Chapter 14 69
" She has only one daughter , the heiress of Rosings , and of very extensive property ."
" Ah !" said Mrs . Bennet , shaking her head , " then she is better off than many girls . And what sort of young lady is she ? Is she handsome ?"
" She is a most charming young lady indeed . Lady Catherine herself says that , in point of true beauty , Miss de Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex , because there is that in her features which marks the young lady of distinguished birth . She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution , which has prevented her from making that progress in many accomplishments which she could not have otherwise failed of , as I am informed by the lady who superintended her education , and who still resides with them . But she is perfectly amiable , and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies ."
" Has she been presented ? I do not remember her name among the ladies at court ."
" Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in town ; and by that means , as I told Lady Catherine one day , has deprived the British court of its brightest ornaments . Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea ; and you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies . I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine , that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess , and that the most elevated rank , instead of giving her consequence , would be adorned by her . These are the kind of little things which please her ladyship , and it is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to pay ."
" You judge very properly ," said Mr . Bennet , " and it is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy . May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment , or are the result of previous study ?"