“And that I suppose is one of your sisters.”
“And can you likewise declare,that there is no foundation for it?”
Elizabeth now expected that she would produce a letter for her from Charlotte, as it seemed the only probable motive for her calling.But no letter appeared,and she was completely puzzled. Mrs. Bennet, with great civility, begged her ladyship to take some refreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not very politely,declined eating anything;and then,rising up,said to Elizabeth,
“If!Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it?Has it not been industriously circulated by yourselves?Do you not know that such a report is spread abroad?”
Elizabeth obeyed, and running into her own room for her parasol, attended her noble guest downstairs.As they passed through the hall, Lady Catherine opened the doors into the dining-parlour and drawing-room,and pronouncing them,after a short survey,to be decent looking rooms,walked on.
As soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began in the following manner:―
“Yes, madam,”said Mrs. Bennet, delighted to speak to Lady Catherine.“She is my youngest girl but one.My youngest of all is lately married,and my eldest is somewhere about the grounds, walking with a young man who,I believe,will soon become a part of the family.”
They were of course all intending to be surprised;but their astonishment was beyond their expectation;and on the part of Mrs. Bennet and Kitty, though she was perfectly unknown to them, even inferior to what Elizabeth felt.