Their first subject was the diminution of the Rosings party.“I assure you,I feel it exceedingly,”said Lady Catherine;“I believe no one feels the loss of friends so much as I do.But I am particularly attached to these young men, and know them to be so much attached to me!They were excessively sorry to go! But so they always are.The dear Colonel rallied his spirits tolerably till just at last;but Darcy seemed to feel it most acutely,more,I think,than last year.His attachment to Rosings certainly increases.”
“Oh!your father of course may spare you, if your mother can. Daughters are never of so much consequence to a father. And if you will stay another month complete,it will be in my power to take one of you as far as London,for I am going there early in June,for a week;and as Dawson does not object to the barouche-box,there will be very good room for one of you―and indeed,if the weather should happen to be cool,I should not object to taking you both,as you are neither of you large.”
“My uncle is to send a servant for us.”
“I am much obliged to your ladyship for your kind invitation,”replied Elizabeth,“but it is not in my power to accept it.I must be in town next Saturday.”
Mr.Collins had a compliment,and an allusion to throw in here, which were kindly smiled on by the mother and daughter.