Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 584 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 584

JANE AUSTEN

“Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest,

forbid it. Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect

to be noticed by his family or friends, if you wilfully

act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured,

slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with

him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will

never even be mentioned by any of us.”

“These are heavy misfortunes,” replied Elizabeth.

“But the wife of Mr. Darcy must have such extraordi-

nary sources of happiness necessarily attached to her

situation, that she could, upon the whole, have no cause

to repine.”

“Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! Is

this your gratitude for my attentions to you last spring?

Is nothing due to me on that score? Let us sit down.

You are to understand, Miss Bennet, that I came here

with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose;

nor will I be dissuaded from it. I have not been used to

submit to any person’s whims. I have not been in the

habit of brooking disappointment.”

“That will make your ladyship’s situation at present

more pitiable; but it will have no effect on me.”

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