Part 44 (1/2)

LADY CATHERINE.

This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist upon being satisfied. Has he--has my nephew made you an offer of marriage?

ELIZABETH.

Your Ladys.h.i.+p has declared it to be impossible.

LADY CATHERINE.

It ought to be so. But your arts and allurements may have made him forget what he owes to himself and to all his family. You may have drawn him in.

ELIZABETH.

If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it.

LADY CATHERINE.

Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such language as this. I am Mr. Darcy's own aunt, and am ent.i.tled to know all his dearest concerns.

ELIZABETH.

But you are not ent.i.tled to know _mine_.

LADY CATHERINE.

Let me be rightly understood. This match can never take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you got to say?

ELIZABETH.

Only this--that if it is so, you can have no reason to suppose Mr. Darcy will make an offer to me.

LADY CATHERINE.

[_Hesitating._] The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. While in their cradles, my sister and I planned their union. Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? Do not you see that honour, decorum--nay, interest, forbid you marrying my nephew? Yes _interest_, Miss Bennet. For you will be slighted and despised by everyone connected with him!

ELIZABETH.

These are heavy misfortunes. But the wife of Mr. Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness that she could have no cause to repine.

LADY CATHERINE.

[_In a rage._] Obstinate, headstrong girl! Tell me once for all--are you engaged to my nephew?