Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 120 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 120

JANE AUSTEN

the idea; and you may imagine that I am happy on

every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments

which are always acceptable to ladies. I have more than

once observed to Lady Catherine, that her charming

daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the

most elevated rank, instead of giving her consequence,

would be adorned by her. These are the kind of little

things which please her ladyship, and it is a sort of

attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to

pay.”

“You judge very properly,” said Mr. Bennet, “and it is

happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering

with delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing atten-

tions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are

the result of previous study?”

“They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time,

and though I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting

and arranging such little elegant compliments as may

be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish to give

them as unstudied an air as possible.”

Mr. Bennet’s expectations were fully answered. His

cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened

to him with the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at

the same time the most resolute composure of counte-

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