Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 281 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 281

Pride and Prejudice

day that I recommended another young person, who

was merely accidentally mentioned to me, and the

family are quite delighted with her. Mrs. Collins, did

I tell you of Lady Metcalf’s calling yesterday to thank

me? She finds Miss Pope a treasure. ‘Lady Catherine,’

said she, ‘you have given me a treasure.’ Are any of your

younger sisters out, Miss Bennet?”

“Yes, ma’am, all.”

“All! What, all five out at once? Very odd! And you

only the second. The younger ones out before the elder

ones are married! Your younger sisters must be very

young?”

“Yes, my youngest is not sixteen. Perhaps she is

full young to be much in company. But really, ma’am,

I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters,

that they should not have their share of society and

amusement, because the elder may not have the means

or inclination to marry early. The last-born has as good

a right to the pleasures of youth as the first. And to be

kept back on such a motive! I think it would not be very

likely to promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind.”

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