Part 18 (1/2)

[_Peeps in--then enters._] Isn't this pretty! Come in here for a moment, Eliza. I want to tell you something.

ELIZABETH.

[_Following her._] Why _did_ I promise to dance with Mr. Darcy just now!

Why did not I have more presence of mind!

[_They sit on the bench together while they talk; the guests, at the back, pa.s.s to and from the drawing-room and ball-room, and the sound of music is heard faintly._]

CHARLOTTE.

I dare say you will find him very agreeable.

ELIZABETH.

Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all. To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an evil.

CHARLOTTE.

I wouldn't be a simpleton, Eliza. You are angry because Wickham is not here, but I wouldn't allow my fancy for him to make me unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten times his consequence.

ELIZABETH.

My _fancy_ for Wickham, as you choose to call it, is simply my sympathy for a most ill-used man: also the relief of meeting with good manners and a good understanding after the insufferable pride of Mr. Darcy, and the stupid pomposity of that _dreadful_ Mr. Collins! [CHARLOTTE _starts_.] Oh, my dear Charlotte, I have never thanked you half enough for helping us to endure that man. It was so good-natured in you to sacrifice yourself by listening to those interminable speeches of his.--I am more obliged to you than I can express. But oh, what a relief it is to know that he is really gone!

CHARLOTTE.

[_Who has listened to all this tirade in increasing embarra.s.sment._] Oh, don't! Don't, Eliza! You are making it so terribly hard for me.

But,--but I must tell you.--I am engaged to Mr. Collins!

[ELIZABETH _is stupefied with surprise and looks at_ CHARLOTTE _for a moment in silent and incredulous amazement. Then with difficulty she speaks._]

ELIZABETH.

Engaged! Engaged to--to Mr. Collins! Oh, my dear Charlotte--_impossible_! [_Hopefully._] You are joking!

CHARLOTTE.

[_With spirit._] No, indeed, Eliza, I am in most serious earnest. Why should you be so surprised? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure _any_ woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?

ELIZABETH.

[_Confused._] Oh, no--no--of course not. And,--and you must forgive all I have just said. I couldn't possibly have imagined----