Part 16 (1/2)

MRS. BENNET.

[_While she draws_ MR. BENNET _into the room_.] Oh, Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately. We are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him, and, if you do not make haste, Mr. Collins will change his mind and not have _her_.

MR. BENNET.

I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what are you talking?

MRS. BENNET.

Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy! Lizzy declares she will not have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say he will not have Lizzy.

MR. BENNET.

Lizzy? I thought it was Jane.

MRS. BENNET.

No--no--It's Lizzy now!

MR. BENNET.

Ah! And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless business.

MRS. BENNET.

Speak to Lizzy. There she is. [_Pointing to_ ELIZABETH _at the fireplace_.] Tell her that you insist upon her marrying him.

MR. BENNET.

[_Turning to_ ELIZABETH.] Come here, child. [ELIZABETH _goes to her father_.] This is an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is this true?

ELIZABETH.

Yes--papa--it--is.

MR. BENNET.

Very well--and this offer of marriage you have refused.

ELIZABETH.