I love this dance.

Indeed. Most invigorating.

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.

I'm perfectly happy to oblige. Please advise me on what would you like most to hear?

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.

Do you talk as a rule while dancing?

No. No, I prefer to be unsociable and taciturn. Makes it all so much more enjoyable, don't you think?

Tell me, do you and your sisters very often walk to Meryton?

Yes, we often walk to Meryton. It's a great opportunity to meet new people. When you met us, we'd just had the pleasure of forming a new acquaintance.

Mr Wickham's blessed with such happy manners, he's sure of making friends. Whether he's capable of retaining them is less so.

He's been so unfortunate as to lose your friendship. And I daresay that's an irreversible event?

It is. Why do you ask such a question?

To make out your character, Mr Darcy.

And what have you discovered?

Very little. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.

I hope to afford you more clarity in the future.