Part 14 (2/2)
MRS. BENNET.
Very well--[_She goes to the recess where the two girls are talking together._] Jane, I want you upstairs. Lizzy, Mr. Collins has something he wishes to say to you.
ELIZABETH.
[_Suspicious and dismayed._] Dear ma'am, Mr. Collins must excuse me. I was just going away myself.
MRS. BENNET.
Now, no nonsense, Lizzy! I desire you will stay. Mr. Collins has something _very_ particular to say to you. [_As_ ELIZABETH _tries to escape_.] Lizzy, I insist upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins.
Come, Jane--[MRS. BENNET _and_ JANE _go out_.]
MR. COLLINS.
[_Approaching_ ELIZABETH, _who does not move from the place where her mother left her_.] Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, your modesty so far from doing you any disservice rather adds to your other perfections.
But allow me to a.s.sure you that I have your respected mother's permission for this address. [_He escorts_ ELIZABETH _with clumsy gallantry to the sofa, then brings a chair and seats himself opposite to her_. ELIZABETH _has recovered herself sufficiently to begin to enjoy the humour of the situation_.] My fair cousin, you must have at least surmised that I am about to ask you to become the companion of my life.
And perhaps I had better begin by stating my reasons for this decision before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject. [ELIZABETH _is so overcome with laughter at this idea that she can hardly speak, or keep a decent countenance_.]
ELIZABETH.
Oh, I beg, Mr. Collins----
MR. COLLINS.
One moment. My reasons for marrying are, first,--that I think it a right thing for every clergyman to set the example of matrimony to his parish; second, I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; third, it is the particular advice of that very n.o.ble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness.
ELIZABETH.
[_With more command of her voice._] Believe me, Mr. Collins----
MR. COLLINS.
Excuse me--one moment. It remains only to be told why my views were directed to Longbourn instead of to my own neighbourhood. The fact is that, being as I am to inherit this estate after the death of your father (who, however, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event took place. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your esteem.
ELIZABETH.
Mr. Collins,--I----
MR. COLLINS.
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