we are told that 'Darcy, on the contrary, had seen a collection of people in whom there was little beauty and no fashion, for none of whom he had felt the smallest interest,...' I really think we are suppose to feel his distain and contempt for Meryton. It's hard to not to think he feels they are beneath him. Thanks for pointing out/showing the comparison of the different conversations of the assembly. I think there is much to glean from them.