第99章[第3页/共4页]

On reaching the house,they were shown through the hall into the saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. Its windows opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house,and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediate lawn.In this house they were received by Miss Darcy,who was sitting there with Mrs.Hurst and Miss Bingley,and the lady with whom she lived in London. Georgiana's reception of them was very civil, but attended with all the embarrassment which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her being proud and reserved.Mrs.Gardiner and her niece,however, did her justice,and pitied her.

Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley's dislike of her had originated in jealousy,she could not help feeling how unwelcome her appearance at Pemberley must be to her,and was curious to know with how much civility on that lady's side the acquaintance would now be renewed.

By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley they were noticed only by a curtsey; and, on their being seated, a pause, awkward as such pauses must always be,succeeded for a few moments.It was first broken by Mrs.Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse proved her to be more truly well-bred than either of the others;and between her and Mrs.Gardiner,with occasional help from Elizabeth,the conversation was carried on.Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence when there was least danger of its being heard.