{{prxprp111.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 111 ||

she expected, she soon regained her composure, and calmly

replied:

'Why should you be surprized, my dear Eliza' -- Do you think

it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any

woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to

succeed with you?'

But Elizabeth had now recollected herself, and making a

strong effort for it, was able to assure her with tolerable firmness

that the prospect of their relationship was highly grateful to her,

and that she wished her all imaginable happiness.

'I see what you are feeling,' replied Charlotte, -- 'you must be

surprized, very much surprized, -- so lately as Mr. Collins was

wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it

all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done.

I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a com/

fortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, con'

nections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance

of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on

entering the marriage state.'

Elizabeth quietly answered 'Undoubtedly;' -- and after an

awkward pause, they returned to the rest of the family. Charlotte

did not stay much longer, and Elizabeth was then left to reflect

on what she had heard. It was a long time before she became at all

reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. The strangeness

of Mr. Collins's making two offers of marriage within three days,

was nothing in comparison of his being now accepted. She had

always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly

like her own, but she could not have supposed it possible that

when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better

feeling to worldly advantage. Charlotte the wife of Mr. Collins,

was a most humiliating picture! -- And to the pang of a friend

disgracing herself and sunk in her esteem, was added the distressing

conviction that it was impossible for that friend to be tolerably

happy in the lot she had chosen.

 [[111]]