오만과 편견（傲慢与偏见）

오만과 편견 - 제3장

Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 3

무도회의 밤이 찾아온다. 빙리 씨는 두 자매, 맏언니의 남편, 그리고 친구 다아시 씨와 함께 참석한다.

The news that a wealthy young man had taken Netherfield Park spread quickly through the neighbourhood. Everyone wanted to know more about Mr. Bingley, and the Bennet family was particularly interested.

빙리는 즉시 모두에게 호감을 산다. 그는 상냥하고 모든 딸들과 춤을 추며 즐거워하는 듯하다. 반면 다아시 씨는 오만하고 불쾌한 인물로 여겨진다. 그는 엘리자베스와 춤추기를 거부하며 "그녀는 나를 유혹할 만큼 아름답지 않다"고 말한다.

They learned that Bingley had about five thousand pounds a year, which made him a very eligible bachelor. He was to bring his sisters and his brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, to live with him at Netherfield.

엘리자베스는 이 말을 듣지만 상처받기는커녕 그의 오만함을 비웃어 넘긴다. 그녀는 그를 견딜 수 없는 남자라고 판단한다. 그러나 제인은 빙리 씨의 관심을 끌게 되고, 그들은 두 번이나 함께 춤을 춘다.

"He must be a very agreeable man," said Mrs. Bennet, "if he is willing to bring his sisters to live with him. Shows he is a kind and considerate brother."

"Or perhaps they insisted on coming," observed Elizabeth dryly.

Her mother ignored her. "And his friend Mr. Darcy! What a fine figure of a man! Ten thousand a year! And from one of the oldest families in Derbyshire! Such a fine match for any of our girls!"

Elizabeth said nothing, but she remembered how Darcy had refused to dance with her at the ball, how he had looked at her with such evident disdain.

The days passed, and the Bennet sisters found themselves thinking often of the gentlemen at Netherfield. Jane, always gentle and hopeful, believed that Bingley might truly care for her.

"He looked at me so kindly during the dances," she told Elizabeth. "And he asked so many questions about our family. I think he really wanted to know me better."

Elizabeth smiled at her sister's optimism. "I hope you are right, Jane. But do not get your hopes too high. We do not really know him yet."

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet was making plans for their next visit to Netherfield. She was determined that Jane should spend more time with Bingley, and she was already imagining their wedding.

The winter passed slowly, with no news from Netherfield. But when spring came, an invitation arrived: the Bingleys were to host a ball, and the Bennets were invited.

Mrs. Bennet was beside herself with excitement. "This is it!" she declared. "Jane will win his heart at the ball, and he will propose!"