Chapter 18 95 talk of next I cannot imagine."
" What think you of books?" said he, smiling.
" Books--oh! no. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings."
" I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions."
" No--I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is always full of something else."
" The present always occupies you in such scenes--does it?" said he, with a look of doubt.
" Yes, always," she replied, without knowing what she said, for her thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon afterwards appeared by her suddenly exclaiming, " I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created."
" I am," said he, with a firm voice. " And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?" " I hope not."
" It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first."
" May I ask to what these questions tend?"
" Merely to the illustration of your character," said she, endeavouring to shake off her gravity. " I am trying to make it out."