him, she felt a real interest in
his welfare; and she only wanted to know how far she wished that welfare to
depend upon herself, and how far it would be for the happiness of both that she
should employ the power, which her fancy told her she still possessed, of
bringing on the renewal of his addresses.
    It had been settled in the evening, between the aunt and niece, that such a
striking civility as Miss Darcy's, in coming to them on the very day of her
arrival at Pemberley, for she had reached it only to a late breakfast, ought to
be imitated, though it could not be equalled, by some exertion of politeness on
their side; and, consequently, that it would be highly expedient to wait on her
at Pemberley the following morning. They were, therefore, to go. - Elizabeth was
pleased, though, when she asked herself the reason, she had very little to say
in reply.
    Mr. Gardiner left them soon after breakfast. The fishing scheme had been
renewed the day before, and a positive engagement made of his meeting some of
the gentlemen at Pemberley by noon.
 

                                  Chapter III

Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley's dislike of her had originated
in jealousy, she could not help feeling how very unwelcome her appearance at
Pemberley must be to her, and was curious to know with how much civility on that
lady's side, the acquaintance would now be renewed.
    On reaching the house, they were shewn through the hall into the saloon,
whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. Its windows opening to
the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the
house, and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chesnuts which were scattered over
the intermediate lawn.
    In this room they were received by Miss Darcy, who was sitting there with
Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the lady with whom she lived in London.
Georgiana's reception of them was very civil; but attended with all that
embarrassment which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong,
would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior, the belief of her being
proud and reserved. Mrs. Gardiner and her niece, however, did her justice, and
pitied her.
    By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, they were noticed only by a curtsey; and on
their being seated, a pause, awkward as such pauses must always be, succeeded
for a few moments. It was first broken by Mrs. Annesley, a genteel,
agreeable-looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce