Part 3 (1/2)

ELIZABETH.

Very well, Mr. Collins.

[MRS. BENNET _makes a sudden awed gesture of silence to the girls, who fail to understand._ ELIZABETH _enters by the gla.s.s doors. She is dressed in winter walking costume: a large hat,--fur-trimmed pelerine, and a large m.u.f.f. She stops in the doorway and looks at_ MRS. BENNET, _half puzzled and smiling._]

ELIZABETH.

Well, what is it, mamma? What is the matter?

MRS. BENNET.

Nothing. Hus.h.!.+ What have you done with Mr. Collins?

ELIZABETH.

[_Laughing._] Oh, Mr. Collins is safe! He has gone round to the library.

MRS. BENNET.

[_With a sigh of relief._] How providential!

ELIZABETH.

[_Looking back._] But I have brought someone else with me.

[MR. WICKHAM _and_ CHARLOTTE LUCAS _come in gaily._]

ALL.

[_Exclaiming._] Oh, Mr. Wickham!

WICKHAM.

[_To_ MRS. BENNET.] How do you do, Mrs. Bennet? This is indeed a pleasure. [_Going over to_ JANE.] Miss Bennet, I am _so_ glad to see you. [_Reproachfully._] You were not with our party! [_To_ LYDIA.] Why do you never come to Meryton, Miss Lydia? Mr. Denny is quite downcast.

LYDIA.

[_Pouting._] La, Mr. Denny!

WICKHAM.