Mr. Bingley was good-looking and gentleman-like; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners.  His sisters were fine women, with an air of decided fashion.  His brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, merely looked the gentleman; but his friend, Mr. Darcy, soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report, which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year.  He was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was found to be proud, to be above his company, and above being pleased.

Mr. Bingley had soon made himself acquainted with all the principal people in the room.  He was lively and unreserved, danced every dance, was angry that the ball closed so early, and talked of giving one himself at Netherfield.  What a contrast between him and his friend!  Mr. Darcy danced only once with Mrs. Hurst, and once with Miss Bingley, and declined being introduced to any other lady.

It so happened that Elizabeth, the second eldest of the Bennet girls, had been obliged, by the scarcity of gentlemen, to sit down for two dances; and during part of that time Mr. Darcy had been standing near enough for her to overhear a conversation between him and Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance for a few minutes.

“Come, Darcy,” said he, “I must have you dance.  I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner.  You had much better dance.”

“I certainly shall not.  You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner” At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable.  Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with.”

“I would not be so fastidious as you are,” cried Bingley, “for a kingdom!  Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening, and there are several of them, you see, uncommonly pretty.”

“You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room,” said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet.

“Oh, she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld!  But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable.  Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.”

“Which do you mean?” And turning round, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till, catching her eye, he withdrew his own, and coldly said:  “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men; You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”

Mr. Bingley followed his advice.  Mr. Darcy walked off; and Elizabeth remained, with no very cordial feelings towards him.  She told the story, however, with great spirit among her friends, for she had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous.