6 Elizabeth visits Mr. and Mrs. Collins （6-4）

DAY 22

‘I don't think you really believe I intend to alarm you, and I've had the pleasure of knowing you long enough to be aware that you occasionally enjoy stating opinions which are not your own.

Elizabeth laughed at this picture of herself, and said to Colonel Fitzwilliam, ‘Your cousin will teach you not to believe a word I say. Indeed, Mr. Darcy, it is very ungenerous of you to mention all my faults, and perhaps rather foolish too, because I may take my revenge (复仇), and tell things about you which your relations will be shocked to hear.’

‘I am not afraid of you,’ said Darcy, smiling.

‘But let me hear your accusation (指责/指控),’ cried Colonel Fitzwilliam. ‘I'd like to hear how he behaves among strangers.’

‘Well, prepare yourself for something very dreadful. The first time I ever saw him was at a ball in Hertfordshire, and at this ball (舞会), what do you think he did? He danced only four dances! I'm sorry to cause you pain, but that is what happened. He danced only four dances, although gentlemen were scarce, and to my certain knowledge, more than one young lady was sitting down, waiting for a partner Mr. Darcy, you must admit it.’

‘I had not at that time the honour of knowing anybody at the ball, apart from my own group of friends. I should perhaps have asked to be introduced, but I do not like to recommend myself to strangers. I do not find it easy to talk to people I don't know.’

‘You don't want to take the trouble to do it, Darcy, that’ s why!’ said Colonel Fitzwilliam．

‘I cannot play this piano as well as some other women,’ said Elizabeth, ‘but I've always assumed it is my own fault because I don't take the trouble to practise. I know that I am capable of playing as well as anyone.’

Darcy smiled and said, ‘You are perfectly right. You have spent your time in a much better way. No one who hears you could imagine any possible improvement. We neither of us perform to strangers.’

Just then Lady Catherine interrupted them, to comment on Elizabeth's playing. ‘Miss Bennet would play quite well, if she had a London teacher. Of course, Anne would have been a delightful performer，if her health had allowed her to learn.’

Elizabeth looked at Darcy to see his reaction to Anne de Bourgh's name, but neither at that moment nor at any other could she observe any sign of love or even interest in his cousin. Lady Catherine continued to give Miss Bennet advice on her playing, but at the request of the gentlemen, Elizabeth stayed at the piano for the rest of the evening.

 Task for Pride and Prejudice 22