_The Conservatory or Orangery at Netherfield. On one side, an
archway, approached by two or three steps and hung with curtains,
separates the Orangery from the ball-room. On the opposite side is
a smaller archway with curtains, which are looped back, giving a
glimpse of the drawing-room beyond. There is another door on the
right._ BINGLEY _is discovered directing two_ FOOTMEN, _who are
putting a bench in place_. DARCY _stands watching him_.
BINGLEY.
A little more to the right, Martin. That will do. Push those lights
farther back--behind the trees. Yes, that is better. [_Looking about
him._] I think that is all. You may go. [_The men leave the room._]
Well, Darcy, do you approve of the arrangements? Have you anything to
suggest? Any criticisms?
DARCY.
I have no criticisms for the arrangements.
BINGLEY.
[_Laughing._] But you have for the _ball_. Yes, I know--still I was
really obliged to keep my promise.
DARCY.
I am glad to find that a promise is with you an obligation.
BINGLEY.
Oh, come, Darcy! I understand. Set your mind at rest. I am going to
London with you, although I must say I do not see the necessity for it.
I think you are exaggerating the effect of any small attentions of mine
toward Miss Bennet. However, we will cling together, and fly a common
danger.
DARCY.
[_Coldly._] Common danger?
BINGLEY.
[_Smiling._] Yes, common danger! I, too, have eyes. Where will you match
the wit and vivacity of Miss Elizabeth Bennet?
DARCY.
[_Quietly._] She is indeed charming, and I admit that were it not for
the inferiority of her connections, I might be in some danger. [_Very
coolly and confidently._] But they form, for me, an insurmountable
barrier against any possible peril.
BINGLEY.
Love laughs at bars, Darcy! [DARCY _looks annoyed_.] No,--I won't! It
really is not fair, since it is my fault. You would never have been put
to this test if you hadn't been so good as to stay on here with me after
that----
[_Stopping suddenly, and with an entire change from his former bantering
tone, he says in a hesitating manner._] Darcy, do you really think you
should be silent about Wickham?
DARCY.
[_Haughtily._] Decidedly! I do not choose to lay my private affairs
before the world.
BINGLEY.
But the fellow is sailing under false colours. You do not know what the
result may be. I really must speak of this again, Darcy, even at the
risk of offending you. [DARCY _makes an impatient gesture_.] I am truly
concerned at the foothold this rascal has already gained in the Bennet
family. What he has failed to accomplish once he may succeed in again.
These young ladies have no brother to defend them.
DARCY.
Neither have they the wealth to excite Wickham's cupidity. At any rate I
do not wish to be the one to enlighten the neighbourhood. Besides, I
understand that he has left Meryton.
BINGLEY.
Even so--I---- [_He is interrupted by_ MISS BINGLEY, _who enters gaily
from the drawing-room_.]
MISS BINGLEY.
Ah! Here you are! [_To_ DARCY.] Will you be so kind? [_She holds out
her arm for him to clasp her bracelet._] Your sister Georgiana should be
here, Mr. Darcy. [_To her brother._] Charles, you should have insisted
on her coming.
BINGLEY.
I am not in the habit of insisting with Darcy.
MISS BINGLEY.
[_Laughingly._] Very true. [_To_ DARCY, _who has at length succeeded in
fastening the bracelet_.] Thank you. [_Looking about her._] It is vastly
pretty, Charles, but I am much mistaken if there are not some among us
to whom a ball will be rather a punishment than a pleasure.
BINGLEY.
[_Laughing._] If you mean Darcy, he may go to bed, if he pleases, before
it begins.
MISS BINGLEY.
But, Charles, it would certainly be more rational if conversation
instead of dancing were made the order of the day.
BINGLEY.
Much more rational, my dear Caroline, but it would not be near so much
like a ball.
MARTIN, THE FOOTMAN.
[_Entering, to_ BINGLEY.] Several of the carriages have arrived, sir,
and the guests will soon be entering the ball-room.
BINGLEY.
[_To the_ FOOTMAN.] Very well. [_To_ MISS BINGLEY.] Come Caroline, we
must be at our post. We will leave Darcy to make up his mind whether he
will join us later.
[BINGLEY _and his sister disappear through the archway leading to
the ball-room_. DARCY _does not follow them, but walks thoughtfully
up and down the room. The sound of a voice is heard announcing_.]
THE VOICE.
Mrs. Long--the Miss Longs. [_A pause._] Colonel Forster and Mr. Denny.
[_A pause._] Mr. and Mrs. Goulding. [_A pause._] Mrs. Bennet--the Miss
Bennets. [DARCY _stops in his walk and goes toward the ball-room
archway--then he walks once more up and down_.] Mrs. King--Miss King.
[DARCY _again moves toward the ball-room; he lifts the curtain,
hesitates--looks in--then disappears_.] Sir William and Lady Lucas--Miss
Lucas--Mr. Robinson.
[_The music now begins, the stage is left empty. After a short
pause_, ELIZABETH _and_ CHARLOTTE _appear between the curtains of
the ball-room archway_.]
CHARLOTTE.
[_Peeps in--then enters._] Isn't this pretty! Come in here for a moment,
Eliza. I want to tell you something.
ELIZABETH.
[_Following her._] Why _did_ I promise to dance with Mr. Darcy just now!
Why did not I have more presence of mind!
[_They sit on the bench together while they talk; the guests, at
the back, pass to and from the drawing-room and ball-room, and the
sound of music is heard faintly._]
CHARLOTTE.
I dare say you will find him very agreeable.
ELIZABETH.
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.
CHARLOTTE.
I wouldn't be a simpleton, Eliza. You are angry because Wickham is not
here, but I wouldn't allow my fancy for him to make me unpleasant in the
eyes of a man of ten times his consequence.
ELIZABETH.
My _fancy_ for Wickham, as you choose to call it, is simply my sympathy
for a most ill-used man: also the relief of meeting with good manners
and a good understanding after the insufferable pride of Mr. Darcy, and
the stupid pomposity of that _dreadful_ Mr. Collins! [CHARLOTTE
_starts_.] Oh, my dear Charlotte, I have never thanked you half enough
for helping us to endure that man. It was so good-natured in you to
sacrifice yourself by listening to those interminable speeches of
his.--I am more obliged to you than I can express. But oh, what a relief
it is to know that he is really gone!
CHARLOTTE.
[_Who has listened to all this tirade in increasing embarrassment._] Oh,
don't! Don't, Eliza! You are making it so terribly hard for me.
But,--but I must tell you.--I am engaged to Mr. Collins!
[ELIZABETH _is stupefied with surprise and looks at_ CHARLOTTE _for
a moment in silent and incredulous amazement. Then with difficulty
she speaks._]
ELIZABETH.
Engaged! Engaged to--to Mr. Collins! Oh, my dear
Charlotte--_impossible_! [_Hopefully._] You are joking!
CHARLOTTE.
[_With spirit._] No, indeed, Eliza, I am in most serious earnest. Why
should you be so surprised? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins
should be able to procure _any_ woman's good opinion, because he was not
so happy as to succeed with you?
ELIZABETH.
[_Confused._] Oh, no--no--of course not. And,--and you must forgive all
I have just said. I couldn't possibly have imagined----
CHARLOTTE.
[_More sweetly._] No, Eliza, indeed you could not. [_She puts her hand
on_ ELIZABETH'S _shoulder_.] And we shall be friends still?
ELIZABETH.
Why, of course, of course, dear Charlotte. It was only the--the
surprise. You know how fond I am of you. You know I wish you all
imaginable happiness.
CHARLOTTE.
Yes, I am sure of it. You must be surprised--very much surprised, so
lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But, dear Eliza, when
you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied
with what I have done. I am not romantic. I ask only a comfortable home,
and, considering Mr. Collins' situation in life, I am convinced that my
chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on
entering the marriage state.
ELIZABETH.
[_In an absent manner._] Undoubtedly.
CHARLOTTE.
[_Looking at Elizabeth affectionately and wistfully._] And you will come
to visit me sometimes? I could not bear to lose you, Eliza!
ELIZABETH.
[_Looking up, and patting_ CHARLOTTE'S _hand_.] Surely, Charlotte!
[_Smiling._] We are to be cousins, you know.
CHARLOTTE.
[_Cheerfully._] Why, so we are!
[COLONEL FORSTER _comes from the ball-room_. LYDIA _and_ DENNY _enter
from the drawing-room_.]
COLONEL FORSTER.
[_Hurriedly going to_ CHARLOTTE.] I am to have the honour of this reel,
I believe, Miss Lucas.
CHARLOTTE.
Oh yes, Colonel Forster.
[_She goes out with_ FORSTER, _leaving_ ELIZABETH _alone, still
seated_. LYDIA _and_ DENNY _approach_ ELIZABETH.]
LYDIA.
I think we are being treated abominably ill, Lizzy! It seems that Mr.
Wickham has gone off on business somewhere, so he will not be here at
all. [LYDIA _looks off toward the ball-room_.]
DENNY.
[_Aside to_ ELIZABETH _significantly_.] I do not imagine his business
would have called him away just now if he had not wished to avoid a
certain gentleman.
LYDIA.
[_Suddenly._] Why, Mr. Denny--I do believe the reel is half over--I
dearly love a reel! We shall miss it, altogether. Come! [_She drags_
DENNY _off_.]
ELIZABETH.
[_Alone._] Well! Well! The world is surely upside down. Charlotte
and--Collins! _What_ a match!
DARCY.
[_Approaching from the ball-room._] Do not you feel a great inclination,
Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?
[ELIZABETH _makes no answer_.]
Do not you enjoy the reel, Miss Bennet?
ELIZABETH.
[_Looking up._] Oh, I heard you before, but I could not immediately
determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know, to say--"Yes,"
that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste; but I always
delight in overthrowing that kind of scheme. I have therefore made up my
mind to tell you that I do not want to dance a reel at all; and now
despise me, if you dare!
DARCY.
[_Smiling._] I do not dare.
[MISS BINGLEY _enters from the ball-room with an officer. They talk
together._]
COLONEL FORSTER.
[_Entering from the ball-room, and looking about him, sees_ ELIZABETH
_and comes to her_.] May I have the honour, Miss Bennet?
ELIZABETH.
I do not dance the reel, Colonel Forster.
COLONEL FORSTER.
Oh, the reel is over. This is our dance.
ELIZABETH.
Oh!
[_She goes off with_ COLONEL FORSTER. DARCY _remains where_
ELIZABETH _leaves him and watches her till she disappears into the
ball-room. The officer bows and leaves_ MISS BINGLEY.]
MISS BINGLEY.
[_Approaching_ DARCY.] I can guess the subject of your reverie.
DARCY.
I should imagine not.
MISS BINGLEY.
You are considering how insufferable it would be to pass many evenings
in such society. Indeed, I am quite of your opinion. I was never more
annoyed. The insipidity and yet the noise;--the nothingness and yet the
self-importance of all these people! What would I give to hear your
strictures on them!
DARCY.
Your conjecture is totally wrong. I assure you, my mind was more
agreeably engaged. I was meditating on the very great pleasure which a
pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.
MISS BINGLEY.
[_Looking at him very meaningly and sweetly, speaks with coquetry._]
Indeed! And will not you tell me what lady has the credit of inspiring
such reflections?
DARCY.
[_With great intrepidity._] Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
MISS BINGLEY.
[_Taken aback._] Miss Elizabeth Bennet! I am all astonishment! How long
has she been such a favourite? Pray when am I to wish you joy?
DARCY.
That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask. A lady's
imagination is very rapid: it jumps from admiration to love, from love
to matrimony in a moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy.
MISS BINGLEY.
Nay, if you are so serious about it I shall consider the matter as
absolutely settled. You will have a charming mother-in-law! Of course
she will always be at Pemberley with you. Perhaps you might give her a
few hints as to the advantage of holding her tongue.
DARCY.
Thank you. Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity?
MISS BINGLEY.
Oh, yes! Let the portrait of your uncle, the attorney, be placed next to
your great uncle, the Judge. They are in the same 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!
DARCY.
It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression; but their
colour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably fine, might be
copied.
MISS BINGLEY.
[_Sarcastically._] Oh, I fear not--[ELIZABETH _and_ COLONEL FORSTER,
_with others, enter from the ball-room_--MRS. BENNET _with_ LADY LUCAS
_from the drawing-room_.] Here comes the fair one--[_Seeing_ MRS.
BENNET.]--and mamma-in-law as well. I will not intrude on the family
party.
[_She goes off laughing and mingles with the guests._ COLONEL
FORSTER _bows and leaves_ ELIZABETH _with her mother_. BINGLEY
_enters with_ JANE _from the drawing-room_. _He sees_ DARCY, _who
is standing where_ MISS BINGLEY _left him, and comes to him_.
BINGLEY.
I thought this next dance was the one you liked so much, Darcy. Let me
find you a partner.
DARCY.
[_Starting, as if from a reverie._.] So it is. Thank you--I have a
partner.
[_He goes to_ ELIZABETH, _bows, and they go into the ball-room
together_. MRS. BENNET _and_ MRS. LONG _follow them_.]
BINGLEY.
[_Looking after_ DARCY _with a smile, turns to_ JANE.] You must be
tired, Miss Bennet. I propose that we sit quietly through this dance. Do
you agree?
JANE.
Yes, indeed. [_She sits on the bench._] It will be very pleasant.
[_Looking about her._] How very prettily you have arranged all the
rooms, Mr. Bingley.
BINGLEY.
I am so glad you think so. I feared they were rather inconvenient for so
large a party.
JANE.
Oh, I find them delightful!
BINGLEY.
You are always charitable, Miss Bennet. It seems to me you always manage
to see the best side of everything. I never knew you to say an ill word
about a person or a place.
JANE.
[_Smiling._] Oh, I fear that is not quite exact. I only try to see
things in their best light, perhaps.
BINGLEY.
That is just it. The rest of us rarely try to see things in that way. So
you see I have proved my case. You are too amiable.
JANE.
Not for to-night, Mr. Bingley. Everybody is of one mind to-night. There
is but one point of view--you are giving nothing but pleasure.
BINGLEY.
[_Soberly._] I wish it were so--but---- [_With impulsive earnestness._]
Dear Miss Bennet, I wish to tell you--I must tell you----
[_He is interrupted by the people coming in again from the dance._
DARCY _and_ ELIZABETH _enter with_ SIR WILLIAM LUCAS _and others_.
BINGLEY _and_ JANE _rise from their seats and walk slowly toward
the back of the room_. DARCY _escorts_ ELIZABETH _to a seat and
stands by her. They are both silent for a moment._]
ELIZABETH.
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
rooms, or the number of couples.
DARCY.
[_Smiling._] I assure you I will say whatever you wish.
ELIZABETH.
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.
DARCY.
Do you talk by rule then?
ELIZABETH.
Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know,--and yet for the advantage
of some, conversation ought to be so arranged that they may have the
trouble of saying as little as possible.
DARCY.
Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you
imagine that you are gratifying mine?
ELIZABETH.
[_Archly._] Both, 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 _éclat_ of a
proverb.
DARCY.
This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure.
How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. You think it a
faithful portrait, undoubtedly.
ELIZABETH.
I shall not decide on my own performance. [_There is a short silence;
then, as if with an effort_, ELIZABETH _speaks_.] I am surprised not to
see Mr. Wickham here to-night. I find that he is a great favourite with
the officers. He has made many friends among them.
DARCY.
[_With great hauteur._] Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners
as may insure his _making_ friends; whether he may be equally capable of
_retaining_ them is less certain.
ELIZABETH.
[_Excitedly._] He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship, and in
a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life.
[_They are both silent._]
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS.
[_Coming up to them all urbanity and smiles._] What a charming amusement
for young people this dancing is, Mr. Darcy! I consider it as one of the
first refinements of polished societies.
DARCY.
Certainly, sir, and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst
the less polished societies of the world: every savage can dance.
SIR WILLIAM.
[_Smiling._] Do you often dance at St. James?
DARCY.
Never, sir.
SIR WILLIAM.
You have a house in town, I conclude.
[MR. DARCY _bows, but does not speak_.]
SIR WILLIAM.
I had once some thoughts of fixing in town myself: but I did not feel
quite certain that the air of London would agree with Lady Lucas.
[MR. DARCY _bows in silence again_--ELIZABETH _is amused_.]
SIR WILLIAM.
But I must not further interrupt you, sir! I only wish to tell you once
more how highly gratified I have been by your superior dancing; allow me
also to say that your fair partner does not disgrace you. It is a great
pleasure to see you together. I must hope to--to have this pleasure
often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss
Eliza, [_Glancing at_ BINGLEY _and_ JANE, _who are talking earnestly
together at the back of the scene_.] shall take place. What
congratulations will then flow in: but let me not interrupt you--you
will not thank me, Mr. Darcy, for detaining you from the bewitching
converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me!
DARCY.
[_Murmurs to himself._] So! [_Looking earnestly at_ BINGLEY _and_ JANE,
_he seems much impressed by what_ SIR WILLIAM _has said_. ELIZABETH
_notices this. Recovering himself_, DARCY _turns to her again_.] Sir
William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of.
ELIZABETH.
I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have
interrupted any two people 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.
DARCY.
[_Smiling._] What think you of books?
ELIZABETH.
Books? Oh no: I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same
feelings.
DARCY.
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 of them.
ELIZABETH.
No, I cannot talk of books at a ball--my head is always full of
something else.
DARCY.
The present always occupies you in such scenes, does it?
ELIZABETH.
[_In an absent manner._] Yes, always. [_Suddenly._] 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?
DARCY.
[_Firmly._] I am.
ELIZABETH.
And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?
DARCY.
I hope not.
ELIZABETH.
It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to
be secure of judging properly at first.
DARCY.
May I ask to what these questions lead?
ELIZABETH.
Merely to the illustration of your character. I am trying to make it
out.
DARCY.
And what is your success?
ELIZABETH.
[_Shaking her head._] I do not get on at all. I hear such different
accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.
DARCY.
[_Gravely._] I can readily believe 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.
ELIZABETH.
But if I do not take your likeness now I may never have another
opportunity.
DARCY.
[_Very stiffly._] I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours.
[MISS BINGLEY _enters from the ball-room. She comes directly to_ DARCY
_and_ ELIZABETH.]
MISS BINGLEY.
Oh, Mr. Darcy--would you be so good as to go to Charles? He wishes very
much to consult with you about some of the table arrangements. You will
find him in the dining-parlour. [_With exaggerated politeness to_
ELIZABETH.] That is, if Miss Bennet will permit you.
ELIZABETH.
[_Carelessly._] Oh, certainly.
[DARCY _bows and goes out_.]
MISS BINGLEY.
[_To_ ELIZABETH, _after a moment's silence_.] So, Miss Bennet, I hear
that you are quite delighted with George Wickham. He must have told you
all a pretty tale. As to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly
false. I do not know the particulars, but I do know that George Wickham
has treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. His coming into the
county at all is a most insolent thing. I feel very strongly on this
point, Miss Bennet, as Mr. Darcy's interests are so intimately
associated with our own. [_She watches_ ELIZABETH.] We hope Miss
Georgiana Darcy may some day be my sister. My brother admires her
greatly.
ELIZABETH.
[_With indifference._] Ah!
MISS BINGLEY.
Yes, and therefore we resent these falsehoods and this presumption on
the part of George Wickham. But, really, considering his descent, we
could not expect much better. He has evidently forgotten to tell you
that he is the son of old Wickham, steward to the late Mr. Darcy.
ELIZABETH.
[_Angrily._] His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the
same. 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.
MISS BINGLEY.
[_With a sneer._] Oh! I beg your pardon. Excuse my interference; it was
kindly meant.
[_She goes out._]
ELIZABETH.
Insolent girl! You are much mistaken if you expect to influence me by
such a paltry attack at this. I see nothing in it but your own wilful
ignorance and the malice of Mr. Darcy.
[FOOTMEN _now come in with small tables, which they place about the
stage_. BINGLEY _comes in and directs them_. DARCY _follows him_.]
BINGLEY.
[To ELIZABETH, JANE, _his sister, and others who have entered_.] I
thought it would be pleasant to have some of the tables here. [_To_
JANE.] We must have places together.
[_With some bustle, all seat themselves. At the table on one side
are seated_ DARCY, ELIZABETH, BINGLEY _and_ JANE: _A little behind
them are_ MISS BINGLEY _with_ COLONEL FORSTER, CHARLOTTE LUCAS
_with an officer. At the table on the opposite side is_ MRS. BENNET
_with_ SIR WILLIAM _and_ LADY LUCAS. _Behind them are more tables
at which other guests are seated._]
LYDIA.
[_Entering with_ DENNY, _much excited, goes to_ MRS. BENNET.] Mamma,
have you heard the news? Mr. Denny has just told me that the regiment is
to leave Meryton, and go to Brighton! Good heavens! What is to become of
us, mamma?
MRS. BENNET.
[_Sympathetically._] Are they really going? Well, my love, it _is_ too
bad! I know how you feel. I am sure I cried for two days together when
Colonel Millar's regiment went away, five-and-twenty years ago. I
thought I should have broken my heart.
LYDIA.
I am sure I shall break mine. [_Coaxingly._] Mamma, might we not _all_
go to Brighton?
MRS. BENNET.
Oh, if we only could! But I fear your father will not hear of it.
LYDIA.
Oh, papa is so disagreeable! I am sure a little sea-bathing would set me
up forever! Wouldn't it, Mr. Denny?
DENNY.
Surely, Miss Lydia. Oh, you must manage it in some way.
[_They move off and take their places at one of the tables._]
MRS. BENNET.
[_Looking after them._] Well, Lady Lucas, it is hard for a lively young
girl like my Lydia to be cooped up in a place where there is so little
going on. However, [_Looking at_ BINGLEY _and_ JANE.] we are not likely
to have it so very dull in the future. [_In a loud whisper to_ LADY
LUCAS.] You know what I mean--[_Nudging her and laughing._] Jane and
Bingley!
LADY LUCAS.
Ah! Indeed!
MRS. BENNET.
[_With importance and in a still louder tone._] Oh, yes! It's quite
settled. Such a charming young man--and Netherfield only three miles
from Longbourn! And Jane's marrying will be a fine thing for my other
girls. They will be sure to meet other rich men who will fall in love
with them.
ELIZABETH.
[_Who has heard the beginning of this conversation, makes a pretext to
go to arrange her mother's scarf and says in low tones._] Oh, mamma! Be
careful, I beg. Mr. Darcy can hear you!
MRS. BENNET.
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!
ELIZABETH.
[_In distress._] 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.
MRS. BENNET.
That is enough, Lizzy! I think I can take care of myself. I never knew
before that it was a crime to speak to one's friends about what
everybody can see plainly enough, who has eyes in his head. [_Turning
to_ SIR WILLIAM.] Did _you_, Sir William?
SIR WILLIAM.
[_Smiling._] Our friends usually have very sharp eyes for what is going
on, Mrs. Bennet! [_Significantly._] I have, indeed, sometimes expected
that _you_ would observe what has been going on in our own household of
late.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Sharply._] Going on? What _has_ been going on, Sir William?
SIR WILLIAM.
[_With an important air._] It is only this, Mrs. Bennet, that Lady Lucas
and myself have to ask your congratulations on our very great
satisfaction in the recent engagement of our daughter, Charlotte.
MRS. BENNET.
Charlotte! Engaged! Why, who in the world is going to marry _her_?
[SIR WILLIAM _draws himself up with offended dignity_; LADY LUCAS
_bridles_.]
SIR WILLIAM.
The gentleman whom my daughter has honoured with her hand is your
husband's cousin--Mr. Collins!
MRS. BENNET.
[_Rising in rage and amazement._] Mr. Collins! Marry your Charlotte?
Good Lord, Sir William, how can you tell such a story! Do not you know
that Mr. Collins is going to marry my Lizzy--or--or one of my other
girls!
LADY LUCAS.
Well, really, Mrs. Bennet!
SIR WILLIAM.
[_Offended._] What I have told you is quite true, nevertheless, Mrs.
Bennet. The whole matter was settled before Mr. Collins returned to
Hunsford. I am sorry we are not to receive your good wishes.
ELIZABETH.
[_Hastily._] Oh, but you _are_, Sir William! Charlotte has already told
me all about her engagement, and we shall be most happy to welcome her
as a cousin.
SIR WILLIAM.
[_Mollified and with gallantry._] Thank you, Miss Elizabeth! I am sure
other congratulations will shortly be in order.
[_He glances significantly at_ DARCY; ELIZABETH _draws herself up_.
SIR WILLIAM, _smiling, makes a little bow and then turns to the
table, where he and_ LADY LUCAS _busy themselves with their
supper_.]
MRS. BENNET.
[_To_ ELIZABETH.] So Charlotte has told you, has she? I don't believe a
word of it!
ELIZABETH.
Oh, mamma!
MRS. BENNET.
I am sure Mr. Collins has been taken in. Well, I trust they will never
be happy together, and I hope the match will be broken off.
ELIZABETH.
[_Imploringly._] Mamma!
MRS. BENNET.
[_Turning on_ ELIZABETH _in a rage_.] And _you_ are the cause of the
whole mischief, Lizzy! I think I have been barbarously used by you all!
[_While this conversation has been going on, the other guests have
been taking their supper._ COLONEL FORSTER _now rises with a glass
of wine in his hand_.]
COLONEL FORSTER.
Ladies and gentlemen---- [_The buzz of conversation ceases._] Ladies and
gentlemen, I should like to propose the health of Mr. Bingley.
ALL.
Mr. Bingley!
COLONEL FORSTER.
[_Raising his glass._] To Mr. Bingley--may the pleasure which he has
given us all to-night be but a foretaste of the future happiness which
he will both _receive_ and _give_ in this community.
ALL.
Mr. Bingley--Colonel Forster!--Mr. Bingley!
[_All drink as_ BINGLEY _bows_.]
SIR WILLIAM.
[_Rising._] And may _I_ be allowed to still farther express the
sentiments of this community, by proposing another toast in which I am
sure you will all join me with enthusiasm? [_Raising his glass._] To the
Master of Netherfield! May he retain that title from his present
fortunate youth, to his future green and honoured old age!
ALL.
[_Drinking._] Mr. Bingley! Sir William! Mr. Bingley!
BINGLEY.
[_Rising._] Ladies and gentlemen! Friends!
ALL.
Hear! Hear!
BINGLEY.
I--I really cannot tell you how much I am touched by the very kind
words of Colonel Forster and Sir William! And--and I only wish that I
deserved them.
ALL.
Indeed, you do!
BINGLEY.
[_Embarrassed and looking toward_ DARCY, _who with folded arms, is
staring at the ceiling_.] No, I do not. I--I did not like to speak of
such a painful thing on an occasion like this, and so I have told no one
of the fact that I am about to--to leave Netherfield.
ALL.
Leave Netherfield! Oh! Oh!
BINGLEY.
[_Still more ill at ease._] Yes.--It is a very sudden decision, but--but
important interests have made it necessary for me to--[_Lamely._] to
leave Netherfield.
SIR WILLIAM.
But only for a time, Mr. Bingley! Let us hope it will only be a--a
_temporary_ separation.
MRS. BENNET.
Why, surely, Mr. Bingley, you will be back again very soon.
BINGLEY.
[_In a dogged manner._] No--no. I am afraid my returning at all is
extremely uncertain. In fact, I--I expect to leave Netherfield
_permanently_.
[_Great consternation._ JANE _looks down_. ELIZABETH _looks at_
DARCY. MISS BINGLEY _has a triumphant smile_.]
COLONEL FORSTER.
[_Incredulously._] Oh, my dear Mr. Bingley!
SIR WILLIAM.
[_Solemnly._] This is, indeed, a calamity.
MRS. BENNET.
[_To_ ELIZABETH.] Good Lord, Lizzy, poor Jane! What----
ELIZABETH.
Oh, hush, mamma!
BINGLEY.
[_Looks again at_ DARCY, _who remains perfectly calm through all this
commotion. This time the sight of him seems to make_ BINGLEY _somewhat
angry, and he pulls himself together and speaks in a firmer tone and in
a more cheerful manner_.] But, my friends, nobody knows what may happen.
We shall undoubtedly all meet again sometime, and meanwhile, you must
not let what I have said spoil your pleasure. [_The music is now heard
again in the ball-room._] There is the music. We must have another dance
together.
[_There is a general movement among the guests. Those at the back
of the room begin to go into the ball-room._]
BINGLEY.
[_To_ JANE, COLONEL FORSTER, _and others near him_.] Let us make up a
set here; I think there will be room.
COLONEL FORSTER.
Capital idea!
[_The_ FOOTMEN _remove the tables_.]
MISS BINGLEY.
Oh, yes, capital! [_With meaning, to_ DARCY.] Do not you think so, Mr.
Darcy?
[DARCY _bows stiffly, without speaking_.]
COLONEL FORSTER.
Miss Bingley, may I have the pleasure?
[_She bows, looks daggers at_ DARCY, _and takes her place in the
dance_.]
BINGLEY.
[_To_ JANE.] Miss Bennet, will you grant me the happiness? [DARCY _gives
him a look which_ ELIZABETH _sees_.] The--the _final_ happiness of my
stay at Netherfield.
JANE.
[_Curtsies, a tremor in her voice._] Thank you.
[_They begin to form a set with_ MISS BINGLEY _and_ COLONEL
FORSTER, LYDIA _and_ DENNY.]
DARCY.
[_Crossing to_ ELIZABETH.] May I have the honour, Miss Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH.
[_Looking at him with frank hauteur._] Thank you, Mr. Darcy, I am
indisposed.
[DARCY _bows, reddens, and crosses to the other side of the room.
The music begins. Amid embarrassed astonishment_, SIR WILLIAM _and_
CHARLOTTE LUCAS _fill the quadrille set. As the dance commences_,
ELIZABETH _and_ DARCY, _standing at either side of the dancers,
exchange a glance of the keenest pride and prejudice_.]