Pride and Prejudice, a play founded on Jane Austen's novel

Sir William

But I must not further interrupt you, sir! I only wish to tell you once more how highly gratified I have been by your superior dancing; allow me also to say that your fair partner does not disgrace you. It is a great pleasure to see you together. I must hope to – to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Eliza, [Glancing at Bingley and Jane, who are talking earnestly together at the back of the scene.] shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in: but let me not interrupt you – you will not thank me, Mr. Darcy, for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me!

Darcy

[Murmurs to himself.] So! [Looking earnestly at Bingley and Jane, he seems much impressed by what Sir William has said. Elizabeth notices this. Recovering himself, Darcy turns to her again.] Sir William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of.

Elizabeth

I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have interrupted any two people who had less to say for themselves. We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next, I cannot imagine.

Darcy

[Smiling.] What think you of books?

Elizabeth

Books? Oh no: I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings.

Darcy

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 of them.

Elizabeth

No, I cannot talk of books at a ball – my head is always full of something else.

Darcy

The present always occupies you in such scenes, does it?

Elizabeth

[In an absent manner.] Yes, always. [Suddenly.] 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?

Darcy

[Firmly.] I am.

Elizabeth

And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?

Darcy

I hope not.

Elizabeth

It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.

Darcy

May I ask to what these questions lead?

Elizabeth

Merely to the illustration of your character. I am trying to make it out.

Darcy

And what is your success?

Elizabeth

[Shaking her head.] I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.

Darcy

[Gravely.] I can readily believe that reports may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either.

Elizabeth

But if I do not take your likeness now I may never have another opportunity.

Darcy

[Very stiffly.] I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours.

[Miss Bingley enters from the ball-room. She comes directly to Darcy and Elizabeth.]

Miss Bingley

Oh, Mr. Darcy – would you be so good as to go to Charles? He wishes very much to consult with you about some of the table arrangements. You will find him in the dining-parlour. [With exaggerated politeness to Elizabeth.] That is, if Miss Bennet will permit you.

Elizabeth

[Carelessly.] Oh, certainly.

[Darcy bows and goes out.]

Miss Bingley

[To Elizabeth, after a moment's silence.] So, Miss Bennet, I hear that you are quite delighted with George Wickham. He must have told you all a pretty tale. As to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false. I do not know the particulars, but I do know that George Wickham has treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. His coming into the county at all is a most insolent thing. I feel very strongly on this point, Miss Bennet, as Mr. Darcy's interests are so intimately associated with our own. [She watches Elizabeth.] We hope Miss Georgiana Darcy may some day be my sister. My brother admires her greatly.

Elizabeth

[With indifference.] Ah!