第816页 / 共817页

Lady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of her

nephew; and as she gave way to all the genuine frankness of her

character, in her reply to the letter which announced its

arrangement, she sent him language so very abusive, especially of

Elizabeth, that for some time all intercourse was at an end. But

at length, by Elizabeth's persuasion, he was prevailed on to

overlook the offence, and seek a reconciliation; and, after a

little further resistance on the part of his aunt, her resentment

gave way, either to her affection for him, or her curiosity to

see how his wife conducted herself; and she condescended to wait

on them at Pemberley, in spite of that pollution which its woods

had received, not merely from the presence of such a mistress,

but the visits of her uncle and aunt from the city.