Darcy.
Oh, Miss Bennet! [He goes impetuously forward—then restraining himself, smiles and looks down at her.] I really think, after all, I shall have to be grateful to my aunt. She has done us an enormous service.
Elizabeth.
[Smiling still more.] Well, Lady Catherine loves to be useful!
[At the back of the scene Bingley and Jane, absorbed in each other, pass by, hand in hand. Elizabeth looks at them, then turns to Darcy.]
Elizabeth.
[Archly.] Is that by your permission?
Darcy.
[Ruefully.] Yes, I told you I had been kinder to my friend than to myself.
[Elizabeth, silent, still looks after Bingley and Jane.]