[Copyright 1894 by George Allen.]

“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,{264} 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.”
“You are all kindness, madam; but I believe we must abide by our

original plan.”
Lady Catherine seemed resigned. “Mrs. Collins, you must send a servant

with them. You know I always speak my mind, and I cannot bear the idea

of two young women travelling post by themselves. It is highly improper.

You must contrive to send somebody. I have the greatest dislike in the

world to that sort of thing. Young women should always be properly

guarded and attended, according to their situation in life. When my

niece Georgiana went to Ramsgate last summer, I made a point of her

having two men-servants go with her. Miss Darcy, the daughter of Mr.

Darcy of Pemberley, and Lady Anne, could not have appeared with

propriety in a different manner. I am excessively attentive to all those

things. You must send John with the young ladies, Mrs. Collins. I am

glad it occurred to me to mention it; for it would really be

discreditable to you to let them go alone.”
“My uncle is to send a servant for us.”
“Oh! Your uncle! He keeps a man-servant, does he? I am very glad you

have somebody who thinks of those things. Where shall you change horses?

Oh, Bromley, of course. If you mention my name at the Bell, you will be

attended to.”
Lady Catherine had many other questions to ask respecting their journey;

and as she did not answer them all herself attention was

necessary—which Elizabeth{265} believed to be lucky for her; or, with a