Pagina 442 di 817

"You are all kindness, madam; but I believe we must abide by our

original plan."

Lady Catherine seemed resigned. "Mrs. Collins, you must send a

servant with them. You know I always speak my mind, and I cannot

bear the idea of two young women travelling post by themselves.

It is highly improper. You must contrive to send somebody. I have

the greatest dislike in the world to that sort of thing. Young

women should always be properly guarded and attended, according

to their situation in life. When my niece Georgiana went to

Ramsgate last summer, I made a point of her having two

men-servants go with her. Miss Darcy, the daughter of Mr. Darcy

of Pemberley, and Lady Anne, could not have appeared with

propriety in a different manner. I am excessively attentive to

all those things. You must send John with the young ladies, Mrs.

Collins. I am glad it occurred to me to mention it; for it would

really be discreditable to you to let them go alone."

"My uncle is to send a servant for us."