Pride and Prejudice - The Original Classic Edition. Austen Jane

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 reports 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; and on each side dissatisfied, though not to an equal degree, for in Darcy's breast there was a tolerable powerful

       41

       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 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 quite forgot to tell you, among his other communication, 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