Chapter 18 92
mortification . Mr . Collins , awkward and solemn , apologising instead of attending , and often moving wrong without being aware of it , gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give . The moment of her release from him was ecstasy .
She danced next with an officer , and had the refreshment of talking of Wickham , and of hearing that he was universally liked . When those dances were over , she returned to Charlotte Lucas , and was in conversation with her , when she found herself suddenly addressed by Mr . Darcy who took her so much by surprise in his application for her hand , that , without knowing what she did , she accepted him . He walked away again immediately , and she was left to fret over her own want of presence of mind ; Charlotte tried to console her :
" I dare say you will find him very agreeable ."
" Heaven forbid ! That would be the greatest misfortune of all ! To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate ! Do not wish me such an evil ."
When the dancing recommenced , however , and Darcy approached to claim her hand , Charlotte could not help cautioning her in a whisper , not to be a simpleton , and allow her fancy for Wickham to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man ten times his consequence . Elizabeth made no answer , and took her place in the set , amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Mr . Darcy , and reading in her neighbours ' looks , their equal amazement in beholding it . They stood for some time without speaking a word ; and she began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances , and at first was resolved not to break it ; till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater punishment to her partner to oblige him to talk , she made some slight observation on the dance . He replied , and was again silent . After a pause of some minutes , she addressed him a second time with : -- " It is your turn to say something now , Mr . Darcy . I talked about the dance , and you ought to make some sort of remark on the size of the room , or the number of couples ."