第131章[第1页/共4页]

“The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother, as well as of hers.While in their cradles, we planned the union: and now, at the moment when the wishes of both sisters would be accomplished is their marriage,to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth,of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family! Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends?To his tacit engagement with Miss de Bourgh?Are you lost to every feeling of propriety and delicacy?Have you not heard me say that from his earliest hours he was destined for his cousin?”

“Obstinate,headstrong girl!I am ashamed of you!Is this your gratitude for my attentions to you last spring?Is nothing due to me on that score?Let us sit down.You are to understand,Miss Bennet, that I came here with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose;nor will I be dissuaded from it.I have not been used to submit to any person's whims.I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.”

“True.You are a gentleman's daughter.But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts?Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.”

“Whatever my connections may be,”said Elizabeth,“if your nephew does not object to them,they can be nothing to you.”