Part 7 (1/2)

[_To_ HARRIS.] You will announce us to Mr. Bennet and the ladies.

[HARRIS _goes out_.]

Do you know, Darcy, I believe that was George Wickham we saw just now, going toward the Drake Farm.

DARCY.

[_Quietly._] I think there is no doubt of it.

BINGLEY.

But what is he doing here?

DARCY.

[_With a.s.sumed indifference._] Probably it is his regiment which is stationed at Meryton.

BINGLEY.

[_Excitedly._] No, Darcy! You don't mean it! Why, confound it, if I had had any notion of that--I ... I....

DARCY.

[_Contemptuously._] I don't think we need mind Wickham.

BINGLEY.

But I do mind! To think that I should bring you into the neighbourhood of that rascal----

DARCY.

He must live somewhere, I suppose.

BINGLEY.

Yes, unfortunately. But, Darcy, you are a puzzle to me.--You are, indeed! How can you speak with any charity of a man who for years abused the patience and generous kindness of your father, and who so lately has attempted against your family the most dastardly action that----

DARCY.

[_Interrupting him with hauteur._] We have already said too much of George Wickham. I prefer not to discuss him further.

[BINGLEY _turns away hurt and embarra.s.sed_. DARCY _seeing the effect of his words and manner, goes to him kindly, and speaks to him in a changed voice_.]