Jane Austen
Your younger sisters must be very young?"
"Yes, my youngest is not sixteen. Perhaps she is full young to be much in company. But
really, ma'am, I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters, that they should not have
their share of society and amusement, because the elder may not have the means or
inclination to marry early. The last-born has as good a right to the pleasures of youth at the
first. And to be kept back on such a motive! I think it would not be very likely to promote
sisterly affection or delicacy of mind."
"Upon my word," said her ladyship, "you give your opinion very decidedly for so young
a person. Pray, what is your age?"
"With three younger sisters grown up," replied Elizabeth, smiling, "your ladyship can
hardly expect me to own it."
Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer; and Elizabeth
suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified
impertinence.
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