Jane Austen
was announced by the door-bell, and shortly afterwards the three gentlemen entered the
room. Colonel Fitzwilliam, who led the way, was about thirty, not handsome, but in person
and address most truly the gentleman. Mr. Darcy looked just as he had been used to look in
Hertfordshire--paid his compliments, with his usual reserve, to Mrs. Collins, and whatever
might be his feelings toward her friend, met her with every appearance of composure.
Elizabeth merely curtseyed to him without saying a word.
Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into conversation directly with the readiness and ease of a
well-bred man, and talked very pleasantly; but his cousin, after having addressed a slight
observation on the house and garden to Mrs. Collins, sat for some time without speaking to
anybody. At length, however, his civility was so far awakened as to inquire of Elizabeth
after the health of her family. She answered him in the usual way, and after a moment's
pause, added:
annaabi.ee 
