“If!Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it?Has it not been industriously circulated by yourselves?Do you not know that such a report is spread abroad?”
“I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer.”
Elizabeth now expected that she would produce a letter for her from Charlotte, as it seemed the only probable motive for her calling.But no letter appeared,and she was completely puzzled. Mrs. Bennet, with great civility, begged her ladyship to take some refreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not very politely,declined eating anything;and then,rising up,said to Elizabeth,
“Yes,very well.I saw them the night before last.”
“And can you likewise declare,that there is no foundation for it?”
“You have a very small park here,”returned Lady Catherine after a short silence.
As soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began in the following manner:―
Mrs.Bennet,all amazement,though flattered by having a guest of such high importance,received her with the utmost politeness. After sitting for a moment in silence, she said very stiffly to Elizabeth,