these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures of

good-will are highly commendable, and that the circumstance of my

being next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly

overlooked on your side, and not lead you to reject the offered

olive branch. I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the

means of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to

apologize for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make

them every possible amends; but of this hereafter. If you should

have no objection to receive me into{81} your house, I propose myself

the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday,

November 18th, by four o’clock, and shall probably trespass on your

hospitality till the Saturday se’nnight following, which I can do

without any inconvenience, as Lady Catherine is far from objecting

to my occasional absence on a Sunday, provided that some other

clergyman is engaged to do the duty of the day. I remain, dear sir,

with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, your

well-wisher and friend,


“William Collins.”

“At four o’clock, therefore, we may expect this peace-making gentleman,”

said Mr. Bennet, as he folded up the letter. “He seems to be a most

conscientious and polite young man, upon my word; and, I doubt not, will

prove a valuable acquaintance, especially if Lady Catherine should be so

indulgent as to let him come to us again.”
“There is some sense in what he says about the girls, however; and, if

he is disposed to make them any amends, I shall not be the person to

discourage him.”
“Though it is difficult,” said Jane, “to guess in what way he can mean

to make us the atonement he thinks our due, the wish is certainly to his

credit.”
Elizabeth was chiefly struck with his extraordinary deference for Lady

Catherine, and his kind intention of christening, marrying, and burying

his parishioners whenever it were required.