Seite 745 von 817

"It ought to be so; it must be so, while he retains the use of

his reason. But your arts and allurements may, in a moment of

infatuation, have made him forget what he owes to himself and to

all his family. You may have drawn him in."

"If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it."

"Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to

such language as this. I am almost the nearest relation he has in

the world, and am entitled to know all his dearest concerns."

"But you are not entitled to know mine; nor will such behaviour

as this ever induce me to be explicit."

"Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the

presumption to aspire, can never take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy

is engaged to my daughter. Now, what have you to say?"

"Only this,--that if he is so, you can have no reason to suppose

he will make an offer to me."

Lady Catherine hesitated for a moment, and then replied,--