第95章[第1頁/共7頁]

“He is perfectly well behaved，polite，and unassuming，”said her uncle.

Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts were instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley's name had been the last mentioned between them；and，if she might judge by his complexion，his mind was not very differently engaged.

Elizabeth here felt herself called on to say something in vindication of his behaviour to Wickham； and therefore gave them to understand，in as guarded a manner as she could，that by what she had heard from his relations in Kent，his actions were capable of a very different construction； and that his character was by no means so faulty，nor Wickham's so amiable，as they had been considered in Hertfordshire. In confirmation of this， she related the particulars of all the pecuniary transactions in which they had been connected，without actually naming her authority， but stating it to be such as might be relied on.

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.”