Chapter 9 44
" The country," said Darcy, " can in general supply but a few subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very confined and unvarying society."
" But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever."
" Yes, indeed," cried Mrs. Bennet, offended by his manner of mentioning a country neighbourhood. " I assure you there is quite as much of that going on in the country as in town."
Everybody was surprised, and Darcy, after looking at her for a moment, turned silently away. Mrs. Bennet, who fancied she had gained a complete victory over him, continued her triumph.
" I cannot see that London has any great advantage over the country, for my part, except the shops and public places. The country is a vast deal pleasanter, is it not, Mr. Bingley?"
" When I am in the country," he replied, " I never wish to leave it; and when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages, and I can be equally happy in either."
" Aye--that is because you have the right disposition. But that gentleman," looking at Darcy, " seemed to think the country was nothing at all."
" Indeed, Mamma, you are mistaken," said Elizabeth, blushing for her mother. " You quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant that there was not such a variety of people to be met with in the country as in the town, which you must acknowledge to be true."
" Certainly, my dear, nobody said there were; but as to not meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I believe there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with four-and-twenty families."