第132章[第1页/共4页]

“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.”

“And will you promise me,never to enter into such an engagement?”

“Neither duty,nor honour,nor gratitude,”replied Elizabeth,“have any possible claim on me,in the present instance.No principle of either would 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.”

“Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say.You know my sentiments.”

“I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner,which will,in my own opinion,constitute my happiness, without reference to you,or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

Elizabeth was forced to give into a little falsehood here;for to acknowledge the substance of their conversation was impossible.

“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.”

“You can now have nothing further to say,”she resentfully answered.“You have insulted me in every possible method.I must beg to return to the house.”