Part 3 (2/2)

And many others beside him, Miss Lydia.

[LYDIA _giggles._ WICKHAM _returns to_ MRS. BENNET.]

MRS. BENNET.

Well, 'tis an age since we saw you, Mr. Wickham. What _have_ you been doing?

WICKHAM.

Colonel Forster keeps me so busy that I have no time for enjoyment.

ELIZABETH.

Yes, Mr. Wickham bears all the marks of an hara.s.sed and overworked man.

WICKHAM.

[_Bowing to_ ELIZABETH.] Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. You have given me the very terms I needed. [_To_ MRS. BENNET.] You see before you, Mrs.

Bennet, an hara.s.sed and overworked man. Miss Elizabeth will bear witness that I was on my way to a business appointment when I yielded to temptation and went off for a walk with her and Miss Lucas and their irreproachable escort.

ELIZABETH.

And Miss Elizabeth will also testify that you yielded with the celerity and ease of long practice.

WICKHAM.

[_Laughing; to_ ELIZABETH.] But in this case who was the tempter?

ELIZABETH.

Oh, I will admit that Mr. Collins was partially responsible.

[_All laugh._]

MRS. BENNET.

Come, Lizzy, you have been talking to Mr. Wickham all the morning. Now, let some of the rest of us have a chance. [_Turning to_ WICKHAM.] You must stay to dinner, Mr. Wickham.

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