Part 12 (1/2)

HILL.

[_Enters at the door leading to the hall._] May I speak to you, Madam?

MRS. BENNET.

Yes, Hill, yes. [_To the gentlemen._] Excuse me for a moment. I will return directly. [MRS. BENNET _and_ HILL _go out_.]

COLONEL FORSTER.

Oh, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth! Your aunt, Mrs. Phillips, has sent word by me that her card-party is to be on Wednesday. She hopes you will surely be there.

ELIZABETH.

[_In a pre-occupied way, looking towards_ WICKHAM.] Oh, yes, we shall go.

COLONEL FORSTER.

[_As he pa.s.ses the piano, and looking at some music which is on the rack._] Ah! Here is the song you have promised to sing to me. Pray sing it now, Miss Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH.

Really, Colonel Forster, you must excuse me for to-day. Jane will play for you, instead.

JANE.

Indeed, I cannot, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH.

[_Looking meaningly at her._] _Please_, Jane.

COLONEL FORSTER.

Oh, do, I beg--Miss Bennet.

[_All through the following interview between_ ELIZABETH _and_ WICKHAM, _the tinkle of the instrument is heard. During their conversation_ JANE'S _back is_ _turned--also_ COLONEL FORSTER'S _as he looks over her music--so that_ ELIZABETH _and_ WICKHAM _are practically alone_. ELIZABETH _returns to her embroidery. There is an awkward pause for a moment._ WICKHAM _finally breaks it_.]

WICKHAM.

How long has Mr. Darcy been in Hertfords.h.i.+re, Miss Elizabeth?