صفحة 743 من 817

"Miss Bennet," replied her Ladyship, in an angry tone, "you ought

to know that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere

you may choose to be, you shall not find me so. My character has

ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness; and in a

cause of such moment as this, I shall certainly not depart from

it. A report of a most alarming nature reached me two days ago. I

was told, that not only your sister was on the point of being

most advantageously married, but that you--that Miss Elizabeth

Bennet would, in all likelihood, be soon afterwards united to my

nephew--my own nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I know it must be a

scandalous falsehood, though I would not injure him so much as to

suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly resolved on setting

off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to

you."