Elizabeth made no answer, and took her place in the set, amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Mr.Darcy, and reading in her neighbours' looks, their equal amazement in beholding it.

They stood for some time without speaking a word; and she began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater punishment to her partner to oblige him to talk, she made some slight observation on the dance.

He replied, and was again silent.

After a pause of some minutes, she addressed him a second time with:--"It is _your_ turn to say something now, Mr.Darcy.I talked about the dance, and _you_ ought to make some sort of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples." He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say should be said.
"Very well.

That reply will do for the present.