While thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of deciding whether she most feared or wished for the appearance of Mr.Darcy,by the feelings which prevailed on his entering the room; and then, though but a moment before she had believed her wishes to predominate,she began to regret that he came.
“Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the―shire Militia removed from Meryton?They must be a great loss to your family.”
Elizabeth soon saw that she was herself closely watched by Miss Bingley,and that she could not speak a word,especially to Miss Darcy,without calling her attention.This observation would not have prevented her from trying to talk to the latter,had they not been seated at an inconvenient distance; but she was not sorry to be spared the necessity of saying much. Her own thoughts were employing her. She expected every moment that some of the gentlemen would enter the room.She wished,she feared that the master of the house might be amongst them; and whether she wished or feared it most,she could scarcely determine.After sitting in this manner a quarter of an hour without hearing Miss Bingley's voice,Elizabeth was roused by receiving from her a cold inquiry after the health of her family. She answered with equal indifference and brevity,and the others said no more.