{{prxprp086.jpg}} || 86 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

without introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a

compliment to his aunt; that it was not in the least necessary

there should be any notice on either side, and that if it were, it

must belong to Mr. Darcy, the superior in consequence, to begin

the acquaintance. -- Mr. Collins listened to her with the determined

air of following his own inclination, and when she ceased

speaking, replied thus: 'My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the

highest opinion in the world of your excellent judgment in all

matters within the scope of your understanding, but permit me

to say that there must be a wide difference between the established

forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate

the clergy; for, give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical

office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the

kingdom -- provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at

the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to

follow the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which

leads me to perform what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon

me for neglecting to profit by your advice, which on every other

subject shall be my constant guide, though in the case before us

I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to

decide on what is right than a young lady like yourself.' And

with a low bow he left her to attack Mr. Darcy, whose reception

of his advances she eagerly watched, and whose astonishment at

being so addressed was very evident. Her cousin prefaced his

speech with a solemn bow: and though she could not hear a

word of it, she felt as if hearing it all, and saw in the motion of

his lips the words 'apology', 'Hunsford', and 'Lady Catherine

de Bourgh.' It vexed her to see him expose himself to such a

man. Mr. Darcy was eyeing him with unrestrained wonder,

and when at last Mr. Collins allowed him time to speak, replied

with an air of distant civility. Mr. Collins, however, was not

discouraged from speaking again, and Mr. Darcy's contempt

seemed abundantly increasing with the length of his second

speech, and at the end of it he only made him a slight bow, and

moved another way, Mr. Collins then returned to Elizabeth.

'I have no reason, I assure you,' said he, 'to be dissatisfied

with my reception. Mr. Darcy seemed much pleased with the

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