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substance of her conversation with Elizabeth; dwelling

emphatically on every expression of the latter, which,

in her Ladyship's apprehension, peculiarly denoted her

perverseness and assurance, in the belief that such a re-

lation must assist her endeavours to obtain that promise

from her nephew which _she_ had refused to give. But,

unluckily for her Ladyship, its effect had been exactly

contrariwise.

'It taught me to hope,' said he, 'as I had scarcely ever

allowed myself to hope before. I knew enough of your

disposition to be certain that had you been absolutely, irrevo-

cably decided against me, you would have acknowledged it to

Lady Catherine frankly and openly.'

Elizabeth coloured and laughed as she replied, 'Yes, you

know enough of my _frankness_ to believe me capable of _that._

After abusing you so abominably to your face, I could have

no scruple in abusing you to all your relations.'

'What did you say of me that I did not deserve? For

though your accusations were ill founded, formed on mis-

taken premises, my behaviour to you at the time had merited

the severest reproof. It was unpardonable. I cannot think

of it without abhorrence.'

'We will not quarrel for the greater share of blame an-

nexed to that evening,' said Elizabeth. 'The conduct of

neither, if strictly examined, will be irreproachable; but since

then we have both, I hope, improved in civility.'

'I cannot be so easily reconciled to myself. The recollec-

tion of what I then said, of my conduct, my manners, my

expressions, during the whole of it, is now, and has been

many months, inexpressibly painful to me. Your reproof, so

well applied, I shall never forget: "Had you behaved in a

more gentlemanlike manner." Those were your words. You

know not, you can scarcely conceive, how they have tortured

me; though it was some time, I confess, before I was reason-

able enough to allow their justice.'

'I was certainly very far from expecting them to make so

strong an impression. I had not the smallest idea of their

being ever felt in such a way.'

'I can easily believe it. You thought me then devoid of

every proper feeling, I am sure you did. The turn of your

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