{{prxprp314.jpg}} || 314 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

to imagine that his aunt, Lady Catherine dc Bourgh, does not

look on the match with a friendly eye."

'Mr, Darcy, you see, is the man! Now, Lizzy, I think I have

surprized you. Could he, or the Lucases, have pitched on any

man, within the circle of our acquaintance, whose name would

have given the lie more effectually to what they related? Mr.

Darcy, who never looks at any woman but to sec a blemish, and

who probably never looked at you in his life! It is admirable!'

Elizabeth tried to join in her father's pleasantry, but could only

force one most reluctant smile. Never had his wit been directed

in a manner so little agreeable to her.

'Are you not diverted »'

'Oh! yes. Pray read on.'

"'After mentioning the likelihood of this marriage to her

ladyship last night, she immediately, with her usual condescen-

sion, expressed what she felt on the occasion; when it became

apparent, that on the score of some family objections on the pan

of my cousin, she would never give her consent to what she

termed so disgraceful a match. I thought it my duty to give the

speediest intelligence of this to my cousin, that she and her noble

admirer may be aware of what they are about, and not run hastily

into a marriage which has not been properly sanctioned."

'Mr. Collins, moreover, adds': "I am truly rejoiced that my cousin

Lydia's sad business has been so well hushed up, and am only

concerned that their living together before the marriage took place,

should be so generally known. I must not, however, neglect the

duties of my station, or refrain from declaring my amazement, at

hearing that you received the young couple into your house as

soon as they were married. It was an encouragement of vice;

and had I been the rector of Longbourn, I should very strenuously

have opposed it. You ought certainly to forgive them as a

christian, but never to admit them in your sight, or allow their

names to be mentioned in your hearing." -- That is his notion of

christian forgiveness! The rest of his letter is only about his

dear Charlotte's situation, and his expectation of a young olive-

branch. But, Lizzy, you look as if you did not enjoy it. You

are not going to be Missisb, I hope, and pretend to be affronted at

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