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Chapter XIX

The next day opened a new scene at Longbourn. Mr.

Collins made his declaration in form. Having re-

solved to do it without loss of time, as his leave of

absence extended only to the following Saturday, and hav-

ing no feelings of diffidence to make it distressing to him-

self even at the moment, he set about it in a very orderly

manner, with all the observances which he supposed a regu-

lar part of the business. On finding Mrs. Bennet, Eliza-

beth, and one of the younger girls together, soon after break-

fast, he addressed the mother in these words,--

'May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair

daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private

audience with her in the course of this morning?'

Before Elizabeth had time for anything but a blush of

surprise, Mrs. Bennet instantly answered,--

'Oh dear! Yes, certainly. I am sure Lizzy will be very

happy -- I am sure she can have no objection. Come, Kitty,

I want you upstairs.' And gathering her work together, she

was hastening away, when Elizabeth called out,--

'Dear ma'am, do not go. I beg you will not go. Mr.

Collins must excuse me. He can have nothing to say to

me that anybody need not hear. I am going away myself.'

'No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you will stay where

you are.' And upon Elizabeth's seeming really, with vexed

and embarrassed looks, about to escape, she added, 'Lizzy,

I _insist_ upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins.'

Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction; and a

moment's consideration making her also sensible that it would

be wisest to get it over as soon and as quietly as possible,

she sat down again, and tried to conceal, by incessant em-

ployment, the feelings which were divided between distress

and diversion. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty walked off, and as

soon as they were gone, Mr. Collins began,--

'Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty,

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