Dame Julie Andrews

A splendid property, noble kindred, and extensive patronage.

Yet, in spite of all these temptations, let me warn my cousin Elizabeth and yourself of what evils you may incur by a sudden closure with this gentleman's proposals, which, of course, you will be inclined to take immediate advantage of.

Her father paused and asked again, Have you any idea, Lizzie, who this gentleman is?

He continued reading on, My motive for cautioning you is as follows.

We have reason to imagine that his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, does not look on the match with a friendly eye.

Pausing again, her father turned to Lizzie.

"'Mr.

Darcy, you see, is the man.

Now, Lizzie, I think I have surprised you.

Could he or the Lucases have pitched on any man within the circle of our acquaintance whose name would have given the lie more effectually to what they related?'

Mr. Darcy, who never looks at any woman but to see a blemish, and who probably never looked at you in his life, it is admirable.

Elizabeth tried to join in her father's pleasantry, but could only force one most reluctant smile.

Never had his wit been directed in a manner so little agreeable to her.

Are you not diverted, he asked.

Oh, yes, pray read on.

Mr. Bennet continued reading on.

After my mentioning the likelihood of this marriage to her ladyship last night, she immediately, with her usual condescension, expressed what she felt on the occasion.

when it became apparent that on the score of some family objections on the part of my cousin, she would never give her consent to what she termed so disgraceful a match.

I thought it my duty to give the speediest intelligence of this to my cousin, that she and her noble admirer may be aware of what they are about, and not run hastily into a marriage which has not been properly sanctioned.

I am truly rejoiced that my cousin Lydia's sad business has been so well hushed up, and am only concerned that their living together before the marriage took place should be so generally known otherwise.