Pride and Prejudice

31“Is this a hint to me, Lizzy,” said her father, “to send for the horses?”“No, indeed, I do not wish to avoid the walk. Th e distance is nothing when one has a motive; only three miles. I shall be back by dinner.”“I admire the activity of your benevolence,” observed Mary, “but every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and, in my opinion, exertion should always be in proportion to what is re-quired.”“We will go as far as Meryton with you,” said Catherine and Lydia. Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three young la-dies set off together.“If we make haste,” said Lydia, as they walked along, “perhaps we may see something of Captain Carter before he goes.”In Meryton they parted; the two youngest repaired to the lodg-ings of one of the offi cers’ wives, and Elizabeth continued her walk alone, crossing fi eld aft er fi eld at a quick pace, jumping over stiles and springing over puddles with impatient activity, and fi nding herself at last within view of the house, with weary ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise.She was shown into the breakfast-parlour, where all but Jane were assembled, and where her appearance created a great deal of surprise. Th at she should have walked three miles so early in the day, in such dirty weather, and by herself, was almost incredible to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and Elizabeth was convinced that they held her in contempt for it. She was received, however, very politely by them; and in their brother’s manners there was something better than politeness; there was good humour and kindness. Mr. Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst nothing at all. Th e former was divided between admiration of the brilliancy which exercise had given to her complexion, and doubt as to the occasion’s justifying her coming so far alone. Th e latter was thinking only of his breakfast.Her inquiries aft er her sist...