Austen Said:

Elizabeth felt that

The officers of the ——shire were in general a very creditable, gentlemanlike set, and the best of them were of the present party; but Mr. Wickham was as far beyond them all in 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

With such rivals for the notice of the fair as Mr. Wickham and the officers, Mr. Collins seemed likely 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 an opportunity of obliging her in turn, by sitting down to whist.

said he,

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

and, after receiving her answer,

asked

in a hesitating manner

said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let the subject drop, added,

replied Mr. Wickham;

Elizabeth could not but look surprised.

cried Elizabeth very warmly.

said Wickham,

said Wickham, after a short interruption,

Wickham only shook his head.

said he, at the next opportunity of speaking,

Elizabeth found the interest of the subject increase, and listened with all her heart; but the delicacy of it prevented further inquiry.

Mr. Wickham began to speak on more general topics, Meryton, the neighbourhood, the society, appearing highly pleased with all that he had yet seen, and speaking of the latter especially, with gentle but very intelligible gallantry.

he added,

cried Elizabeth;

Elizabeth honoured him for such feelings, and thought him handsomer than ever as he expressed them.

said she, after a pause,

After a few minutes' reflection, however, she continued,

replied Wickham;

Elizabeth was again deep in thought, and after a time exclaimed,

— She could have added,

—

but she contented herself with,

cried Elizabeth.

replied Wickham,

He shook his head.

After many pauses and many trials of other subjects, Elizabeth could not help reverting once more to the first, and saying:

The whist party soon afterwards breaking up, the players gathered round the other table and Mr. Collins took his station between his cousin Elizabeth and Mrs. Phillips .— The usual inquiries as to his success was made by the latter. It had not been very great; he had lost every point; but when Mrs Phillips began to express her concern thereupon,

he assured her

with much earnest gravity

that

that

and

begged that

said he,

Mr. Wickham's attention was caught; and after observing Mr. Collins for a few moments,

he asked Elizabeth

in a low voice

whether

she replied,

This information made Elizabeth smile, as she thought of poor Miss Bingley. Vain indeed must be all her attentions, vain and useless her affection for his sister and her praise of himself, if he were already self-destined for another.