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'The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated

only by a lane from Rosings Park, her Ladyship's residence.'

'I think you said she was a widow, sir? has she any

family?'

'She has one only daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of

very extensive property.'

'Ah,' cried Mrs. Bennet, shaking her head, 'then she is

better off than many girls. And what sort of young lady is

she? Is she handsome?'

'She is a most charming young lady, indeed. Lady

Catherine herself says that, in point of true beauty, Miss de

Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex; because

there is that in her features which marks the young woman

of distinguished birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly con-

stitution, which has prevented her making that progress in

many accomplishments which she could not otherwise have

failed of, as I am informed by the lady who superintended

her education, and who still resides with them. But she is

perfectly amiable, and often condescends to drive by my

humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies.'

'Has she been presented? I do not remember her name

among the ladies at court.'

'Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her

being in town; and by that means, as I told Lady Catherine

myself one day, has deprived the British Court of its brightest

ornament. Her Ladyship seemed pleased with the idea; and

you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer

those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable

to ladies. I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine,

that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess;

and that the most elevated rank, instead of giving her con-

sequence, would be adorned by her. These are the kind

of little things which please her Ladyship, and it is a

sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound

to pay.'

'You judge very properly,' said Mr. Bennet; 'and it is happy

for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy.

May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from

the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous

study?'

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