the family, the ceremony of leave-taking was performed when the ladies

moved for the night; and Mrs. Bennet, with great politeness and

cordiality, said how happy they should be to see him at Longbourn again,

whenever his other engagements might allow him to visit them.
“My dear madam,” he replied, “this invitation is particularly

gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; and you

may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon as

possible.”
They were all astonished; and Mr. Bennet, who could by no means wish for

so speedy a return, immediately said,—
“But is there not danger of Lady Catherine’s disapprobation here, my

good sir? You had better neglect your relations than run the risk of

offending your patroness.”
“My dear sir,” replied Mr. Collins, “I am particularly obliged to you

for this friendly caution, and you may depend upon my not taking so

material a step without her Ladyship’s concurrence.”
“You cannot be too much on your guard. Risk anything rather than her

displeasure; and if you find it likely to be raised by your coming to us

again, which I should think exceedingly probable, stay quietly at home,

and be satisfied that we shall take no offence.”
“Believe me, my dear sir, my gratitude is warmly excited by such

affectionate attention; and, depend upon it, you will speedily receive

from me a letter of thanks for this as well as for every other mark of

your regard during my stay in Hertfordshire. As for my fair cousins,

though my absence may not be long enough to render it necessary, I shall

now take the liberty of wishing them health and happiness, not excepting

my cousin Elizabeth.{159}”
With proper civilities, the ladies then withdrew; all of them equally

surprised to find that he meditated a quick return. Mrs. Bennet wished

to understand by it that he thought of paying his addresses to one of

her younger girls, and Mary might have been prevailed on to accept him.