Chapter 56 342
be violated by my marriage with Mr . Darcy . And with regard to the resentment of his family , or the indignation of the world , if the former were excited by his marrying me , it would not give me one moment ' s concern--and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn ."
" And this is your real opinion ! This is your final resolve ! Very well . I shall now know how to act . Do not imagine , Miss Bennet , that your ambition will ever be gratified . I came to try you . I hoped to find you reasonable ; but , depend upon it , I will carry my point ."
In this manner Lady Catherine talked on , till they were at the door of the carriage , when , turning hastily round , she added , " I take no leave of you , Miss Bennet . I send no compliments to your mother . You deserve no such attention . I am most seriously displeased ."
Elizabeth made no answer ; and without attempting to persuade her ladyship to return into the house , walked quietly into it herself . She heard the carriage drive away as she proceeded up stairs . Her mother impatiently met her at the door of the dressing-room , to ask why Lady Catherine would not come in again and rest herself .
" She did not choose it ," said her daughter , " she would go ."
" She is a very fine-looking woman ! and her calling here was prodigiously civil ! for she only came , I suppose , to tell us the Collinses were well . She is on her road somewhere , I dare say , and so , passing through Meryton , thought she might as well call on you . I suppose she had nothing particular to say to you , Lizzy ?"
Elizabeth was forced to give into a little falsehood here ; for to acknowledge the substance of their conversation was impossible .