Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 277 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 277

Pride and Prejudice

by her ladyship’s desire, and looked as if he felt that

life could furnish nothing greater. He carved, and ate,

and praised with delighted alacrity; and every dish

was commended, first by him and then by Sir William,

who was now enough recovered to echo whatever his

son-in-law said, in a manner which Elizabeth wondered

Lady Catherine could bear. But Lady Catherine seemed

gratified by their excessive admiration, and gave most

gracious smiles, especially when any dish on the table

proved a novelty to them. The party did not supply

much conversation. Elizabeth was ready to speak

whenever there was an opening, but she was seated

between Charlotte and Miss de Bourgh the former

of whom was engaged in listening to Lady Catherine,

and the latter said not a word to her all dinner-time.

Mrs. Jenkinson was chiefly employed in watching how

little Miss de Bourgh ate, pressing her to try some other

dish, and fearing she was indisposed. Maria thought

speaking out of the question, and the gentlemen did

nothing but eat and admire.

When the ladies returned to the drawing-room,

there was little to be done but to hear Lady Catherine

talk, which she did without any intermission till coffee

came in, delivering her opinion on every subject in so

decisive a manner, as proved that she was not used

269