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"If you believed it impossible to be true," said Elizabeth,

colouring with astonishment and disdain, "I wonder you took the

trouble of coming so far. What could your Ladyship propose by

it?"

"At once to insist upon having such a report universally

contradicted."

"Your coming to Longbourn, to see me and my family," said

Elizabeth coolly, "will be rather a confirmation of it--if,

indeed, such a report is in existence."

"If! do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Has it not been

industriously circulated by yourselves? Do you not know that such

a report is spread abroad?"

"I never heard that it was."

"And can you likewise declare, that there is no foundation for

it?"

"I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your Ladyship.

You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer."

"This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist on being

satisfied. Has he, has my nephew, made you an offer of marriage?"

"Your Ladyship has declared it to be impossible."