Pagina 344 van 817

"Yes, ma'am, all."

"All! What, all five out at once? Very odd! And you only the

second. The younger ones out before the elder are married! Your

younger sisters must be very young?"

"Yes, my youngest is not sixteen. Perhaps she is full young to be

much in company. But really, ma'am, I think it would be very hard

upon younger sisters that they should not have their share of

society and amusement, because the elder may not have the means

or inclination to marry early. The last born has as good a right

to the pleasures of youth as the first. And to be kept back on

such a motive! I think it would not be very likely to promote

sisterly affection or delicacy of mind."

"Upon my word," said her Ladyship, "you give your opinion very

decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?"

"With three younger sisters grown up," replied Elizabeth,

smiling, "your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own it."