第132章[第1頁/共5頁]

“You are then resolved to have him?”

Though Elizabeth would not,for the mere purpose of obliging Lady Catherine,have answered this question,she could not but say,after a moment's deliberation:

“You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?”

“I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner,which will,in my own opinion,constitute my happiness, without reference to you,or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

“Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say.You know my sentiments.”

“Neither duty,nor honour,nor gratitude,”replied Elizabeth,“have any possible claim on me,in the present instance.No principle of either would be violated by my marriage with Mr.Darcy.And with regard to the resentment of his family,or the indignation of the world,if the former were excited by his marrying me,it would not give me one moment's concern―and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn.”