Mr. Darcy smiled; but Elizabeth thought she could perceive that he was rather offended; and therefore checked her laugh.
— Miss Bingley warmly resented the indignity he had received, in an expostulation with her brother for talking such nonsense.
— “I see your design, Bingley,” said his friend.
— “You dislike an argument, and want to silence this.”
— “Perhaps I do.
Arguments are too much like disputes.
If you and Miss Bennet will defer yours till I am out of the room, I shall be very thankful;
and then you may say whatever you like of me.”
— “What you ask,” said Elizabeth, “is no sacrifice on my side;
and Mr. Darcy had much better finish his letter.”
Mr. Darcy took her advice,
and did finish his letter.
When that business was over, he applied to Miss Bingley and Elizabeth for an indulgence of some music.