Chapter 56 337
though I would not injure him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to you."
" If you believed it impossible to be true," said Elizabeth, colouring with astonishment and disdain, " I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. What could your ladyship propose by it?"
" At once to insist upon having such a report universally contradicted."
" Your coming to Longbourn, to see me and my family," said Elizabeth coolly, " will be rather a confirmation of it; if, indeed, such a report is in existence."
" If! Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Has it not been industriously circulated by yourselves? Do you not know that such a report is spread abroad?"
" I never heard that it was." " And can you likewise declare, that there is no foundation for it?"
" I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer."
" This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist on being satisfied. Has he, has my nephew, made you an offer of marriage?"
" Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible."
" It ought to be so; it must be so, while he retains the use of his reason. But your arts and allurements may, in a moment of infatuation, have made him forget what he owes to himself and to all his family. You may have drawn him in."
" If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it."