I certainly have not the talent which some people possess . . . of conversing easily with those I have never seen before.
 Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (28 January 1813). copy citation

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Author Jane Austen
Source Pride and Prejudice
Topic sociability conversation
Date 28 January 1813
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1342/1342-h/1342-h.htm

Context

“"Shall we ask him why a man of sense and education, and who has lived in the world, is ill qualified to recommend himself to strangers?"
"I can answer your question," said Fitzwilliam, "without applying to him. It is because he will not give himself the trouble."
"I certainly have not the talent which some people possess," said Darcy, "of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done."
"My fingers," said Elizabeth, "do not move over this instrument in the masterly manner which I see so many women's do.” source

Meaning and analysis

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