Chapter 18I

At length however Mrs. Bennet had no more to say; and LadyLucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delightswhich she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts ofcold ham and chicken. Elizabeth now began to revive. But not longwas the interval of tranquillity; for when supper was over, singingwas talked of, and she had the mortification of seeing Mary, aftervery little entreaty, preparing to oblige the company. By manysignificant looks and silent entreaties, did she endeavour toprevent such a proof of complaisance,—but in vain; Mary wouldnot understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she began her song. Elizabeth’s eyes werefixed on her with most painful sensations; and she watched herprogress through the several stanzas with an impatience whichwas very ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving amongstthe thanks of the table, the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of half a minutebegan another. Mary’s powers were by no means fitted for such adisplay; her voice was weak, and her manner affected.—Elizabethwas in agonies. She looked at Jane, to see how she bore it; but Janewas very composedly talking to Bingley. She looked at his twosisters, and saw them making signs of derision at each other, andat Darcy, who continued however impenetrably grave. She lookedat her father to entreat his interference, lest Mary should besinging all night. He took the hint, and when Mary had finished hersecond song, said aloud, ‘That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us longenough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.’Mary, though pretending not to hear, was somewhatdisconcerted; and Elizabeth sorry for her, and sorry for her father’sspeech, was afraid her anxiety had done no good.—Others of the party were now applied to.