Chapter 3 11
Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged , by the scarcity of gentlemen , to sit down for two dances ; and during part of that time , Mr . Darcy had been standing near enough for her to hear a conversation between him and Mr . Bingley , who came from the dance for a few minutes , to press his friend to join it .
" Come , Darcy ," said he , " I must have you dance . I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner . You had much better dance ."
" I certainly shall not . You know how I detest it , unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner . At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable . Your sisters are engaged , and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with ."
" I would not be so fastidious as you are ," cried Mr . Bingley , " for a kingdom ! Upon my honour , I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening ; and there are several of them you see uncommonly pretty ."
" You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room ," said Mr . Darcy , looking at the eldest Miss Bennet .
" Oh ! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld ! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you , who is very pretty , and I dare say very agreeable . Do let me ask my partner to introduce you ."
" Which do you mean ?" and turning round he looked for a moment at Elizabeth , till catching her eye , he withdrew his own and coldly said : " She is tolerable , but not handsome enough to tempt me ; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men . You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles , for you are wasting your time with me ."
Mr . Bingley followed his advice . Mr . Darcy walked off ; and Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings toward him . She told the story , however , with great spirit among her friends ; for she had a lively , playful