Part 2
[_In amazement._] Mr. Darcy? Mr. Fitzgerald Darcy! My dear Madam, can it be possible that you are to be honoured by a visit from him? Respectable indeed! Why, he is the nephew of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourg. It is true that I have never yet had the honour of meeting him--but he frequently visits his aunt, and she has promised to bring him on some occasion to inspect my humble abode. I am surprised, indeed, by this civility on his part. [_Anxiously._] I only fear there may be some mistake, for Mr. Darcy has the reputation of possessing a very natural pride of birth; but if your information is indeed to be relied upon, I think Lady Catherine would consent to my approval of this visit, provided my fair cousins will keep in mind the proper attitude of respectful humility which should be assumed toward a person of his superior station.
ELIZABETH.
We will promise you, Mr. Collins, never for one instant to forget either Mr. Darcy's exalted position or our own insignificance.
MR. COLLINS.
[_Looking at her with admiration._] With that assurance, Miss Elizabeth, I think even Lady Catherine would be satisfied. So I need no longer withhold my sanction.
ELIZABETH.
[_Curtsying._] We thank you, sir.
MR. COLLINS.
This is the very attitude of mind I could desire. [_To_ MRS. BENNET.] I think, with your permission, I will now retire again to the library. [_Going over smilingly to_ JANE.] There was a volume of Fordyce's sermons that you may remember I was reading to you in this room yesterday. I do not find it in the library. Do you know where it is? [_Looking about him._]
JANE.
I haven't seen it, Mr. Collins. I will try to find it for you. [_She starts as if to go out of the room._]
MRS. BENNET.
[_Wishing to leave them together._] No--no, Lydia will find it. Lydia, my love, go see if you can find the sermons for Mr. Collins.
[LYDIA, _with a grimace, rises slowly from her chair_.]
CHARLOTTE LUCAS.
Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I am quite sure that I saw the book in the hall. I will go fetch it.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Sharply._] On no account, Charlotte. Lydia will find the book. Lizzy, go and get the mud off your shoes.
MR. COLLINS.
Oh, I will not trouble any of you ladies.
MRS. BENNET.
It is no trouble, Mr. Collins. Charlotte, if you will come with me, I have a parcel I should like to send your mother.
MR. COLLINS.
But I assure you, Madam----
[_As they go out_, MRS. BENNET--_looking daggers at_ CHARLOTTE--_tries to keep_ MR. COLLINS _with_ JANE.]
MRS. BENNET.
Lydia will find your book, Mr. Collins.
MR. COLLINS.
On no account, Madam----
[_With awkward gallantry_ MR. COLLINS _ushers out the ladies_--LYDIA _rebellious_, CHARLOTTE _somewhat offended_.]
ELIZABETH.
[_With an amused smile, having watched the party vanish, turns to_ JANE _and speaks to her in mock-heroic fashion_.] Miss Bennet! Do you realise the honour which is so soon to fall upon our humble home, and our gratefully humble selves?
JANE.
[_Smiling._] Oh, Lizzy!
ELIZABETH.
Do you really grasp in its full significance the fact that we may soon be honoured by a visit from Mr. Bingley of Netherfield and Mr. Fitzgerald Darcy, nephew of the Lady Catherine de Bourg?
JANE.
Oh, Lizzy, Mr. Collins is a little pompous, but he seems a very well-meaning young man--indeed, sometimes quite agreeable.
ELIZABETH.
[_Looking quizzically, but affectionately, at her sister._] No one can be anything but agreeable in the mind of our dear Jane. This time, however, I quite agree with you, I am as delighted as papa with Mr. Collins. I can see that his mixture of servility and importance promises well.
JANE.
And I think Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy promise well. If the half of what our neighbours say is true, Mr. Bingley will give us all sorts of gaieties. [_Slyly._] Who knows? We may find him as entertaining as Mr. Wickham.
ELIZABETH.
As Mr. Wickham? Then, dear Jane, we shall be rich indeed. [_Counting on her fingers._] For hospitality--Mr. Bingley; for conversation--Mr. Wickham; for grandeur--Mr. Darcy, and the agreeable Mr. Collins!
JANE.
Oh, Lizzy! Can not you let the poor man alone?
ELIZABETH.
With all my heart. I will gladly let him alone. You shall have him all to yourself. [_Mischievously._] If only Mr. Collins knew your good opinion of him! But he is too modest to find it out for himself.
JANE.
[_Playfully pulling_ ELIZABETH'S _ear_.] You are a tease!
HARRIS.
[_Entering._] The two gentlemen from Netherfield have just brought their horses into the paddock, Madam.
JANE.
Show them in, Harris, and speak to Mrs. Bennet at once.
[HARRIS _bows and goes out_.]
JANE.
They have come soon, Lizzy. Really this is very civil in them.
ELIZABETH.
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_.]
BINGLEY.
[_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.
DARCY.
[_Quietly._] I think there is no doubt of it.
BINGLEY.
But what is he doing here?
DARCY.
[_With assumed indifference._] Probably it is his regiment which is stationed at Meryton.
BINGLEY.
[_Excitedly._] No, Darcy! You don't mean it! Why, confound it, if I had had any notion of that--I ... I....
DARCY.
[_Contemptuously._] I don't think we need mind Wickham.
BINGLEY.
But I do mind! To think that I should bring you into the neighbourhood of that rascal----
DARCY.
He must live somewhere, I suppose.
BINGLEY.
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----
DARCY.
[_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.
BINGLEY.
[_Moved._] I am sure, I beg your pardon, Darcy.
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_.]
BINGLEY.
Pretty place, this.
DARCY.
[_With a shrug._] Very small.
BINGLEY.
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?
DARCY.
She is tolerable, but fine eyes cannot change family connections.
BINGLEY.
[_Quickly._] What do you mean?
DARCY.
I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton.
BINGLEY.
[_Shortly._] Yes.
DARCY.
And that they have another in London who lives somewhere near Cheapside.
BINGLEY.
[_With irritation._] If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside, it wouldn't make them one jot less handsome.
DARCY.
But it must materially lessen their chances of marrying men of any consideration in the world.
BINGLEY.
Of marrying? You go fast, Darcy.
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_.]
MRS. BENNET.
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_.]
BINGLEY.
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.
MRS. BENNET.
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.
BINGLEY.
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.
JANE.
It is very pleasant to have Netherfield open once more, although you must both miss London. There is so much gaiety in London.
DARCY.
Yes, in a country neighbourhood you move in a confined and unvarying society.
[MRS. BENNET _looks vexed at this speech_.]
ELIZABETH.
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_.]
BINGLEY.
Then you are a student of character, Miss Elizabeth. It must be an amusing study.
MRS. BENNET.
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?
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.
MRS. BENNET.
Ay--that is because _you_ have the right disposition. [_Looking at_ DARCY.] But that gentleman seemed to think the country was nothing at all.
ELIZABETH.
[_Quickly._] Indeed, mamma, you are mistaken. You quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant that there is not such a variety of people to be met with in the country as in town, which you must acknowledge to be true.
MRS. BENNET.
Certainly, my dear, nobody said there was--but as to not meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I believe there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with four-and-twenty families.
[_As all become embarrassed at this speech_, BINGLEY _comes to the rescue_.]
BINGLEY.
Yes, there are many fine estates hereabout. Can you see Sir William Lucas' place from the garden? I am not quite sure I have placed it.
MRS. BENNET.
Oh, yes, there is a fine view of the chimneys from the terrace. Sir William is our nearest neighbour. Such an agreeable man--so genteel, and so easy---- [_Rising, she goes toward the glass doors._] Come, Jane, we must show Mr. Bingley Sir William's chimneys.
[MRS. BENNET, BINGLEY, _and_ JANE _go out upon the terrace_.]
ELIZABETH.
[_Smiling mischievously._] Would not you also like to see the chimneys, Mr. Darcy?
DARCY.
Thank you. Like yourself, I prefer people to places.
ELIZABETH.
Did I say that?
DARCY.
Not precisely. But I have drawn that conclusion.
ELIZABETH.
[_Gathering her sewing materials, begins to embroider._] Well, I can laugh at people better than places, and I dearly love a laugh.
DARCY.
Isn't that rather a dangerous trait, Miss Bennet? The wisest and the best of men may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke.
ELIZABETH.
Certainly. But I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good. Whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. [_Mischievously._] But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without.
DARCY.
Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to ridicule.
ELIZABETH.
And in your list of weaknesses do you include such faults as vanity and pride, for instance?
DARCY.
Yes, vanity is a weakness, indeed, but _pride_, where there is a real superiority of mind--pride will be always under good regulation.
ELIZABETH.
I am perfectly convinced, Mr. Darcy, that you have no defect.
DARCY.
I have made no such pretension, Miss Bennet. I have faults enough. My temper I dare not vouch for. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others against myself. My good opinion once lost is lost forever.
ELIZABETH.
That is a failing, indeed. Implacable resentment _is_ a shade in a character. But you have chosen your fault well. I really cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me.
DARCY.
There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil--a natural defect which not even the best education can overcome.
ELIZABETH.
And your defect is a propensity to hate everybody.
DARCY.
[_Smiling._] And yours to wilfully misunderstand them.
[_Voices are heard outside._ ELIZABETH _applies herself to her embroidery_. BINGLEY, JANE, _and_ MRS. BENNET _return from the terrace_.]
BINGLEY.
The surrounding country is really charming, Mrs. Bennet.
MRS. BENNET.
_We_ think so. But you must give us a ball at Netherfield, Mr. Bingley, and then you will see that some of the people who live here are worth knowing.
ELIZABETH.
[_Distressed._] Oh, mamma!
JANE.
Mamma!
BINGLEY.
Certainly, Mrs. Bennet. I had already decided upon it. I told Mr. Darcy only yesterday that as soon as my sister, Miss Bingley, arrived, and Nicholas could make white soup enough, I should send out my cards. Did not I, Darcy?
DARCY.
[_Very stiffly._] I believe you did.
MRS. BENNET.
Well, that is vastly good in you, Mr. Bingley; and then, perhaps, your friend may change his mind about the country. [_To_ DARCY.] You didn't come to admire Sir William's chimneys, Mr. Darcy.
DARCY.
I was admiring your daughter's work, Madam.
MRS. BENNET.
Oh, you should see Jane's work. Lizzy is all for books, like her father. She is a great reader and has no pleasure in anything else. Jane, show your embroidered parrot to Mr. Bingley.
JANE.
I do not think Mr. Bingley would be interested, ma'am.
BINGLEY.
[_Eagerly._] Oh, indeed, I should, Miss Bennet; I am very much interested in parrots.--Pray show it to me.
MRS. BENNET.
Yes, and the new hand-screen. I will find it for you.
[_All three withdraw, leaving_ ELIZABETH _and_ DARCY _together_.]
DARCY.
And so you are a great reader and take no pleasure in anything else?
ELIZABETH.
Mamma does not understand. I deserve neither such praise nor such censure. I am _not_ a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.
DARCY.
So I should have thought.
BINGLEY.
[_Looking at the screen which he holds in his hand._]
It is amazing to me how young ladies can have patience to be so very accomplished as they are; to think how you all paint tables and cover screens and net purses. It is quite wonderful.
ELIZABETH.
Do you agree with your friend, Mr. Darcy?
DARCY.
His list of the common extent of accomplishments has too much truth. But I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen young ladies in the whole range of my acquaintance that are really accomplished.
ELIZABETH.
Then you must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished woman.
DARCY.
Perhaps. To deserve the word, a woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages. She must also possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking--the tone of her voice--her address and expression, and to all this she must yet add something more substantial--[_With a little bow to_ ELIZABETH.] in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.
ELIZABETH.
[_Laughing._] I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women! I rather wonder at your knowing any.
HARRIS.
[_Enters and announces._] Colonel Forster and Mr. Wickham.
[_The gentlemen enter, smiling._]
WICKHAM.
Here I am again, Mrs. Bennet. I found that Colonel Forster had a message for the young ladies.
MRS. BENNET.
I am delighted to see you. You are just in time to meet our new neighbours. [_Introducing the gentlemen._] Colonel Forster, Mr. Wickham--Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy.
[_As the gentlemen enter_, MR. DARCY _has his back turned to them in conversation with_ ELIZABETH. _At the sound of_ WICKHAM'S _voice he starts and turns so that he faces the latter just in time for the introduction. At sight of_ DARCY, WICKHAM _starts and is greatly confused_. DARCY _stiffens and scarcely nods when_ WICKHAM _is introduced. The whole situation is so marked that everyone looks on with an astonishment to which_ MRS. BENNET _gives audible expression_.]
MRS. BENNET.
Well, well! If ever there was a proud, stiff man----
JANE.
[_In a dismayed whisper._] Mamma!
BINGLEY.
[_Looking distressed, speaks hurriedly._] Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I'm sorry that we cannot wait for Mr. Bennet. We--we--were on the way to meet my steward--and we are already late for the appointment.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Effusively._] I am very sorry you must go, Mr. Bingley. But I hope you will come again. We must engage you soon for dinner.
BINGLEY.
[_In an absent and worried way._] It will be a pleasure.
[_Then with bows, the party moves toward the door._]
MRS. BENNET.
[_Bustling._] Your best way to the paddock is by the terrace.
[_The gentlemen have almost reached the glass doors when_ MR. COLLINS _comes in excitedly, putting himself directly in the way of_ BINGLEY _and_ DARCY.]
MR. COLLINS.
My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have this moment found out by a singular accident that there is now in this room a near relation of my patroness Lady Catherine de Bourg. Will you present me?
[_He looks enquiringly from one to the other of the young men._]
ELIZABETH.
Mr. Bingley, allow me to present my cousin, Mr. Collins--Mr. Darcy--Mr. Collins.
MR. COLLINS.
[_Taking almost no notice of_ MR. BINGLEY, _he greets_ MR. DARCY _with servile effusion_.] My dear sir--I trust you will pardon me for not having paid my respects before. My total ignorance of your presence here must plead my apology. [_Looking severely about him at the ladies._] I was not informed of it. Is there any message, sir, which I could take from you to my honoured patroness--your aunt, or to your fair cousin--Miss de Bourg?
DARCY.
[_Stiffly._] Thank you, I will not trouble you so far.
MR. COLLINS.
It would be no trouble--but an honour and a privilege.
DARCY.
[_Disgusted, turns from him to_ BINGLEY.] We are already very late, Bingley.
BINGLEY.
Yes,--we have no time to lose.
[DARCY _and_ BINGLEY _give passing bows and go out by the glass doors_. MR. COLLINS _keeps by_ DARCY'S _side and, as they pass out of sight, is seen still talking to him, to his evident annoyance. All the time that the party is bidding good-bye to_ BINGLEY _and_ DARCY, WICKHAM _has been moodily standing by the fireplace_. ELIZABETH _has evidently been concerned about him, for throughout the foregoing interview with_ MR. COLLINS, _she has looked at_ WICKHAM _from time to time_.]
HILL.
[_Enters at the door leading to the hall._] May I speak to you, Madam?
MRS. BENNET.
Yes, Hill, yes. [_To the gentlemen._] Excuse me for a moment. I will return directly. [MRS. BENNET _and_ HILL _go out_.]
COLONEL FORSTER.
Oh, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth! Your aunt, Mrs. Phillips, has sent word by me that her card-party is to be on Wednesday. She hopes you will surely be there.
ELIZABETH.
[_In a pre-occupied way, looking towards_ WICKHAM.] Oh, yes, we shall go.
COLONEL FORSTER.
[_As he passes the piano, and looking at some music which is on the rack._] Ah! Here is the song you have promised to sing to me. Pray sing it now, Miss Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH.
Really, Colonel Forster, you must excuse me for to-day. Jane will play for you, instead.
JANE.
Indeed, I cannot, Lizzy.
ELIZABETH.
[_Looking meaningly at her._] _Please_, Jane.
COLONEL FORSTER.
Oh, do, I beg--Miss Bennet.
[_All through the following interview between_ ELIZABETH _and_ WICKHAM, _the tinkle of the instrument is heard. During their conversation_ JANE'S _back is_ _turned--also_ COLONEL FORSTER'S _as he looks over her music--so that_ ELIZABETH _and_ WICKHAM _are practically alone_. ELIZABETH _returns to her embroidery. There is an awkward pause for a moment._ WICKHAM _finally breaks it_.]
WICKHAM.
How long has Mr. Darcy been in Hertfordshire, Miss Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH.
Only for a very short time, I believe. He comes from Derbyshire, I understand, and has a very large property there.
WICKHAM.
Yes, his estate is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per annum. I am well informed on this head---- [_Hesitates._] I have been connected with Mr. Darcy's family in a particular manner since my infancy.
ELIZABETH.
[_Surprised._] Indeed?
WICKHAM.
You may well be surprised, Miss Elizabeth, at this assertion after seeing the very cold manner of our meeting just now. [_After a pause._] Are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?
ELIZABETH.
No. Though I have heard of him, I met him for the first time to-day, but even on this short acquaintance I should take him to be an ill-tempered man.
WICKHAM.
[_As if he had come to a sudden decision._] Miss Elizabeth, you have been a witness of Mr. Darcy's treatment of me to-day, and therefore I feel that I must, for my own justification, acquaint you with the facts of my past connection with him.
ELIZABETH.
I shall respect your confidence, Mr. Wickham.
WICKHAM.
I am sure of it. [_After a short pause._] Mr. Darcy and I were born in the same parish. My own father, who, to be frank, was steward of the Darcy estates, gave up everything to serve the interests of the Darcy family. Mr. Darcy's father was excessively attached to me:--indeed, I was his godson. He meant to provide for me amply, and thought he had done so. I was destined for the church and Mr. Darcy's father left to me a most valuable living. But the present Mr. Darcy chose to ignore his father's will and gave the living to another man. This closed for me the career for which I was most fitted and left me with almost no means of support.
ELIZABETH.
Good heavens! But how could that be? Why did not you seek legal redress?
WICKHAM.
There was an informality in the terms of the will which gave me no hope from the law. Mr. Darcy's father had relied implicitly upon the honour of his son.
ELIZABETH.
But--this is quite shocking. Mr. Darcy deserves to be publicly disgraced!
WICKHAM.
Sometime or other he will be, but not by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him.
ELIZABETH.
This feeling does you honour. But what can have induced Mr. Darcy to behave so cruelly?
WICKHAM.
I must attribute it in some measure to his jealousy. His father's uncommon attachment to me irritated him, but the fact is, Miss Elizabeth, as you can see, we are very different men, and he hates me.
ELIZABETH.
His disposition must be dreadful.
WICKHAM.
I will not trust myself on that subject.
ELIZABETH.