Chapter 16 78
person , countenance , air , and walk , as they were superior to the broad-faced , stuffy uncle Phillips , breathing port wine , who followed them into the room .
Mr . Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned , and Elizabeth was the happy woman by whom he finally seated himself ; and the agreeable manner in which he immediately fell into conversation , though it was only on its being a wet night , made her feel that the commonest , dullest , most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting by the skill of the speaker .
With such rivals for the notice of the fair as Mr . Wickham and the officers , Mr . Collins seemed to sink into insignificance ; to the young ladies he certainly was nothing ; but he had still at intervals a kind listener in Mrs . Phillips , and was by her watchfulness , most abundantly supplied with coffee and muffin . When the card-tables were placed , he had the opportunity of obliging her in turn , by sitting down to whist .
" I know little of the game at present ," said he , " but I shall be glad to improve myself , for in my situation in life-- " Mrs . Phillips was very glad for his compliance , but could not wait for his reason .
Mr . Wickham did not play at whist , and with ready delight was he received at the other table between Elizabeth and Lydia . At first there seemed danger of Lydia ' s engrossing him entirely , for she was a most determined talker ; but being likewise extremely fond of lottery tickets , she soon grew too much interested in the game , too eager in making bets and exclaiming after prizes to have attention for anyone in particular . Allowing for the common demands of the game , Mr . Wickham was therefore at leisure to talk to Elizabeth , and she was very willing to hear him , though what she chiefly wished to hear she could not hope to be told--the history of his acquaintance with Mr . Darcy . She dared not even mention that gentleman . Her curiosity , however , was unexpectedly relieved . Mr . Wickham began the subject himself . He inquired how far Netherfield was from Meryton ; and , after receiving her answer , asked in a hesitating manner how long Mr . Darcy had been staying there .