The feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this explanation." Mr.Darcy, who was leaning against the mantelpiece with his eyes fixed on her face, seemed to catch her words with no less resentment than surprise.

His complexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature.

He was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his lips till he believed himself to have attained it.

The pause was to Elizabeth's feelings dreadful.

At length, with a voice of forced calmness, he said: "And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so little _endeavour_ at civility, I am thus rejected.