Mrs. Bennet assured her that they never sat there after dinner, and then added:

     "May I take the liberty of asking your ladyship whether you left Mr. and Mrs. Collins well."

     "Yes, very well. I saw them the night before last."

     Elizabeth now expected that she would produce a letter for her from Charlotte, as it seemed the only probable motive for her calling. But no letter appeared, and she was completely puzzled.

     Mrs. Bennet, with great civility, begged her ladyship to take some refreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not very politely, declined eating anything; and then, rising up, said to Elizabeth,

     "Miss Bennet, there seemed to be a prettyish kind of a little wilderness on one side of your lawn. I should be glad to take a turn in it, if you will favour me with your company."

     "Go, my dear," cried her mother, "and show her ladyship about the different walks. I think she will be pleased with the hermitage."