Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 352 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 352

JANE AUSTEN

said? how would she have behaved?” were questions

with which she amused herself.

Their first subject was the diminution of the Rosings

party. “I assure you, I feel it exceedingly,” said Lady

Catherine; “I believe no one feels the loss of friends so

much as I do. But I am particularly attached to these

young men, and know them to be so much attached

to me! They were excessively sorry to go! But so they

always are. The dear Colonel rallied his spirits tolerably

till just at last; but Darcy seemed to feel it most acutely,

more, I think, than last year. His attachment to Rosings

certainly increases.”

Mr. Collins had a compliment, and an allusion to

throw in here, which were kindly smiled on by the

mother and daughter.

Lady Catherine observed, after dinner, that Miss

Bennet seemed out of spirits, and immediately account-

ing for it herself, by supposing that she did not like to

go home again so soon, she added:

“But if that is the case, you must write to your

mother and beg that you may stay a little longer.

Mrs. Collins will be very glad of your company, I am

sure.”

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