{{prxprp146.jpg}} || 146 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

Bourgh chose to play at cassino, the two girls had the honour

of assisting Mrs. Jcnkinson to make up her pany. Their table

was superlatively stupid. Scarcely a. syllable was uttered that

did not relate to the game, except when Mrs. Jcnkinson expressed

her fears of Miss dc Bourgh's being too hot or too cold, or having

too much or too little light. A great deal more passed at the

other table. Lady Catherine was generally speaking -- stating

the mistakes of the three others, or relating some anecdote of

herself. Mr. Collins was employed in agreeing to everything her

ladyship said, thanking her for every fish he won, and apologizing

if he thought he won too many. Sir William did not say much.

He was storing his memory with anecdotes and noble names.

When Lady Catherine and her daughter had played as long

as they chose, the tables were broken up, the carriage was offered

to Mrs. Collins, gratefully accepted, and immediately ordered.

The party then gathered round the fire to hear Lady Catherine

determine what weather they were to have on the morrow. From

these instructions they were summoned by the arrival of the coach;

and with many speeches of thankfulness on Mr. Collins's side,

and as many bows on Sir William's, they departed. As soon

as they had driven from the door, Elizabeth was called on by her

cousin, to give her opinion of all that she had seen at Nosings,

which, for Charlotte's sake, she made more favourable than it

really was. But her commendation, though costing her some

trouble, could by no means satisfy Mr. Collins, and he was very

soon obliged to take her ladyship's praise into his own hands.

 [[146]]