Part 14 (1/2)
[_The gentlemen go out of the door._ JANE _and_ ELIZABETH _go into the recess and look from the window. There is a short pause._]
MRS. BENNET.
[_Enters, flurried, and looks about her._] Well, have they gone?
[MR. COLLINS _enters through the gla.s.s doors at the center. He sees_ MRS. BENNET.]
MR. COLLINS.
Oh, Madam, I am just returned from attending on Mr. Darcy. Such a privilege! He was most condescending. I was able to tell him that Lady Catherine was very well on Sat.u.r.day sennight. He is very like Lady Catherine. I am sure you must have been impressed by his distinguished manners.
MRS. BENNET.
Well, really, Mr. Collins!
[_A t.i.tter is heard from the recess where the girls are seated, and then_ JANE'S _voice_.]
JANE.
Oh, Lizzy, hus.h.!.+
MR. COLLINS.
[_Hearing this, turns and discovers the two girls. Then he speaks to_ MRS. BENNET _with lowered voice, as if an idea had just come to him_.]
This meeting is most opportune. Will you kindly step this way for a moment? [_He draws_ MRS. BENNET _aside_.] May I hope, Madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Jane, in the matter on which we were speaking yesterday? I would solicit the honour of a private audience with her this morning.
MRS. BENNET.
Certainly, Mr. Collins. [_Hesitating._] But there have been some changes since then. Some things have happened--I think it is right you should know, that--that Jane is very likely to be soon engaged.
[_Encouragingly._] But there is Elizabeth. I cannot take it upon myself to say--I cannot possibly answer--but I do not know of any prepossession in her case, and I am sure she can have no objection to listen to you.
[MRS. BENNET _goes to the fire and stirs it_.]
MR. COLLINS.
[_As soon as she has finished._] Then Miss Elizabeth let it be, Madam. I was struck by her att.i.tude of respectful awe when I mentioned the Lady Catherine de Bourg. Such modesty and humility of mind cannot but recommend her to my patroness.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Looking rather astonished at this last speech, but recovering herself._] Yes, my daughter Elizabeth knows what is proper. She will be very happy to listen to you. Shall I call her now?
MR. COLLINS.
I think, Madam, there should be no further loss of time, as my leave of absence extends only to the coming Sat.u.r.day.