Pride and Prejudice Quotes from Novel to Film (Chapter 18)

Continuing from my previous posts (Chapters 1-17) and moving right on to Chapter 18, which was all about Elizabeth & Darcy conversation and dancing at Netherfield Ball as well as Elizabeth's family embarrassing her at the same ball.

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Pride and Prejudice

Novel 

She danced next with an officer, and had the refreshment of talking of Wickham, and of hearing that he was universally liked. When those dances were over she returned to Charlotte Lucas, and was in conversation with her, when she found herself suddenly addressed by Mr. Darcy, who took her so much by surprise in his application for her hand, that, without knowing what she did, she accepted him. He walked away again immediately, and she was left to fret over her own want of presence of mind; Charlotte tried to console her.

"I dare say you will find him very agreeable.''

``Heaven forbid! -- That would be the greatest misfortune of all! -- To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! -- Do not wish me such an evil.''

When the dancing recommenced, however, and Darcy approached to claim her hand, Charlotte could not help cautioning her, in a whisper, not to be a simpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten times his consequence. Elizabeth made no answer, and took her place in the set, amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and reading in her neighbours' looks their equal amazement in beholding it. They stood for some time without speaking a word; and she began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater punishment to her partner to oblige him to talk, she made some slight observation on the dance. He replied, and was again silent. After a pause of some minutes, she addressed him a second time with:

"It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. -- I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples.''

He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say should be said.

"Very well. -- That reply will do for the present. -- Perhaps by and by I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones. -- But now we may be silent.''

"Do you talk by rule then, while you are dancing?''

"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together, and yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as as possible.''

"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?''

"Both,'' replied Elizabeth archly; "for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. -- We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb.''

"This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure,'' said he. "How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. -- You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly.''

"I must not decide on my own performance.''

He made no answer, and they were again silent till they had gone down the dance, when he asked her if she and her sisters did not very often walk to Meryton. She answered in the affirmative, and, unable to resist the temptation, added, "When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance.''

The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features, but he said not a word, and Elizabeth, though blaming herself for her own weakness, could not go on. At length Darcy spoke, and in a constrained manner said, "Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends -- whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain.''
"He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship,'' replied Elizabeth with emphasis, "and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life.''

Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the subject. At that moment Sir William Lucas appeared close to them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on perceiving Mr. Darcy he stop with a bow of superior courtesy, to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.

"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear Sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley), shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy: -- but let me not interrupt you, Sir. -- You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me.''

The latter part of this address was scarcely, heard by Darcy; but Sir William's allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Bingley and Jane, who were dancing together. Recovering himself, however, shortly, he turned to his partner, and said, "Sir William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of.''
"I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have interrupted any two people in the room who had less to say for themselves. -- We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next I cannot imagine.''

"What think you of books?'' said he, smiling.

"Books -- Oh! no. -- I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings.''

"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. -- We may compare our different opinions.''

"No -- I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is always full of something else.''
"The present always occupies you in such scenes -- does it?'' said he, with a look of doubt.
"Yes, always,'' she replied, without knowing what she said, for her thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon afterwards appeared by her suddenly exclaiming, "I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created.''

"I am,'' said he, with a firm voice.
"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?''
"I hope not.''
"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.''

"May I ask to what these questions tend?''
"Merely to the illustration of your character,'' said she, endeavouring to shake off her gravity. "I am trying to make it out.''
"And what is your success?''
She shook her head. "I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.''
"I can readily believe,'' answered he gravely, "that report may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either.'' "But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity.''

"I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours,'' he coldly replied. She said no more, and they went down the other dance and parted in silence; on each side dissatisfied, though not to an equal degree, for in Darcy's breast there was a tolerable powerful feeling towards her, which soon procured her pardon, and directed all his anger against another.

My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology.''"You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Darcy?''

"Indeed I am. I shall intreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Lady Catherine's nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se'nnight.''

"I have no reason, I assure you,'' said he, ``to be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr. Darcy seemed much pleased with the attention. He answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid me the compliment of saying that he was so well convinced of Lady Catherine's discernment as to be certain she could never bestow a favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon the whole, I am much pleased with him.''

"What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear.''

"For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. -- What advantage can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy? -- You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so doing.''

Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation. She could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy, though every glance convinced her of what she dreaded; for though he was not always looking at her mother, she was convinced that his attention was invariably fixed by her. The expression of his face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.

Mary's powers were by no means fitted for such a display; her voice was weak, and her manner affected. -- Elizabeth was in agonies. She looked at Jane, to see how she bore it; but Jane was very composedly talking to Bingley. She looked at his two sisters, and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at Darcy, who continued however impenetrably grave. She looked at her father to entreat his interference, lest Mary should be singing all night. He took the hint, and when Mary had finished her second song, said aloud, "That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.''

Mary, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat disconcerted; and Elizabeth sorry for her, and sorry for her father's speech, was afraid her anxiety had done no good. -- Others of the party were now applied to.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Movie Script

"May I have the next dance, Miss Elizabeth?" (Mr. Darcy)
"You may." (Elizabeth Bennet)

"Did I just agree to dance with Mr. Darcy?" (Elizabeth Bennet)
"I daresay you will find him very amiable, Lizzie." (Charlotte Lucas)

"It would be most inconvenient, since I have sworn to loathe him for all eternity." (Elizabeth)

"I love this dance." (Elizabeth)
"Indeed. Most invigorating." (Mr. Darcy)

 
"It is your turn to say something, Mr. Darcy. I talked about the dance, now you ought to remark on the size of the room or the number of couples." (Elizabeth)
"I am perfectly happy to oblige. Please advise me of what you would like most to hear." (Mr. Darcy)
"That reply will do for present. Perhaps by and by, I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones. For now we may remain silent." (Elizabeth)

"Do you talk, as a rule, while dancing?" (Mr. Darcy)
"No. No, I prefer to be unsociable and taciturn. Makes it all so much more enjoyable, don't you think?" (Elizabeth)
"Tell me, do you and your sisters very often walk to Meryton?" (Mr. Darcy)
"Yes, we often walk to Meryton. It's a great opportunity to meet new people. In fact, when you met us, we'd just had the pleasure of forming a new acquaintance." (Elizabeth)
"Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners he is sure of making friends. Whether he's capable of retaining them is less certain." (Mr. Darcy)
"And I daresay that is an irreversible event?" (Elizabeth)

"It is. Why do you ask such a question?" (Mr. Darcy)
"To make out your character, Mr. Darcy." (Elizabeth)
"And what have you discovered?" (Mr. Darcy)
"Very little. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly." (Elizabeth)
"I hope to afford you more clarity in the future." (Mr. Darcy)

"Is that Mr. Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire?" (Mr. Collins)
"I believe so." (Elizabeth Bennet)
"I must make myself known to him immediately." (Mr. Collins)
"But, sir." (Elizabeth)
"He is the nephew of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine." (Mr. Collins)
"Mr. Collins, he will consider it an impertinence." (Elizabeth)
"Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy...Good evening." Mr. Collins
"What interesting relatives you have, Miss Elizabeth." (Caroline Bingley)

"I believe we have a mutual acquaintance in the personage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh?" (Mr. Collins)

"Mary dear, you've delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have a turn." (Mr. Bennet)

"Mary. There, there. There, there, there." (Mr. Bennet)

"I've been practicing it all week." (Mary)
"I know, my dear." (Mr. Bennet)
"I hate balls!" (Mary)