Elizabeth, having was rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry.
But there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody.
But Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her, he really believed, that if were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger.
Miss Bingley saw or suspected enough to be jealous, and her great anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend Jane received some assistance from her desire of getting rid of Elizabeth.
She often tried to provoke Darcy into disliking her guest by talking of their supposed marriage and planning his happiness in such alliance.
I hope, said she, as they were walking together in the shrubbery the next day, you will give your mother-in-law a few hints, when this desirable event takes place, as to the advantage of holding her tongue, and if you can compass it, do cure the younger girls of running after the officers.
And, if I mention so delicate subject endeavour to check that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence which your lady possesses.
Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity?
On? Yes. Do you let the portraits of your uncle and aunt Philips be placed in the gallery at Pemberley. Put them next to your great uncle the judge. They are in the profession, you know, only in different lines. As for your Elizabeth's picture, you must not attempt to have it taken, for what painter could do justice to those beautiful eyes?
It would not be so easy, indeed, to catch their expression, but their color and shape, and the eyelashes so remarkably fine might be copied.
At that moment, they were met from another walk by Mrs.Hurst and Elizabeth herself.
I did not know that you intend to walk, said Miss Bingley, in some confusion, lest they had been overheard. You used us abominably ill, answered Mrs.Hurst, in running away without telling us that you were coming out. Then, taking the disengaged arm of Mr.Darcy. She left Elizabeth to walk by herself. The pass just admitted three.
Mr.Darcy felt their rudeness and immediately said, this walk is not wide enough for our party, we'd better go into the avenue. But Elizabeth who had not the least inclination to remain with them, laughingly answered, no, no stay where you are.
You're charmingly grouped and appear to uncommon advantage, the picturesque would be spoilt by admitting a fourth. Goodbye. She then ran gaily off, rejoicing as she rambled about, in the hope of being home again in a day to two. Jane was already so much recovered as to intend leaving her room for a couple of hours that evening.
