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valued beyond that of any other person. Elizabeth would

wonder, and probably would blame her; and though her reso-

lution was not to be shaken, her feelings must be hurt by

such a disapprobation. She resolved to give her the infor-

mation herself; and therefore charged Mr. Collins, when he

returned to Longbourn to dinner, to drop no hint of what had

passed before any of the family. A promise of secrecy was

of course very dutifully given, but it could not be kept with-

out difficulty; for the curiosity excited by his long absence

burst forth in such very direct questions on his return, as

required some ingenuity to evade, and he was at the same

time exercising great self-denial, for he was longing to pub-

lish his prosperous love.

As he was to begin his journey too early on the morrow

to see any of the family, the ceremony of leave-taking was

performed when the ladies moved for the night; and Mrs.

Bennet, with great politeness and cordiality, said how happy

they should be to see him at Longbourn again, whenever his

other engagements might allow him to visit them.

'My dear madam,' he replied, 'this invitation is particu-

larly gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to

receive; and you may be very certain that I shall avail

myself of it as soon as possible.'

They were all astonished; and Mr. Bennet, who could by

no means wish for so speedy a return, immediately said,--

'But is there not danger of Lady Catherine's disapproba-

tion here, my good sir? You had better neglect your rela-

tions than run the risk of offending your patroness.'

'My dear sir,' replied Mr. Collins, 'I am particularly

obliged to you for this friendly caution, and you may depend

upon my not taking so material a step without her Ladyship's

concurrence.'

'You cannot be too much on your guard. Risk anything

rather than her displeasure; and if you find it likely to be

raised by your coming to us again, which I should think

exceedingly probable, stay quietly at home, and be satisfied

that _we_ shall take no offence.'

'Believe me, my dear sir, my gratitude is warmly excited

by such affectionate attention; and, depend upon it, you will

speedily receive from me a letter of thanks for this as well

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