Darcy, after inquiring of her how Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did, a question which she could not answer without confusion, said scarcely anything. He was not seated by her; perhaps that was the reason of his silence; but it had not been so in Derbyshire. There he had talked to her friends, when he could not to herself. But now several minutes elapsed without bringing the sound of his voice; and when occasionally, unable to resist the impulse of curiosity, she raised he eyes to his face, she as often found him looking at Jane as at herself, and frequently on no object but the ground. More thoughtfulness and less anxiety to please, than when they last met, were plainly expressed. She was disappointed, and angry with herself for being so.

     "Could I expect it to be otherwise!" said she. "Yet why did he come?"

     She was in no humour for conversation with anyone but himself; and to him she had hardly courage to speak.

     She inquired after his sister, but could do no more.

     "It is a long time, Mr. Bingley, since you went away," said Mrs. Bennet.

     He readily agreed to it.