Darcy had walked away to another part of the room. She followed him with her eyes, envied everyone to whom he spoke, had scarcely patience enough to help anybody to coffee; and then was enraged against herself for being so silly!

     "A man who has once been refused! How could I ever be foolish enough to expect a renewal of his love? Is there one among the sex, who would not protest against such a weakness as a second proposal to the same woman? There is no indignity so abhorrent to their feelings!"

     She was a little revived, however, by his bringing back his coffee cup himself; and she seized the opportunity of saying:

     "Is your sister at Pemberley still?"

     "Yes, she will remain there till Christmas."

     "And quite alone? Have all her friends left her?"

     "Mrs. Annesley is with her. The others have been gone on to Scarborough, these three weeks."

     She could think of nothing more to say; but if he wished to converse with her, he might have better success. He stood by her, however, for some minutes, in silence; and, at last, on the young lady's whispering to Elizabeth again, he walked away.