FANNY. You see, it's almost bound to creep out sooner or later, and
then -
BENNET. We will make it as late as possible [He crosses and rings
the bell], giving you time to prove to his lordship that you are not
incapable of learning.
FANNY [she drops back on the settee. She is half-crying.] Some
people would be pleased that their niece had married well.
BENNET. I am old-fashioned enough to think also of my duty to those
I serve. If his lordship has done me the honour to marry my niece,
the least I can is to see to it that she brings no discredit to his
name. [Mrs. Bennet, followed by Jane Bennet, a severe-looking woman
of middle age, has entered upon the words "the least I can do."
Bennet stays them a moment with his hand while he finishes. Then he
turns to his wife.] You will be interested to find, Susannah, that
the new Lady Bantock is not a stranger.
MRS. BENNET. Not a stranger! [She has reached a position from where
she sees the girl.] Fanny! You wicked girl! Where have you been
all these years?
BENNET [interposing]. There will be other opportunities for the
discussion of family differences. Just now, her ladyship is waiting
to dress for dinner.
MRS. BENNET [sneering]. Her ladyship!
JANE [also sneering]. I think she might have forewarned us of the
honour in store for us.
MRS. BENNET. Yes, why didn't she write?
FANNY. Because I didn't know. Do you think--[she rises]--that if I
had I would ever have married him--to be brought back here and put in
this ridiculous position? Do you think that I am so fond of you all
that I couldn't keep away from you, at any price?
MRS.
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