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 distinguished birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly

constitution, which has prevented her making that progress in many

accomplishments 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 amiable, and often condescends

to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies.{86}”
“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 ornament. 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 adorned 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 delicacy. May I ask

whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the

moment, or are the result of previous study?”
“They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time; and though I

sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant

compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish to