{{prxprp201.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 201 ||

cage to us all, which must arise from the public notice of Lydia's

unguarded and imprudent manner; nay, which has already

arisen from it, I am sure you would judge differently in the affair.'

'Already arisen?' repeated Mr. Bennet. 'What, has she

frightened away some of your lovers? Poor little Lizzy! But

do not be cast down. Such squeamish youths as cannot bear

to be connected with a little absurdity are not worth a regret.

Come, let me see the list of pitiful fellows who have been kept

aloof by Lydia's folly.'

'Indeed you are mistaken. I have no such injuries to resent.

It is not of peculiar, but of general evils, which I am now conv

plaining. Our importance, our respectability in the world must

be affected by the wild volatility, the assurance and disdain of all

restraint which mark Lydia's character. Excuse me, -- for I must

speak plainly. If you, my dear father, will not take the trouble

of checking her exuberant spirits, and of teaching her that her

present pursuits are not to be the business of her life, she will

soon be beyond the reach of amendment. Her character will be

fixed, and she will, at sixteen, be the most determined flirt that

ever made herself and her family ridiculous. A flirt too, in the

worst and meanest degree of flirtation; without any attraction

beyond youth and a tolerable person; and from the ignorance

and emptiness of her mind, wholly unable to ward off any portion

of that universal contempt which her rage for admiration will

excite. In this danger Kitty is also comprehended. She will

follow wherever Lydia leads. Vain, ignorant, idle, and absolutely

uncontrouled! Oh! my dear father, can you suppose it possible

that they will not be censured and despised wherever they are

known, and that their sisters will not be often involved in

the disgrace?'

Mr. Bennet saw that her whole heart was in the subject, and

affectionately taking her hand, said in reply,

'Do not make yourself uneasy, my love. Wherever you and

Jane are known, you must be respected and valued; and you will

not appear to less advantage for having a couple of -- ot I may

say, three very silly sisters. We shall have no peace at Longbourn

if Lydia does not go to Brighton. Let her go, then. Colonel

 [[201]]