. Elizabeth said nothing, but it
gratified her exceedingly; the compliment must be all for herself. Her
astonishment, however, was extreme; and continually was she repeating, »Why is
he so altered? From what can it proceed? It cannot be for me, it cannot be for
my sake that his manners are thus softened. My reproofs at Hunsford could not
work such a change as this. It is impossible that he should still love me.«
    After walking some time in this way, the two ladies in front, the two
gentlemen behind, on resuming their places, after descending to the brink of the
river for the better inspection of some curious water-plant, there chanced to be
a little alteration. It originated in Mrs. Gardiner, who, fatigued by the
exercise of the morning, found Elizabeth's arm inadequate to her support, and
consequently preferred her husband's. Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece, and
they walked on together. After a short silence, the lady first spoke. She wished
him to know that she had been assured of his absence before she came to the
place, and accordingly began by observing, that his arrival had been very
unexpected - »for your housekeeper,« she added, »informed us that you would
certainly not be here till to-morrow; and indeed, before we left Bakewell, we
understood that you were not immediately expected in the country.« He
acknowledged the truth of it all; and said that business with his steward had
occasioned his coming forward a few hours before the rest of the party with whom
he had been travelling. »They will join me early to-morrow,« he continued, »and
among them are some who will claim an acquaintance with you, - Mr. Bingley and
his sisters.«
    Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts were instantly driven
back to the time when Mr. Bingley's name had been last mentioned between them;
and if she might judge from his complexion, his mind was not very differently
engaged.
    »There is also one other person in the party,« he continued after a pause,
»who more particularly wishes to be known to you, - Will you allow me, or do I
ask too much, to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at
Lambton?«
    The surprise of such an application was great indeed; it was too great for
her to know in what manner she acceded to it. She immediately felt that whatever
desire Miss Darcy might have of being acquainted with her, must
