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'They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time; and

though I sometimes amuse myself with suggestions and ar-

ranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted

to ordinary occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied

an air as possible.'

Mr. Bennet's expectations were fully answered. His cousin

was as absurd as he had hoped; and he listened to him with

the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at the same time the

most resolute composure of countenance, and, except in an

occasional glance at Elizabeth, requiring no partner in his

pleasure.

By tea-time, however, the dose had been enough, and Mr.

Bennet was glad to take his guest into the drawing-room

again, and when tea was over, glad to invite him to read

aloud to the ladies. Mr. Collins readily assented, and a book

was produced; but on beholding it (for everything announced

it to be from a circulating library) he started back, and,

begging pardon, protested that he never read novels. Kitty

stared at him, and Lydia exclaimed. Other books were

produced, and after some deliberation he chose Fordyce's

Sermons. Lydia gaped as he opened the volume; and before

he had, with very monotonous solemnity, read three pages,

she interrupted him with,--

'Do you know, mamma, that my uncle Philips talks of

turning away Richard? and if he does, Colonel Forster will

hire him. My aunt told me so herself on Saturday. I shall

walk to Meryton to-morrow to hear more about it, and to ask

when Mr. Denny comes back from town.'

Lydia was bid by her two eldest sisters to hold her tongue;

but Mr. Collins, much offended, laid aside his book, and

said,--

'I have often observed how little young ladies are in-

terested by books of a serious stamp, though written solely

for their benefit. It amazes me, I confess; for certainly there

ran be nothing so advantageous to them as instruction. But

I will no longer importune my young cousin.'

Then turning to Mr. Bennet, he offered himself as his an-

tagonist at backgammon. Mr. Bennet accepted the challenge,

observing that he acted very wisely in leaving the girls to

their own trifling amusements. Mrs. Bennet and her daugh-

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