Chapter 43 242
with fishing tackle , and pointing out those parts of the stream where there was usually most sport . Mrs . Gardiner , who was walking arm-in-arm with Elizabeth , gave her a look expressive of wonder . Elizabeth said nothing , but it gratified her exceedingly ; the compliment must be all for herself . Her astonishment , however , was extreme , and continually was she repeating , " Why is he so altered ? From what can it proceed ? It cannot be for me--it cannot be for my sake that his manners are thus softened . My reproofs at Hunsford could not work such a change as this . It is impossible that he should still love me ."
After walking some time in this way , the two ladies in front , the two gentlemen behind , on resuming their places , after descending to the brink of the river for the better inspection of some curious water-plant , there chanced to be a little alteration . It originated in Mrs . Gardiner , who , fatigued by the exercise of the morning , found Elizabeth ' s arm inadequate to her support , and consequently preferred her husband ' s . Mr . Darcy took her place by her niece , and they walked on together . After a short silence , the lady first spoke . She wished him to know that she had been assured of his absence before she came to the place , and accordingly began by observing , that his arrival had been very unexpected-- " for your housekeeper ," she added , " informed us that you would certainly not be here till to-morrow ; and indeed , before we left Bakewell , we understood that you were not immediately expected in the country ." He acknowledged the truth of it all , and said that business with his steward had occasioned his coming forward a few hours before the rest of the party with whom he had been travelling . " They will join me early to-morrow ," he continued , " and among them are some who will claim an acquaintance with you--Mr . Bingley and his sisters ."
Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow . Her thoughts were instantly driven back to the time when Mr . Bingley ' s name had been the last mentioned between them ; and , if she might judge by his complexion , his mind was not very differently engaged .
" There is also one other person in the party ," he continued after a pause , " who more particularly wishes to be known to you . Will you allow me , or