Part 5 (2/2)

MR. COLLINS.

[_Looking at her with admiration._] With that a.s.surance, Miss Elizabeth, I think even Lady Catherine would be satisfied. So I need no longer withhold my sanction.

ELIZABETH.

[_Curtsying._] We thank you, sir.

MR. COLLINS.

This is the very att.i.tude of mind I could desire. [_To_ MRS. BENNET.] I think, with your permission, I will now retire again to the library.

[_Going over smilingly to_ JANE.] There was a volume of Fordyce's sermons that you may remember I was reading to you in this room yesterday. I do not find it in the library. Do you know where it is?

[_Looking about him._]

JANE.

I haven't seen it, Mr. Collins. I will try to find it for you. [_She starts as if to go out of the room._]

MRS. BENNET.

[_Wis.h.i.+ng to leave them together._] No--no, Lydia will find it. Lydia, my love, go see if you can find the sermons for Mr. Collins.

[LYDIA, _with a grimace, rises slowly from her chair_.]

CHARLOTTE LUCAS.

Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I am quite sure that I saw the book in the hall. I will go fetch it.

MRS. BENNET.

[_Sharply._] On no account, Charlotte. Lydia will find the book. Lizzy, go and get the mud off your shoes.

MR. COLLINS.

Oh, I will not trouble any of you ladies.

MRS. BENNET.

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