bows and goes out.]
They have come soon, Lizzy. Really this is very civil in them.
Uncommonly civil. Come with me, Jane. I must make myself tidy. Mud and dirty petticoats for Mr. Darcy! – Oh, that would never do.
[They run off, laughing. There is a short pause. Then Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy enter. The latter is very quiet, with an air of scornful hauteur. Bingley, on the contrary, has a gracious and animated manner. Harris ushers them in, much impressed.]
[To Harris.] You will announce us to Mr. Bennet and the ladies.
[Harris goes out.]
Do you know, Darcy, I believe that was George Wickham we saw just now, going toward the Drake Farm.
[Quietly.] I think there is no doubt of it.
But what is he doing here?
[With assumed indifference.] Probably it is his regiment which is stationed at Meryton.
[Excitedly.] No, Darcy! You don't mean it! Why, confound it, if I had had any notion of that – I … I…
[Contemptuously.] I don't think we need mind Wickham.
But I do mind! To think that I should bring you into the neighbourhood of that rascal —
He must live somewhere, I suppose.
Yes, unfortunately. But, Darcy, you are a puzzle to me. – You are, indeed! How can you speak with any charity of a man who for years abused the patience and generous kindness of your father, and who so lately has attempted against your family the most dastardly action that —
[Interrupting him with hauteur.] We have already said too much of George Wickham. I prefer not to discuss him further.
[Bingley turns away hurt and embarrassed. Darcy seeing the effect of his words and manner, goes to him kindly, and speaks to him in a changed voice.]
Bingley, I entirely understand your indignation. Indeed, I share it so fully that I dare not trust myself to think of the man's villainy. It is better that I say nothing of him, even to you.
[Moved.] I am sure, I beg your pardon, Darcy.
It is rather for me to ask yours.
[There follows an awkward pause, which Bingley at length breaks by speaking in a tone of forced gaiety.]
Pretty place, this.
[With a shrug.] Very small.
What has the size to do with it? I think we are in luck to have such charming neighbours. You know we saw two of the young ladies going through the lane the other day. Why, Darcy, one of them is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld – and the other – the one with the dark eyes – she is uncommonly pretty. Don't you think so?
She is tolerable, but fine eyes cannot change family connections.
[Quickly.] What do you mean?
I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton.
[Shortly.] Yes.
And that they have another in London who lives somewhere near Cheapside.
[With irritation.] If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside, it wouldn't make them one jot less handsome.
But it must materially lessen their chances of marrying men of any consideration in the world.
Of marrying? You go fast, Darcy.
Perhaps. But I am in no humour to give consequence to young ladies. I am here to please you, Bingley – and – [He smiles meaningly.] knowing your disposition, I think it is just as well that I came.
[Bingley is about to reply when the door opens and Mrs. Bennet enters, followed by Jane and Elizabeth. The two young men make ceremonious bows. Mrs. Bennet curtsies and then advances with delighted fussiness.]
Good morning, gentlemen. I am so sorry that Mr. Bennet has gone for his walk.
[As she looks a little puzzled from one to the other, Bingley advances.]
Good morning, Mrs. Bennet. I am Mr. Bingley, your new neighbour at Netherfield. This is my friend, Mr. Darcy, of Pendleton, Derbyshire. [All bow and curtsy.] Mr. Bennet has been so kind as to call upon us, and we are most happy to have the honour of waiting upon the ladies of his family.
We are delighted to see you, I am sure! Mr. Bingley – Mr. Darcy – [Indicating Jane] – my eldest daughter, Miss Bennet. [Indicating Elizabeth] – Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
[The girls make low curtsies – the gentlemen bow.]
Will not you be seated, gentlemen? [The guests and ladies seat themselves.] I am sure you must like Netherfield, Mr. Bingley. I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting it in a hurry, I hope, though you have but a short lease.
Whatever I do is done in a hurry, Mrs. Bennet, and therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield I should probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, [looking intently at Jane] I consider myself as quite fixed here.
It is very pleasant to have Netherfield open once more, although you must both miss London. There is so much gaiety in London.
Yes, in a country neighbourhood you move in a confined and unvarying society.
[Mrs. Bennet looks vexed at this speech.]
But people themselves alter so much that there is something new to be observed in them forever.
[Darcy turns and looks at Elizabeth with surprise and interest.]
Then you are a student of character, Miss Elizabeth. It must be an amusing study.
Yes, Lizzy always likes to watch people. [Looking at Darcy.] And there are plenty of people about, even if you do live in the country. The country is a vast deal pleasanter than London, is not it, Mr. Bingley?
When I am in the country I never wish to leave it, and when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages and I am equally happy in either.
Ay
