Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/106

 felt all the impertinence of her questions, but answered them very composedly. Lady Catherine then observed—

Your father's estate is entailed upon Mr. Collins, I think. For your sake,' turning to Charlotte, 'I am glad of it, but otherwise I see no occasion for entailing estates from the female line. It was not thought necessary in Sir Lewis de Bourgh's family. Do you play and sing, Miss Bennet?'

A little.'

Oh! then—some time or other we shall be happy to hear you. Our instrument is a capital one, probably superior to You shall try it some day. Do your sisters play and sing?'

One of them does.'

Why did not you all learn?—you ought all to have learned. The Miss Webbs all play, and their father has not as good an income as yours. Do you draw?'

No, not at all.'

What, none of you?'

Not one.'

That is very strange; but I suppose you had no opportunity. Your mother should have taken you to town every year for the benefit of masters.'

My mother would have had no objection, but my father hates London.'

Has your governess left you?'

We never had any governess.'

No governess! How was that possible? Five daughters brought up at home without a governess! I never heard of such a thing. Your mother must have been quite a slave to your education.'

"Elizabeth could hardly help smiling as she assured her that had not been the case.