第402页 / 共817页

"From the very beginning, from the first moment, I may almost

say, of my acquaintance with you, your manners impressing me with

the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your

selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form

that groundwork of disapprobation, on which succeeding events

have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a

month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom

I could ever be prevailed on to marry."

"You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your

feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have

been. Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and

accept my best wishes for your health and happiness."