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'My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let

us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that _I_ may

be the survivor.'

This was not very consoling to Mrs. Bennet; and, there-

fore, instead of making any answer, she went on as before.

'I cannot bear to think that they should have all this

estate. If it was not for the entail, I should not mind it.'

'What should not you mind?'

'I should not mind anything at all.'

'Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state of

such insensibility.'

'I never can be thankful, Mr. Bennet, for anything about

the entail. How any one could have the conscience to entail

away an estate from one's own daughters I cannot under-

stand; and all for _the_ sake of Mr. Collins, too! Why should

he have it more than anybody else?'

'I leave it to yourself to determine,' said Mr. Bennet.

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