{{prxprp145.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 145 ||

nobody but a governess can give it. It is wonderful how many

families I have been the means of supplying in that way. I am

always glad to get a young person well placed out. Four nieces

of Mrs. Jenkinson are most delightfully situated through my

means; and it was but the other day, that I recommended another

young person, who was merely accidentally mentioned to me,

and the family are quite delighted with her. Mrs. Collins, did

I tell you of Lady Metcalf's calling yesterday to thank me? She

finds Miss Pope a treasure. "Lady Catherine," said she, "you

have given me a treasure." Are any of your younger sisters out,

Miss Bennet;'

'Yes, ma'am, all.'

'All! -- What, all five out at once; Very odd! -- And you

only the second. -- The younger ones out before the elder axe

married! -- Your younger sisters must be very young?'

'Yes, my youngest is not sixteen. Perhaps she is full young to

be much in company. But really, ma'am, I think it would be

very hard upon younger sisters, that they should not have their

share of society and amusement, because the elder may not have

the means or inclination to marry early. The last born has as

good a right to the pleasures of youth as the first. -- And to be kept

back on such a motive! -- I think it would not be very likely to

promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind.'

'Upon my word,' said her ladyship, 'you give your opinion

very decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?'

'With three younger sisters grown up,' replied Elizabeth,

smiling, 'your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it.'

Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a

direct answer; and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first

creature who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified

impertinence.

'You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure, -- therefore you

need not conceal your age.'

'I am not one and twenty.'

When the gentlemen had joined them, and tea was over, the

card tables were placed. Lady Catherine, Sir William, and

Mr. and Mrs. Collins sat down to quadrille; and as Miss dc

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