{{prxprp337.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 337 ||

mind received knowledge which had never before fallen in her

way. By Elizabeth's instructions she began to comprehend that

a woman may take liberties with her husband, which a brother

will not always allow in a sisier more than ten years younger

than himself.

Lady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of

her nephew; and as she gave way to all the genuine frankness of

her character, in her reply to the letter which announced its

arrangement, she sent him language so very abusive, especially

of Elizabeth, that for some time all intercourse was at an end.

But at length, by Elizabeth's persuasion, he was prevailed on to

overlook the offence, and seek a reconciliation; and, after a little

further resistance on the part of his aunt, her resentment gave

way, either to her affection for him, or her curiosity to see how his

wife conducted herself; and she condescended to wait on them at

Pemberley, in spite of that pollution which its woods had received,

not merely from the presence of such a mistress, but the visits of

her uncle and aunt from the city.

With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate

terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they

were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the

persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means

of uniting them.

finis

 [[337]]