Seite 359 von 817

"I assure you, madam," he replied, "that she does not need such

advice. She practises very constantly."

"So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and when I next

write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any

account. I often tell young ladies, that no excellence in music

is to be acquired without constant practice. I have told Miss

Bennet several times, that she will never play really well,

unless she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no

instrument, she is very welcome, as I have often told her, to

come to Rosings every day, and play on the pianoforte in Mrs.

Jenkinson's room. She would be in nobody's way, you know, in that

part of the house."

Mr. Darcy looked a little ashamed of his aunt's ill-breeding, and

made no answer.