Dame Julie Andrews

Mrs. Bennet, with great civility, begged her ladyship to take some refreshment.

But Lady Catherine, very resolutely, and not very politely, declined eating anything.

And then, rising up, said to Elizabeth, "'Miss Bennet, there seemed to be a prettyish kind of a little wilderness on one side of your lawn.

I should be glad to take a turn in it, if you will favour me with your company.'

Go, my dear, cried her mother, and show her ladyship about the different walks.

I think she will be pleased with the hermitage.

Elizabeth obeyed, and running into her own room for her parasol, attended her noble guest downstairs.

As they passed through the hall, Lady Catherine opened the doors into the dining parlour and drawing room and, pronouncing them, after a short survey, to be decent-looking rooms, walked on.

Her carriage remained at the door and Elizabeth saw that her waiting woman was in it.

They proceeded in silence along the gravel walk that led to the cops.

Elizabeth was determined to make no effort for conversation with a woman who is now more than usually insolent and disagreeable.

How could I ever think her like her nephew, thought she as she looked into her face.

As soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began in the following manner.

"'You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of my journey hither.

Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I come.'

Elizabeth looked with unaffected astonishment.

"'Indeed, you are mistaken, madam.

I have not been at all able to account for the honour of seeing you here.'

"'Miss Bennet,' replied her ladyship in an angry tone, "'you ought to know that I am not to be trifled with, but however insincere you may choose to be, you shall not find me so.'

My character has ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness, and in a cause of such moment as this, I shall certainly not depart from it.