Pride and Prejudice - 14

DURING dinner, Mr. Bennet scarcely spoke¹ at all; but when the servants were withdrawn², he thought it time to have some conversation with his guest, and therefore started a subject in which he expected him to shine, by observing that he seemed very fortunate in his patroness（女主顾） . Lady Catherine de Bourgh's attention to his wishes, and consideration for his comfort, appeared very remarkable³. Mr. Bennet could not have chosen better. Mr. Collins was eloquent⁴（雄辩的） in her praise. The subject elevated him to more than usual solemnity of manner, and with a most important aspect he protested that he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour in a person of rank -- such affability（亲切，和蔼） and condescension⁵, as he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine. She had been graciously pleased to approve of both the discourses⁶ which he had already had the honour of preaching before her. She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to make up her pool of quadrille（四对方舞） in the evening. Lady Catherine was reckoned proud by many people he knew, but he had never seen any thing but affability in her. She had always spoken to him as she would to any other gentleman; she made not the smallest objection to his joining in the society of the neighbourhood, nor to his leaving his parish（教区） occasionally for a week or two, to visit his relations. She had even condescended⁷ to advise him to marry as soon as he could, provided he chose with discretion⁸; and had once paid him a visit in his humble⁹ parsonage; where she had perfectly¹⁰ approved all the alterations¹¹ he had been making, and had even vouchsafed¹²（允诺，赐予） to suggest some herself, -- some shelves in the closets up stairs.

"That is all very proper and civil I am sure,'' said Mrs. Bennet, "and I dare say she is a very agreeable woman. It is a pity that great ladies in general are not more like her. Does she live near you, sir?''

"The garden in which stands my humble abode¹³ is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship's residence.''

"I think you said she was a widow, sir? has she any family?''

"She has one only daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property.''

"Ah!'' cried Mrs. Bennet, shaking her head, "then she is better off than many girls. And what sort of young lady is she? is she handsome?''

"She is a most charming young lady indeed. Lady Catherine herself says that in point of true beauty, Miss De Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex; because there is that in her features which marks the young woman of distinguished¹⁴ birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which has prevented her making that progress in many accomplishments¹⁵ which she could not otherwise have failed of; as I am informed by the lady who superintended her education, and who still resides with them. But she is perfectly amiable¹⁶, and often condescends¹⁷ to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton（二头四轮轻型马车） and ponies¹⁸.''

"Has she been presented? I do not remember her name among the ladies at court.''

"Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in town; and by that means, as I told Lady Catherine myself one day, has deprived the British court of its brightest ornament¹⁹. Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea, and you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies. I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the most elevated rank, instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned²⁰ by her. -- These are the kind of little things which please her ladyship, and it is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to pay.''

"You judge very properly,'' said Mr. Bennet, "and it is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy²¹. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study?''