“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.”
“And will you promise me,never to enter into such an engagement?”
“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 have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?”
“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.”
Though Elizabeth would not,for the mere purpose of obliging Lady Catherine,have answered this question,she could not but say,after a moment's deliberation:
“It is well.You refuse,then,to oblige me.You refuse to obey the claims of duty,honour,and gratitude.You are determined to ruin him in the opinion of all his friends,and make him the contempt of the world.”