Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/108

 amusement because the elder may not have the means or inclination to marry early. And to be kept back on such a motive! I think it would not be very likely to promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind.'

Upon my word,' said her ladyship, 'you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?'

With three younger sisters grown up,' replied Elizabeth, smiling, 'your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it.'

"Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer, and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever ventured to trifle with so much dignified impertinence When the gentlemen had joined them, and tea was over, the card-tables were placed. Lady Catherine, Sir William, and Mr. and Mrs. Collins sat down to quadrille, and, as Miss de Bourgh chose to play at cassino, the two girls had the honour of assisting Mrs. Jenkinson to make up her party When Lady Catherine and her daughter had played as long as they chose, the tables were broke up, the carriage was offered to Mrs. Collins, gratefully accepted, and immediately ordered. The party then gathered round the fire to hear Lady Catherine determine what weather they were to have on the morrow. From these instructions they were summoned by the arrival of the coach, and, with many speeches of thankfulness on Mr. Collins's side, and many bows on Sir William's, they departed."

There could not be a better picture of a second-rate great lady's behaviour towards people whom she considers as her inferiors, and it may be supposed from this how angry she is when her cherished nephew, whom she also