Pride and Prejudice
Chapter IX OF Volume II
ELIZABETHwas sitting by herself the next morning, and writing toJane, whileMrs. CollinsandMariawere gone on business into the village, when she was surprised by a ring at the door, the certain signal of a visitor. As she had heard no carriage, she thought it not unlikely to beLady Catherine, and under that startle was putting away her half-finished letter that she might escape all impertinent questions, when the door opened, and to her very great surprise, Mr. Darcy, andMr. Darcyonly, entered the room.
He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologized for his intrusion by letting her know that he had understood all the ladies to be within.
They then sat down, and when her enquiries afterRosinswere made, seemed in danger of sinking into total silence. It was absolutely necessary, therefore, to think of something, and in this emergency recollecting when she had seen him last inHertfordshire, and feeling curious to know what he would say on the subject of their hasty departure, she observed.