Martin, the Footman.
[Entering, to Bingley.] Several of the carriages have arrived, sir, and the guests will soon be entering the ball-room.
Bingley.
[To the Footman.] Very well. [To Miss Bingley.] Come Caroline, we must be at our post. We will leave Darcy to make up his mind whether he will join us later.
[Bingley and his sister disappear through the archway leading to the ball-room. Darcy does not follow them, but walks thoughtfully up and down the room. The sound of a voice is heard announcing.]
The Voice.
Mrs. Long—the Miss Longs. [A pause.] Colonel Forster and Mr. Denny. [A pause.] Mr. and Mrs. Goulding. [A pause.] Mrs. Bennet—the Miss Bennets. [Darcy stops in his walk and goes toward the ball-room archway—then he walks once more up and down.] Mrs. King—Miss King. [Darcy again moves toward the ball-room; he lifts the curtain, hesitates—looks in—then disappears.] Sir William and Lady Lucas—Miss Lucas—Mr. Robinson.
[The music now begins, the stage is left empty. After a short pause, Elizabeth and Charlotte appear between the curtains of the ball-room archway.]
Charlotte.
[Peeps in—then enters.] Isn't this pretty! Come in here for a moment, Eliza. I want to tell you something.