( a smirk cuts into his cheeks. ) There is another feature I do not share with my fellow Englishmen, at least — I possess a beauty similar to that of Adonis.

( he laughs and his green eyes, twinkling with a vivacity like a sea of grass swaying from a heavy wind, settle on miss bennet's face. the effects of the hungary water has finally taken hold of him, dulling the pain in his side while loosening his bones, muscles, and tongue. so it comes to no surprise to him that a spasm of laughter overcomes him and he smoothers his mouth with the palm of his hand. the joke is not so funny but that's what makes it so. another factor in the humor is the brief bewilderment that crosses mr. bennet's features and that makes atticus laugh even harder.

perhaps this is what he should've felt at the fair; not an overwhelming desire for anonymity but an exuberance and ease at being surrounded by good company. the lesson taught here, and one that many, many before him have already learned, is that before he attends any social gatherings, a glass of brandy will soothe his tension and allow him to enjoy. of course, the following morning, problems will need to be settled, such as this one. however, atticus tends to solve his problems by circumvention, thereby having them resolve on their own. so far, this tactic has worked in his favor. )