Final answer:
Option (B), Elizabeth Bennet likely said 'I like her appearance' out of politeness, as Miss de Bourgh is not characterized as particularly beautiful or charming in Jane Austen's novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the context provided and the knowledge of Elizabeth Bennet's character from Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, it appears that when Elizabeth says, "I like her appearance," after seeing Miss de Bourgh for the first time, the statement is likely one of politeness.
Miss de Bourgh is known to not be particularly beautiful or charming; Elizabeth's remark may be her way of being polite in a situation where she cannot sincerely compliment Miss de Bourgh's beauty or charm. The purposefulness behind such comments in Austen's works often reflects the societal expectations of the time.