{{prxprp318.jpg}} || 318 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

conversation with Elizabeth; dwelling emphatically on every

expression of the latter, which, in her ladyship's apprehension,

peculiarly denoted her pcrvcrscncss and assurance, in the belief

that such a relation 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 conirarywise.

'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, irrevocably 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. Aftet

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 accusauons were ill-founded, formed on mistaken 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 annexed 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 recollection

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 reasonable enough to allow

their justice.'

'I was certainly very fir lrom expecung 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 countenance

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