{{prxprp149.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 149 ||

whom she did not prefer, his coming would furnish one conv

paratively new to look at in their Rosings parties, and she might

be amused in seeing how hopeless Miss Bingley's designs on him

were, by his behaviour to his cousin, for whom he was evidently

destined by Lady Catherine; who talked of his coming with the

greatest satisfaction, spoke of him in terms of the highest admira^

tion, and seemed almost angry to find that he had already been

frequently seen by Miss Lucas and herself.

His arrival was soon known at the Parsonage, for Mr. Collins

was walking the whole morning within view of the lodges opening

into Hunsford Lane, in order to have the earliest assurance of it;

and after making his bow as the carriage turned into the Park,

hurried home with the great intelligence. On the following

morning he hastened to Rosings to pay his respects. There were

two nephews of Lady Catherine to require them, for Mr. Darcy

had brought with him a Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger son

of his uncle, Lord, and to the great surprise of all the party,

when Mr. Collins returned the gentlemen accompanied him.

Charlotte had seen them from her husband's room, crossing the

road, and immediately running into the other, told the girls what

an honour they might expect, adding,

'I may thank you, Eliza, for this piece of civility. Mr. Darcy

would never have come so soon to wait upon me.'

Elizabeth had scarcely time to disclaim all right to the conv

pliment, before their approach was announced by the doorbell,

and shordy afterwards the three gentlemen entered the room.

Colonel Fitzwilliam, who led the way, was about thirty, not

handsome, but in person and address most truly the gentleman.

Mr. Darcy looked just as he had been used to look in Hertford"

shire, paid his compliments, with his usual reserve, to Mrs. Collins;

and whatever might be his feelings towards her friend, met her

with every appearance of composure. Elizabeth merely curtseyed

to him, without saying a word.

Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into conversation directly with

the readiness and ease of a well-bred man, and talked very

pleasantly; but his cousin, after having addressed a slight observa^

tion on the house and garden to Mrs. Collins, sat for some time

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