“Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say.You know my sentiments.”
“I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner,which will,in my own opinion,constitute my happiness, without reference to you,or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”
“And will you promise me,never to enter into such an engagement?”
Elizabeth was forced to give into a little falsehood here;for to acknowledge the substance of their conversation was impossible.
And she rose as she spoke.Lady Catherine rose also,and they turned back.Her ladyship was highly incensed.
“I take no leave of you,Miss Bennet.I send no compliments to your mother.You deserve no such attention.I am most seriously displeased.”
“Not so hasty,if you please.I have by no means done.To all the objections I have already urged,I have still another to add.I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister's infamous elopement.I know it all;that the young man's marrying her was a patched-up business,at the expence of your father and uncles. And is such a girl to be my nephew's sister?Is her husband,is the son of his late father's steward, to be his brother? Heaven and earth!―of what are you thinking?Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?”
“You are then resolved to have him?”