Pride and Prejudice. Адаптированная книга для чтения на английском языке. Intermediate

В«What you askВ», said Elizabeth, В«is no sacrifice on my side; and Mr. Darcy had much better finish his letterВ».

Later in the evening Mr. Darcy asked Miss Bingley and Elizabeth to entertain them with some music. Miss Bingley went quickly to the pianoforte; then she politely asked Elizabeth to lead the way. Elizabeth politely and sincerely refused, and Miss Bingley seated herself.

Mrs. Hurst sang with her sister, and while they were singing, Elizabeth noticed, as she turned over some music-books that lay on the instrument, how frequently Mr.

Darcy's eyes were fixed on her. Since she could not imagine that she could be an object of admiration to so great a man, she decided that she drew his notice only because there was something most wrong about her, according to his ideas of right, than in any other person present. That thought did not pain her. She liked him too little to care for his approval.

After playing some Italian songs, Miss Bingley began a lively Scotch air. Mr. Darcy asked Elizabeth if she would like to dance.

She smiled, but made no answer. He repeated the question, with some surprise at her silence.

«Oh!» said she, «I heard you before, but I could not immediately determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know, to say „Yes“, that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste; but I always like overthrowing those kind of schemes. I have, therefore, made up my mind to tell you, that I do not want to dance at all, and now despise me if you dare».

В«Indeed I do not dareВ».

Elizabeth rather expected that Mr. Darcy would be offended, and was surprised by his gallantry. There was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to offend anybody. Darcy had never been so charmed by any woman as he was by her. He really felt, that if it were not for the lower position of her relatives, he would be in some danger.

Miss Bingley was jealous and wanted to get rid of Elizabeth. She often tried to talk of their supposed marriage, planning his happiness in such an alliance.

В«I hopeВ», said she, as they were walking together in the shrubbery the next day, В«you will give your mother-in-law a few hints, when this pleasant event takes place, as to the advantage of holding her tongue; and if you can achieve it, please, cure the younger girls of running after officers. And try to control that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence, which your lady possessesВ».