Part 28 (1/2)

You are rather disposed to call his interference officious?

ELIZABETH.

[_Growing excited._] I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to decide on the propriety of his friend's inclination; why, upon his _own_ judgment alone, Mr. Darcy was to determine in what manner his friend was to be happy. [_Recovering herself._] But as we know none of the particulars, it is not fair to condemn him. It is not to be supposed that there was much affection in the case.

COLONEL FITZWILLIAM.

That is not an unnatural surmise, and I believe Darcy told me that he did not think that the lady, at least, was very deeply concerned in the matter. However, to lessen the affection on either side is to lessen the honour of my cousin's triumph very sadly.

ELIZABETH.

Your cousin's triumph----

[_Greatly excited, she is about to continue, when_ CHARLOTTE'S _voice is heard outside_.]

CHARLOTTE.

Yes, Mr. Darcy, I think I saw Colonel Fitzwilliam go up the garden path a few moments ago. [_Protesting._] Oh, no, Mr. Darcy, you are too kind!

Really----

DARCY.

[_Outside._] Pray, allow me.

[CHARLOTTE _enters, accompanied by_ DARCY, _who is carrying a basket of eggs. She wears a garden hat and gloves._]

CHARLOTTE.

Ah, here he is. Good morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam. [_To_ DARCY.] Pray let me have the basket now, Mr. Darcy. [DARCY _gives_ CHARLOTTE _the basket, and then turns to_ ELIZABETH.]

DARCY.

Good morning, Miss Bennet. [ELIZABETH _returns_ DARCY'S _greeting with a self-consciousness which does not escape his notice, but the motive of which he mistakes_. DARCY _gives a quick glance from_ ELIZABETH _to_ COLONEL FITZWILLIAM, _as he turns to speak to the latter_.] Ah, Fitzwilliam, I thought I might find you here.

COLONEL FITZWILLIAM.

[_Lightly._] Yes, I have been so fortunate as to secure some of Mrs.

Collins's early roses for Miss Bennet.

CHARLOTTE.

[_In surprise._] Really! Have they already opened?