Elizabeth, however astonished, was at least more prepared for an interview than before, and resolved to appear and to speak with calmness, if he really intended to meet them.

For a few moments, indeed, she felt that he would probably strike into some other path.

The idea lasted while a turning in the walk concealed him from their view; the turning past, he was immediately before them.

With a glance, she saw that he had lost none of his recent civility; and, to imitate his politeness, she began, as they met, to admire the beauty of the place; but she had not got beyond the words "delightful," and "charming," when some unlucky recollections obtruded, and she fancied that praise of Pemberley from her might be mischievously construed.

Her colour changed, and she said no more.
Mrs.Gardiner was standing a little behind; and on her pausing, he asked her if she would do him the honour of introducing him to her friends.
This was a stroke of civility for which she was quite unprepared; and she could hardly suppress a smile at his being now seeking the acquaintance of some of those very people against whom his pride had revolted in his offer to herself.