At length, however, the remarks of her companions on her absence of mind aroused her, and she felt the necessity of appearing more like herself.
The others then joined her, and expressed admiration of his figure;but Elizabeth heard not a word,and wholly engrossed by her own feelings,followed them in silence.She was overpowered by shame and vexation. Her coming there was the most unfortunate,the most ill-judged thing in the world!How strange it must appear to him! In what a disgraceful light might it not strike so vain a man!It might seem as if she had purposely thrown herself in his way again! Oh! why did he come? Or, why did he thus come a day before he was expected?Had they been only ten minutes sooner, they should have been beyond the reach of his discrimination;for it was plain that he was that moment arrived―that moment alighted from his horse or his carriage.She blushed again and again over the perverseness of the meeting.And his behaviour, so strikingly altered―what could it mean?That he should even speak to her was amazing!―but to speak with such civility,to inquire after her family!Never in her life had she seen his manners so little dignified,never had he spoken with such gentleness as on this unexpected meeting.What a contrast did it offer to his last address in Rosings Park,when he put his letter into her hand! She knew not what to think,or how to account for it.