man and the match were quite good enough for her, the worth of each

was eclipsed by Mr. Bingley and Netherfield.{132}

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“to assure you in the most animated language.”


CHAPTER XIX.

THE next day opened a new scene at Longbourn. Mr. Collins made his

declaration in form. Having resolved to do it without loss of time, as

his leave of absence extended only to the following Saturday, and having

no feelings of diffidence to make it distressing to himself even at the

moment, he set about it in a very orderly manner, with all the

observances which he supposed a regular part of the business. On finding

Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth,{133} and one of the younger girls together, soon

after breakfast, he addressed the mother in these words,—
“May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth,

when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the

course of this morning?”
Before Elizabeth had time for anything but a blush of surprise, Mrs.

Bennet instantly answered,—
“Oh dear! Yes, certainly. I am sure Lizzy will be very happy—I am sure

she can have no objection. Come, Kitty, I want you upstairs.” And

gathering her work together, she was hastening away, when Elizabeth

called out,—
“Dear ma’am, do not go. I beg you will not go. Mr. Collins must excuse

me. He can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear. I am

going away myself.”
“No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you will stay where you are.” And

upon Elizabeth’s seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed looks, about

to escape, she added, “Lizzy, I insist upon your staying and hearing

Mr. Collins.”
Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction; and a moment’s

consideration making her also sensible that it would be wisest to get it

over as soon and as quietly as possible, she sat down again, and tried

to conceal, by incessant employment, the feelings which were divided