[Outside.] Pray, allow me.

[Charlotte enters, accompanied by Darcy, who is carrying a basket of eggs. She wears a garden hat and gloves.]

Charlotte.

Ah, here he is. Good morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam. [To Darcy.] Pray let me have the basket now, Mr. Darcy. [Darcy gives Charlotte the basket, and then turns to Elizabeth.]

Darcy.

Good morning, Miss Bennet. [Elizabeth returns Darcy's greeting with a self-consciousness which does not escape his notice, but the motive of which he mistakes. Darcy gives a quick glance from Elizabeth to Colonel Fitzwilliam, as he turns to speak to the latter.] Ah, Fitzwilliam, I thought I might find you here.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

[Lightly.] Yes, I have been so fortunate as to secure some of Mrs. Collins's early roses for Miss Bennet.

Charlotte.

[In surprise.] Really! Have they already opened?