{{prxprp308.jpg}} || 308 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

to any person's whims. I have not been in the habit of brooking

disappointment.'

"Hwr will make your ladyship's situation at present more

pitiable; but it will have no eflect on me.'

'I will not be interrupted! Hear me in silence. My daughter

and my nephew are formed for each other. They are descended

on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father's,

from respectable, honourable, and ancient, though untitled

families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are

destined for each other by the voice of every member of their

respective houses; and what is to divide them? -- the upstart

pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or

fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be!

If you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to

quit the sphere in which you have been brought up.'

'In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as

quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's

daughter: so far we are equal.'

'True. You are a gentleman's daughter. But who was your

mother; Who are your uncles and aunts; Do not imagine me

ignorant of their condition.'

'Whatever my connections may be,' said Elizabeth, 'if your

nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you.'

'Tell me once for all, are you engaged to him;'

Though Elizabeth would not, for the mere purpose of obliging

Lady Catherine, have answered this question; she could not but

say, after a moment's deliberation,

'I am not.'

Lady Catherine seemed pleased.

'And will you promise me, never to enter into such an

engagement?'

'I will make no promise of the kind.'

'Miss Bennet, I am shocked and astonished. I expected to )

find a more reasonable young woman. But do not deceive i

yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away

till you have given me the assurance I require.'

'And I certainly never shall give it. I am not to be intimidated

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