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would furnish one comparatively new to look at in their

Rosings parties, and she might be amused in seeing how hope-

less Miss Bingley's designs on him were, by his behaviour

to his cousin, for whom he was evidently destined by Lady

Catherine; who talked of his coming with the greatest satis-

faction, spoke of him in terms of the highest admiration, and

seemed almost angry to find that he had already been fre-

quently seen by Miss Lucas and herself.

His arrival was soon known at the Parsonage; for Mr.

Collins was walking the whole morning within view of the

lodges opening into Hunsford Lane, in order to have the

earliest assurance of it; and, after making his bow as the

carriage turned into the park, hurried home with the great

intelligence. On the following morning he hastened to

Rosings to pay his respects. There were two nephews of

Lady Catherine to require them, for Mr. Darcy had brought

with him a Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger son of his

uncle Lord ____; and, to the great surprise of all the party,

when Mr. Collins returned, the gentleman accompanied him.

Charlotte had seen them from her husband's room, crossing

the road, and immediately running into the other, told the

girls what an honour they might expect, adding,--

'I may thank you, Eliza, for this piece of civility. Mr.

Darcy would never have come so soon to wait upon me.'

Elizabeth had scarcely time to disclaim all right to the

compliment before their approach was announced by the door-

bell, and shortly afterwards the three gentlemen entered the

room. Colonel Fitzwilliam, who led the way, was about

thirty, not handsome, but in person and address most truly the

gentleman. Mr. Darcy looked just as he had been used to

look in Hertfordshire, paid his compliments, with his usual

reserve, to Mrs. Collins; and, whatever might be his feelings

towards her friend, met her with every appearance of com-

posure. Elizabeth merely courtesied to him, without saying

a word.

Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into conversation directly, with

the readiness and ease of a well-bred man, and talked very

pleasantly; but his cousin, after having addressed a slight

observation on the house and garden to Mrs. Collins, sat for

some time without speaking to anybody. At length, however,

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