Гордость и предубеждение

           ItwasafortnightsinceMrs.Bennethadbeendownstairs; butonthishappydaysheagaintookherseatattheheadofhertable,andinspiritsoppressivelyhigh. Nosentimentofshamegaveadamptohertriumph. Themarriageofadaughter,whichhadbeenthefirstobjectofherwishessinceJanewassixteen,wasnowonthepointofaccomplishment,andherthoughtsandherwordsranwhollyonthoseattendantsofelegantnuptials,finemuslins,newcarriages,andservants. Shewasbusilysearchingthroughtheneighbourhoodforapropersituationforherdaughter,and,withoutknowingorconsideringwhattheirincomemightbe,rejectedmanyasdeficientinsizeandimportance. 

           "HayeParkmightdo,"saidshe,"iftheGouldingscouldquitit—orthegreathouseatStoke,ifthedrawing-roomwerelarger; butAshworthistoofaroff! Icouldnotbeartohavehertenmilesfromme;andasforPulvisLodge,theatticsaredreadful." 

           Herhusbandallowedhertotalkonwithoutinterruptionwhiletheservantsremained. Butwhentheyhadwithdrawn,hesaidtoher: "Mrs.Bennet,beforeyoutakeanyorallofthesehousesforyoursonanddaughter,letuscometoarightunderstanding. Intoonehouseinthisneighbourhoodtheyshallneverhaveadmittance. Iwillnotencouragetheimpudenceofeither,byreceivingthematLongbourn." 

           Alongdisputefollowedthisdeclaration;butMr.Bennetwasfirm. Itsoonledtoanother;andMrs.Bennetfound,withamazementandhorror,thatherhusbandwouldnotadvanceaguineatobuyclothesforhisdaughter. Heprotestedthatsheshouldreceivefromhimnomarkofaffectionwhateverontheoccasion. Mrs.Bennetcouldhardlycomprehendit. Thathisangercouldbecarriedtosuchapointofinconceivableresentmentastorefusehisdaughteraprivilegewithoutwhichhermarriagewouldscarcelyseemvalid,exceededallshecouldbelievepossible.