{{prxprp098.jpg}} || 98 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

were better not to force her into accepting me, because if liable to

such defects of temper, she could not contribute much to my

felicity.'

'Sir, you quite misunderstand me,' said Mrs. Bennet, alarmed.

'Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these. In everything

else she is as good-natured a girl as ever lived. I will go directly

to Mr. Bennet, and we shall very soon settle it with her, I am

sure.'

She would not give him time to reply, but hurrying instantly

to her husband, called out as she entered the library,

'Oh! Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an

uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins,

for she vows she will not have him, and if you do not make

haste he will change his mind and not have her'.

Mr. Bennet raised his eyes from his book as she entered, and

fixed them on her face with a calm unconcern which was not

in the least altered by her communication.

'I have not the pleasure of understanding you,' said he, when

she had finished her speech. 'Of what are you talking?'

'Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy. Lizzy declares she will not have

Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say that he will not

have Lizzy.'

'And what am I to do on the occasion? -- It seems an hopeless

business.'

'Speak to Lizzy about it yourself. Tell her that you insist

upon her marrying him.'

'Let her be called down. She shall hear my opinion.'

Mrs. Bennet rang the bell, and Miss Elizabeth was summoned

to the library.

'Come here, child,' cried her father as she appeared. 'I have

sent for you on an affair of importance. I understand that

Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is it true;'

Elizabeth replied that it was. 'Very well -- and this offer of

marriage you have refused?'

'I have, sir.'

'Very well. We now come to the point. Your mother

insists upon your accepting it. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?'

 [[098]]