"Pride and Prejudice"
by Jane Austen

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     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 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.

 
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