，现在又要我去喜欢他。可别让我倒这个霉吧！”

舞会重新开始，达西到伊丽莎白身边邀请她跳舞，卢卡斯小姐忍不住小声提醒她：别犯傻！别因为对维克汉姆的好感，而毁了自己在这个十倍于维克汉姆富有的男人眼中的形象。伊丽莎白没有回答，她在舞池中站好位置，惊讶于自己现在竟有这么大的面子，已经被允许站在达西先生的对面了。周围的人们也注意到了这点，伊丽莎白观察着他们的表情，能看出他们同样很惊讶。伊丽莎白和达西尬站了一会，没有说话。伊丽莎白开始幻想他们可能两场舞都不会聊天，所以也就打算绝不先开口。然后她又想起来对于达西来说，让他开口讲话就是对他莫大的惩罚，于是她就开始聊聊舞会的事情。达西简单的应付了两句，很快又沉默了。短暂的过了几分钟，伊丽莎白终于第二次开口了，，她对达西说：“现在该你说了，达西先生。我之前聊过了舞会，你也该谈谈这房间怎么那么大，这人怎么那么多了。”

达西笑了下，对她说：你想让我说啥，我就说啥。

“很好，这回答还行。说不定，渐渐地我可能会觉得私人舞会会比公开的更好玩一些。不过现在我们还是别聊了吧。“

”那你在跳舞的时候，是因为规矩所迫才聊天的咯？“

”有时是。总得有人说两句对吧。两人待一起半小时，结果一句话也不说，那看着多古怪啊。但是对于有些天纵奇才，他们聊起天来要多刻意有多刻意，对于这样的人，那最好还是别说话了吧。“

”你是在说你此刻的心情，还是说你以为我是这么想的呢？“

”两者都有吧，“伊丽莎白顽皮的说，”因为我发现你我二人的脑回路总是很相似。你我都是不擅社交，沉默寡言的性格。除非为了出风头，说些能够传给后代当寓言使的那种水平的话，不然是不爱说话的。“

”我可以确定，你的性格不像你描述的这样。“达西说，”但是它却跟我的性格很像，我不得不承认。你肯定觉得这样描述我的性格，很准确吧。“

”我肯定不方便给自己打分啊。“

达西没有接着说话，一直到他们离开舞池，达西才问伊丽莎白会不会和姐妹们一起走去麦瑞屯，她确认了。而且她到底是没有忍住，提了维克汉姆的事情，又说了句：”你那天碰到我们的时候，我们刚好新认识了个朋友。“

这句话立刻起了效果。他的表情一下冷漠了起来，但是他还是没说话。而伊丽莎白心里其实很想接着问，但是不管她怎么埋怨自己软弱，她都问不下去了。最终还是达西开了口，他克制的说：”维克汉姆能开心的交新朋友可真是有福气，但是他能不能留得住他们，就不好说了。“

”他失去了你这个朋友，可真是不走运，“伊丽莎白故意说，”不走运到甚至可能一生都因此而遭罪。“

达西没有回应，似乎很想换个话题。就在这时候，威廉姆.卢卡斯朝他们这边走了过来，他本来是想穿过舞池到另一边去的。但是路上看到达西，他停下来十分谦恭地给他鞠了一躬，并夸奖达西舞跳的好，舞伴也选得不错。

“我亲爱的先生，我今晚真是高兴极了。这种高端的舞会可不常见啊。很明显你是第一梯队的。但是请容我多说几句，你这漂亮的舞伴完全配得上你，我可真希望经常看到你们俩在一起，尤其是将来有好事发生的时候，我亲爱的伊丽莎白小姐。”（说着他朝着简和宾利看了一眼），“那该是怎样的庆祝场面啊。我向达西先生呼吁：但我还是别打扰你了吧，你和这位年轻的姑娘正聊的着迷，我再拖着你恐怕是不讨喜了，你看她那明亮的眼睛也在责备我呢。”

威廉姆爵士的后半部分话，达西几乎啥都没听到。但是他暗示的关于宾利的事情，却让达西十分非常注意，他眼神凝重的瞧着跳着舞的宾利和简。但是没一会，他就回过神来，跟伊丽莎白说：“给威廉姆爵士这一搅和，我都忘了刚才说啥了。”

“我们刚才啥都没说。这屋里随便哪两个人，要是话没说几句，根本不会被人打扰的。我们已经换过两三个话题了，都没成功，我都不敢想下面还能聊点啥。”

“你喜欢读什么书？”达西笑着说。

“书？可别吧您。我敢说我们读的书肯定不一样，就算读得一样，感受肯定也不一样。”

“你这么想我可真难受。但如果真是这样，那我们至少不需要找话题了。我们可以交换下不同意见。”

“可别吧，在跳舞的房间里面我可没法聊读书。我脑袋里总是想着别的东西”

“舞会这种场合总是让你没空想别的事情，是么？”达西怀疑的问。

“是的，总是这样，”她回复说，其实一点都不知道自己说了什么，因为她的心思早飘远了。但不一会，她又回过神来，突然对达西大声说：“我记得你之前说过，达西先生，你几乎不会原谅人，只要跟人结了仇就不会再忘记。你应该对于与人结仇这件事很谨慎吧。“

”是的。“达西坚定的回复说。

”你也不会被偏见蒙蔽吧？“

”我希望不会。“

“对于这些观点一成不变的人，他们在一开始对别人下定论的时候，就有责任正确判断。”

“能否允许我问一下，你到底想说什么吗？”

“我只是在解释你的性格，”伊丽莎白尽量轻松的说，“我只是想弄个明白。”

“那你的结论是什么呢？”

她摇了摇头，“我一点也没弄明白。我听了好多关于你的事情，它们都不一样，就把我给弄迷糊了。”

“我当然相信，”达西严肃的说，“对于我的说法会有很多不同。但是本内特小姐，我希望你现在还是别弄清楚我的性格了，因为我怕现在做这件事对我们都没有好处。”

“但我现在不搞清楚的话，我怕以后没机会了。”

“你非要这么做的话，我也不拦着你。”达西冷冷的回复说。伊丽莎白就没再说了。然后他们又跳了一支舞，安静的分开了。两个人都不满意，虽然不满意的程度不一样。因为达西心里对伊丽莎白有强压着的强烈的感情，这种感情很快取得了伊丽莎白的谅解，并且把他心中的怒火全部转移到维克汉姆身上来。

宾利小姐找到伊丽莎白的时候，她和达西还没有分开多久，宾利小姐脸上带着轻蔑的表情跟她说：“哎，伊利小姐，我听说你很喜欢乔治.维克汉姆啊。你姐姐一直在跟我聊他，问了我很多关于他的问题。但是我发现那个年轻人跟你聊了那么多，却忘了告诉你，她是老达西先生的管家--老维克汉姆的儿子。作为朋友，我劝劝你，别信他说的那些话。因为他说的什么达西故意恶意对他，那都完全是假的。恰恰相反，虽然乔治.维克汉姆对待达西十分卑鄙无耻，达西对维克汉姆可是一直都好得不得了。具体的细节我不清楚，但是我知道达西听到维克汉姆的名字就烦，这事怎么不能怪到达西身上。而且我弟弟觉得邀请军官们参加舞会，没办法把维克汉姆排除在外，但是达西自己识趣不敢来，他还是很开心的。本身他还有胆子到农村来，就已经十分狂妄了，我都不知道他怎么做到的。伊利小姐，我真替你觉得惋惜，发现了你心上人的罪证。但是也是，他这种出身的人，你也不能指望太多。”

“看来对你来说，他这种出身的人就理应卑鄙无耻了，”伊丽莎白生气的说，“我听你说了那么多，说来说去无非就是指责他是管家的儿子。对于这一点，你别担心，他自己就跟我说过了。”

“实在是对不起，”宾利小姐回头说，脸上带着讥笑，“请原谅我多嘴了，我说这话并无恶意。”

“真是无礼的女孩！”伊丽莎白自言自语地说，“你要是以为这样卑鄙的攻击维克汉姆，就能影响到我对他的看法，那你可真是大错特错了。我在你说的话里面，只看到你的顽固无知和达西的恶毒。“说完她就去她姐了，她姐之前也问过宾利这件事。简一脸满足的见了她，她脸上充满了高兴的神采，充分的说明了她是多么享受今晚的舞会。伊丽莎白立即感觉到了她的心情，此时她对维克汉姆的关心，对敌人的憎恨，还有很多其它烦心的事情都消失了，她此刻只想简能够幸福快乐。

”我想问问，“伊丽莎白满脸堆笑的说，”你打听到了维克汉姆的事情吗？不过这时候除了眼前人，你应该想不到别人，但是我绝对不会怪你的。“

”没有，“简回答说，”我可没有忘记他。但是我打听到的东西不太令人满意。宾利也不知道维克汉姆的过去，更是完全不知道是因为什么事情彻底得罪了达西。但是他可以担保，达西品行良好，诚实正派，而且他十分确信维克汉姆被达西冷漠对待是罪有应得。我十分抱歉的告诉你，伊利，无论是宾利先生，还是宾利小姐，都认为维克汉姆不是个值得尊敬的年轻人。恐怕是因为他行为鲁莽，才失去了达西的尊重。“

”宾利先生自己不认识维克汉姆？“

”不认识。他也是那天早上在麦瑞屯才第一次见到他。“

”那这些话他也应该是从达西那儿听来的。我满意极了。关于那个牧师的职位宾利怎么说的？“

”尽管他听达西提起过几回，他却记不太清当时的情形了，但是他相信这个职位应该是有条件赠予他的。“

”我对宾利先生的诚实没有一丝怀疑,“伊丽莎白温和的说，”但是你得体谅我，只有保证的话并不能说服我。宾利维护达西的话确实很有说服力，但是他对这个事情有些地方并不熟悉，只是从他达西那听来的，我还是接着保持之前的看法吧。“

然后她就转而聊起了喜闻乐见的话题，这一次大家都很开心。伊丽莎白开心的听着简谈起她对宾利的的感觉，她虽然对宾利不敢有过多的奢望，但多少还是有些幸福的期许。于是伊丽莎白就竭尽所能说些话增加她的信心。宾利一会走了过来，伊丽莎白就离开去找卢卡斯小姐。卢卡斯小姐问起跟上个舞伴跳舞怎么样，伊丽莎白几乎没有作声。然后柯林斯突然出现，神情十分兴奋的跟伊丽莎白说自己刚刚撞了大运，好像他刚刚有个重大发现。

“我刚刚才发现,”柯林斯说，“这完全是意外，咱这屋里有个我赞助人的近亲。我刚刚无意听到个先生跟主人家的小姐提起，他的表妹德.包尔小姐，还有她的母亲卡瑟林夫人。这种事也能发生，真是美妙啊。谁能想得到，在这舞会上也能遇到，嗯也许是卡瑟林夫人的外甥呢！我真是走运能在这个点发现这件事，让我还有时间去跟他致以问候。我这就过去，我相信他会原谅我没有早些打个招呼的。我之前并不清楚他们的关系，这也是情有可原的。”

“你要介绍自己给达西认识？”

“是的。我一定能求得他原谅我没有早些这么做。我觉得他应该是卡瑟林夫人的外甥。我有权力去跟他说，卡瑟林夫人上周我见到她的时候，神色非常好。”

伊丽莎白竭力劝说他别这么做，告诉他达西会觉得不经人引荐就去搭话是很唐突的行为，而不会觉得这是在恭维他的姨妈。伊丽莎白还告诉他真不需要因为这事专门去打招呼，就算要打招呼，也该是由地位更高的达西，跟他打招呼。柯林斯早已打定主意要按自己的想法来，所以一等伊丽莎白说完，就说：“我亲爱的伊丽莎白小姐，在你了解的事情范围内，我对于你的判断力是无比的崇敬。但请允许我说明，这世上对于非教职人员和教职人员，礼节上面的要求可是大不一样的。因为我发现，只要教职人员跟公爵们一样保持谦逊，教职人员的地位跟这个国家的公爵们是差不多的。所以这次你一定得让我听从内心，我的内心让我觉得有责任去结识一下达西先生。所以请原谅我没有采纳你的建议，尽管之前我是靠自己拿主意，没有听你的，但现在开始在其它事情上都可以听你的。”（翻译官：柯林斯的废话实在太多了，说话讲究言简意赅，他显然不懂。翻译管很累。）

柯林斯深鞠了一躬，然后离开伊丽莎白去跟达西打招呼。伊丽莎白等不及想看达西见到柯林斯的反应，结果很显然，达西对这样被柯林斯唐突的打招呼感到很惊讶。柯林斯先是煞有介事地鞠了一躬，然后开始了他的讲话。尽管伊丽莎白一个字也没听见，但是她每个字都能猜到。看他的嘴型就知道在说“抱歉“，”夯斯屯","卡瑟林.德.包尔夫人"。看到柯林斯在达西这样的人面前丢丑，伊丽莎白怒火中烧。达西眼睛充满好奇的上下打量着柯林斯，等到柯林斯终于不说话了，他礼貌而疏远的回复了他。可是柯林斯并不打算就此作罢，他又发表了一番长篇大论，达西表现得愈发轻蔑了。这回等他说完，达西对他轻鞠一躬，直接就转身走了。柯林斯然后回到伊丽莎白身边。

他说：”我向你保证，对于这番礼遇我没有任何不满的地方。达西先生对这次见面似乎很满意。他十分礼貌的回应了我，甚至还夸奖说卡瑟林夫人确实很有洞察力，牧师这个职位确实没有送错人。这确实是个绝佳的想法。总体上来说，我对他是很满意的。“

由于伊丽莎白自己已经没有乐子可以找了，她把主要的精力都放在她姐姐和宾利的身上。她看着宾利和简之间的种种，脑子里已经幻想出总总让人开心的事情，这让她几乎跟简一样开心了。她幻想着简住在个大宅子里，享受着只有真爱才能带来的幸福。这种情景太美好，伊丽莎白觉得自己甚至能试着喜欢宾利那两个姐姐了。伊丽莎白大概知道她老娘也会这么想，所以她决定别在她老娘身边冒险，以免她听到太多东西。当大家坐下来吃晚饭的时候，伊丽莎白发现自己悲剧的坐在老娘的旁边，更让她生气的是，她老娘正跟那个人（卢卡斯太太)无所顾忌的畅聊，而且只聊什么希望简很快就会嫁给宾利啦之类的话题。这话题让她们越说越起劲，而且本内特太太不知疲倦的列举着这桩婚事的好处。首先，宾利是那么帅气的年轻人，而且很有钱，而且住得只离他们3里远。其次，又说到宾利的两个姐姐是多么喜欢简，而且又很确定他那两个姐姐也很想跟她做个亲家。再然后，她又十分确信的说，简都嫁得那么好，她那几个年轻女儿肯定也能嫁个富人家。最后，她又说些这辈子终于能把几个单身的女儿交给她们姐姐照顾了，自己也不用再跟着去应酬了，心里很开心。这件事其实本来是礼节所要求的，但是本内特太太一定要说不喜欢这么做，其实没有人比她更不喜欢待在家里。（翻译官：她就是在变相炫耀嘛。。）最后她总结说希望卢卡斯太太也能有这样的福分，可实际上她却十分肯定卢卡斯太太肯定没戏，她只是在炫耀。

伊丽莎白努力想堵住她老娘的嘴，失败了；想劝她小点声说她的喜事，也失败了。伊丽莎白能感觉到她老娘说得这些话，都被达西无意听到了，因为他就坐在对面，这让她有莫名的恼火。结果她老娘只是斥责她不像话。

”达西对我来说算啥啊，我需要怕他？我可不欠他什么人情，不是话他不喜欢听我就不能说。“

”老天爷啊，太太，你可小点声。你这样冒犯达西先生有啥好处啊？你这样做可就没法介绍自己给他那些有钱朋友认识了。“

可是伊丽莎白说的话并没有什么作用。她老娘仍然是我行我素，用她那通俗易懂的语言大谈自己的种种看法。伊丽莎白是既羞愧，又恼怒，脸先红了一阵，又红一阵。她忍不住频频打量达西，结果每看一次都让她确信了自己的担心。因为虽然达西没有盯着她老娘，但是伊丽莎白相信达西在牢牢关注着她。他的表情渐渐地从愤愤的不屑，变成了死一般的严肃。

终于本内特太太话说完了。而卢卡斯太太一直听着本内特太太炫耀，自己又没法参与，早就是哈欠连天，此刻只好吃些冷火腿和肌肉相伴。伊丽莎白终于能恢复点精神。但是这份安宁并没有持续太久。因为晚餐结束后，大伙就开始说唱歌的事情，她又羞愧得看到玛丽就跟以前一样，总是别人稍微怂恿一下，就准备给大伙唱几首。伊丽莎白朝玛丽使了好几个眼色，无声的恳请她，不要给这些人献殷勤，可是没有用，玛丽完全没看懂伊丽莎白的意思。她很喜欢这种出风头的机会，然后就开始唱歌了。伊丽莎白几乎是充满痛苦的看着她的，她焦躁的听她唱了几节，玛丽快唱完的时候这些焦虑也没有减轻。因为玛丽在听到别人的叫好之后，便以为大家希望她再唱几首。歇了大约半分钟，她又开始唱了另一首。玛丽无论如何也不适合这种表演的，她的声音很弱，姿态又不自然。伊丽莎白很痛苦。她看了看简，想看看她是怎么忍受的，结果简正旁若无人的跟宾利聊天。她又看下另外两个妹妹，结果发现她们俩正嘲笑着玛丽。她又看向达西，发现他还是表情严肃。最终，伊丽莎白望向父亲，恳请他来干涉下，以免玛丽今天唱一晚上。她父亲倒是看明白了，玛丽唱完第二首歌后，他大声说：”今晚唱得已经十分好了，孩子！你已经让我们很满意了。留点时间给其他小姐展示下才艺吧。“

玛丽尽管假装没听到，但还是多少有些恐慌。伊丽莎白替她感到抱歉，对老爸说的那一番话也感到抱歉，她害怕自己这么做对玛丽有不好的影响。晚会上其他的小姐唱起了歌。

”如果我有幸拥有唱歌的天赋,“柯林斯说，”我是十分愿意为大家唱一首的。因为我觉得音乐是十分纯真的消遣，而且这与牧师的职责完美兼容。我倒不是说牧师可以花很多时间在音乐上，因为肯定有很多其他事情需要处理。一个教区的教区长有很多事情要处理的。首先，他得安排好收什一税(详情：https://baike.baidu.com/item/什一税/1497225?fr=aladdin)的事宜，这对于教区长是有好处的，对她的赞助人也不会有失尊敬。其次他还得写好布道文章。剩下就没有多少时间了，但是他也得完成自己的教职工作，自己的生活起居，自己住的房子肯定要处理的约舒适越好。此外，细心对待和安抚别人也同样重要，尤其是那些提拔他的人，这也是他应尽的职责。如果碰到提拔人的亲属而没有致敬的话，我也是瞧不上这样的人。“说完他向达西鞠了一躬，他说话的声音如此之大以至于半个房间都能听到。许多人朝这边盯着看，许多人笑了起来，但是没有人比本内特老爷觉得这更有意思。而本内特太太则因为这一番睿智的演讲而大肆夸奖了柯林斯一番，她半压着声音对卢卡斯太太说：这孩子可真是聪明的不得了，好的不得了。

对伊丽莎白来说，他们这一家今晚好像是说好了一起来出丑的，而且不会有人比他们出丑的更起劲，或者更成功了。但是她还是为宾利和简开心，因为有些出丑的场面宾利没看到，要不然宾利看到这些愚蠢的行为肯定多少会受些影响。本来两个妹妹和达西嘲笑自己家里人已经够糟了，但是她没法决定究竟是达西无声的轻蔑更让人无法忍受，还是自己妹妹们无礼的讥笑更难以接受。

剩余的夜晚也没有让她怎么开心。柯林斯一直待在她旁边，戏弄她。尽管他说服不了伊丽莎白再跟他跳舞，但是也让她没法跟别人跳。伊丽莎白恳请他去找别人，并提出介绍他给屋里任一个年轻的姑娘，但是没用。柯林斯说其实对于跳舞他其实一点不关心，其实他真正的目的是能多与她结识，获取她的芳心，所以他今晚应该一直待在她旁边。柯林斯拒绝接受反驳。幸好卢卡斯小姐时不时的过来跟他们聊几句，而且总是好心的让柯林斯跟她多聊一聊，她才算好受了些。

不过这样，至少她也不需要再烦神达西惹她生气了。尽管达西经常站在她附近，也没跟人说话，但是他从没过来跟她说话。伊丽莎白觉得这可能是因为她之前提及维克汉姆的原因，她不禁暗暗高兴。

蘑菇屯一家是整个晚会里最后走的。由于本内特太太使了一些小手段，他们得在所有人走了之后，再花一刻钟等马车。这正好让他们看到主人家里有些人是多么希望他们走。赫斯特太太和宾利小姐除了抱怨累，几乎不开口说话，这明显是下了逐客令。每当本内特太太想开口说两句话，总是被她们成功避开了，这样也让大家伙都无精打采。偏偏这时候，柯林斯又开始发表他的长篇大论，他又开始夸奖宾利先生和他姐姐，说这晚会真是太端庄了，主人家真是待客有道，彬彬有礼。达西什么话都没说。本内特老爷也只是袖口旁观，什么都没说。宾利先生和简站在一起，他们俩跟大伙有些脱节，只是两个人聊天。伊丽莎白则跟赫斯特太太和宾利小姐差不多，基本不说话。就连莉迪亚也累过了头，不像往常一样大叫”老天爷可累死我了“，而只是长长的打了个哈欠。

终于到了要走的时候，本内特太太几乎是强制性的邀请，宾利一家子哪天去蘑菇屯玩耍。而且她还特别跟宾利说，无论何时，也不用管有没有被邀请，他去蘑菇屯吃顿晚饭都会让大家很开心。宾利十分感激得说，他明天要去伦敦待一段时间，回来以后，他一有机会就去拜访她。

本内特太太心满意足，离开得时候，心里已经想着没美事了——不出三四个月，她得女儿就会嫁到耐热屯了，她该考虑准备些嫁妆，新的马车和礼服了。她也同样确定，另外一个女儿也会嫁给柯林斯。这对虽然不让她那么开心，但是也足够满意了。伊丽莎白是她最不喜欢得女儿，尽管柯林斯和他的财产已经让本内特太太十分满意，但是宾利和耐热屯还是让他黯然失色。