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PinkMonkey.com Digital Library - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen


139

others, because he is rich, and many others are poor. I speak
feelingly. A younger son, you know, must be enured to self-denial
and dependence.”

“In my opinion, the younger son of an earl can know very little of
either.

Now, seriously, what have you ever known of self-denial and
dependence? When have you been prevented by want of money
from going wherever you chose, or procuring anything you had a
fancy for?” “These are home questions-and perhaps I cannot say
that I have experienced many hardships of that nature. But in
matters of greater weight, I may suffer from the want of money.
Younger sons cannot marry where they like.” “Unless where they
like women of fortune, which I think they very often do.” “Our
habits of expense make us too dependent, and there are not many
in my rank of life who can afford to marry without some attention
to money.” “Is this,” thought Elizabeth, “meant for me?” and she
colored at the idea; but, recovering herself, said in a lively tone,
“And pray, what is the usual price of an earl’s younger son? Unless
the elder brother is very sickly, I suppose you would not ask above
fifty thousand pounds.” He answered her in the same style, and
the subject dropped. To interrupt a silence which might make him
fancy her affected with what had passed, she soon afterwards
said“I imagine your cousin brought you down with him chiefly for
the sake of having somebody at his disposal. I wonder he does not
marry, to secure a lasting convenience of that kind. But, perhaps,
his sister does as well for the present, and, as she is under his sole
care, he may do what he likes with her.”

“No,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, “that is an advantage which he
must divide with me. I am joined with him in the guardianship of
Miss Darcy.” “Are you indeed? And pray what sort of guardians
do you make? Does your charge give you much trouble? Young
ladies of her age are sometimes a little difficult to manage, and if
she has the true Darcy spirit, she may like to have her own way.”
As she spoke she observed him looking at her earnestly; and the
manner in which he immediately asked her why she supposed
Miss Darcy likely to give them any uneasiness, convinced her that
she had somehow or other got pretty near the truth. She directly
replied“You need not be frightened. I never heard any harm of her;
and I dare say she is one of the most tractable creatures in the
world. She is a very great favorite with some ladies of my
acquaintance, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. I think I have heard
you say that you know them.” “I know them a little. Their brother
is a pleasant gentlemanlike man-he is a great friend of Darcy’s.”
“Oh! yes,” said Elizabeth drily-“Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to
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