and, allowing for the loss of Sir William, and there being only one

card-table in the{212} evening, every such entertainment was the counterpart

of the first. Their other engagements were few, as the style of living

of the neighbourhood in general was beyond the Collinses’ reach. This,

however, was no evil to Elizabeth, and upon the whole she spent her time

comfortably enough: there were half hours of pleasant conversation with

Charlotte, and the weather was so fine for the time of year, that she

had often great enjoyment out of doors. Her favourite walk, and where

she frequently went while the others were calling on Lady Catherine, was

along the open grove which edged that side of the park, where there was

a nice sheltered path, which no one seemed to value but herself, and

where she felt beyond the reach of Lady Catherine’s curiosity.
In this quiet way the first fortnight of her visit soon passed away.

Easter was approaching, and the week preceding it was to bring an

addition to the family at Rosings, which in so small a circle must be

important. Elizabeth had heard, soon after her arrival, that Mr. Darcy

was expected there in the course of a few weeks; and though there were

not many of her acquaintance whom she did not prefer, his coming would

furnish one comparatively 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 admiration, 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{213}

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“The gentlemen accompanied him.”