Chapter 18 94
The effect was immediate . A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features , but he said not a word , and Elizabeth , though blaming herself for her own weakness , could not go on . At length Darcy spoke , and in a constrained manner said , " Mr . Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends--whether he may be equally capable of retaining them , is less certain ."
" He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship ," replied Elizabeth with emphasis , " and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life ."
Darcy made no answer , and seemed desirous of changing the subject . At that moment , Sir William Lucas appeared close to them , meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room ; but on perceiving Mr . Darcy , he stopped with a bow of superior courtesy to compliment him on his dancing and his partner .
" I have been most highly gratified indeed , my dear sir . Such very superior dancing is not often seen . It is evident that you belong to the first circles . Allow me to say , however , that your fair partner does not disgrace you , and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated , especially when a certain desirable event , my dear Eliza ( glancing at her sister and Bingley ) shall take place . What congratulations will then flow in ! I appeal to Mr . Darcy : --but let me not interrupt you , sir . You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady , whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me ."
The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by Darcy ; but Sir William ' s allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly , and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Bingley and Jane , who were dancing together . Recovering himself , however , shortly , he turned to his partner , and said , " Sir William ' s interruption has made me forget what we were talking of ."
" I do not think we were speaking at all . Sir William could not have interrupted two people in the room who had less to say for themselves . We have tried two or three subjects already without success , and what we are to