In the morning, there were little gifts for the children, and church again, before the great dinner of goose, venison, roast beef, bacon, black butter, and plum pudding. Elizabeth and her husband sat at each end, doing honour to their elegant table, carving and serving. There was much toasting, singing and gaiety after supper and into the evening. When the children had eaten all of their sugar-plums and gingerbread and been seen off to their beds, the rest retired to the library for coffee and the inevitable discussion of the Darcys’ tour. Books and maps were again produced, and the entire evening spent in suggestion and conjecture. Colonel Fitzwilliam, Bingley, and Darcy told stories of their travels of years past, and of the Earl of the Grand Tour of his youth. Neither Mr. Bennet nor Mr. Gardiner had travelled extensively, but, having read a great number of the guide-books published in recent years, had fully as much to suggest as to routes and the principal sights of many of the places they planned to pass through. Parson Overstowey was warm in his praise of the wines of the various regions they might visit, and his conviction that the food of each land could answer as an end in itself, but did not seem actually sorry to be spared the exertion required to acquire it. All-in-all, it was a very agreeable day.

CHAP. 18.

SIR WILLIAM ELLIOT, of Marlborough Buildings, Bath, Somersetshire, had always taken great care with his appearance: as a young man, he was careful that he appear young and fashionable; as a baronet, he dressed to cultivate that air of respectability he felt was owing to a man of title, and one which was least disposed to incite exception. Indeed, his views at this time of life were to assume those niceties of speech, dress, and manners which would recommend himself to those whose notice he desired, and whose discernment was not so acute as to look further than the shine of his buttons or the height of his cravat. Upon this superficiality of judgement Sir William depended, as any deeper scrutiny would reveal the most astonishing lack of the true substance of a gentleman: no heart, no honour, and no taste, at least none for any pursuit occupation save the occupation of money.