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tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will

inevitably excite. Thus much for my general intention in

favour of matrimony; it remains to be told why my views

were directed to Longbourn instead of my own neighbour-

hood, where I assure you there are many amiable young

women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit this

estate after the death of your honoured father (who, how-

ever, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy my-

self without resolving to choose a wife from among his

daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as pos-

sible when the melancholy event takes place which, how-

ever, as I have already said, may not be for several years.

This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter my-

self it will not sink me in your esteem. And now nothing

remains for me but to assure you in the most animated lan-

guage of the violence of my affection. To fortune I am

perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of that

nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could

not be complied with; and that one thousand pounds in the

four per cents, which will not be yours till after your

mother's decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On

that head, therefore, I shall be uniformly silent: and you

may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever

pass my lips when we are married.'

It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now.

'You are too hasty, sir,' she cried. 'You forget that I

have made no answer. Let me do it without further loss of

time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are pay-

ing me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals,

but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline

them.'

'I am not now to learn,' replied Mr. Collins, with a formal

wave of the hand, 'that it is usual with young ladies to reject

the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept,

when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes

the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am,

therefore, by no means discouraged by what you have just

said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long.'

'Upon my word, sir,' cried Elizabeth, 'your hope is rather

an extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you

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