Chapter 54 321
Chapter 54
As soon as they were gone , Elizabeth walked out to recover her spirits ; or in other words , to dwell without interruption on those subjects that must deaden them more . Mr . Darcy ' s behaviour astonished and vexed her .
" Why , if he came only to be silent , grave , and indifferent ," said she , " did he come at all ?"
She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure .
" He could be still amiable , still pleasing , to my uncle and aunt , when he was in town ; and why not to me ? If he fears me , why come hither ? If he no longer cares for me , why silent ? Teasing , teasing , man ! I will think no more about him ."
Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by the approach of her sister , who joined her with a cheerful look , which showed her better satisfied with their visitors , than Elizabeth .
" Now ," said she , " that this first meeting is over , I feel perfectly easy . I know my own strength , and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming . I am glad he dines here on Tuesday . It will then be publicly seen that , on both sides , we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance ."
" Yes , very indifferent indeed ," said Elizabeth , laughingly . " Oh , Jane , take care ."
" My dear Lizzy , you cannot think me so weak , as to be in danger now ?"
" I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever ."
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