“And that I suppose is one of your sisters.”

“I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer.”

“You have a very small park here,”returned Lady Catherine after a short silence.

Elizabeth obeyed, and running into her own room for her parasol, attended her noble guest downstairs.As they passed through the hall, Lady Catherine opened the doors into the dining-parlour and drawing-room,and pronouncing them,after a short survey,to be decent looking rooms,walked on.

“Miss Bennet,”replied her ladyship, in an angry tone,“you ought to know, that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere you may choose to be, you shall not find me so. My character has ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness, and in a cause of such moment as this,I shall certainly not depart from it.A report of a most alarming nature reached me two days ago.I was told that not only your sister was on the point of being most advantageously married,but that you,that Miss Elizabeth Bennet,would,in all likelihood,be soon afterwards united to my nephew,my own nephew,Mr.Darcy.Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood,though I would not injure him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible,I instantly resolved on setting off for this place,that I might make my sentiments known to you.”