He looked surprised, displeased, alarmed; but with a moment's recollection and a returning smile, replied, that he had formerly seen him often; and, after observing that he was a very gentlemanlike man, asked her how she had liked him. Her answer was warmly in his favour. With an air of indifference he soon afterwards added:

     "How long did you say he was at Rosings?"

     "Nearly three weeks."

     "And you saw him frequently?"

     "Yes, almost every day."

     "His manners are very different from his cousin's."

     "Yes, very different. But I think Mr. Darcy improves upon acquaintance."

     "Indeed!" cried Mr. Wickham with a look which did not escape her. "And pray, may I ask?--" But checking himself, he added, in a gayer tone, "Is it in address that he improves? Has he deigned to add aught of civility to his ordinary style?--for I dare not hope," he continued in a lower and more serious tone, "that he is improved in essentials."

     "Oh, no!" said Elizabeth. "In essentials, I believe, he is very much what he ever was."