Part 18 (2/2)

CHARLOTTE.

[_More sweetly._] No, Eliza, indeed you could not. [_She puts her hand on_ ELIZABETH'S _shoulder_.] And we shall be friends still?

ELIZABETH.

Why, of course, of course, dear Charlotte. It was only the--the surprise. You know how fond I am of you. You know I wish you all imaginable happiness.

CHARLOTTE.

Yes, I am sure of it. You must be surprised--very much surprised, so lately as Mr. Collins was wis.h.i.+ng to marry you. But, dear Eliza, when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic. I ask only a comfortable home, and, considering Mr. Collins' situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.

ELIZABETH.

[_In an absent manner._] Undoubtedly.

CHARLOTTE.

[_Looking at Elizabeth affectionately and wistfully._] And you will come to visit me sometimes? I could not bear to lose you, Eliza!

ELIZABETH.

[_Looking up, and patting_ CHARLOTTE'S _hand_.] Surely, Charlotte!

[_Smiling._] We are to be cousins, you know.

CHARLOTTE.

[_Cheerfully._] Why, so we are!

[COLONEL FORSTER _comes from the ball-room_. LYDIA _and_ DENNY _enter from the drawing-room_.]

COLONEL FORSTER.

[_Hurriedly going to_ CHARLOTTE.] I am to have the honour of this reel, I believe, Miss Lucas.

CHARLOTTE.

Oh yes, Colonel Forster.

[_She goes out with_ FORSTER, _leaving_ ELIZABETH _alone, still seated_. LYDIA _and_ DENNY _approach_ ELIZABETH.]

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