Chapter 43 240
what at the moment was passing in his mind--in what manner he thought of her , and whether , in defiance of everything , she was still dear to him . Perhaps he had been civil only because he felt himself at ease ; yet there had been that in his voice which was not like ease . Whether he had felt more of pain or of pleasure in seeing her she could not tell , but he certainly had not seen her with composure .
At length , however , the remarks of her companions on her absence of mind aroused her , and she felt the necessity of appearing more like herself .
They entered the woods , and bidding adieu to the river for a while , ascended some of the higher grounds ; when , in spots where the opening of the trees gave the eye power to wander , were many charming views of the valley , the opposite hills , with the long range of woods overspreading many , and occasionally part of the stream . Mr . Gardiner expressed a wish of going round the whole park , but feared it might be beyond a walk . With a triumphant smile they were told that it was ten miles round . It settled the matter ; and they pursued the accustomed circuit ; which brought them again , after some time , in a descent among hanging woods , to the edge of the water , and one of its narrowest parts . They crossed it by a simple bridge , in character with the general air of the scene ; it was a spot less adorned than any they had yet visited ; and the valley , here contracted into a glen , allowed room only for the stream , and a narrow walk amidst the rough coppice-wood which bordered it . Elizabeth longed to explore its windings ; but when they had crossed the bridge , and perceived their distance from the house , Mrs . Gardiner , who was not a great walker , could go no farther , and thought only of returning to the carriage as quickly as possible . Her niece was , therefore , obliged to submit , and they took their way towards the house on the opposite side of the river , in the nearest direction ; but their progress was slow , for Mr . Gardiner , though seldom able to indulge the taste , was very fond of fishing , and was so much engaged in watching the occasional appearance of some trout in the water , and talking to the man about them , that he advanced but little . Whilst wandering on in this slow manner , they were again surprised , and Elizabeth ' s astonishment was quite equal to what it had been at first , by the sight of Mr . Darcy approaching them , and at no great distance . The walk being here less sheltered than on