Chapter16

Asnoobjectionwasmadetotheyoungpeople'sengagementwith
theiraunt,andallMr.Collins'sscruplesofleavingMr.andMrs.
Bennet forasingleevening during hisvisitweremoststeadily
resisted,thecoachconveyedhimandhisfivecousinsatasuitable
hourtoMeryton;andthegirlshadthepleasureofhearing,asthey
enteredthedrawingroom,thatMr.Wickhamhadacceptedtheir
uncle'sinvitation,andwastheninthehouse.
When this information was given, and they had all taken their
seats,Mr.Collinswasatleisuretolookaroundhimandadmire,
and he was so much struck with the size and furniture of the
apartment,thathedeclaredhemightalmosthavesupposedhimself
inthesmallsummerbreakfastparlouratRosings;acomparison
that did not at first convey much gratification; but when Mrs.
PhillipsunderstoodfromhimwhatRosingswas,andwhowasits
proprietorwhenshehadlistenedtothedescriptionofonlyoneof
Lady Catherine's drawingrooms, and found that the chimney
piecealonehadcosteighthundredpounds,shefeltalltheforceof
the compliment, and would hardly have resented a comparison
withthehousekeeper'sroom.
IndescribingtoherallthegrandeurofLadyCatherineandher
mansion,withoccasionaldigressionsinpraiseofhisownhumble
abode, and the improvements it was receiving, he was happily
employeduntilthegentlemenjoinedthem;andhefoundinMrs.
Phillipsaveryattentivelistener,whoseopinionofhisconsequence
increasedwithwhatsheheard,andwhowasresolvingtoretailit
allamongherneighboursassoonasshecould.Tothegirls,who
couldnotlistentotheircousin,andwhohadnothingtodobutto
wish for an instrument, and examine their own indifferent
imitations of china on the mantelpiece, the interval of waiting
appearedverylong.Itwasoveratlast,however.Thegentlemen
did approach, and when Mr. Wickham walked into the room,

Elizabeth felt that she had neither been seeing him before, nor
thinkingofhimsince,withthesmallestdegreeofunreasonable
admiration.Theofficersoftheshirewereingeneralavery
creditable, gentlemanlike set, and the best of them were of the
presentparty;butMr.Wickhamwasasfarbeyondthemallin
person,countenance,air,andwalk,as they weresuperiortothe
broadfaced, stuffy uncle Phillips, breathing port wine, who
followedthemintotheroom.
Mr. Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every
femaleeyewasturned,andElizabethwasthehappywomanby
whom he finally seated himself; and the agreeable manner in
whichheimmediatelyfellintoconversation,thoughitwasonlyon
itsbeingawetnight,madeherfeelthatthecommonest,dullest,
mostthreadbaretopicmightberenderedinterestingbytheskillof
thespeaker.
WithsuchrivalsforthenoticeofthefairasMr.Wickhamandthe
officers, Mr. Collins seemed to sink into insignificance; to the
youngladieshecertainlywasnothing;buthehadstillatintervalsa
kindlistenerinMrs.Phillips,andwasbyherwatchfulness,most
abundantlysuppliedwithcoffeeandmuffin.Whenthecardtables
wereplaced,hehadtheopportunityofobligingherinturn,by
sittingdowntowhist.
"Iknowlittleofthegameatpresent,"saidhe,"butIshallbeglad
toimprovemyself,forinmysituationinlife"Mrs.Phillipswas
verygladforhiscompliance,butcouldnotwaitforhisreason.
Mr.Wickhamdidnotplayatwhist,andwithreadydelightwashe
receivedattheothertablebetweenElizabethandLydia.Atfirst
thereseemeddangerofLydia'sengrossinghimentirely,forshe
wasamostdeterminedtalker;butbeinglikewiseextremelyfondof
lotterytickets,shesoongrewtoomuchinterestedinthegame,too
eagerinmakingbetsandexclaimingafterprizestohaveattention
foranyoneinparticular.Allowingforthecommondemandsofthe
game,Mr.WickhamwasthereforeatleisuretotalktoElizabeth,

andshewasverywillingtohearhim,thoughwhatshechiefly
wishedtohearshecouldnothopetobetoldthehistoryofhis
acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. She dared not even mention that
gentleman.Hercuriosity,however,wasunexpectedlyrelieved.Mr.
Wickham began the subject himself. He inquired how far
Netherfield was from Meryton; and, after receiving her answer,
askedinahesitatingmannerhowlongMr.Darcyhadbeenstaying
there.
"About amonth," said Elizabeth;andthen, unwillingto let the
subject drop, added, "He is a man of very large property in
Derbyshire,Iunderstand."
"Yes,"repliedMr.Wickham;"hisestatethereisanobleone.A
clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with a
personmorecapableofgivingyoucertaininformationonthathead
than myself, for I have been connected with his family in a
particularmannerfrommyinfancy."
Elizabethcouldnotbutlooksurprised.
"Youmaywellbesurprised,MissBennet,atsuchanassertion,
afterseeing,asyouprobablymight,theverycoldmannerofour
meetingyesterday.AreyoumuchacquaintedwithMr.Darcy?"
"AsmuchasIeverwishtobe,"criedElizabethverywarmly."I
havespentfourdaysinthesamehousewithhim,andIthinkhim
verydisagreeable."
"Ihavenorighttogive my opinion,"saidWickham,"astohis
beingagreeableorotherwise.Iamnotqualifiedtoformone.I
haveknownhimtoolongandtoowelltobeafairjudge.Itis
impossiblefor me tobeimpartial.ButIbelieveyouropinionof
him would in general astonishand perhaps you would not
expressitquitesostronglyanywhereelse.Hereyouareinyour
ownfamily."
"Uponmyword,IsaynomoreherethanImightsayinanyhouse
intheneighbourhood,exceptNetherfield.Heisnotatalllikedin
Hertfordshire.Everybodyisdisgustedwithhispride.Youwillnot

findhimmorefavourablyspokenofbyanyone."
"I cannot pretend to be sorry," said Wickham, after a short
interruption, "that he or that any man should not be estimated
beyond their deserts; but with him I believe it does not often
happen.Theworldisblindedbyhisfortuneandconsequence,or
frightenedbyhishighandimposingmanners,andseeshimonlyas
hechoosestobeseen."
"Ishouldtakehim,evenon my slightacquaintance,tobeanill
temperedman."Wickhamonlyshookhishead.
"Iwonder,"saidhe,atthenextopportunityofspeaking,"whether
heislikelytobeinthiscountrymuchlonger."
"Idonotatallknow;butIheardnothingofhisgoingawaywhenI
wasatNetherfield.Ihopeyourplansinfavouroftheshire
willnotbeaffectedbyhisbeingintheneighbourhood."
"Oh!noitisnotfor me tobedrivenawaybyMr.Darcy.If he
wishestoavoidseeing me,hemustgo.Wearenotonfriendly
terms,anditalwaysgivesmepaintomeethim,butIhaveno
reasonforavoiding him butwhatImightproclaimbeforeallthe
world,asenseofverygreatillusage,andmostpainfulregretsat
hisbeingwhatheis.Hisfather,MissBennet,thelateMr.Darcy,
wasoneofthebestmenthateverbreathed,andthetruestfriendI
ever had; and I can never be in company with this Mr. Darcy
without being grieved to the soul by a thousand tender
recollections.Hisbehaviourtomyselfhasbeenscandalous;butI
verilybelieveIcouldforgivehimanythingandeverything,rather
thanhisdisappointingthehopesanddisgracingthememoryofhis
father."
Elizabethfoundtheinterestofthesubjectincrease,andlistened
withallherheart;butthedelicacyofitpreventedfurtherinquiry.
Mr.Wickhambegantospeakonmoregeneraltopics,Meryton,the
neighbourhood,thesociety,appearinghighlypleasedwithallthat
hehadyetseen,andspeakingofthelatterwithgentlebutvery
intelligiblegallantry.

"It was the prospect of constant society, and good society," he

added,"whichwasmychiefinducementtoentertheshire.I
knewittobeamostrespectable,agreeablecorps,andmyfriend
Dennytemptedmefurtherbyhisaccountoftheirpresentquarters,
andtheverygreatattentionsandexcellentacquaintancesMeryton
hadprocuredthem.Society,Iown,isnecessarytome.Ihavebeen
adisappointedman,andmyspiritswillnotbearsolitude.I must
haveemploymentandsociety.AmilitarylifeisnotwhatIwas
intendedfor, butcircumstances havenow made it eligible. The
church ought tohavebeenmyprofessionIwasbroughtupfor
thechurch,andIshouldatthistimehavebeeninpossessionofa
most valuable living, had it pleased the gentleman we were
speakingofjustnow."
"Indeed!"
"YesthelateMr.Darcybequeathedmethenextpresentationof
thebestlivinginhisgift.Hewasmygodfather,andexcessively
attachedtome.Icannotdojusticetohiskindness.Hemeantto
provideformeamply,andthoughthehaddoneit;butwhenthe
livingfell,itwasgivenelsewhere."
"Goodheavens!"criedElizabeth;"buthowcould that be?How
could his will be disregarded? Why did you not seek legal
redress?"
"Therewasjustsuchaninformalityinthetermsofthebequestas
togivemenohopefromlaw.Amanofhonourcouldnothave
doubtedtheintention,butMr.Darcychosetodoubtitortotreat
itasamerelyconditionalrecommendation,andtoassertthatIhad
forfeited all claim to it by extravagance, imprudencein short
anythingornothing.Certainitis,thatthelivingbecamevacant
twoyearsago,exactlyasIwasofanagetoholdit,andthatitwas
giventoanotherman;andnolesscertainisit,thatIcannotaccuse
myselfofhavingreallydoneanythingtodeservetoloseit.Ihavea
warm,unguardedtemper,andImayhavespokenmyopinion of
him,andtohim,toofreely.Icanrecallnothingworse.Butthefact

is,thatweareverydifferentsortofmen,andthathehatesme."
"Thisisquiteshocking!Hedeservestobepubliclydisgraced."
"Sometimeorotherhe will bebutitshallnotbeby me.TillI
canforgethisfather,Icanneverdefyorexposehim."
Elizabeth honoured him for such feelings, and thought him
handsomerthaneverasheexpressedthem.
"Butwhat,"saidshe,afterapause,"canhavebeenhismotive?
Whatcanhaveinducedhimtobehavesocruelly?"
"Athorough,determineddislikeofmeadislikewhichIcannot
butattributeinsomemeasuretojealousy.HadthelateMr.Darcy
likedmeless,hissonmighthavebornewithmebetter;buthis
father'suncommonattachmenttomeirritatedhim,Ibelieve,very
earlyinlife.Hehadnotatempertobearthesortofcompetitionin
which we stoodthe sort of preference which was often given
me."
"IhadnotthoughtMr.DarcysobadasthisthoughIhavenever
likedhim.Ihadnotthoughtsoveryillofhim.Ihadsupposedhim
tobedespisinghisfellowcreaturesingeneral,butdidnotsuspect
himofdescendingtosuchmaliciousrevenge,suchinjustice,such
inhumanityasthis."
After a few minutes' reflection, however, she continued, "I do
rememberhisboastingoneday,atNetherfield,oftheimplacability
of his resentments, of his having an unforgiving temper. His
dispositionmustbedreadful."
"Iwillnottrustmyselfonthesubject,"repliedWickham;"Ican
hardlybejusttohim."
Elizabethwasagaindeepinthought,andafteratimeexclaimed,
"Totreatinsuchamannerthegodson,thefriend,thefavouriteof
hisfather!"Shecouldhaveadded,"Ayoungman,too,like you,
whoseverycountenancemayvouchforyourbeingamiable"but
shecontentedherselfwith,"andone,too,whohadprobablybeen
hiscompanionfromchildhood,connectedtogether,asIthinkyou
said,intheclosestmanner!"

"We were born in the same parish, within the same park; the
greatestpartofouryouthwaspassedtogether;inmatesofthesame
house,sharingthesameamusements,objectsofthesameparental
care.Myfatherbeganlifeintheprofessionwhichyouruncle,Mr.
Phillips, appears to do so much credit tobut he gave up
everythingtobeofusetothelateMr.Darcyanddevotedallhis
timetothecareofthePemberleyproperty.Hewasmosthighly
esteemedbyMr.Darcy,amostintimate,confidentialfriend.Mr.
Darcy often acknowledged himself to be under the greatest
obligations to my father's active superintendence, and when,
immediately before my father's death, Mr. Darcy gave him a
voluntarypromiseofprovidingforme,Iamconvincedthathefelt
ittobeasmuchadebtofgratitudeto him,asofhisaffectionto
myself."
"Howstrange!"criedElizabeth."Howabominable!Iwonderthat
theveryprideofthisMr.Darcyhasnotmadehimjusttoyou!If
fromnobettermotive,thatheshouldnothavebeentooproudtobe
dishonestfordishonestyImustcallit."
"Itiswonderful,"repliedWickham,"foralmostallhisactionsmay
betracedtopride;andpridehadoftenbeenhisbestfriend.Ithas
connectedhimnearerwithvirtuethanwithanyotherfeeling.But
wearenoneofusconsistent,andinhisbehaviourtometherewere
strongerimpulseseventhanpride."
"Cansuchabominableprideashishaveeverdonehimgood?"
"Yes.Ithasoftenledhimtobeliberalandgenerous,togivehis
money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, and
relieve the poor. Family pride, and filial pridefor he is very
proudofwhathisfatherwashavedonethis.Nottoappearto
disgracehisfamily,todegeneratefromthepopularqualities,or
losetheinfluenceofthePemberleyHouse,isapowerfulmotive.
Hehasalsobrotherlypride,which,withsomebrotherlyaffection,
makeshimaverykindandcarefulguardianofhissister,andyou
willhearhimgenerallycriedupasthemostattentiveandbestof

brothers."
"WhatsortofgirlisMissDarcy?"
Heshookhishead."IwishIcouldcallheramiable.Itgivesme
paintospeakillofaDarcy.Butsheistoomuchlikeherbrother
very,veryproud.Asachild,shewasaffectionateandpleasing,
andextremelyfondofme;andIhavedevotedhoursandhoursto
heramusement.Butsheisnothingtomenow.Sheisahandsome
girl, about fifteen or sixteen, and, I understand, highly
accomplished.Sinceherfather'sdeath,herhomehasbeenLondon,
wherealadyliveswithher,andsuperintendshereducation."
After many pauses and many trials of other subjects, Elizabeth
couldnothelprevertingoncemoretothefirst,andsaying:
"IamastonishedathisintimacywithMr.Bingley!HowcanMr.
Bingley,whoseemsgoodhumouritself,andis,Ireallybelieve,
trulyamiable,beinfriendshipwithsuchaman?Howcantheysuit
eachother?DoyouknowMr.Bingley?"
"Notatall."
"Heisasweettempered,amiable,charmingman.Hecannotknow
whatMr.Darcyis."
"Probablynot;butMr.Darcycanpleasewherehechooses.He
doesnotwantabilities.Hecanbeaconversiblecompanionifhe
thinksitworthhiswhile.Amongthosewhoareatallhisequalsin
consequence,heisaverydifferentmanfromwhatheistotheless
prosperous.Hisprideneverdesertshim;butwiththerichheis
liberalminded, just, sincere, rational, honourable, and perhaps
agreeableallowingsomethingforfortuneandfigure."
Thewhistpartysoonafterwardsbreakingup,theplayersgathered
roundtheothertableandMr.Collinstookhisstationbetweenhis
cousinElizabethandMrs.Phillips.Theusualinquiriesastohis
successweremadebythelatter.Ithadnotbeenverygreat;hehad
lost every point; but when Mrs. Phillips began to express her
concernthereupon,heassuredherwithmuchearnestgravitythatit
wasnotoftheleastimportance,thatheconsideredthemoneyasa

meretrifle,andbeggedthatshewouldnotmakeherselfuneasy.
"Iknowverywell,madam,"saidhe,"thatwhenpersonssitdown
toacardtable,theymusttaketheirchancesofthesethings,and
happilyIamnotinsuchcircumstancesastomakefiveshillings
anyobject.Thereareundoubtedlymanywhocouldnotsaythe
same,butthankstoLadyCatherinedeBourgh,Iamremovedfar
beyondthenecessityofregardinglittlematters."
Mr. Wickham's attention was caught; and after observing Mr.
Collins for a few moments, he asked Elizabeth in a low voice
whether her relation was very intimately acquainted with the
familyofdeBourgh.
"LadyCatherinedeBourgh,"shereplied,"hasverylatelygiven
himaliving.IhardlyknowhowMr.Collinswasfirstintroducedto
hernotice,buthecertainlyhasnotknownherlong."
"YouknowofcoursethatLadyCatherinedeBourghandLady
Anne Darcy were sisters; consequently that she is aunt to the
presentMr.Darcy."
"No,indeed,Ididnot.IknewnothingatallofLadyCatherine's
connections. I never heard of her existence till the day before
yesterday."
"Herdaughter,MissdeBourgh,willhaveaverylargefortune,and
itisbelievedthatsheandhercousinwillunitethetwoestates."
This information made Elizabeth smile, as she thought of poor
Miss Bingley. Vain indeed must beall herattentions, vain and
uselessheraffectionforhissisterandherpraiseofhimself,ifhe
werealreadyselfdestinedforanother.
"Mr.Collins,"saidshe,"speakshighlybothofLadyCatherineand
herdaughter;butfromsomeparticularsthathehasrelatedofher
ladyship,Isuspecthisgratitudemisleadshim,andthatinspiteof
herbeinghispatroness,sheisanarrogant,conceitedwoman."
"Ibelievehertobebothinagreatdegree,"repliedWickham;"I
havenotseenherformanyyears,butIverywellrememberthatI
neverlikedher,andthathermannersweredictatorialandinsolent.

Shehasthereputationofbeingremarkablysensibleandclever;but
Iratherbelieveshederivespartofherabilitiesfromherrankand
fortune,partfromherauthoritativemanner,andtherestfromthe
prideforhernephew,whochoosesthateveryoneconnectedwith
himshouldhaveanunderstandingofthefirstclass."
Elizabethallowedthathehadgivenaveryrationalaccountofit,
andtheycontinuedtalkingtogether,withmutualsatisfactiontill
supperputanendtocards,andgavetherestoftheladiestheir
shareofMr.Wickham'sattentions.Therecouldbenoconversation
in the noise of Mrs. Phillips's supper party, but his manners
recommendedhimtoeverybody.Whateverhesaid,wassaidwell;
andwhateverhedid,donegracefully.Elizabethwentawaywith
her head full of him. She could think of nothing but of Mr.
Wickham,andofwhathehadtoldher,allthewayhome;butthere
wasnottimeforhereventomentionhisnameastheywent,for
neither Lydia nor Mr. Collins were once silent. Lydia talked
incessantlyoflotterytickets,ofthefishshehadlostandthefish
shehadwon;andMr.CollinsindescribingthecivilityofMr.and
Mrs. Phillips, protesting that he did not in the least regard his
lossesatwhist,enumeratingallthedishesatsupper,andrepeatedly
fearingthathecrowdedhiscousins,hadmoretosaythanhecould
wellmanagebeforethecarriagestoppedatLongbournHouse.
H2anchor

Chapter17
ElizabethrelatedtoJanethenextdaywhathadpassedbetween
Mr. Wickham and herself. Jane listened with astonishment and
concern;sheknewnothowtobelievethatMr.Darcycouldbeso
unworthyofMr.Bingley'sregard;andyet,itwasnotinhernature

to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable

appearance as Wickham. The possibility of his having endured
suchunkindness,wasenoughtointerestallhertenderfeelings;and
nothingremainedthereforetobedone,buttothinkwellofthem
both,todefendtheconductofeach,andthrowintotheaccountof
accidentormistakewhatevercouldnotbeotherwiseexplained.
"Theyhaveboth,"saidshe,"beendeceived,Idaresay,insome
wayorother,ofwhichwecanformnoidea.Interestedpeoplehave
perhapsmisrepresentedeachtotheother.Itis,inshort,impossible
forustoconjecturethecausesorcircumstanceswhichmayhave
alienatedthem,withoutactualblameoneitherside."
"Verytrue,indeed;andnow,mydearJane,whathaveyougotto
say onbehalfof theinterestedpeople whohaveprobably been
concerned in the business? Do clear them too, or we shall be
obligedtothinkillofsomebody."
"Laughasmuchasyouchoose,butyouwillnotlaughmeoutof
my opinion. My dearest Lizzy, do but consider in what a
disgraceful light it places Mr. Darcy, to be treating his father's
favouriteinsuchamanner,onewhomhisfatherhadpromisedto
providefor.Itisimpossible.Nomanofcommonhumanity,no
manwhohadanyvalueforhischaracter,couldbecapableofit.
Canhismostintimatefriendsbesoexcessivelydeceivedinhim?
Oh!no."
"IcanmuchmoreeasilybelieveMr.Bingley'sbeingimposedon,
thanthatMr.Wickhamshouldinventsuchahistoryofhimselfas
hegavemelastnight;names,facts,everythingmentionedwithout
ceremony.Ifitbenotso,letMr.Darcycontradictit.Besides,there
wastruthinhislooks."
"Itisdifficultindeeditisdistressing.Onedoesnotknowwhatto
think."
"Ibegyourpardon;oneknowsexactlywhattothink."
ButJanecouldthinkwithcertaintyononlyonepointthatMr.
Bingley,ifhe had beenimposedon,wouldhavemuchtosuffer

whentheaffairbecamepublic.
Thetwoyoungladiesweresummonedfromtheshrubbery,where
this conversation passed, by the arrival of the very persons of
whomtheyhadbeenspeaking;Mr.Bingleyandhissisterscameto
give their personal invitation for the longexpected ball at
Netherfield,whichwasfixedforthefollowingTuesday.Thetwo
ladiesweredelightedtoseetheirdearfriendagain,calleditanage
sincetheyhadmet,andrepeatedlyaskedwhatshehadbeendoing
withherselfsincetheirseparation.Totherestofthefamilythey
paid littleattention; avoiding Mrs. Bennet asmuch aspossible,
sayingnotmuchtoElizabeth,andnothingatalltotheothers.They
were soon gone again, rising from their seats with an activity
whichtooktheirbrotherbysurprise,andhurryingoffasifeagerto
escapefromMrs.Bennet'scivilities.
TheprospectoftheNetherfieldballwasextremelyagreeableto
everyfemaleofthefamily.Mrs.Bennetchosetoconsideritas
givenincomplimenttohereldestdaughter,andwasparticularly
flattered by receiving the invitation from Mr. Bingley himself,
insteadofaceremoniouscard.Janepicturedtoherselfahappy
eveninginthesocietyofhertwofriends,andtheattentionsoftheir
brother;andElizabeththoughtwithpleasureofdancingagreat
deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of
everything in Mr. Darcy's look and behaviour. The happiness
anticipatedbyCatherineandLydiadependedlessonanysingle
event, or any particular person, for though they each, like
Elizabeth,meanttodancehalftheeveningwithMr.Wickham,he
wasbynomeanstheonlypartnerwhocouldsatisfythem,anda
ball was, at any rate, a ball. And even Mary could assure her
familythatshehadnodisinclinationforit.
"WhileIcanhavemymorningstomyself,"saidshe,"itisenough
I think it is no sacrifice to join occasionally in evening
engagements.Societyhasclaimsonusall;andIprofessmyself
oneofthosewhoconsiderintervalsofrecreationandamusement

asdesirableforeverybody."
Elizabeth'sspiritsweresohighonthisoccasion,thatthoughshe
didnotoftenspeakunnecessarilytoMr.Collins,shecouldnot
help asking him whether he intended to accept Mr. Bingley's
invitation,andifhedid,whetherhewouldthinkitpropertojoinin
theevening'samusement;andshewasrathersurprisedtofindthat
heentertainednoscruplewhateveronthathead,andwasveryfar
from dreading a rebuke either from the Archbishop, or Lady
CatherinedeBourgh,byventuringtodance.
"Iambynomeansoftheopinion,Iassureyou,"saidhe,"thata
ballofthiskind,givenbyayoungmanofcharacter,torespectable
people,canhaveanyeviltendency;andIamsofarfromobjecting
todancingmyself,thatIshallhopetobehonouredwiththehands
ofallmyfaircousinsinthecourseoftheevening;andItakethis
opportunityofsolicitingyours,MissElizabeth,forthetwofirst
dancesespecially,apreferencewhichItrustmycousinJanewill
attributetotherightcause,andnottoanydisrespectforher."
Elizabethfeltherselfcompletelytakenin.Shehadfullyproposed
beingengagedbyMr.Wickhamforthoseverydances;andtohave
Mr.Collinsinstead!herlivelinesshadneverbeenworsetimed.
Therewasnohelpforit,however.Mr.Wickham'shappinessand
herownwereperforcedelayedalittlelonger,andMr.Collins's
proposalacceptedwithasgoodagraceasshecould.Shewasnot
thebetterpleasedwithhisgallantryfromtheideaitsuggestedof
somethingmore.Itnowfirststruckher,thatshewasselectedfrom
among her sisters as worthy of being mistress of Hunsford
Parsonage,andofassistingtoformaquadrilletableatRosings,in
the absence of more eligible visitors. The idea soonreached to
conviction,assheobservedhisincreasingcivilitiestowardherself,
andheardhisfrequentattemptatacomplimentonherwitand
vivacity;andthoughmoreastonishedthangratifiedherselfbythis
effectofhercharms,itwasnotlongbeforehermothergaveherto
understand that the probability of their marriage was extremely

agreeableto her.Elizabeth,however,didnotchoosetotakethe
hint, being well aware that a serious dispute must be the
consequenceofanyreply.Mr.Collinsmightnevermaketheoffer,
andtillhedid,itwasuselesstoquarrelabouthim.
IftherehadnotbeenaNetherfieldballtoprepareforandtalkof,
theyoungerMissBennetswouldhavebeeninaverypitiablestate
atthistime,forfromthedayoftheinvitation,tothedayofthe
ball,therewassuchasuccessionofrainaspreventedtheirwalking
toMerytononce.Noaunt,noofficers,nonewscouldbesought
aftertheveryshoerosesforNetherfieldweregotbyproxy.Even
Elizabethmighthavefoundsometrialofherpatienceinweather
whichtotallysuspendedtheimprovementofheracquaintancewith
Mr.Wickham;andnothinglessthanadanceonTuesday,could
have made such a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
endurabletoKittyandLydia.
H2anchor

Chapter18
TillElizabethenteredthedrawingroomatNetherfield,andlooked
in vain for Mr. Wickham among the cluster of red coats there
assembled,adoubtofhisbeingpresenthadneveroccurredtoher.
Thecertaintyofmeetinghimhadnotbeencheckedbyanyofthose
recollectionsthatmightnotunreasonablyhavealarmedher.She
haddressedwithmorethanusualcare,andpreparedinthehighest
spiritsfortheconquestofallthatremainedunsubduedofhisheart,
trustingthatitwasnotmorethanmightbewoninthecourseofthe
evening.Butinaninstantarosethedreadfulsuspicionofhisbeing
purposely omitted for Mr. Darcy's pleasure in the Bingleys'
invitationtotheofficers;andthoughthiswasnotexactlythecase,

the absolute fact of his absence was pronounced by his friend

Denny,towhomLydiaeagerlyapplied,andwhotoldthemthat
Wickham had been obliged to go to town on business the day
before,andwasnotyetreturned;adding,withasignificantsmile,
"Idonotimaginehisbusinesswouldhavecalledhimawayjust
now,ifhehadnotwantedtoavoidacertaingentlemanhere."
Thispartofhisintelligence,thoughunheardbyLydia,wascaught
by Elizabeth, and, as it assured her that Darcy was not less
answerableforWickham'sabsencethanifherfirstsurmisehad
beenjust,everyfeelingofdispleasureagainsttheformerwasso
sharpened by immediate disappointment, that she could hardly
replywithtolerablecivilitytothepoliteinquirieswhichhedirectly
afterwardsapproachedtomake.Attendance,forbearance,patience
withDarcy,wasinjurytoWickham.Shewasresolvedagainstany
sortofconversationwithhim,andturnedawaywithadegreeof
illhumourwhichshecouldnotwhollysurmounteveninspeaking
toMr.Bingley,whoseblindpartialityprovokedher.
ButElizabethwasnotformedforillhumour;andthoughevery
prospectofherownwasdestroyedfortheevening,itcouldnot
dwelllongonherspirits;andhavingtoldallhergriefstoCharlotte
Lucas,whomshehadnotseenforaweek,shewassoonableto
makeavoluntarytransitiontotheodditiesofhercousin,andto
point him out to her particular notice. The first two dances,
however, brought a return of distress; they were dances of
mortification. Mr. Collins, awkward and solemn, apologising
insteadofattending,andoftenmovingwrongwithoutbeingaware
of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable
partnerforacoupleofdancescangive.Themomentofherrelease
fromhimwasecstasy.
Shedancednextwithanofficer,andhadtherefreshmentoftalking
ofWickham,andofhearingthathewasuniversallyliked.When
thosedanceswereover,shereturnedtoCharlotteLucas,andwas
in conversation with her, when she found herself suddenly

addressedbyMr.Darcywhotookhersomuchbysurpriseinhis
applicationforherhand,that,withoutknowingwhatshedid,she
acceptedhim.Hewalkedawayagainimmediately,andshewas
lefttofretoverherownwantofpresenceofmind;Charlottetried
toconsoleher:
"Idaresayyouwillfindhimveryagreeable."
"Heavenforbid! That wouldbethegreatestmisfortuneofall!To
findamanagreeablewhomoneisdeterminedtohate!Donotwish
mesuchanevil."
Whenthedancingrecommenced,however,andDarcyapproached
toclaimherhand,Charlottecouldnothelpcautioningherina
whisper,nottobeasimpleton,andallowherfancyforWickham
tomakeherappearunpleasantintheeyesofamantentimeshis
consequence.Elizabethmadenoanswer,andtookherplaceinthe
set, amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being
allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and reading in her
neighbours' looks, their equal amazement in beholding it. They
stoodforsometimewithoutspeakingaword;andshebeganto
imaginethattheirsilencewastolastthroughthetwodances,and
atfirstwasresolvednottobreakit;tillsuddenlyfancyingthatit
wouldbethegreaterpunishmenttoherpartnertoobligehimto
talk,shemadesomeslightobservationonthedance.Hereplied,
andwasagainsilent.Afterapauseofsomeminutes,sheaddressed
himasecondtimewith:"Itis your turntosaysomethingnow,
Mr.Darcy.Italkedaboutthedance,andyououghttomakesome
sortofremarkonthesizeoftheroom,orthenumberofcouples."
Hesmiled,andassuredherthatwhatevershewishedhimtosay
shouldbesaid.
"Verywell.Thatreplywilldoforthepresent.PerhapsbyandbyI
may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public
ones.Butnowwemaybesilent."
"Doyoutalkbyrule,then,whileyouaredancing?"
"Sometimes.Onemustspeakalittle,youknow.Itwouldlookodd

to be entirely silent for half an hour together; and yet for the
advantageof some,conversationoughttobesoarranged,asthat
theymayhavethetroubleofsayingaslittleaspossible."
"Areyouconsultingyourownfeelingsinthepresentcase,ordo
youimaginethatyouaregratifyingmine?"
"Both,"repliedElizabetharchly;"forIhavealwaysseenagreat
similarityintheturnofourminds.Weareeachofanunsocial,
taciturndisposition,unwillingtospeak,unlessweexpecttosay
somethingthatwillamazethewholeroom,andbehandeddownto
posteritywithalltheeclatofaproverb."
"Thisisnoverystrikingresemblanceofyourowncharacter,Iam
sure,"saidhe."Hownearitmaybeto mine,Icannotpretendto
say.Youthinkitafaithfulportraitundoubtedly."
"Imustnotdecideonmyownperformance."
Hemadenoanswer,andtheywereagainsilenttilltheyhadgone
downthedance,whenheaskedherifsheandhersistersdidnot
veryoftenwalktoMeryton.Sheansweredintheaffirmative,and,
unabletoresistthetemptation,added,"Whenyoumetustherethe
otherday,wehadjustbeenforminganewacquaintance."
Theeffectwasimmediate.Adeepershadeof hauteuroverspread
hisfeatures,buthesaidnotaword,andElizabeth,thoughblaming
herselfforherownweakness,couldnotgoon.AtlengthDarcy
spoke,andinaconstrainedmannersaid,"Mr.Wickhamisblessed
with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends
whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less
certain."
"He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship," replied
Elizabethwithemphasis,"andinamannerwhichheislikelyto
sufferfromallhislife."
Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the
subject. At that moment, Sir William Lucas appeared close to
them,meaningtopassthroughthesettotheothersideoftheroom;
butonperceivingMr.Darcy,hestoppedwithabowofsuperior

courtesytocomplimenthimonhisdancingandhispartner.
"Ihavebeenmosthighlygratifiedindeed,mydearsir.Suchvery
superiordancingisnotoftenseen.Itisevidentthatyoubelongto
thefirstcircles.Allowmetosay,however,thatyourfairpartner
doesnotdisgraceyou,andthatImusthopetohavethispleasure
oftenrepeated,especiallywhenacertaindesirableevent,mydear
Eliza(glancingathersisterandBingley)shalltakeplace.What
congratulationswillthenflowin!IappealtoMr.Darcy:butlet
menotinterruptyou,sir.Youwillnotthankmefordetainingyou
from the bewitching converse of that younglady, whosebright
eyesarealsoupbraidingme."
ThelatterpartofthisaddresswasscarcelyheardbyDarcy;butSir
William'sallusiontohisfriendseemedtostrikehimforcibly,and
his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards
BingleyandJane,whoweredancingtogether.Recoveringhimself,
however,shortly,heturnedtohispartner,andsaid,"SirWilliam's
interruptionhasmademeforgetwhatweweretalkingof."
"Idonotthinkwewerespeakingatall.SirWilliamcouldnothave
interrupted two people in the room who had less to say for
themselves.Wehavetriedtwoorthreesubjectsalreadywithout
success,andwhatwearetotalkofnextIcannotimagine."
"Whatthinkyouofbooks?"saidhe,smiling.
"Booksoh!no.Iamsureweneverreadthesame,ornotwiththe
samefeelings."
"Iamsorryyouthinkso;butifthatbethecase,therecanatleast
benowantofsubject.Wemaycompareourdifferentopinions."
"NoIcannottalkofbooksinaballroom;myheadisalwaysfull
ofsomethingelse."
"The present alwaysoccupiesyouinsuchscenesdoesit?"said
he,withalookofdoubt.
"Yes,always,"shereplied,withoutknowingwhatshesaid,forher
thoughtshadwanderedfarfromthesubject,assoonafterwards
appearedbyhersuddenlyexclaiming,"Irememberhearingyou

once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your
resentmentoncecreatedwasunappeasable.Youareverycautious,
Isuppose,astoitsbeingcreated."
"Iam,"saidhe,withafirmvoice.
"Andneverallowyourselftobeblindedbyprejudice?"
"Ihopenot."
"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their
opinion,tobesecureofjudgingproperlyatfirst."
"MayIasktowhatthesequestionstend?"
"Merely to the illustration of your character," said she,
endeavouringtoshakeoffhergravity."Iamtryingtomakeitout."
"Andwhatisyoursuccess?"
Sheshookherhead."Idonotgetonatall.Ihearsuchdifferent
accountsofyouaspuzzlemeexceedingly."
"I can readily believe," answered he gravely, "that reports may
varygreatlywithrespecttome;andIcouldwish,MissBennet,
thatyouwerenottosketchmycharacteratthepresentmoment,as
thereisreasontofearthattheperformancewouldreflectnocredit
oneither."
"ButifIdonottakeyourlikenessnow,Imayneverhaveanother
opportunity."
"Iwouldbynomeanssuspendanypleasureofyours,"hecoldly
replied.Shesaidnomore,andtheywentdowntheotherdanceand
partedinsilence;andoneachsidedissatisfied,thoughnottoan
equaldegree,forinDarcy'sbreasttherewasatolerablypowerful
feelingtowardsher,whichsoonprocuredherpardon,anddirected
allhisangeragainstanother.
Theyhadnotlongseparated,whenMissBingleycametowards
her,andwithanexpressionofcivildisdainaccostedher:
"So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite delighted with George
Wickham! Your sister has been talking to me about him, and
askingmeathousandquestions;andIfindthattheyoungman
quiteforgottotellyou,amonghisothercommunication,thathe

wasthesonofoldWickham,thelateMr.Darcy'ssteward.Letme
recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit
confidencetoallhisassertions;forastoMr.Darcy'susinghimill,
it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has always been
remarkablykindtohim,thoughGeorgeWickhamhastreatedMr.
Darcyinamostinfamousmanner.Idonotknowtheparticulars,
butIknowverywellthatMr.Darcyisnotintheleasttoblame,
thathecannotbeartohearGeorgeWickhammentioned,andthat
thoughmybrotherthoughtthathecouldnotwellavoidincluding
himinhisinvitationtotheofficers,hewasexcessivelygladtofind
that he had taken himself out of the way. His coming into the
countryatallisamostinsolentthing,indeed,andIwonderhowhe
couldpresumetodoit.Ipityyou,MissEliza,forthisdiscoveryof
yourfavourite'sguilt;butreally,consideringhisdescent,onecould
notexpectmuchbetter."
"Hisguiltandhisdescentappearbyyouraccounttobethesame,"
saidElizabethangrily;"forIhaveheardyouaccusehimofnothing
worsethanofbeingthesonofMr.Darcy'ssteward,andofthat,I
canassureyou,heinformedmehimself."
"Ibegyourpardon,"repliedMissBingley,turningawaywitha
sneer."Excusemyinterferenceitwaskindlymeant."
"Insolentgirl!"saidElizabethtoherself."Youaremuchmistaken
ifyouexpecttoinfluencemebysuchapaltryattackasthis.Isee
nothinginitbutyourownwilfulignoranceandthemaliceofMr.
Darcy."Shethensoughthereldestsister,whohadundertakento
makeinquiriesonthesamesubjectofBingley.Janemetherwitha
smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy
expression,assufficientlymarkedhowwellshewassatisfiedwith
the occurrences of the evening. Elizabeth instantly read her
feelings,andatthatmomentsolicitudeforWickham,resentment
againsthisenemies,andeverythingelse,gavewaybeforethehope
ofJane'sbeinginthefairestwayforhappiness.
"Iwanttoknow,"saidshe,withacountenancenolesssmilingthan

her sister's, "what you have learnt about Mr. Wickham. But
perhapsyouhavebeentoopleasantlyengagedtothinkofanythird
person;inwhichcaseyoumaybesureofmypardon."
"No,"repliedJane,"Ihavenotforgottenhim;butIhavenothing
satisfactorytotellyou.Mr.Bingleydoesnotknowthewholeof
hishistory,andisquiteignorantofthecircumstanceswhichhave
principallyoffendedMr.Darcy;buthewillvouchforthegood
conduct, the probity, and honour of his friend, and is perfectly
convinced that Mr. Wickham has deserved much less attention
fromMr.Darcythanhehasreceived;andIamsorrytosaybyhis
accountaswellashissister's,Mr.Wickhamisbynomeansa
respectableyoungman.Iamafraidhehasbeenveryimprudent,
andhasdeservedtoloseMr.Darcy'sregard."
"Mr.BingleydoesnotknowMr.Wickhamhimself?"
"No;heneversawhimtilltheothermorningatMeryton."
"ThisaccounttheniswhathehasreceivedfromMr.Darcy.Iam
satisfied.Butwhatdoeshesayoftheliving?"
"Hedoesnotexactlyrecollectthecircumstances,thoughhehas
heardthemfromMr.Darcymorethanonce,buthebelievesthatit
waslefttohimconditionallyonly."
"I have not a doubt of Mr. Bingley's sincerity," said Elizabeth
warmly; "but you must excuse my not being convinced by
assurancesonly.Mr.Bingley'sdefenseofhisfriendwasavery
ableone,Idaresay;butsinceheisunacquaintedwithseveralparts
ofthestory,andhaslearnttherestfromthatfriendhimself,Ishall
venturetostillthinkofbothgentlemenasIdidbefore."
Shethenchangedthediscoursetoonemoregratifyingtoeach,and
on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Elizabeth
listened with delight to the happy, though modest hopes which
JaneentertainedofMr.Bingley'sregard,andsaidallinherpower
to heighten her confidence in it. On their being joined by Mr.
Bingley himself, Elizabeth withdrew to Miss Lucas; to whose
inquiryafterthepleasantnessofherlastpartnershehadscarcely

replied,beforeMr.Collinscameuptothem,andtoldherwith
greatexultationthathehadjustbeensofortunateastomakea
mostimportantdiscovery.
"Ihavefoundout,"saidhe,"byasingularaccident,thatthereis
nowintheroomanearrelationofmypatroness.Ihappenedto
overhearthegentlemanhimselfmentioningtotheyoungladywho
doesthehonoursofthehousethenamesofhiscousinMissde
Bourgh,andofhermotherLadyCatherine.Howwonderfullythese
sortofthingsoccur!Whowouldhavethoughtofmymeetingwith,
perhaps,anephewofLadyCatherinedeBourghinthisassembly!I
ammostthankfulthatthediscoveryismadeintimeformetopay
myrespectstohim,whichIamnowgoingtodo,andtrusthewill
excusemynothavingdoneitbefore.Mytotalignoranceofthe
connectionmustpleadmyapology."
"YouarenotgoingtointroduceyourselftoMr.Darcy!"
"Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it
earlier.IbelievehimtobeLadyCatherine'snephew.Itwillbein
mypowertoassurehimthatherladyshipwasquitewellyesterday
se'nnight."
Elizabethtriedhardtodissuadehimfromsuchascheme,assuring
him that Mr. Darcy would consider his addressing him without
introductionasanimpertinentfreedom,ratherthanacompliment
tohisaunt;thatitwasnotintheleastnecessarythereshouldbe
anynoticeoneitherside;andthatifitwere,itmustbelongtoMr.
Darcy,thesuperiorinconsequence,tobegintheacquaintance.Mr.
Collinslistenedtoherwiththedeterminedairoffollowinghisown
inclination,and,whensheceasedspeaking,repliedthus:
"MydearMissElizabeth,Ihavethehighestopinionintheworldin
yourexcellentjudgementinallmatterswithinthescopeofyour
understanding;butpermitmetosay,thattheremustbeawide
differencebetweentheestablishedformsofceremonyamongstthe
laity,andthosewhichregulatetheclergy;for,givemeleaveto
observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of

dignity with the highest rank in the kingdomprovided that a

properhumilityofbehaviourisatthesametimemaintained.You
mustthereforeallowmetofollowthedictatesofmyconscienceon
thisoccasion,whichleadsmetoperformwhatIlookonasapoint
ofduty.Pardonmeforneglectingtoprofitbyyouradvice,which
oneveryothersubjectshallbemyconstantguide,thoughinthe
case before us I consider myself more fitted by education and
habitualstudytodecideonwhatisrightthanayoungladylike
yourself."AndwithalowbowhelefthertoattackMr.Darcy,
whosereceptionofhisadvancessheeagerlywatched,andwhose
astonishmentatbeingsoaddressedwasveryevident.Hercousin
prefacedhisspeechwithasolemnbowandthoughshecouldnot
hearawordofit,shefeltasifhearingitall,andsawinthemotion
ofhislipsthewords"apology,""Hunsford,"and"LadyCatherine
deBourgh."Itvexedhertoseehimexposehimselftosuchaman.
Mr.Darcywaseyeinghimwithunrestrainedwonder,andwhenat
lastMr.Collinsallowedhimtimetospeak,repliedwithanairof
distantcivility.Mr.Collins,however,wasnotdiscouragedfrom
speaking again, and Mr. Darcy's contempt seemed abundantly
increasingwiththelengthofhissecondspeech,andattheendofit
he only made him a slight bow, and moved another way. Mr.
CollinsthenreturnedtoElizabeth.
"Ihavenoreason,Iassureyou,"saidhe,"tobedissatisfiedwith
myreception.Mr.Darcyseemedmuchpleasedwiththeattention.
Heansweredmewiththeutmostcivility,andevenpaidmethe
compliment of saying that he was so well convinced of Lady
Catherine'sdiscernmentastobecertainshecouldneverbestowa
favourunworthily.Itwasreallyaveryhandsomethought.Upon
thewhole,Iammuchpleasedwithhim."
AsElizabethhadnolongeranyinterestofherowntopursue,she
turnedherattentionalmostentirelyonhersisterandMr.Bingley;
andthetrainofagreeablereflectionswhichherobservationsgave
birthto,madeherperhapsalmostashappyasJane.Shesawherin

ideasettledinthatveryhouse,inallthefelicitywhichamarriage
oftrueaffectioncouldbestow;andshefeltcapable,undersuch
circumstances,ofendeavouringeventolikeBingley'stwosisters.
Hermother'sthoughtssheplainlysawwerebentthesameway,
andshedeterminednottoventurenearher,lestshemightheartoo
much.Whentheysatdowntosupper,therefore,sheconsideredita
mostunluckyperversenesswhichplacedthemwithinoneofeach
other; and deeply was she vexed to find that her mother was
talking to that one person (Lady Lucas) freely, openly, and of
nothingelsebutherexpectationthatJanewouldsoonbemarried
to Mr. Bingley. It was an animating subject, and Mrs. Bennet
seemedincapableoffatiguewhileenumeratingtheadvantagesof
thematch.Hisbeingsuchacharmingyoungman,andsorich,and
living but three miles from them, were the first points of self
gratulation;andthenitwassuchacomforttothinkhowfondthe
twosisterswereofJane,andtobecertainthattheymustdesirethe
connection as much as she could do. It was, moreover, such a
promisingthingforheryoungerdaughters,asJane'smarryingso
greatlymustthrowtheminthewayofotherrichmen;andlastly,it
wassopleasantathertimeoflifetobeabletoconsignhersingle
daughterstothecareoftheirsister,thatshemightnotbeobligedto
gointocompanymorethansheliked.Itwasnecessarytomake
thiscircumstanceamatterofpleasure,becauseonsuchoccasions
itistheetiquette;butnoonewaslesslikelythanMrs.Bennetto
find comfort in staying home at any period of her life. She
concludedwithmanygoodwishesthatLadyLucasmightsoonbe
equally fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing
therewasnochanceofit.
In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity of her
mother'swords,orpersuadehertodescribeherfelicityinaless
audible whisper; for, to her inexpressible vexation, she could
perceivethatthechiefofitwasoverheardbyMr.Darcy,whosat
opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being

nonsensical.
"WhatisMr.Darcytome,pray,thatIshouldbeafraidofhim?I
amsureweowehimnosuchparticularcivilityastobeobligedto
saynothinghemaynotliketohear."
"Forheaven'ssake,madam,speaklower.Whatadvantagecanitbe
foryoutooffendMr.Darcy?Youwillneverrecommendyourself
tohisfriendbysodoing!"
Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her
mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone.
Elizabethblushedandblushedagainwithshameandvexation.She
couldnothelpfrequentlyglancinghereyeatMr.Darcy,though
everyglanceconvincedherofwhatshedreaded;forthoughhewas
not always looking at her mother, she was convinced that his
attentionwasinvariablyfixedbyher.Theexpressionofhisface
changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and
steadygravity.
Atlength,however,Mrs.Bennethadnomoretosay;andLady
Lucas,whohadbeenlongyawningattherepetitionofdelights
whichshesawnolikelihoodofsharing,waslefttothecomfortsof
coldhamandchicken.Elizabethnowbegantorevive.Butnotlong
wastheintervaloftranquillity;for,whensupperwasover,singing
wastalkedof,andshehadthemortificationofseeingMary,after
very little entreaty, preparing to oblige the company. By many
significantlooksandsilententreaties,didsheendeavourtoprevent
such a proof of complaisance, but in vain; Mary would not
understandthem;suchanopportunityofexhibitingwasdelightful
toher,andshebeganhersong.Elizabeth'seyeswerefixedonher
with most painful sensations, and she watched her progress
throughtheseveralstanzaswithanimpatiencewhichwasveryill
rewardedattheirclose;forMary,onreceiving,amongstthethanks
ofthetable,thehintofahopethatshemightbeprevailedonto
favourthemagain,afterthepauseofhalfaminutebegananother.
Mary'spowerswerebynomeansfittedforsuchadisplay;her

voice was weak, and her manner affected. Elizabeth was in

agonies.ShelookedatJane,toseehowsheboreit;butJanewas
verycomposedlytalkingtoBingley.Shelookedathistwosisters,
andsawthemmakingsignsofderisionateachother,andatDarcy,
whocontinued,however,imperturbablygrave.Shelookedather
fathertoentreathisinterference,lestMaryshouldbesingingall
night.Hetookthehint,andwhenMaryhadfinishedhersecond
song,saidaloud,"Thatwilldoextremelywell,child.Youhave
delighteduslongenough.Lettheotheryoungladieshavetimeto
exhibit."
Mary,thoughpretendingnottohear,wassomewhatdisconcerted;
andElizabeth,sorryforher,andsorryforherfather'sspeech,was
afraidheranxietyhaddonenogood.Othersofthepartywerenow
appliedto.
"IfI,"saidMr.Collins,"weresofortunateastobeabletosing,I
shouldhavegreatpleasure,Iamsure,inobligingthecompany
withanair;forIconsidermusicasaveryinnocentdiversion,and
perfectlycompatiblewiththeprofessionofaclergyman.Idonot
mean,however,toassertthatwecanbejustifiedindevotingtoo
muchofourtimetomusic,fortherearecertainlyotherthingstobe
attendedto.Therectorofaparishhasmuchtodo.Inthefirst
place, he must make such an agreement for tithes as may be
beneficialtohimselfandnotoffensivetohispatron.Hemustwrite
hisownsermons;andthetimethatremainswillnotbetoomuch
for his parish duties, and the care and improvement of his
dwelling,whichhecannotbeexcusedfrommakingascomfortable
aspossible.AndIdonotthinkitoflightimportancethatheshould
have attentive and conciliatory manners towards everybody,
especiallytowardsthosetowhomheoweshispreferment.Icannot
acquithimofthatduty;norcouldIthinkwellofthemanwho
shouldomitanoccasionoftestifyinghisrespecttowardsanybody
connected with the family." And with a bow to Mr. Darcy, he
concludedhisspeech,whichhadbeenspokensoloudastobe

heardbyhalftheroom.Manystaredmanysmiled;butnoone
looked more amused than Mr. Bennet himself, while his wife
seriouslycommendedMr.Collinsforhavingspokensosensibly,
and observed in a halfwhisper to Lady Lucas, that he was a
remarkablyclever,goodkindofyoungman.
ToElizabethitappearedthat,hadherfamilymadeanagreementto
exposethemselvesasmuchastheycouldduringtheevening,it
wouldhavebeenimpossibleforthemtoplaytheirpartswithmore
spiritorfinersuccess;andhappydidshethinkitforBingleyand
hersisterthatsomeoftheexhibitionhadescapedhisnotice,and
thathisfeelingswerenotofasorttobemuchdistressedbythe
follywhichhemusthavewitnessed.ThathistwosistersandMr.
Darcy,however,shouldhavesuchanopportunityofridiculingher
relations,wasbadenough,andshecouldnotdeterminewhether
thesilentcontemptofthegentleman,ortheinsolentsmilesofthe
ladies,weremoreintolerable.
The rest of the evening brought her little amusement. She was
teasedbyMr.Collins,whocontinuedmostperseveringlybyher
side,andthoughhecouldnotprevailonhertodancewithhim
again,putitoutofherpowertodancewithothers.Invaindidshe
entreathimtostandupwithsomebodyelse,andoffertointroduce
himtoanyyoungladyintheroom.Heassuredher,thatasto
dancing,hewasperfectlyindifferenttoit;thathischiefobjectwas
by delicate attentions to recommend himself to her and that he
shouldthereforemakeapointofremainingclosetoherthewhole
evening.Therewasnoarguinguponsuchaproject.Sheowedher
greatestrelieftoherfriendMissLucas,whooftenjoinedthem,and
goodnaturedlyengagedMr.Collins'sconversationtoherself.
She was at least free from the offense of Mr. Darcy's further
notice;thoughoftenstandingwithinaveryshortdistanceofher,
quitedisengaged,henevercamenearenoughtospeak.Shefeltit
tobetheprobableconsequenceofherallusionstoMr.Wickham,
andrejoicedinit.

TheLongbournpartywerethelastofallthecompanytodepart,
and,byamanoeuvreofMrs.Bennet,hadtowaitfortheircarriage
aquarterofanhouraftereverybodyelsewasgone,whichgave
themtimetoseehowheartilytheywerewishedawaybysomeof
thefamily.Mrs.Hurstandhersisterscarcelyopenedtheirmouths,
except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to
havethehousetothemselves.TheyrepulsedeveryattemptofMrs.
Bennetatconversation,andbysodoingthrewalanguoroverthe
wholeparty,whichwasverylittlerelievedbythelongspeechesof
Mr.Collins,whowascomplimentingMr.Bingleyandhissisters
on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and
politenesswhichhadmarkedtheirbehaviourtotheirguests.Darcy
saidnothingatall.Mr.Bennet,inequalsilence,wasenjoyingthe
scene. Mr. Bingley and Jane were standing together, a little
detachedfromtherest,andtalkedonlytoeachother.Elizabeth
preservedassteadyasilenceaseitherMrs.HurstorMissBingley;
and even Lydia was too much fatigued to utter more than the
occasionalexclamationof"Lord,howtiredIam!"accompaniedby
aviolentyawn.
Whenatlengththeyarosetotakeleave,Mrs.Bennetwasmost
pressinglycivilinherhopeofseeingthewholefamilysoonat
Longbourn, and addressed herself especially to Mr. Bingley, to
assurehimhowhappyhewouldmakethembyeatingafamily
dinnerwiththematanytime,withouttheceremonyofaformal
invitation. Bingley was all grateful pleasure, and he readily
engagedfortakingtheearliestopportunityofwaitingonher,after
hisreturnfromLondon,whitherhewasobligedtogothenextday
forashorttime.
Mrs.Bennetwasperfectlysatisfied,andquittedthehouseunder
the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary
preparationsofsettlements,newcarriages,andweddingclothes,
sheshouldundoubtedlyseeherdaughtersettledatNetherfieldin
thecourseofthreeorfourmonths.Ofhavinganotherdaughter

marriedtoMr.Collins,shethoughtwithequalcertainty,andwith
considerable,thoughnotequal,pleasure.Elizabethwastheleast
deartoherofallherchildren;andthoughthemanandthematch
werequitegoodenoughforher,theworthofeachwaseclipsedby
Mr.BingleyandNetherfield.
H2anchor

Chapter19
ThenextdayopenedanewsceneatLongbourn.Mr.Collinsmade
hisdeclarationinform.Havingresolvedtodoitwithoutlossof
time, as his leave of absence extended only to the following
Saturday, and having no feelings of diffidence to make it
distressingtohimselfevenatthemoment,hesetaboutitinavery
orderly manner, with all the observances, which he supposed a
regularpartofthebusiness.OnfindingMrs.Bennet,Elizabeth,
and one of the younger girls together, soon after breakfast, he
addressedthemotherinthesewords:
"May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair daughter
Elizabeth,whenIsolicitforthehonourofaprivateaudiencewith
herinthecourseofthismorning?"
BeforeElizabethhadtimeforanythingbutablushofsurprise,
Mrs.Bennetansweredinstantly,"Ohdear!yescertainly.Iam
sure Lizzy will be very happyI am sure she can have no
objection.Come,Kitty,Iwantyouupstairs."And,gatheringher
worktogether,shewashasteningaway,whenElizabethcalledout:
"Dearmadam,donotgo.Ibegyouwillnotgo.Mr.Collinsmust
excuseme.Hecanhavenothingtosaytomethatanybodyneed
nothear.Iamgoingawaymyself."
"No,no,nonsense,Lizzy.Idesireyoutostaywhereyouare."And

upon Elizabeth's seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed

looks, about to escape, she added: "Lizzy, I insist upon your
stayingandhearingMr.Collins."
Elizabethwouldnotopposesuchaninjunctionandamoment's
considerationmakingheralsosensiblethatitwouldbewisestto
getitoverassoonandasquietlyaspossible,shesatdownagain
andtriedtoconceal,byincessantemploymentthefeelingswhich
were divided between distress and diversion. Mrs. Bennet and
Kitty walked off, and as soon as they were gone, Mr. Collins
began.
"Believeme,mydearMissElizabeth,thatyourmodesty,sofar
from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other
perfections.Youwouldhavebeenlessamiableinmyeyeshad
therenotbeenthislittleunwillingness;butallowmetoassureyou,
thatIhaveyourrespectedmother'spermissionforthisaddress.
Youcanhardlydoubtthepurportofmydiscourse,howeveryour
naturaldelicacymayleadyoutodissemble;myattentionshave
beentoomarkedtobemistaken.AlmostassoonasIenteredthe
house,Isingledyououtasthecompanionofmyfuturelife.But
beforeIamrunawaywithbymyfeelingsonthissubject,perhaps
itwouldbeadvisableformetostatemyreasonsformarrying
and,moreover,forcomingintoHertfordshirewiththedesignof
selectingawife,asIcertainlydid."
TheideaofMr.Collins,withallhissolemncomposure,beingrun
awaywithbyhisfeelings,madeElizabethsonearlaughing,that
shecouldnotusetheshortpauseheallowedinanyattempttostop
himfurther,andhecontinued:
"Myreasonsformarryingare,first,thatIthinkitarightthingfor
every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the
exampleofmatrimonyinhisparish;secondly,thatIamconvinced
thatitwilladdverygreatlytomyhappiness;andthirdlywhich
perhapsIoughttohavementionedearlier,thatitistheparticular
adviceandrecommendationoftheverynobleladywhomIhave

thehonourofcallingpatroness.Twicehasshecondescendedto
givemeheropinion(unaskedtoo!)onthissubject;anditwasbut
theverySaturdaynightbeforeIleftHunsfordbetweenourpools
atquadrille,whileMrs.JenkinsonwasarrangingMissdeBourgh's
footstool,thatshesaid,'Mr.Collins,youmustmarry.Aclergyman
likeyoumustmarry.Chooseproperly,chooseagentlewomanfor
my sake;andforyour own,letherbeanactive,usefulsortof
person,notbroughtuphigh,butabletomakeasmallincomegoa
goodway.Thisismyadvice.Findsuchawomanassoonasyou
can,bringhertoHunsford,andIwillvisither.'Allowme,bythe
way,toobserve,myfaircousin,thatIdonotreckonthenoticeand
kindnessofLadyCatherinedeBourghasamongtheleastofthe
advantages in my power to offer. You will find her manners
beyondanythingIcandescribe;andyourwitandvivacity,Ithink,
must be acceptable to her, especially when tempered with the
silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite. Thus
muchformygeneralintentioninfavourofmatrimony;itremains
tobetoldwhymyviewsweredirectedtowardsLongbourninstead
ofmyownneighbourhood,whereIcanassureyoutherearemany
amiable young women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to
inheritthisestateafterthedeathofyourhonouredfather(who,
however,maylivemanyyearslonger),Icouldnotsatisfymyself
withoutresolvingtochooseawifefromamonghisdaughters,that
thelosstothemmightbeaslittleaspossible,whenthemelancholy
eventtakesplacewhich,however,asIhavealreadysaid,may
notbeforseveralyears.Thishasbeenmymotive,myfaircousin,
andIflattermyselfitwillnotsinkmeinyouresteem.Andnow
nothingremainsformebuttoassureyouinthemostanimated
languageoftheviolenceofmyaffection.TofortuneIamperfectly
indifferent, and shall make no demand of that nature on your
father,sinceIamwellawarethatitcouldnotbecompliedwith;
andthatonethousandpoundsinthefourpercents,whichwillnot
beyourstillafteryourmother'sdecease,isallthatyoumayever

beentitledto.Onthathead,therefore,Ishallbeuniformlysilent;
andyoumay assure yourself that noungenerousreproach shall
everpassmylipswhenwearemarried."
Itwasabsolutelynecessarytointerrupthimnow.
"Youaretoohasty,sir,"shecried."YouforgetthatIhavemadeno
answer. Let me do it without further loss of time. Accept my
thanksforthecomplimentyouarepayingme.Iamverysensible
ofthehonourofyourproposals,butitisimpossibleformetodo
otherwisethantodeclinethem."
"Iamnotnowtolearn,"repliedMr.Collins,withaformalwaveof
thehand,"thatitisusualwithyoungladiestorejecttheaddresses
of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first
appliesfortheirfavour;andthatsometimestherefusalisrepeated
a second, or even a third time. I am therefore by no means
discouragedbywhatyouhavejustsaid,andshallhopetoleadyou
tothealtarerelong."
"Upon my word, sir," cried Elizabeth, "your hope is a rather
extraordinaryoneaftermydeclaration.IdoassureyouthatIam
notoneofthoseyoungladies(ifsuchyoungladiesthereare)who
are sodaring astorisktheir happiness onthechanceofbeing
askedasecondtime.Iamperfectlyseriousinmyrefusal.You
couldnotmake me happy,andIamconvincedthatIamthelast
woman in the world who could make you so. Nay, were your
friendLadyCatherinetoknowme,Iampersuadedshewouldfind
meineveryrespectillqualifiedforthesituation."
"Were it certainthatLadyCatherine would think so,"saidMr.
Collins very gravely"but I cannot imagine that her ladyship
wouldatalldisapproveofyou.AndyoumaybecertainwhenI
have the honour of seeing her again, I shall speak in the very
highest terms of your modesty, economy, and other amiable
qualification."
"Indeed,Mr.Collins,allpraiseofmewillbeunnecessary.You
must give me leave to judge for myself, and pay me the

complimentofbelievingwhatIsay.Iwishyouveryhappyand
veryrich,andbyrefusingyourhand,doallinmypowertoprevent
your being otherwise. In making me the offer, you must have
satisfiedthedelicacyofyourfeelingswithregardtomyfamily,
andmaytakepossessionofLongbournestatewheneveritfalls,
without any selfreproach. This matter may be considered,
therefore, as finally settled." And rising as she thus spoke, she
wouldhavequittedtheroom,hadMr.Collinsnotthusaddressed
her:
"When I do myself the honour of speaking to you next on the
subject,Ishallhopetoreceiveamorefavourableanswerthanyou
havenowgivenme;thoughIamfarfromaccusingyouofcruelty
atpresent,becauseIknowittobetheestablishedcustomofyour
sextorejectamanonthefirstapplication,andperhapsyouhave
even now said as much to encourage my suit as would be
consistentwiththetruedelicacyofthefemalecharacter."
"Really, Mr. Collins," cried Elizabeth with some warmth, "you
puzzlemeexceedingly.IfwhatIhavehithertosaidcanappearto
youintheformofencouragement,Iknownothowtoexpressmy
refusalinsuchawayastoconvinceyouofitsbeingone."
"Youmustgivemeleavetoflattermyself,mydearcousin,that
your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My
reasonsforbelievingitarebrieflythese:Itdoesnotappeartome
that my hand is unworthy of your acceptance, or that the
establishmentIcanofferwouldbeanyotherthanhighlydesirable.
Mysituationinlife,myconnectionswiththefamilyofdeBourgh,
andmyrelationshiptoyourown,arecircumstanceshighlyinmy
favour;andyoushouldtakeitintofurtherconsideration,thatin
spiteofyourmanifoldattractions,itisbynomeanscertainthat
anotherofferofmarriagemayeverbemadeyou.Yourportionis
unhappilysosmallthatitwillinalllikelihoodundotheeffectsof
your loveliness and amiable qualifications. As I must therefore
concludethatyouarenotseriousinyourrejectionofme,Ishall

choose to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by

suspense,accordingtotheusualpracticeofelegantfemales."
"Idoassureyou,sir,thatIhavenopretensionswhatevertothat
kindofelegancewhichconsistsintormentingarespectableman.I
wouldratherbepaidthecomplimentofbeingbelievedsincere.I
thankyouagainandagainforthehonouryouhavedonemein
yourproposals,buttoacceptthemisabsolutelyimpossible.My
feelingsineveryrespectforbidit.CanIspeakplainer?Donot
considermenowasanelegantfemale,intendingtoplagueyou,but
asarationalcreature,speakingthetruthfromherheart."
"Youareuniformlycharming!"criedhe,withanairofawkward
gallantry;"andIampersuadedthatwhensanctionedbytheexpress
authorityofbothyourexcellentparents,myproposalswillnotfail
ofbeingacceptable."
To such perseverance in wilful selfdeception Elizabeth would
make no reply, and immediately and in silence withdrew;
determined,ifhepersistedinconsideringherrepeatedrefusalsas
flatteringencouragement,toapplytoherfather,whosenegative
mightbeutteredinsuchamannerastobedecisive,andwhose
behaviouratleastcouldnotbemistakenfortheaffectationand
coquetryofanelegantfemale.
H2anchor

Chapter20
Mr.Collinswasnotleftlongtothesilentcontemplationofhis
successful love; for Mrs. Bennet, having dawdled about in the
vestibuletowatchfortheendoftheconference,nosoonersaw
Elizabethopenthedoorandwithquicksteppasshertowardsthe
staircase,thansheenteredthebreakfastroom,andcongratulated

bothhimandherselfinwarmtermsonthehappyprospectoftheir
nearer connection. Mr. Collins received and returned these
felicitationswithequalpleasure,andthenproceededtorelatethe
particularsoftheirinterview,withtheresultofwhichhetrustedhe
hadeveryreasontobesatisfied,sincetherefusalwhichhiscousin
hadsteadfastlygivenhimwouldnaturallyflowfromherbashful
modestyandthegenuinedelicacyofhercharacter.
Thisinformation,however,startledMrs.Bennet;shewouldhave
beengladtobeequallysatisfiedthatherdaughterhadmeantto
encouragehimbyprotestingagainsthisproposals,butshedared
notbelieveit,andcouldnothelpsayingso.
"But,dependuponit,Mr.Collins,"sheadded,"thatLizzyshallbe
broughttoreason.Iwillspeaktoheraboutitdirectly.Sheisavery
headstrong,foolishgirl,anddoesnotknowherowninterestbutI
willmakeherknowit."
"Pardonmeforinterruptingyou,madam,"criedMr.Collins;"but
ifsheisreallyheadstrongandfoolish,Iknownotwhethershe
wouldaltogetherbeaverydesirablewifetoamaninmysituation,
whonaturallylooksforhappinessinthemarriagestate.Iftherefore
sheactuallypersistsinrejectingmysuit,perhapsitwerebetternot
toforceherintoacceptingme,becauseifliabletosuchdefectsof
temper,shecouldnotcontributemuchtomyfelicity."
"Sir, you quite misunderstand me," said Mrs. Bennet, alarmed.
"Lizzyisonlyheadstronginsuchmattersasthese.Ineverything
elsesheisasgoodnaturedagirlaseverlived.Iwillgodirectlyto
Mr.Bennet,andweshallverysoonsettleitwithher,Iamsure."
Shewouldnotgivehimtimetoreply,buthurryinginstantlytoher
husband,calledoutassheenteredthelibrary,"Oh!Mr.Bennet,
youarewantedimmediately;weareallinanuproar.Youmust
comeandmakeLizzymarryMr.Collins,forshevowsshewillnot
havehim,andifyoudonotmakehastehewillchangehismind
andnothaveher."
Mr.Bennetraisedhiseyesfromhisbookassheentered,andfixed

themonherfacewithacalmunconcernwhichwasnotintheleast
alteredbyhercommunication.
"Ihavenotthepleasureofunderstandingyou,"saidhe,whenshe
hadfinishedherspeech."Ofwhatareyoutalking?"
"OfMr.CollinsandLizzy.LizzydeclaresshewillnothaveMr.
Collins,andMr.CollinsbeginstosaythathewillnothaveLizzy."
"And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems an hopeless
business."
"SpeaktoLizzyaboutityourself.Tellherthatyouinsistuponher
marryinghim."
"Letherbecalleddown.Sheshallhearmyopinion."
Mrs.Bennetrangthebell,andMissElizabethwassummonedto
thelibrary.
"Comehere,child,"criedherfatherassheappeared."Ihavesent
foryouonanaffairofimportance.IunderstandthatMr.Collins
hasmadeyouanofferofmarriage.Isittrue?"Elizabethreplied
that it was. "Very welland this offer of marriage you have
refused?"
"Ihave,sir."
"Verywell.Wenowcometothepoint.Yourmotherinsistsupon
youracceptingit.Isitnotso,Mrs.Bennet?"
"Yes,orIwillneverseeheragain."
"Anunhappyalternativeisbeforeyou,Elizabeth.Fromthisday
youmustbeastrangertooneofyourparents.Yourmotherwill
neverseeyouagainifyoudo not marryMr.Collins,andIwill
neverseeyouagainifyoudo."
Elizabeth could not but smile at such a conclusion of such a
beginning,butMrs.Bennet,whohadpersuadedherselfthather
husband regarded the affair as she wished, was excessively
disappointed.
"What do you mean, Mr. Bennet, in talking this way? You
promisedmetoinsistuponhermarryinghim."
"My dear," replied her husband, "I have two small favours to

request. First, that you will allow me the free use of my

understandingonthepresentoccasion;andsecondly,ofmyroom.
Ishallbegladtohavethelibrarytomyselfassoonasmaybe."
Notyet,however,inspiteofherdisappointmentinherhusband,
didMrs.Bennetgiveupthepoint.ShetalkedtoElizabethagain
andagain;coaxedandthreatenedherbyturns.Sheendeavouredto
secureJaneinherinterest;butJane,withallpossiblemildness,
declined interfering; and Elizabeth, sometimes with real
earnestness, and sometimes with playful gaiety, replied to her
attacks. Though her manner varied, however, her determination
neverdid.
Mr.Collins,meanwhile,wasmeditatinginsolitudeonwhathad
passed.Hethoughttoowellofhimselftocomprehendonwhat
motives his cousin could refuse him; and though his pride was
hurt,hesufferedinnootherway.Hisregardforherwasquite
imaginary; and the possibility of her deserving her mother's
reproachpreventedhisfeelinganyregret.
Whilethefamilywereinthisconfusion,CharlotteLucascameto
spendthedaywiththem.ShewasmetinthevestibulebyLydia,
who,flyingtoher,criedinahalfwhisper,"Iamgladyouare
come,forthereissuchfunhere!Whatdoyouthinkhashappened
thismorning?Mr.CollinshasmadeanoffertoLizzy,andshewill
nothavehim."
Charlottehardlyhadtimetoanswer,beforetheywerejoinedby
Kitty,whocametotellthesamenews;andnosoonerhadthey
enteredthebreakfastroom,whereMrs.Bennetwasalone,thanshe
likewise began on the subject, calling on Miss Lucas for her
compassion, and entreating her to persuade her friend Lizzy to
complywiththewishesofallherfamily."Praydo,mydearMiss
Lucas,"sheaddedinamelancholytone,"fornobodyisonmy
side,nobodytakespartwithme.Iamcruellyused,nobodyfeels
formypoornerves."
Charlotte'sreplywassparedbytheentranceofJaneandElizabeth.

"Aye, there she comes," continued Mrs. Bennet, "looking as

unconcernedasmaybe,andcaringnomoreforusthanifwewere
atYork,providedshecanhaveherownway.ButItellyou,Miss
Lizzyifyoutakeitintoyourheadtogoonrefusingeveryoffer
ofmarriageinthisway,youwillnevergetahusbandatallandI
amsureIdonotknowwhoistomaintainyouwhenyourfatheris
dead.IshallnotbeabletokeepyouandsoIwarnyou.Ihave
donewithyoufromthisveryday.Itoldyouinthelibrary,you
know,thatIshouldneverspeaktoyouagain,andyouwillfindme
asgoodasmyword.Ihavenopleasureintalkingtoundutiful
children. Not that I have much pleasure, indeed, in talking to
anybody.PeoplewhosufferasIdofromnervouscomplaintscan
havenogreatinclinationfortalking.NobodycantellwhatIsuffer!
Butitisalwaysso.Thosewhodonotcomplainareneverpitied."
Herdaughterslistenedinsilencetothiseffusion,sensiblethatany
attempttoreasonwithherorsootheherwouldonlyincreasethe
irritation.Shetalkedon,therefore,withoutinterruptionfromany
ofthem,tilltheywerejoinedbyMr.Collins,whoenteredtheroom
withanairmorestatelythanusual,andonperceivingwhom,she
saidtothegirls,"Now,Idoinsistuponit,thatyou,allofyou,hold
yourtongues,andletmeandMr.Collinshavealittleconversation
together."
Elizabethpassedquietlyoutoftheroom,JaneandKittyfollowed,
butLydiastoodherground,determinedtohearallshecould;and
Charlotte, detained first by the civility of Mr. Collins, whose
inquiriesafterherselfandallherfamilywereveryminute,and
then by a little curiosity, satisfied herself with walking to the
windowandpretendingnottohear.InadolefulvoiceMrs.Bennet
begantheprojectedconversation:"Oh!Mr.Collins!"
"Mydearmadam,"repliedhe,"letusbeforeversilentonthis
point.Farbeitfromme,"hepresentlycontinued,inavoicethat
markedhisdispleasure,"toresentthebehaviourofyourdaughter.
Resignationtoinevitableevilsisthedutyofusall;thepeculiar

dutyofayoungmanwhohasbeensofortunateasIhavebeenin
earlypreferment;andItrustIamresigned.Perhapsnotthelessso
fromfeelingadoubtofmypositivehappinesshadmyfaircousin
honouredmewithherhand;forIhaveoftenobservedthat
resignationisneversoperfectaswhentheblessingdeniedbegins
tolosesomewhatofitsvalueinourestimation.Youwillnot,I
hope,considermeasshowinganydisrespecttoyourfamily,my
dearmadam,bythuswithdrawingmypretensionstoyour
daughter'sfavour,withouthavingpaidyourselfandMr.Bennetthe
complimentofrequestingyoutointerposeyourauthorityinmy
behalf.Myconductmay,Ifear,beobjectionableinhaving
acceptedmydismissionfromyourdaughter'slipsinsteadofyour
own.Butweareallliabletoerror.Ihavecertainlymeantwell
throughthewholeaffair.Myobjecthasbeentosecureanamiable
companionformyself,withdueconsiderationfortheadvantageof
allyourfamily,andifmymannerhasbeenatallreprehensible,I
herebegleavetoapologise."