............prev.....................next{{prxprp092.jpg}} || 92 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||
The next day opened a new scene at Longbourn. Mr. Collins
made his declaration in form. Having resolved to do it without
loss of time, as his leave of absence extended only to the following
Saturday, and having no feelings of diffidence to make it distressing
to himself even at the moment, he set about it in a very orderly
manner, with all the observances which he supposed a regular
part of the business. On finding Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and
one of the younger girls together, soon after breakfast, he addressed
the mother in these words
'May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair daughter
Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience
with her in the course of this morning?'
Before Elizabeth had time for anything but a blush of surprize,
Mrs. Bennet instantly answered.
'Oh dear! -- Yes -- certainly. -- I am sure Lizzy will be very
happy -- I am sure she can have no objection. -- Come, Kitty, I
want you up stairs '. And gathering her work together, she was
hastening away, when Elizabeth called out,
'Dear ma'am, do not go. -- I beg you will not go. -- Mr. Collins
must excuse me. -- He can have nothing to say to me that anybody
need not hear. I am going away myself
'No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. -- I desire you will stay where you
are.' -- And upon Elizabeth's seeming really, with vexed and
embarrassed looks, about to escape, she added, 'Lizzy, I insist
upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins.'
Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction -- and a
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