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on any man, within the circle of our acquaintance, whose

name would have given the lie more effectually to what they

related? Mr. Darcy, who never looks at any woman but to

see a blemish, and who probably never looked at _you_ in his

life! It is admirable!'

Elizabeth tried to join in her father's pleasantry, but could

only force one most reluctant smile. Never had his wit been

directed in a manner so little agreeable to her.

'Are you not diverted?'

'Oh yes. Pray read on.'

'"After mentioning the likelihood of this marriage to her

Ladyship last night, she immediately, with her usual con-

descension, expressed what she felt on the occasion; when it

became apparent that on the score of some family objections

on the part of my cousin she would never give her consent to

what she termed so disgraceful a match. I thought it my

duty to give the speediest intelligence of this to my cousin,

that she and her noble admirer may be aware of what they

are about, and not run hastily into a marriage which has not

been properly sanctioned." Mr. Collins, moreover, adds, "I

am truly rejoiced that my cousin Lydia's sad business has

been so well hushed up, and am only concerned that their

living together before the marriage took place should be so

generally known. I must not, however, neglect the duties of

my station, or refrain from declaring my amazement, at hear-

ing that you received the young couple into your house as

soon as they were married. It was an encouragement of

vice; and had I been the rector of Longbourn, I should very

strenuously have opposed it. You ought certainly to forgive

them as a Christian, but never to admit them in your sight,

or allow their names to be mentioned in your hearing." _That_

is his notion of Christian forgiveness! The rest of his

letter is only about his dear Charlotte's situation, and his

expectation of a young olive-branch. But, Lizzy, you look

as if you did not enjoy it. You are not going to be _missish._

I hope and pretend to be affronted at an idle report. For

what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and

laugh at them in our turn?'

'Oh,' cried Elizabeth, 'I am exceedingly diverted. But it

is so strange!'

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