{{prxprp097.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 97 ||

make no reply, and immediately and in silence withdrew; deter'

mined, that if he persisted in considering her repeated refusals as

flattering encouragement, to apply to her father, whose negative

might be uttered in such a manner as must be decisive, and whose

behaviour at least could not be mistaken for the affectation and

coquetry of an elegant female.

Chapter XX

Mr. Collins was not left long to the silent contemplation of his

successful love; for Mrs. Bcnnct, having dawdled about in the

vestibule to watch for the end of the conference, no sooner saw

Elizabeth open the door and with quick step pass her towards

the staircase, than she entered the breakfaswoom, and con'

gratulatcd both him and herself in warm terms on the happy

prospect of their nearer connection. Mr. Collins received and

returned these felicitations with equal pleasure, and then proceeded

to relate the particulars of their interview, with the result of which

he trusted he had every reason to be satisfied, since the refusal

which his cousin had stedfastly given him would naturally flow

from her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her character.

This information, however, startled Mrs. Bennet; -- she would

have been glad to be equally satisfied that her daughter had meant

to encourage him by protesting against his proposals, but she

dared not believe it, and could not help saying so.

'But, depend upon it, Mr. Collins,' she added, 'that Lizzy

shall be brought to reason. I will speak to her about it myself

directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl, and does not

know her own interest; but I will make her know it.'

'Pardon me for interrupting you, madam,' cried Mr. Collins;

'but if she is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether

she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my

situation, who naturally looks for happiness in the marriage state.

If therefore she actually persists in rejecting my suit, perhaps it

 [[097]]