Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 122 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 122

JANE AUSTEN

“I have often observed how little young ladies are

interested by books of a serious stamp, though written

solely for their benefit. It amazes me, I confess; for,

certainly, there can be nothing so advantageous to them

as instruction. But I will no longer importune my young

cousin.”

Then turning to Mr. Bennet, he offered himself as

his antagonist at backgammon. Mr. Bennet accepted

the challenge, observing that he acted very wisely in

leaving the girls to their own trifling amusements.

Mrs. Bennet and her daughters apologised most civilly

for Lydia’s interruption, and promised that it should

not occur again, if he would resume his book; but

Mr. Collins, after assuring them that he bore his

young cousin no ill-will, and should never resent her

behaviour as any affront, seated himself at another

table with Mr. Bennet, and prepared for backgammon.

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