Elizabeth.
[Following her.] Why did I promise to dance with Mr. Darcy just now! Why did not I have more presence of mind!
[They sit on the bench together while they talk; the guests, at the back, pass to and from the drawing-room and ball-room, and the sound of music is heard faintly.]
Charlotte.
I dare say you will find him very agreeable.
Elizabeth.
Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all. To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an evil.
Charlotte.
I wouldn't be a simpleton, Eliza. You are angry because Wickham is not here, but I wouldn't allow my fancy for him to make me unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten times his consequence.
Elizabeth.