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that her husband regarded the affair as she wished, was ex-

cessively disappointed.

'What do you mean, Mr. Bennet, by talking in this way?

You promised me to _insist_ upon her marrying him.'

'My dear,' replied her husband, 'I have two small favours

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

understanding on the present occasion; and, secondly, of my

room. I shall be glad to have the library to myself as soon

as may be.'

Not yet, however, in spite of her disappointment in her

husband, did Mrs. Bennet give up the point. She talked to

Elizabeth again and again; coaxed and threatened her by

turns. She endeavoured to secure Jane in her interest, but

Jane, with all possible mildness, declined interfering; and

Elizabeth, sometimes with real earnestness and sometimes

with playful gaiety, replied to her attacks. Though her

manner varied, however, her determination never did.

Mr. Collins, meanwhile, was meditating in solitude on

what had passed. He thought too well of himself to compre-

hend on what motive his cousin could refuse him; and though

his pride was hurt, he suffered in no other way. His regard

for her was quite imaginary; and the possibility of her

deserving her mother's reproach prevented his feeling any

regret.

While the family were in this confusion, Charlotte Lucas

came to spend the day with them. She was met in the

vestibule by Lydia, who, flying to her, cried in a half-whisper,

'I am glad you are come, for there is such fun here! What

do you think has happened this morning? Mr. Collins has

made an offer to Lizzy, and she will not have him.'

Charlotte had hardly time to answer before they were

joined by Kitty, who came to tell the same news; and no

sooner had they entered the breakfast-room, where Mrs.

Bennet was alone, than she likewise began on the subject,

calling on Miss Lucas for her compassion, and entreating

her to persuade her friend Lizzy to comply with the wishes

of all her family. 'Pray do, my dear Miss Lucas,' she

added, in a melancholy tone; 'for nobody is on my side,

nobody takes part with me; I am cruelly used, nobody feels

for my poor nerves.'

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