Pride and Prejudice, a play by Mary Keith Medbery Mackaye Part 7

[_To_ HARRIS.] You will announce us to Mr. Bennet and the ladies.

[HARRIS _goes out_.]

Do you know, Darcy, I believe that was George Wickham we saw just now, going toward the Drake Farm.

DARCY.

[_Quietly._] I think there is no doubt of it.

BINGLEY.

But what is he doing here?

DARCY.

[_With a.s.sumed indifference._] Probably it is his regiment which is stationed at Meryton.

BINGLEY.

[_Excitedly._] No, Darcy! You don't mean it! Why, confound it, if I had had any notion of that--I ... I....

DARCY.

[_Contemptuously._] I don't think we need mind Wickham.

BINGLEY.

But I do mind! To think that I should bring you into the neighbourhood of that rascal----

DARCY.

He must live somewhere, I suppose.

BINGLEY.

Yes, unfortunately. But, Darcy, you are a puzzle to me.--You are, indeed! How can you speak with any charity of a man who for years abused the patience and generous kindness of your father, and who so lately has attempted against your family the most dastardly action that----

DARCY.

[_Interrupting him with hauteur._] We have already said too much of George Wickham. I prefer not to discuss him further.

[BINGLEY _turns away hurt and embarra.s.sed_. DARCY _seeing the effect of his words and manner, goes to him kindly, and speaks to him in a changed voice_.]

Bingley, I entirely understand your indignation. Indeed, I share it so fully that I dare not trust myself to think of the man's villainy. It is better that I say nothing of him, even to you.

BINGLEY.

[_Moved._] I am sure, I beg your pardon, Darcy.

DARCY.

It is rather for me to ask yours.

[_There follows an awkward pause, which BINGLEY at length breaks by speaking in a tone of forced gaiety_.]

BINGLEY.

Pretty place, this.

DARCY.

[_With a shrug._] Very small.

BINGLEY.

What has the size to do with it? I think we are in luck to have such charming neighbours. You know we saw two of the young ladies going through the lane the other day. Why, Darcy, one of them is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld--and the other--the one with the dark eyes--she is uncommonly pretty. Don't you think so?

DARCY.

She is tolerable, but fine eyes cannot change family connections.

BINGLEY.

[_Quickly._] What do you mean?

DARCY.

I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton.

BINGLEY.

[_Shortly._] Yes.