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JANE AUSTEN 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 



Volume I. 



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John Wilson and Son, Cahbridgb, U.S.A. 




PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 




CHAPTER I. 

is a truth universally acknowledged, 
that a single man in possession of a 
good fortune must be in want of a 
wife. 

However little known the feelings or views of 
such a man may be on his first entering a neigh- 
borhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of 
the surrounding families that he is considered as 
the rightful property of some one or other of their 
daughters. 

**My dear Mr. Bennet,*' said his lady to him 
one day, ^^ Jiave yo u heard that Netherfield Park 
is let at last? ^^ 

Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. 
*/But it is,'' returned she; *^for Mrs. Lone has 
just been here^ and s he told me all about it." 
Mr. IBennet made no answer. 



L 



6 PRIDE ; AXrv r»E JUDICE. 

^* Do not you want to*lA K>w who has taken it? " 
cried his wife, impatiently. 

^^ You want to tell me, and I have no objection 
to hearing it." 

This was invitation enough. 

^^ Why^ my dear^^'ou must knpw^ Mrs^. Long 
sa ys thai Xether f ield is taken .by s^ .young nmA of-, 
lar ge fortune from the north of England; that he 
came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see 
the place, _and was so much delighted with it that 
he agreed with Mr. Morr is inime<Uatalv;jthat he 
is to take possession before Miohnolmft a^ and some 
of his servants are t(Jje^in the hou&e hy.thfi end of 
next week.','^^^ 

*^ What is his name? '' 

^ ^Bingley." 

^' Is he married or single? '' ' 

^^ Qh, single, my dear, to_b e sure!_ A sing le 
man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. 
What a fine thi ng for mir g iikl.'^ 

'* How so? how can it affect them? " 

^*My dear Mr. Bennet, '^ replied his wife, ^^how^ 
can you be so tiresome? You must know that I 
am thinking of his marrying one\of then^" 

** Is that his design in settling hereV^' 

''Design? nonsense, how can you talk so! But 
it is very likely that he may fall in love with one 
of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon 
as he comes. 






\y 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 7 

'^ I see no occasion for that. You and the girls 
may go, or you may send them by themselves, 
which perhaps will be still better; for as you are 
as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might 
like you the best of the party." 

<'My dear, y ou flatter me. I certainly have 
had my share of b ^ftiity , ^'^ ^ ^^ "^^^ prete n d -^ -fee 
anything extraordinary now. ^Yhfiii a woman baa 



fi ve grown-up daughters, s he j)ug ht tcL^gii.a avfix 
thinking of her own beautj^'' 

^^In such cases a woman has not often much 
beauty to think of.'' 

* ^ But, my dear, you must inde ed ^(} and s ^^ ^is.. 
Bingley when he comers into the neighborhood* '* 

^^ it is more than I engage for, I assure you.'' 

^^ But consider your daughtfi ia. Only think 
what an establishment it would be for one gf them I 
Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go, 
merely ori'that account; for in general, you know, 
they visit no ne w-comers. Indeed you must go; 
for it will be impossible for us to visit him, if you 
d o notT^^ ^ 

^'You are over-scrupulous^ surely. I dare say 
Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you; and I 
will send a few lines by you to assure him of my 
hearty consent to his marrying whichever he 
chooses of the girls; though I must throw in a 
good word for my little Lizzy." 

^' I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is 



8 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

not a b it bet ter than the others ; and I am sure she 
is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good.- 
hum ored as Lyd ia. But you are always giving 
lier the preference. !\ ^ ~ " * " "^ " 

**They have none of them much to recommend 
them," replied he: **they are all silly and igno- 
rant, like other girls; but Lizzy has something 
more of quickness than her sisters. '^ 

'^ Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own 
chil dren in such a way ?^ You_take delight^Jn . 
vexing me. You have no compassion on my^pooj 




nerves.'^ 



'^ You mistake me, my dear. I have a high re- 
. spect for your nerves. They are my old friends. 
I have heard j'^ou mention them with consideration 
these twenty years at least." 

^^ Ah, you^do not know what„I suffer." 

^^But I hope you will get over it, and live to 
see many young men of four thousand a year come 
into the neighborhood." 

^^It will be no use to us, if twenty such should 
come, since you will not visit them." 

^^ Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are 
twenty, I will visit them all." 

Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, 
sarcastic humor, reserve, and caprice, that the 
experience of three-and-twenty years had been 
insufficient to make his wife understand his char- 
acter. Her mind was less difficult to develop. 



< 

H 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 9 

She was a woman of mean understand! ng, little in- 
formation, and uncertain temper. When she was 
discontented, she fancied herself nervous. The 
business of her life was to get her daughters mar- 
ried; its solace was visiting and news. 



t- 



CHAPTER n. 

K. Bennet was among the earliest of those who 
tjted on Mr, BJngley. He had always inteuded 

visit him, though to the last alwaya assuring 
s wife that he should not go; and till the even- 
g after the visit was paid she had no knowledge 

it. It was then disclosed in the following 
anner. Observing his second daughter employed 
trimming a hat, he suddenly addressed her 
ith, — 

" I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy." 

" We are not in a way to know what Mr. Bing- 
y likes," said her mother, resentfully, "since 
i are not to visit." 

"But you forget, mamma," said Elizabeth, 
that we shall meet him at the assemblies, and 
at Mrs. Long has promised to introduce him." 

"I do not believe Mrs. Long will do any such 
ing. She has two nieces of her own. She is a 
Ifish hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion 

her." 

"No more have I," said Mr. Bennet; "and I 
n glad to find that you do not depend on her 
rving you." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 11 

Mrs. Bennet deigned not to make any reply; 
but unable to contain herself, began scolding one 
of her daughters. 

*^ Don't keep coughing so, Kitty, for heaven's 
sake! Have a little compassion on my nerves. 
You tear them to pieces." 
, ** Kitty has no discretion in her coughs," said 
her father; ^^she times them ill." 

^^I do not cough for my own amusement," re- 
plied Kitty, fretfully. ** When is your next ball 
to be, Lizzy?" 

^' To-morrow fortnight." 

'^Ay, so it is," cried her mother, *^and Mrs. 
Long does not come back till the day before; so it 
wnTl be impossible for her to introduce him, for 
she will not know him herself." 

^^Then, my dear, you may liave the advantage of 
your friend, and introduce Mr. Bingley to her." 

** Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I 
am not acquainted with him myself; how can you 
be so teasing? " 

'' I honor your circumspection. A fortnight's 
acquaintance is certainly very little. One cannot 
know what a man really is by the end of a fort- 
night. But if we do not venture, somebody else 
will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her nieces must 
stand their chance; and therefore, as she will 
think it an act of kindness, if you decline the 
office, I will take it on myself." 



12 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

The girls stared at their father. Mrs. Bennet * *. 
said only, ^^ Nonsense, nonsense!^' 

'^What can be the meaning of that emphatic 
exclamation?" cried he. *-*Do you consider the ; 
forms of introduction, and the stress that is laid 
on them, as nonsense? I cannot quite agree with 
you there. What say you, Mary? — for you are a 
young lady of deep reflection, I know, and read 
great books, and make extracts.'' 

Mary wished to say something very sensible, but 
knew not how. 

*^ While Mary is adjusting her ideas," he con- 
tinued, ^^let us return to Mr. Bingley." 

'' I am sick of Mr. Bingley," cried his wife. 

" I am sorry to hear that; but why did not you 
tell me so before? If I had known as much this 
morning, I certainly would not have called on 
him. It is very unlucky; but as I have actually 
paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance 
now." 

The astonishment of the ladies was just what he 
wished, — that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing 
the rest ; though when the first tumult of joy was 
over, she began to declare that it was what she 
had expected all the while. 

'^How good it was in you, my dear Mr. Bennet! 
But I knew I should persuade you at last. I was 
sure you loved your girls too well to neglect such 
an acquaintance. Well, how pleased I am ! and it 



r 



\ 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 13 

is such a good joke, too, that you should have gone 
this morning, and never said a word about it till 
now." 

^^Now, Kitty, you may cough as much as you 
choose,'' said Mr. Bennet; and as he spoke, he 
left the room, fatigued with the raptures of his 
wife. 

^^ What an excellent father you have, girls!'' 

said she, when the door was shut. **I do not 

know how you will ever make him amends for his 

kindness; or me, either, for that matter. At our 

time of life it is not so pleasant, I can tell you, 

to be making new acquaintance every day; but for 

your sakes we would do anything. Lydia, my 

love, though you are the youngest, I dare say Mr. 

Bingley will dance with you at the next ball." 
*^0h," said Lydia, stoutly, *^I am not afraid; 

for though I am the youngest, I 'm the tallest." 

The rest of the evening was spent in conjectur- 
ing how soon he would return Mr. Bennet's visit, 
and determining when they should ask him to 
dinner. 



CHAPTER III. 

Not all that Mrs. Bennet, however, with the 
assistance of her five daughters, could ask on tlio 
subject, was sufficient to draw from her husband 
any satisfactory description of Mr. Bingley. 
They attacked him in various ways, — with bare- 
faced questions, ingenious suppositions, and dis- 
tanjfc surmises ; but he eluded the skill of them all, 
and they were at last obliged to accept the second- 
hand intelligence of their neighbor. Lady Lucas. 
Her rieport was highly favorable. Sir William 
had been delighted with him. He was quite 
young, wonderfully handsome, extremely agree- 
able, and, to crown the whole, he meant to be at 
the next assembly with a large party. Nothing 
could be more delightful! To be fond of dancing 
was a certain step towards falling in love; and 
very lively hopes of Mr. Bingley 's heart were 
entertained. 

*^If I can but see one of my daughters happily 
settled at Netherfield,'' said Mrs. Bennet to her 
husband, ^^and all the others equally well mar- 
ried, I shall have nothing to wish for.'' 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 15 

In a few days Mr. Bingley returned Mr. Ben- 
net's visit, and sat about ten minutes with him in 
his library. He had entertained hopes of being 
admitted to a sight of the young ladies, of whose 
beauty he had heard much; but he saw only the 
father. The ladies were somewhat more fortunate, 
for they had the advantage of ascertaining, from 
an upper window, that he wore a blue coat and 
rode a black horse. 

An invitation to dinner was soon afterwards 
despatched; and already had Mrs. Bennet planned 
the courses that were to do credit to her house- 
keeping, when an answer arrived which deferred it 
all. Mr. Bingley was obliged to be in town the 
following day, and consequently unable to accept 
the honor of their invitation, etc. Mrs. Bennet 
was quite disconcerted. She could not imagine 
what business he could have in town so soon after 
his arrival in Hertfordshire; and she began to 
fear that he might always be flying about from 
one place to another, and never settled at Nether- 
field as he ought to be. Lady Lucas quieted her 
fears a little by starting the idea of his being gone 
to London only to get a large party for the ball ; 
and a report soon followed that Mr. Bingley was 
to bring twelve ladies and seven gentlemen with 
him to the assembly. The girls grieved over such 
a number of ladies; but were comforted the day 
before the ball by hearing that, instead of twelve, 



/ 



16 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

he had brought only six with him from London, 
his five sisters and a cousin. And when the party 
entered the assembly-room, it consisted of only 
five all together, — Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, the 
husband of the eldest, and another young man. 

Mr. Bingley was good-looking and gentleman- 
like; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, 
unaffected manners. His sisters were fine women, 
with an air of decided fashion. His brother-in- 
law, Mr^JIurst, merely looked the gentleman; but 
his friend Mr. j)arcy soon drew the attention of 
the room by his fine, tall person, handsome feat- 
ures, noble mien, and the report, which was in 
general circulation within five minutes after his 
entrance, of his having ten thousand a year. The 
gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a 
man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer 
than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great 
admiration for about half the evening, till his 
manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of 
his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, 
to be above his company and above being pleased; 
and not all his large estate in Derbyshire could 
then save him from having a most forbidding, dis- 
agreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be 
compared with his friend. 

Mr. Bingley had soon made himself acquainted 
with all the principal people in the room: he was 
lively and unreserved, danced every dance, was 



PRIDE *AND PREJUDICE. 17 

angry that the ball closed so early, and talked of 
giving one himself at Netherfield. Such amiable 
qualities must speak for themselves. What a con- 
trast between him and his friend! Mr. Darcy 
danced only once with Mrs. Hurst and once with 
Miss Bingley, declined being introduced to any 
other lady, and spent the rest of the evening in 
walking about the room, speaking occasionally to 
one of his own party. His character was decided. 
He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the 
world, and everybody hoped that he would never 
come there again. Amongst the most violent 
against him was Mrs. Bennet, whose dislike of his 
general behavior was sharpened into particuliu: 
resentment by his having slighted one of her 
daughters. 

Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the 
scarcity of gentlemen, to sit down for two dances; 
and during part of that time Mr. Darcy had been 
standing near enough for her to overhear a conver- 
sation between him and Mr. Bingley, who came 
from the dance for a few minutes to press his friend 
to join it. 

*^Come, Darcy,'' said he, ^^I must have you 
dance. I hate to see you standing about by your- 
self in this stupid manner. You had much better 
dance.'' 

" I certainly shall not. You know how I detest 
it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my 

VOL. I. — 2 



;\ 



18 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

partner. At such an assembly as this it would 
be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and 
there is not another woman in the room whom 
it would not be a punishment to me to stand up 
with.'' 

**I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried 
Bingley, *^for a kingdom! Upon my honor, I 
never met with so many pleasant girls in my life 
as I have this evening; and there are several of 
them, you see, uncommonly pretty." 

** You are dancing with the only handsome girl 
in the room," said Mr. Darcy, looking at the 
eldest Miss Bennet. 

** Oh, she is the most beautiful creature I ever 
beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting 
down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I 
dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my part- 
ner to introduce you." 

^^ Which do you mean?" and turning round, 
he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till, catching 
her eye, he withdrew his own, and coldly said: 
*^ She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to 
tempt me; and I am in no humor at present to 
give consequence to young ladies who are slighted 
by other men. You had better return to your 
partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting 
your time with me." 

Mr. Bingley followed his advice. Mr. Darcy 
walked off; and Elizabeth remained with no very 



PRIDE AND PREJn»;CE- Vj 



.IZLnr ^X- IT, 



cordial feelings towar»L> bfn,. Sh- 

LowcTer, with grvat ^j-iri: a„- : ;: L-r fri-: i-; : r 

she had a livt-lv, li'.j-.ful •!;-'• -::; :„ wLi.h de- 

« A * «H 

lighted in an\thiii'j r: ii :I :*, 

The evening ah- ^'th^-r jvi^**-i ii j.^^-jl^Iv t«» 
the whole familv. Mr-. IW:.L-t hj. i -*-^a L-rr 
eldest daughter much a^iiiiir^l '-y th*: Xtthtrlirld 
partr. Mr. Binglt-y lu-l iii:.--»i »::L L^r twice, 
and she had been di-r !:.*;'::-?.' 1 t-y Li< ^:<«rre. 
Jane was as much jrrat:f:'r*i *v ::.:- a-- btrr mother 
could be, though in a •jii-t'-r u.iy. E'.:/i*':L iVU 
Jane's pleasure. Mary 1 -.l L*-jr-i ].-:-*^lf ni^n- 
tioned to Mi<s Bii.^-'-y a^ the ni'-t a--".' 'iL.jtIi^b^l 
girl in the neighlH.rh"--!; a:,d <*-' ^i:.*^ and 
Ljdia had been fortunate eL.-;.:h t-i \h; never 
without partners, whkh was all that th^^y had yet 
learned to care for at a ball. Tli^v returned, 
therefore, in good spirit-? Vj Lji.^^ »*irn, the village 
where they lived, and of which they were the 
principal inhabitants. They found Mr. Bennet 
still up. With a Vn^k. he wa.•^ regarJle&s of time; 
and on the present occasion he had a pmhI deal of 
curiosity as to the event of an evening which had 
raised such splendid expectations. He had rather 
hoped that all his wife's views on the stranger 
would be disapi)ointed; but be soon found that he 
had a very different story to hear. 

" Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet," as she entered the 
room, ^^ we have had a most delightful evening, a 



20 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

most excellent ball. I wish you had been there. 
Jane was so admired, nothing could be like it. 
Everybody said how well she looked; and Mr. 
Bingley thought her quite beautiful, and danced 
with her twice. Only think of that, my dear: he 
actually danced with her twice j and she was the 
only creature in the room that he asked a second 
time. First of all, he asked Miss Lucas. I was 
so vexed to see him stand up with herj but, how- 
ever, he did not admire her at all; indeed, nobody 
can, you know; and he seemed quite struck with 
Jane as she was going down the dance. So he 
inquired who she was, and got introduced, and 
asked her for the two next. Then the two third 
he danced with Miss King, and the two fourth 
with Maria Lucas, and the two fifth with Jane 
again, and the two sixth with Lizzy, and the 
Boulanger — '^ 

^ ' If he had had any compassion for me, ' ' cried 
her husband, impatiently, ''he would not have 
danced half so much! For God's sake, say no 
more of his partners. Oh that he had sprained 
his ankle in the first dance! " 

''Oh, my dear,'' continued Mrs. Bennet, "I 
am quite delighted with him. He is so excessively 
handsome! and his sisters are charming women. 
I never in my life saw anything more elegant than 
their dresses. I dare say the lace upon Mrs. 
Hurst's gown — " 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 21 

Here she was interrupted again. Mr. Bennet 
protested against any description of finery. She 
was therefore obliged to seek another branch of 
the subject, ajid related, with much bitterness of 
spirit and some exaggeration, the shocking rude- 
ness of Mr. Darcy. 

^^But I can assure you," she added, **that 
Lizzy does not lose much by not suiting his fancy; 
for he is a most disagreeable, horrid man, not at 
all worth pleasing. So high and so conceited 
that there was no enduring him! He walked here, 
and he walked there, fancying himself so very 
great! Not handsome enough to dance with! T 
wish you had been there, my dear, to have given 
him one of your set-downs. I quite detest the 



man." 



/ 



CHAPTER IV. 

When Jane and Elizabeth were alone, the for- 
mer, who had been cautious in her praise of Mr. 
Bingley before, expressed to her sister how very 
much she admired him. 

**He is just what a young man ought to be,'' 
said she, ^'sensible, good-humored, lively; and I 
never saw such happy manners, — so much ease, 
with such perfect good-breeding! '' 

^'He is also handsome," replied Elizabeth, 
** which a young man ought likewise to be 
if he possibly qan. His character is thereby 
complete." 

^^ I was very much flattered by his asking me 
to dance a second time. I did not expect such a 
compliment." 

" Did not you? I did for you. But that is one 
great difference between us. Compliments always 
take you by surprise, and me never. What could 
be more natural than his asking you again? He 
could not help seeing that you were about five 
times as pretty as every other woman in the room. 
No thanks to his gallantry for that. Well, he 
certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 23 

to like him. You have liked many a stupider 
person." 

"Dear Lizzy!'' 

"Oh, you are a great deal too apt, you know, to 
like people in general. You never see a fault in 
anybody. All the world are good and agreeable 
in your eyes. I never heard you speak ill of a 
human being in my life." 

** I would wish not to be hasty in censuring any 
one; but I always speak what I think." 

"I know you do; and it is that which makes 
the wonder. With your good sense, to be so 
honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of 
others! Affectation of candor is common enough; 
one meets with it everywhere. But to be candid 
without ostentation or design — to take the good 
of everybody's character and make it still better, 
and say nothing of the bad — belongs to you 
alone. And so you like this man's sisters, too, 
do you? Their manners are not equal to his." 

"Certainly not, at first; but they are very 
pleasing women when you converse with them. 
Miss Bingley is to live with her brother, and 
keep his house; and I am much mistaken if 
we shall not find a very charming neighbor in 
her." 

Elizabeth listened in silence, but was not con- 
vinced: their behavior at the assembly had not 
\>een calculated to please in general; and with 



24 PRroE AND PREJUDICE. 

more quickness of observation and less pliancy of 
temper than her sister, and with a judgment, too, 
unassailed by any attention to herself, she was 
very little disposed to approve them. They were, 
in fact, very fine ladies; not deficient in good- 
humor when they were pleased, nor in the power 
of being agreeable where they chose it, but proud 
and conceited. They were rather handsome ; had 
been educated in one of the first private seminaries 
in town ; had a fortune of twenty thousand pounds ; 
were in the habit of spending more than they 
ought, and of associating with people of rank ; and 
were therefore in every respect entitled to think 
well of themselves and meanly of others. They 
were of a respectable family in the north of Eng- 
land; a circumstance more deeply impressed on 
their memories than that their brother's fortune 
and their own had been acquired by trade. 

Mr. Bingley inherited property to the amount 
of nearly a hundred thousand pounds from his 
father, who had intended to purchase an estate, 
but did not live to do it. Mr. Bingley intended it 
likewise, and sometimes made choice of his county ; 
but as he was now provided with a good house 
and the liberty of a manor, it was doubtful to 
many of those who best knew the easiness of his 
temper, whether he might not spend the remainder 
of his days at Netherfield, and leave the next 
generation to purchase. 



m 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 25 

His sisters were very anxious for his having an 
estate of his own; but though he was now es- 
tablished only as a tenant, Miss Bingley was by 
no means unwilling to preside at his table; nor 
was Mrs. Hurst, who had married a man of 
more fashion than fortune, less disposed to con- 
sider his house as her home when it suited her. 
Mr. Bingley had not been of age two years when 
he was tempted, by an accidental recommendation, 
to look at !N^etherfield house. He did look at it 
and into it for half an hour; was pleased with 
the situation and the principal rooms, satisfied 
with what the owner said in its praise, and took 
it immediately. 

Between him and Darcy there was a very steady 
friendship, in spite of a great opposition of char- 
acter. Bingley was endeared to Darcy by the 
easiness, openness, and ductility of his temper, 
though no disposition could offer a greater con- 
trast to his own, and though with his own he 
never appeared dissatisfied. On the strength of 
Darcy's regard Bingley had the firmest reliance, 
and of his judgment the highest opinion. ^ In 
understanding, Darcy was the superior. Bingley 
was by no means deficient; but Darcy was clever. 
He was at the same time haughty, reserved, and 
fastidious; and his manners, though well bred, 
were not inviting. In that respect his friend had 
greatly the advantage, Bingley was sure of being 



26 PRroE AND PREJUDICE. 

liked wherever he appeared; Darcy was continually 
giving offence. 

The manner in which they spoke of the Meryton 
assembly was sufficiently characteristic. Bingley 
had never met with pleasanter people or prettier 
girls in his life; everybody had been most kind 
and attentive to him ; there had been no formality, 
no stiffness ; he had soon felt acquainted with all 
the room; and as to Miss Bennet, he could not 
conceive an angel more beautiful. Darcy, on the 
contrary, had seen a collection of people in whom 
there was little beauty and no fashion, for none of 
whom he had felt the smallest interest, and from 
none received either attention or pleasure. Miss 
Bennet he acknowledged to be pretty; but she 
smiled too much. 

Mrs. Hurst and her sister allowed it to be so; 
but still they admired her and liked her, and pro- 
nounced her to be a sweet girl, and one whom 
they should not object to know more of. Miss 
Bennet was therefore established as a sweet girl; 
and their brother felt authorized by such commen- 
dation to think of her as he chose. 



CHAPTER V. 

Within a short walk of Longboum lived a family 
with whom the Bennets were particularly inti- 
mate. Sir William Lucas had been formerly in 
trade in Meryton, where he had made a tolerable 
fortune, and risen to the honor of knighthood by 
an address, to the king during his mayoralty. 
The distinction had, perhaps, been felt too 
strongly. It had given him a disgust to his busi- 
ness and to his residence in a small market town; 
and quitting them both, he had removed with his 
family to a house about a mile from Meryton, 
denominated from that period Lucas Lodge j where 
he could think with pleasure of his own im- 
portance, and unshackled by business, occupy 
himself solely in being civil to all the world. 
For though elated by his rank, it did not render 
him supercilious; on the contrary, he was all 
attention to everybody. By nature inoffensive, 
friendly, and obliging, his presentation at St. 
James's had made him courteous. 

Lady Lucas was a very good kind of woman, not 
too clever to be a valuable neighbor to Mrs. Ben- 
net. They had several children. The eldest of 



28 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

them — a sensible, intelligent young woman, about 
twenty-seven — was Elizabeth's intimate friend. 

That the Miss Lucases and the Miss Bennets 
should meet to talk over a ball was absolutely 
necessary; and the morning after the assembly 
brought the former to Longbourn to hear and to 
communicate. 

*^ You began the evening well, Charlotte," said 
Mrs. Bennet, with civil self-command, to Miss 
Lucas. ** You were Mr. Bingley's first choice." 

^^ Yes; but he seemed to like his second better." 

*^0h, you mean Jane, I suppose, because he 
danced with her twice. To be sure, that did seem 
as if he admired her, — indeed, I rather believe he 
did, — I heard something about it, — but I hardly 
know what, — something about Mr. Eobinson." 

^^ Perhaps you mean what I overheard between 
him and Mr. Robinson: did not I mention it to 
you? Mr. Robinson's asking him how he liked 
our Meryton assemblies, and whether he did not 
think there were a great many pretty women in 
t.he room, and which he thought the prettiest; 
and his answering immediately to the last ques- 
tion, ' Oh, the eldest Miss Bennet, beyond a doubt ; 
there cannot be two opinions on that point.' " 

^'IJpon my word! Well, that was very de- 
cided, indeed; that does seem as if — But, how- 
ever, it may all come to nothing, you know." 

^*My overhearings were more to the purpose 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 29 

than yours, Eliza/' said Charlotte. ^*Mr. Darcy 
is not so well worth listening to as his friend, is 
he? Poor Eliza! to be only just tolerable/' 

'* I beg you will not put it into Lizzy's head to 
be vexed by his ill-treatment, for he is such a dis- 
agreeable man that it would be quite a misfortune 
to be liked by him. Mrs. Long told me last night 
that he sat close to her for half an hour without 
once opening his lips." 

^'Are you quite sure, ma'am? Is not there a 
little mistake?" said Jane. "I certainly saw 
Mr. Darcy speaking to her." 

*' Ay, because she asked him at last how he liked 
!N"etherfield, and he could not help answering her; 
but she said he seemed very angry at being spoke to. " 

**Miss Bingley told me," said Jane, ^Hhat he 
never speaks much unless among his intimate ac- 
quaintance. With them he is remarkably agree- 
able.'^ 

" I do not believe a word of it, my dear. If he 
had been so very agreeable, he would have talked 
to Mrs. Long. But I can guess how it was j every- 
body says that he is eat up with pride, and I dare 
say he had heard somehow that Mrs. Long does 
not keep a carriage, and had to come to the ball 
in a hack chaise." 

''I do not mind his not talking to Mrs. Long," 
said Miss Lucas; *'but I wish he had danced with 
Eliza." 



30 PRroE AND PREJUDICE. 

^'Another time, Lizzy," said her mother, ^^ I 
would not dance with him, if I were you.'' 

*^I believe, ma'am, I may safely promise you 
never to dance with him." 

'^His pride," said Miss Lucas, ^'does not of- 
fend me so much as pride often does, because 
there is an excuse for it. One cannot wonder 
that so very fine a young man, with family, fortune, 
everything in his favor, should think highly of 
himself. If I may so express it, he has a right to 
be proud." 

'^That is very true," replied Elizabeth, ''and 
I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not 
mortified mine." 

''Pride," observed Mary, who piqued herself 
upon the solidity of her reflections, "is a very 
common failing, I believe. By all that I have 
ever read, I am convinced that it is very common 
indeed; that human nature is particularly prone 
to it, and that there are very few of us who do not 
cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score 
of some quality or other, real or imaginary. Van- 
ity and pride are different things, though the 
words are often used synonymously. A person 
may be proud without being vain. Pride relates 
more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity to what 
we would have others think of us." 

"If I were as rich as Mr. Darcy," cried a 
young Lucas, who came with his sisters, "I 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 31 

should not care how proud I was. I would keep 
a pack of foxhounds^ and drink a bottle of wine 
every day.'* 

^'Then you would drink a great deal more than 
you ought/' said Mrs. Bennet; ^^and if I were 
to see you at it, I should take away your bottle 
directly. '* 

The boy protested that she should not; she 
continued to declare that she would; and the ar- 
gument ended only with the visit. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The ladies of Longbourn soon waited on those of 
Netherfield. The visit was returned in due form. 
Miss Bennet's pleasing manners grew on the 
good-will of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and 
though the mother was found to he intolerable, 
and the younger sister^not worth speaking to, a 
wish of being better acquainted with them was 
expressed towards the two eldest. By Jane this 
attention was received with the greatest pleasure; 
but Elizabeth still saw superciliousness in their 
treatment of everybody, hardly excepting even 
her sister, and could not like them; though their 
kindness to Jane, such as it was, had a value, as 
arising, in all probability, from the influence of 
their brother's admiration. It was generally evi- 
dent, whenever they met, that he did admire her; 
and to her it was equally evident that Jane was 
yielding to the preference which she had begun to 
entertain for him from the first, and was in a way 
to be very much in love; but she considered with 
pleasure that it was not likely to be discovered 
by the world in general, since Jane united with 
great strength of feeling a composure of temper 






PRIDE AND^PRf:.JLl)ICE. 3.*^ 

and an uniform cheerfulness of manner^ which 
would guard her from the suspicions of the imper- 
tinent. She mentioned this to her friend, Miss 
Lucas. 

^'It may, perhaps, be pleasant,'' replied Char- 
lotte, ^*to be able to impose on the public in such 
a case; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be 
so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affec- 
tion with the same skill from the object of it, 
she may lose the opportunity of fixing him ; and 
it will then be but poor consolation to believe 
the world equally in the dark. There is so much 
of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, 
that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can 
all begin freely, — a slight preference is natural 
enough; but there are very few of us who have 
heart enough to be really in love without encour- 
agement. In ni ne cas es out of ten, a woman had 
better show more affection than she feels. Bingley 
likes yoiir sister undoubtedly ; but he may never do 
more than like her, if she does not help him on." 

^^But she does help him on, as much as her 
nature will allow. If I can perceive her regard 
for him, he must be a simpleton indeed not to 
discover it too." 

''Remember, Eliza, that he does not know 
Jane's disposition as you do." 

''But if a woman is partial to a man, and does 
not endeavor to conceal it, he must find it out." 

VOL. I. — 3 



34 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

^'Perhaps he must if he sees enough of her. 
But though Bingley and Jane meet tolerably 
often, it is never for many hours together; and as 
they always see each other in large mixed parties, 
it is impossible that every moment should be em- 
ployed in conversing together. Jane should there- 
fore make the most of every half -hour in which 
she can command his attention. When she is 
secure of him, there will be leisure for falling in 
love as much as she chooses." 

''Your plan is a good one,'' replied Elizabeth, 
"where nothing is in question but the desire of 
being well married; and if I were determined to 
get a rich husband, or any husband, I dare say I^ 
should adopt it. But these are not Jane's feel- 
ings; she is not acting by design. As yet she 
cannot even be certain of the degree of her own 
regard, nor of its reasonableness. She has known 
him only a fortnight. She danced four dances 
with him at Meryton; she saw him one morning 
at his own house, and has since dined in company 
with him four times. This is not quite enough 
to make her understand his character." 

*'Not as you represent it. Had she merely 
dii^ed with him, she might only have discovered 
whQtfeer he had a good appetite; but you must 
remember that four evenings have been also spent 
together — and four evenings may do a great 
deal." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 35 

^^Yes: these four evenings have enabled them 
to ascertain that they both like Vingt-un better 
than Commerce; but with respect to any other 
leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much 
has been unfolded/' 

**Well," said Charlotte, "I wish Jane success 

with all my heart; and if. she were married to him 

to-morrow, I should think she had as good a 

1 chance of happiness as if she were to be studying 

'his character for a twelvemonth. Happiness in 

m 

. marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the 

\ dispositions of the parties are ever so well known 

1 to each other, or ever so similar beforehand, it 

l^does not advance their felicity in the least. They 

' always continue to grow sufficiently unlike after- 

■ wards to have their share of vexation; and it is 

j better to know as little as possible of the defects 

! of the person with whom you are to pass your life." 

"You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not 

I sound. You know it is not sound, and that you 

would never act in this way yourself.'' 

Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley's attentions 
to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspecting 
that she was herself becoming an object of some 
interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy had 
at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty: hB had 
looked at her without admiration at the ball; and 
when they next met, he looked at her only to criti- 
cise. But no sooner had he made it clear to himself 



T/} 



36 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

and his friends that she had hardly a good feature 
in her face than he began to find it was rendered 
uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression 
of her dark eyes. To this discovery succeeded some 
others equally mortifying. Though he had detected 
with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect 
symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowl- 
edge her figure to be light and pleasing} and in 
spite of his asserting that her manners were not 
those of the fashionable world, he was caught by 
their easy playfulness. Of this she was perfectly 
unaware: to her he was only the man who made 
himself agreeable nowhere, and who had not 
thought her handsome enough to dance with. 

He began to wish to know more of her; and as 
a step towards conversing with her himself, at- 
tended to her conversation with others. His doing 
so drew her notice. It was at Sir William Lucas's, 
where a large party were assembled. 

^'What does Mr. Darcy mean," said she to 
Charlotte, ^*by listening to my conversation with 
Colonel Forster?'' 

*^That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can 
answer." 

^'But if he does it any more, I shall certainly 
let him know that I see what he is about. He has 
a very satirical eye, and if I do not begin by be- 
ing impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid 
of him." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 37 

On his approaching them soon afterwards^ though 
without seeming to have any intention of speaking, 
Miss Lucas defied her friend to mention such 
a subject to him, which immediately provoking 
Elizabeth to do it, she turned to him and said, — 

*'Did not you think, Mr. Darcy, that I ex- 
pressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I 
was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at 
Meryton?'' 

"With great energy; but it is a subject which 
always makes a lady energetic." 

"You are severe on us." 

"It will be her turn soon to be teased," said 
Miss Lucas. "I am going to open the instru- 
ment, Eliza, and you know what follows." 

" You are a very strange creature by way of a 
friend! — always wanting me to play and sing be- 
fore anybody and everybody! If my vanity had 
taken a musical turn, you would have been invalu- 
able; but as it is, I would really rather not sit 
down before those who must be in the habit of 
hearing the very best performers." On Miss 
Lucas's persevering, however, she added, "Very 
well; if it must be so, it must." And gravely 
glancing at Mr. Darcy, "There is a very fine 
old saying, which everybody here is of course fa- 
miliar with, — ^Keep your breath to cool your 
porridge,' — and I shall keep mine to swell my 
song." 



38 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

Her performance was pleasing, though by no 
means capital. After a song or two, and before 
she could reply to the entreaties of several that she 
would sing again, she was eagerly succeeded at the 
instrument by her sister Mary, who, having, in 
consequence of being the only plain one in the 
family, worked hard for knowledge and accom- 
plishments, was always impatient for display. 

Mary had neither genius nor taste; and though 
vanity had given her application, it had given her 
likewise a pedantic air and conceited manner, 
which would have injured a higher degree of ex- 
cellence than she had reached. Elizabeth, easy 
and unaffected, had been listened to with much 
more pleasure, though not playing half so well; 
and Mary, at the end of a long concerto, was 
glad to purchase praise and gratitude by Scotch 
and Irish airs, at the request of her younger sis- 
ters, who with some of the Lucases, and two or 
three officers, joined eagerly in dancing at one 
end of the room. 

Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent indignation 
at such a mode of passing the evening, to the ex- 
clusion of all conversation, and was too much 
engrossed by his own thoughts to perceive that Sir 
William Lucas was his neighbor, till Sir William 
thus began : — 

^^ What a charming amusement for young peo- 
ple this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 39 

dancing, after all. I consider it as one of the first 
refinements of polished societies. '^ 

** Certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also 
of being in vogue amongst the less polished socie- 
ties of the world: every savage can dance.'' 

Sir William only smiled. '* Your friend per- 
forms delightfully," he continued, after a pause, 
on seeing Bingley join the group; ** and I doubt 
not that you are an adept in the science yourself, 
Mr. Darcy.'' 

^^You saw me dance at Meryton, I believe, 
sir." 

"Yes, indeed, and received no inconsiderable 
pleasure from the sight. Do you often dance at 
St. James's?" 

"Never, sir." 

" Do you not think it would be a proper compli- 
ment to the place? " 

"It is a compliment which I never pay to any 
place if I can avoid it." 

"You have a house in town, I conclude." 

Mr. Darcy bowed. 

" I had once some thoughts of fixing in town 
myself, for I am fond of superior society; but I 
did not feel quite certain that the air of London 
would agree with Lady Lucas." 

He paused in hopes of an answer: but his com- 
panion was not disposed to make any; and, Eliza- 
beth at that instant moving towards them, he was 



40 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

struck with the notion of doing a very gallant 
thing, and called out to her, — 

*^ My dear MilSs Eliza, why are not you dancing? 
Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this 
young lady to you as a very desirable partner. 
You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so 
much beauty is before you." And taking her 
hand, he would have given it to Mr. Darcy, who, 
though extremely surprised, was not unwilling to 
receive it, when she instantly drew back, and said 
with some discomposure to Sir William, — 

^' Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of 
dancing. I entreat you not to suppose that I 
moved this way in order to beg for a partner." 

Mr. Darcy, with grave propriety, requested to 
be allowed the honor of her hand, but in vain. 
Elizabeth was determined; nor did Sir William at 
all shake her purpose by his attempt at persuasion. 

^' You excel so much in the dance, Miss Eliza, 
that it is cruel to deny me the happiness of seeing 
you; and though this gentleman dislikes the 
amusement in general, he can have no objection, 
I am sure, to oblige us for one half -hour." 

^*Mr. Darcy is all politeness," said Elizabeth, 
smiling. 

^^* He is, indeed; but considering the induce- 
ment, my dear Miss Eliza, we cannot wonder at 
his complaisance; f^r who would object to such a 
partner? " 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 41 

Elizabeth looked archly, and turned away. Her 
resistance had not injured her with the gentleman, 
and he was thinking of her with some complacency, 
when thus accosted by Miss Bingley, — 

** I can guess the subject of your reverie." 

^^ I should imagine not.'' 

''You are considering how insupportable it 
would be to pass many evenings in this manner, 
— in such society; and, indeed, I am quite of 
your opinion. I was never more annoyed! The 
insipidity and yet the noise, the nothingness 
and yet the self-importance, of all these people! 
What would I give to hear your strictures on 
them!" 

*' Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. 
My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have 
been meditating on the very great pleasure which 
a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman 
can bestow." 

Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his 
face, and desired he would tell her what lady had 
the credit of inspiring such reflections. Mr. 
Darcy replied, with great intrepidity, — 

*' Miss Elizabeth Bennet." 

*' Miss Elizabeth Bennet ! " repeated Miss Bing- 
ley. "I am all astonishment. How long has 
she been such a favorite? and pray when am I to 
wish you joy?" 

''That is exactly the question which I expected 



42 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

you to ask. A lady's imagination is very rapid 5 
it jumps from admiration to love, from love to 
matrimony, in a moment. I knew you would be 
wishing me joy." 

^^Nay, if you are so serious about it, I shall 
consider the matter as absolutely settled. You 
will have a charming mother-in-law, indeed, and 
of course she will be always at Pemberlej'^ with 
you." 

He listened to her with perfect indifference, 
while she chose to entertain herself in this manner; 
and as his composure convinced her that all was 
safe, her wit flowed along. 



CHAPTER Vn. 

Mb. Bennet's property consisted almost entirely 
in an estate of two thousand a year, which, un- 
fortunately for his daughters, was entailed, in de- 
fault of heirs male, on a distant relation; and their 
mother's fortune, though ample for her situation 
in life, could but ill supply the deficiency of his. 
Her father had been an attorney in Meryton, and 
had left her four thousand pounds. 

She had a sister married to a Mr. Philips, who 
had been a clerk to their father, and succeeded him 
in the business, and a brother settled in London in 
a respectable line of trade. 

The village of Longbourn was only one mile 
from Meryton ; a most convenient distance for the 
young ladies, who were usually tempted thither 
three or four times a week, to pay their duty to 
their aunt, and to a milliner's shop just over the 
way. The two youngest of the family, Catherine 
and Lydia, were particularly frequent in these 
attentions: their minds were more vacant than 
their sisters*, and when nothing better offered, a 
walk to Meryton was necessary to amuse their 
morning hours and furnish conversation for the 



44 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

evening; and, however bare of news the country in 
general might be, they always contrived to learn 
some from their aunt. At present, indeed, they 
were well supplied both with news and happiness 
by the recent arrival of a militia regiment in the 
neighborhood; it was to remain the whole winter, 
and Meryton was the head-quarters. 

Their visits to Mrs. Philips were now produc- 
tive of the most interesting intelligence. Every 
day added something to their knowledge of the 
officers' names and connections. Their lodgings 
were not long a secret, and at length they began 
to know the officers themselves. Mr. Philips 
visited them all, and this opened to his nieces a 
source of felicity unknown before. They could 
talk of nothing but officers; and Mr. Bingley's 
large fortune, the mention of which gave anima- 
tion to their mother, was worthless in their eyes 
when opposed to the regimentals of an ensign. 

After listening one morning to their effusions 
on this subject, Mr. Bennet coolly observed, — 

** From all that I can collect by your manner of 
talking, you must be two of the silliest girls in 
the country. I have suspected it some time, but 
I am now convinced." 

Catherine was disconcerted, and made no an- 
swer; but Lydia, with perfect indifference, con- 
tinued to express her admiration of Captain 
Carter, and her hope of seeing him in the course 



■ ' I -15- - - 1. I I ■LIT— ^TIB^^—^M'* II 1^ I ■ 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 45 

of the day, as he was going the next morning to 
London. 

"I am astonished, my dear,'' said Mrs. Bennet, 
** that you should be so ready to think your own 
children silly. If I wished to think slightingly 
of anybody's children, it should not be of my own, 
however." 

''If my children are silly, I must hope to be 
always sensible of it." 

*'Yes; but as it happens, they are all of them 
very clever." 

''This is the only point, I flatter myself, on 
which we do not agree. I had hoped that our 
sentiments coincided in every particular, but I 
must so far differ from you as to think our two 
youngest daughters uncommonly foolish. " 

" My dear Mr. Bennet, you must not expect 
such girls to have the sense of their father and 
mother. When they get to our age, I dare say 
they will not think about officers any more than 
we do. I remember the time when I liked a red 
coat myself very well, — and, indeed, so I do still 
at my heart; and if a smart young colonel, with 
five or six thousand a year, should want one of my 
girls, I shall not say nay to him; and I thought 
Colonel Forster looked very becoming the other 
night at Sir William's in his regimentals." 

"Mamma," cried Lydia, "my aunt says that 
Colonel Forster and Captain Carter do not go so 



46 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

often to Miss Watson's as they did when they first 
came 5 she sees them now very often standing in 
Clarke's library." 

Mrs. Bennet was prevented replying by the 
entrance of the footman with a note for IVIiss 
Bennet; it came from Netherfield, and the ser- 
vant waited for an answer. Mrs. Bennet's eyes 
sparkled with pleasure, and she was eagerly call- 
ing out, while her daughter read, — 

** Well, Jane, who is it from? What is it about? 
What does he say? Well, Jane, make haste and 
tell us; make haste, my love.'' 

** It is from Miss Bingley," said Jane, and then 
read it aloud : — 

My dear Friend, — If you are not so compassion- 
ate as to dine to-day with Louisa and me, we shall be in 
danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives ; for 
a whole day's tite-a-tete between two women can never 
end without a quarrel. Come as soon as you can on the 
receipt of this. My brother and the gentlemen are to 
dine with the officers. 

Yours ever, 

Caroline Bingley. 

^'With the officers!" cried Lydia; ^* I wonder 
my aunt did not tell us of that." 

<* Dining out," said Mrs. Bennet; ** that is 
very unlucky." 

*^ Can I have the carriage? " said Jane. 

^^No, my dear, you had better go on horseback, 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 47 

because it seems likely to rain; and then you must 
stay all night.'' 

^*That would be a good scheme," said Eliza- 
beth, *^ if you were sure that they would not offer 
to send her home." 

^^Oh, but the gentlemen will have Mr. Bing- 
ley's chaise to go to Meryton; and the Hursts 
have no horses to theirs." 

*^ I had much rather go in the coach." 

**But, my dear, your father cannot spare the 
horses, I am sure. They are wanted in the farm, 
Mr. Bennet, are not they? " 

^^They are wanted in the farm much oftener 
than I can get them." 

^*But if you have got them to-day," said Eliza- 
beth, ^^my mother's purpose will be answered." 

She did at last extort from her father an ac- 
knowledgment that the horses were engaged; Jane 
was therefore obliged to go on horseback, and her 
mother attended her to the door with many cheer- 
ful prognostics of a bad day. Her hopes were 
answered; Jane had not been gone long before it 
rained hard. Her sisters were uneasy for her, but 
her mother was delighted. The rain continued 
the whole evening without intermission; Jane 
certainly could not come back. 

'^This was a lucky idea of mine, indeed! " said 
Mrs. Bennet, more than once, as if the credit of 
making it rain were all her own. Till the next 



48 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

morning, however, she was not aware of all the 
felicity of her contrivance. Breakfast was scarcely 
over when a servant from Netherfield brought the 
following note for Elizabeth : — 

My dearest Lizzy, — I find myself very unwell this 
morning, which, I suppose, is to be imputed to my getting 
wet through yesterday. My kind friends will not hear of 
my returning home till 1 am better. They insist also on 
my seeing Mr. Jones — therefore do not be alarmed if you 
should hear of Hs having been to me — and, excepting a 
sore throat and a headache, there is not much the matter 

^it^ ^^' Yours, etc. 

''Well, my dear," said Mr. Bennet, when 
Elizabeth had read the note aloud, " if your 
daughter should have a dangerous fit of illness, — 
if she should die, — it would be a comfort to know 
that it was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and 
under your orders." 

''Oh, I am not at all afraid of her dying. 
People do not die of little trifling colds. She will 
be taken good care of. As long as she stays there, 
it is all very well. I would go and see her if I 
could have the carriage." 

Elizabeth, feeling really anxious, determined to 
go to her, though the carriage was not to be had; 
and as she was no horsewoman, walking was her 
only alternative. She declared her resolution. 

" How can you be so silly," cried her mother, 
"as to think of such a thing, in all this dirt! 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 49 

You will not be fit to be seen when you get 
there/' 

"I shall be very fit to see Jane, — which is all 
I want." 

^*Is this a hint to me, Lizzy," said her father, 
'* to send for the horses? " 

'* No, indeed. I do not wish to avoid the walk. 
The distance is nothing, when one has a motive; 
only three miles. I shall be back by dinner." 

"I admire the activity of your benevolence," 
observed Mary, ^^but every impulse of feeling 
should be guided by reason; and, in my opinion, 
exertion should always be in proportion to what is 
required." 

^* We will go as far as Meryton with you," said 
Catherine and Lydia. Elizabeth accepted their com- 
pany, and the three young ladies set off together. 

^*If we make haste," said Lydia, as they 
walked along, *^ perhaps we may see something of 
Captain Carter, before he goes." 

In Meryton they parted: the two youngest re- 
paired to the lodgings of one of the officers' wives, 
and Elizabeth continued her walk alone, crossing 
field after field at a quick pace, jumping over 
stiles and springing over puddles with impatient 
activity, and finding herself at last within view of 
the house, with weary ankles, dirty stockings, and 
a face glowing with the warmth of exercise. 

She was shown into the breakfast-parlor, where 

VOL. I. — 4 



50 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

all but Jane were assembled, and where lier ap- 
pearance created a great deal of surprise. That 
she should have walked three miles so early in the 
day in such dirty weather, and by herself, was al- 
most incredible to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; 
, and Elizabeth was convinced that they held her in 
contempt for it. She was received, however, very 
politely by them; and in their brother's manners 
there was something better than politeness, — there 
was good-humor and kindness. Mr. Darcy said 
very little, and Mr. Hurst nothing at all. The 
former was divided between admiration of the bril- 
liancy which exercise had given to her complexion 
and doubt as to the occasion's justifying her com- 
ing so far alone. The latter was thinking only of 
his breakfast. 

Her inquiries after her sister were not very fa- 
vorably answered. Miss Bennet had slept ill, and 
though up, was very feverish, and not well enough 
to leave her room. Elizabeth was glad to be taken 
to her immediately; and Jane, who had only been 
withheld by the fear of giving alarm or incon- 
venience, from expressing in her note how much 
she longed for such a visit, was delighted at her 
entrance. She was not equal, however, to much 
conversation: and when Miss Bingley left them 
together, could attempt little beside expressions of 
gratitude for the extraordinary kindness she was 
treated with. Elizabeth silently attended her. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 51 

When breakfast was over, they were joined by 
the sisters ; and Elizabeth began to like them her- 
self, when she saw how much affection and solici- 
tude they showed for Jane. The apothecary came j 
and having examined his patient, said, as might 
be supposed, that she had caught a violent cold, 
and that they must endeavor to get the better of 
it ; advised her to return to bed, and promised her 
some draughts. The advice was followed readily, 
for the feverish symptoms increased, and her head 
ached acutely. Elizabeth did not quit her room 
for a moment, nor were the other ladies often 
absent; the gentlemen being out, they had in fact 
nothing to do elsewhere. 

When the clock struck three, Elizabeth felt that 
she -must go, and very unwillingly said so. Miss 
Bingley offered her the carriage, and she only 
wanted a little pressing to accept it, when Jane 
testified such concern at parting with her that 
Miss Bingley was obliged to convert the offer of 
the chaise into an invitation to remain at Nether- 
field for the present. Elizabeth most thankfully 
consented, and a servant was despatched to Long- 
bourn, to acquaint the family with her stay, and 
bring back a supply of clothes. 



CHAPTER Vni. 

At five o'clock the two ladies retired to dress, and 
at half -past six Elizabeth was summoned to dinner. 
To the civil inquiries which then poured in, and 
amongst which she had the pleasure of distinguish- 
ing the much superior solicitude of Mr. Bingley, 
she could not make a very favorable answer. Jane 
was by no means better. The sisters, on hearing 
this, repeated three or four times how much they 
were grieved, how shocking it was to have a bad 
cold, and how excessively they disliked being ill 
themselves; and then thought no more of the mat- 
ter: and their indifference towards Jane, when not 
immediately before them, restored Elizabeth to the 
enjoyment of all her original dislike. 

Their brother, indeed, was the only one of the 
party whom she could regard with any compla- 
cency. His anxiety for Jane was evident, and 
his attentions to herself most pleasing; and they 
prevented her feeling herself so much an intruder 
as she believed she was considered by the others. 
She had very little notice from any but him. 
Miss Bingley was engrossed by Mr. Darcy, her 
sister scarcely less so; and as for Mr. Hurst, 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 53 

by whom Elizabeth sat, he was an indolent man, 
who lived only to eat, drink, and play at cards, 
who, when he found her prefer a plain dish to 
a ragout, had nothing to say to her. 

When dinner was over, she returned directly to 
Jane, and Miss Bingley began abusing her as soon 
as she was out of the room. Her manners were 
pronounced to be very bad indeed, — a mixture of 
pride and impertinence : she had no conversation, 
no style, no taste, no beauty. Mrs. Hurst thought 
the same, and added, — 

" She has nothing, in short, to recommend her, 
but being an excellent walker. I shall never 
forget her appearance this morning. She really 
looked almost wild.^' 

*^ She did indeed, Louisa. I could hardly keep 
my countenance. Very nonsensical to come at all ! 
Why must she be scampering about the country, 
because her sister had a cold? Her hair so untidy, 
so blowzy! " 

^^Yes, and her petticoat; I hope you saw her 
petticoat, six inches deep in mud, I am absolutely 
certain, and the gown which had been let down to 
hide it not doing its office.'' 

**Your picture may be very exact, Louisa," 
said Bingley; ^^but this was all lost upon me. I 
thought Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked remarkably 
well when she came into the room this morning. 
Her dirty petticoat quite escaped my notice.'' 



54 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

*^ You observed it, Mr. Darcy, I am sure/' said 
Miss Bingleyj *'and I am inclined to think that 
you would not wish to see your sister make such 
an exhibition." 

** Certainly not.'^ 

^*To walk three miles, or four miles, or five 
miles, or whatever it is, above her ankles in dirt, 
and alone, quite alone! what could she mean by 
it? It seems to me to show an abominable sort of 
conceited independence, a most country-town in- 
difference to decorum.'^ 

"It shows an affection for her sister that is 
very pleasing," said Bingley. 

**I am afraid, Mr. Darcy," observed Miss 
Bingley, in a half whisper, "that this adven- 
ture has rather affected your admiration of her 
fine eyes." 

"Not at all," he replied: "they were bright- 
ened by the exercise." A short pause followed 
this speech, and Mrs. Hurst began again, — 

" I have an excessive regard for Jane Bennet, — 
she is really a very sweet girl, — and I wish with 
all my heart she were well settled. But with such 
a father and mother, and such low connectioQS, I 
am afraid there is no chance of it." 

" I think I have heard you say that their uncle 
is an attorney in Meryton? " 

"Yes; and they have another who lives some- 
where near Cheapside." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 55 

"That is capital/^ added her sister; and they 
both laughed heartily. 

"If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheap- 
side/' cried Bingley, "it would not make them 
one jot less agreeable." 

"But it must very materially lessen their 
chance of marrying men of any consideration in 
the world," replied Darcy. 

To this speech Bingley made no answer; but his 
sisters gave it their hearty assent, and indulged 
their mirth for some time at the expense of their 
dear friend's vulgar relations. 

With a renewal of tenderness, however, they re- 
paired to her room on leaving the dining-parlor, 
and sat with her till summoned to coffee. She 
was still very poorly, and Elizabeth would not 
quit her at all, till late in the evening, when she 
had the comfort of seeing her asleep, and when it 
appeared to her rather right than pleasant that she 
should go downstairs herseK. On entering the 
drawing-room, she found the whole party at loo, 
and was immediately invited to join them; but 
suspecting them to be playing high, she declined 
it, and making her sister the excuse, said she 
would amuse herself, for the short time she could 
stay below, with a book. Mr. Hurst looked at her 
with astonishment. 

"Do you prefer reading to cards?" said he; 
"that is rather singular." 



56 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

** Miss Eliza Bennet/' said Miss Bingley, '* de- 
spises cards. She is a great reader, and has no 
pleasure in anything else.'' 

^'I deserve neither such praise nor such cen- 
sure," cried Elizabeth; ^' I am not a great reader, 
and I have pleasure in many things." 

"In nursing your sister I am sure you have 
pleasure," said Bingley; " and I hope it will soon 
be increased by seeing her quite well." 

Elizabeth thanked him from her heart, and then 
walked towards a tabje where a few books were 
lying. He immediately offered to fetch her others ; 
all that his library afforded. 

" And I wish my collection were larger for your 
benefit and my own credit; but I am an idle fel- 
low; and though I have not many, I have more 
than I ever looked into." 

Elizabeth assured him that she could suit her- 
self perfectly with those in the room. 

"I am astonished," said Miss Bingley, "that 
my father should have left so small a collection of 
books. What a delightful library you have at 
Pemberley, Mr. Darcy! " 

"It ought to be good," he replied; "it has 
been the work of many generations." 

"And then you have added so much to it your- 
self, — you are always buying books." 

"I cannot comprehend the neglect of a family 
library in such days as these." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 57 

** Neglect! I am sure you neglect nothing that 
can add to the beauties of that noble place. 
Charles, when you build your house, I wish it may 
be half as delightful as Pemberley.'' 

"I wish it may." 

**But I would really advise you to make your 
purchase in that neighborhood, and take Pemberley 
for a kind of model. There is not a finer county 
in England than Derbyshire.'' 

''With all my heart: I will buy Pemberley it- 
self, if Darcy will sell it." 

*' I am talking of possibilities, ^harles." 

" Upon my word, Caroline, I should think it 
more possible to get Pemberley by purchase than 
by imitation." 

Elizabeth was so much caught by what passed, 
as to leave her very little attention for her book ; 
and soon laying it wholly aside, she drew near the 
card-table, and stationed herself between Mr. Bing- 
ley and his eldest sister, to observe the game. 

*' Is Miss Darcy 'much grown since the spring? " 
said Miss Bingley; ''will she be as tall as I am?" 

"I think she will. She is now about Miss Eliz- 
abeth Bennet's height, or rather taller." 

"Howl long to see her again! I never met 
with anybody who delighted me so much. Such a 
countenance, such manners, and so extremely ac- 
complished for her age. Her performance on the 
pianoforte is exquisite." 



58 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

*'It is amazing to me/' said Bingley, ''how 
young ladies can have patience to be so very ac- 
complished as they all are." 

*'A11 young ladies accomplished! My dear 
Charles, what do you mean? '^ 

**Yes, all of them, I think. They all paint 
tables, cover screens, and net purses. I scarcely 
know any one who cannot do all this; and I am 
sure I never heard a young lady spoken of for the 
first time, without being informed that she was 
very accomplished." 

" Your list of the common extent of accomplish- 
ments," said Darcy, *^has too much truth. The 
word is applied to many a woman who deserves it 
no otherwise than by netting a purse or covering a 
screen; but I am very far from agreeing with you 
in your estimation of ladies in general. I cannot 
boast of knowing more than half a dozen in the 
whole range of my acquaintance that are really 
accomplished." 

*^Nor I, I am sure," said Miss Bingley. 

^^Then," observed Elizabeth, "you must com- 
prehend a great deal in your idea of an accom- 
plished woman." 

"Yes; I do comprehend a great deal in it." 

" Oh, certainly," cried his faithful assistant, 
"no one can be really esteemed accomplished who 
does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. 
A woman must have a thorough knowledge of 



V 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 59 

music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern 
languages, to deserve the word; and, besides all 
this, she must possess a certain something in her 
air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, 
her address and expressions, or the word will be 
but half deserved/' 

'* All this she must possess,'' added Darcy; 
^'and to all she must yet add something more sub- 
stantial in the improvement of her mind by exten- 
sive reading." 

'*I am no longer surprised at your knowing 
only six accomplished women. I rather wonder 
now at your knowing any." 

** Are you so severe upon your own sex as to 
doubt the possibility of all this?" 

'* I never saw such a woman. I never saw such 
capacity and taste and application and elegance 
as you describe united." 

Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley both cried out 
against the injustice of her implied doubt, and 
were both protesting that they knew many women 
who answered this description, when Mr. Hurst 
called them to order, with bitter complaints of 
their inattention to what was going forward. As 
all conversation was thereby at an end, Elizabeth 
soon afterwards left the room. 

** Eliza Bennet," said Miss Bingley, when the 
door was closed on her, *^ is one of those young 
ladies who seek to recommend themselves to the 



/ 



60 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

other sex by undervaluing their own; and with 
many men I dare say it succeeds; but, in my 
opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art." 

'^ Undoubtedly," replied Darcy, to whom this 
remark was chiefly addressed, ^^ there is meanness 
in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend 
to employ for captivation. Whatever bears affinity 
to cunning is despicable." 

Miss Bingley was not so entirely satisfied with 
this reply as to continue the subject. 

Elizabeth joined them again onl}^ to say that 
her sister was worse, and that she could not leave 
her. Bingley urged Mr. Jones's being sent for 
immediately; while his sisters, convinced that no 
country advice could be of any service, recom- 
mended an express to town for one of the most 
eminent physicians. This she would not hear of; 
but she was not so unwilling to comply with their 
brother's proposal; and it was settled that Mr. 
Jones should be sent for early in the morning, if 
Miss Bennet were not decidedly better. Bingley 
was quite uncomfortable; his sisters declared that 
they were miserable. They solaced their wretched- 
ness, however, by duets after supper, while he 
could find no better relief to his feelings than by 
giving his housekeeper directions that every pos- 
sible attention might be paid to the sick lady and 
her sister. 



CHAPTER IX. •* 

« 
» 

Elizabeth passed the chief of the night in her 
sister^s room, and in the morning had the pleasure 
of being able to send a tolerable answer to the in- 
quiries which she very early received 'from Mr. 
Bingley by a housemaid, and some time afterwards 
from the two elegant ladies who w^aited on his 
sisters. In spite of this amendment, however, 
she requested to have a note sent to Longbourn, 
desiring her mother to visit Jane, and form her 
own judgment of her situation. The note was im- 
mediately despatched, and its contents as quickly 
complied with. Mrs. Bennet, accompanied by 
her two youngest girls, reached Netherfield soon 
after the family breakfast. 

Had she found Jane in any apparent danger, 
Mrs. Bennet would have been very miserable; but 
being satisfied on seeing her that her illness was 
not alarming, she had no wish of her recovering 
immediately, as her restoration to health would 
probably remove her from Netherfield. She would 
not listen, therefore, to her daughter's proposal of 
being carried home; neither did the apothecary, 
who arrived about the same time, think it at all 



62 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

advisable. After sitting a little while with Jane, 
on Miss Bingley^s appearance and invitation, the 
mother and three daughters all attended her into 
the breakfast-parlor. Bingley met them with 
hopes that Mrs. Bennet had not found Miss 
Bennet worse than she expected. 

^^ Indeed I have, sir,'^ was her answer. '^She 
is a great deal too ill to be moved. Mr. Jones 
says we must not think of moving her. We must 
trespass a little longer on your kindness.'' 

** Removed!" cried Bingley. ^*It must not 
be thought of. My sister, I am sure, will not 
hear of her removal." 

"You may depend upon it, madam," said Miss 
Bingley, with cold civility, "that Miss Bennet 
shall receive every possible attention while she 
remains with us." 
. Mrs. Bennet was profuse in her acknowledgments. 

"I am sure," she added, "if it was not for such 
good friends, I do not know what would become of 
her, for she is very ill indeed, and suffers a vast 
deal, though with the greatest patience in the 
world, which is always the way with her, for she 
has, without exception, the sweetest temper I ever 
met with. I often tell my other girls they are 
nothing to her. You have a sweet room here, Mr. 
Bingley, and a charming prospect over that gravel 
walk. I do not know a place in the country that 
is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 63 

quitting it in a hurry, I hope, though you have 
but a short lease." 

"Whatever I do is done in a hurry," replied 
he; "and therefore if I should resolve to quit 
Netherfield, I should probably be off in five min- 
utes. At. present, however, I consider myself as 
quite fixed here." 

"That is exactly what* I should have supposed 
of you," said Elizabeth. 

*^ You begin to comprehend me, do you?" cried 
he, turning towards her. 

* ' Oh, yes ; I understand you perfectly. " 

" I wish I might take this for a compliment; but 
to be so easily seen through I am afraid is pitiful." 

"That is as it happens. It does not necessarily 
follow that a deep, intricate character is more or 
less estimable than such a one as yours." 

"Lizzy," cried her mother, "remember where 
you are, and do not run on in the wild manner 
that you are suffered to do at home." 

"I did not know before," continued Bingley, 
immediately, "that yow. were a studier of char- 
acter. It must be an amusing study." 

"Yes; but intricate characters are the most 
amusing. They have at least that advantage." 

"The country," said Darcy, "can in general 
supply but few subjects for such a study. In a 
country neighborhood you move in a very confined 
and unvarying society." 



64 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

**But people themselves alter so much that 
there is something new to be observed in them 
forever." 

"Yes, indeed/' cried Mrs. Bennet, offended by 
his manner of mentioning a country neighborhood. 
"I assure you there is quite as much of that going 
on in the country as in town.'' 

Everybody was surprised; and Darcy, after 
looking at her for a moment, turned silently away. 
Mrs. Bennet, who fancied she had gained a com- 
plete victory over him, continued her triumph. 

*^I cannot see that London has any great ad- 
vantage over the country, for my part, except the 
shops and public places. The country is a vast 
deal pleasanter, is not it, Mr. Bingley? " 

*^When I am in the country," he replied, "I 
never wish to leave it; and when I am in town, 
it is pretty much the same. They have each 
their advantages, and I can be equally happy in 
either." 

"Ay, that is because you have the right dis 
position. But that gentleman," looking at Darcy, 
" seemed to think the country was nothing at all." 

"Indeed, mamma, you are mistaken," said 
Elizabeth, blushing for her mother. "You quite 
mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant that there 
was not such a variety of people to be met with in 
the country as in town, which you must acknowl- 
edge to be true." 



- i 



\ 



I » 

I 



I > 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 65 



*^ Certainly, my dear, nobody said there werej 
but as to not meeting with many people in this 
neighborhood, I believe there are few neighbor- 
hoods larger. I know we dine with four-and- 
twenty families.*' 

Nothing but concern for Elizabeth could enable 
Bingley to keep his countenance. His sister was 
less delicate, and directed her eye towards Mr. 
Darcy with a very expressive smile. Elizabeth, 
for the sake of saying something that might turn 
her mother's thoughts, now asked her if Charlotte 
Lucas had been at Longbourn since her coming 
away. 

**Yes; she called yesterday with her father. 
What an agreeable man Sir William is, Mr. 
Bingley, — is not he? so much the man of fashion, 
so genteel, and so easy ! He has always something 
to say to everybody. That is my idea of good 
breeding; and those persons who fancy themselves 
very important and never open their mouths, quite 
mistake the matter." 

*'Did Charlotte dine with you? '' 

*^No; she would go home. I fancy she was 
wanted about the mince-pies. For my part, Mr. 
Bingley, I always keep servants that can do their 
own work; my daughters are brought up differ- 
ently. But everybody is to judge for themselves, 
and the Lucases are a very good sort of girls, I 
assure you. It is a pity they are not handsome ! 

VOL. I. — 5 



66 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

Not that I think Charlotte so very plain; but then 
she IS our particular friend/' 

**She seems a very pleasant young woman/' 
said Bingley. 

* * Oh dear, yes ; but you must own she is very 
plain. Lady Lucas herseK has often said so, and / 
envied me Jane's beauty, I do not like to boast, 
of my own child; but to be sure, Jane — one does | 
not often see anybody better looking. It is what 
everybody says. I do not trust my own partiality. 
When she was only fifteen there was a gentleman 
at my brother Gardiner's in town so much in love 
with her, that my sister-in-law was sure he would 
make her an offer before we came away. But, 
however, he did not. Perhaps he thought her too 
young. However, he wrote some verses on her, 
and very pretty they were." 

*'And so ended his affection," said Elizabeth, 
impatiently. ** There has been many a one, I 
fancy, overcome in the same way. I wonder who 
first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving 
away love! " 

**I have been used to consider poetry as the 
food of love," said Darcy. 

'*0f a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Every- 
thing nourishes what is strong already. But if it 
be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, t am 
convinced that one good sonnet will starve it 
entirely away." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 67 

Darcy only smiled; and the general pause which 
ensued made Elizabeth tremble lest her mother 
should be exposing herself again. She longed to 
speak, but could think of nothing to say; and 
after a short silence Mrs. Bennet began repeating 
her thanks t(\ Mr. Bingley for his kindness to 
Jane, with ^ apology for troubling him also with 
Lizzy. Mr. Bingley was unaffectedly civil in his 
answer, and forced his younger sister to be civil 
also, and say what the occasion required. She 
performed her part, indeed, without much gra- 
ciousness; but Mrs. Bennet was satisfied, and soon 
afterwards ordered her carriage. Upon this signal 
the youngest of her daughters put herself forward. 
The two girls had been whispering to each other 
during the whole' visit; and the result of it was 
that the youngest should tax Mr. Bingley with 
having promised on his first coming into the 
country to give a ball at Netherfield. 

Lydia was a stout, well-grown girl of fifteen, 
with a fine complexion and good-humored coun- 
tenance ; a favorite with her mother, whose affec- 
tion had brought her into public at an early age. 
She had high animal spirits, and a sort of natural 
self-consequence, which the attentions of the offi- 
cers, to whom her nucleus good dinners and her 
own easy manners recommended her, had increased 
into assurance. She was very equal, therefore, to 
address Mr. Bingley on the subject of the ball, 



68 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

and abruptly reminded him of his promise; add- 
ing that it would be the most shameful thing in 
the world if he did not keep it. His answer to 
this sudden attack was delightful to her mother's 
ear. 

**I am perfectly ready, I assure you, to keep 
my engagement; and when your sister is recov- 
ered, you shall, if you please, name the very day 
of the ball. But you would not wish to be dancing 
while she is ill? '' 

Lydia declared herself satisfied. ^* Oh, yes, — it 
would be much better to wait till Jane was well; 
and by that time, most likely. Captain Carter 
would be at Meryton again. And when you have 
given your ball," she added, ^*I shall insist on 
their giving one also. I shall tell Colonel Forster 
it will be quite a shame if he does not." 

Mrs. Bennet and her daughters then departed, 
and Elizabeth returned instantly to Jane, leaving 
her own and her relations' behavior to the remarks 
of the two ladies and Mr. Darcy; the latter of 
whom, however, could not be prevailed on to join 
in their censure of her, in spite of all Miss 
Bingley's witticisms on fine eyes. 



CHAPTER X. 

The day passed much as the day before had done. 
Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had spent some 
hours of the morning with the invalid, who con- 
tinued, though slowly, to mend; and in the 
evening Elizabeth joined their party in the draw- 
ing-room. The loo table, however, did not ap- 
pear. Mr. Darcy was writing, and Miss Bingley, 
seated near him, was watching the progress of his 
letter, and repeatedly calling off his attention by 
messages to his sister. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bing- 
ley were at piquet, and Mrs. Hurst was observing 
their game. 

Elizabeth took up some needlework, and was 
sufficiently amused in attending to what passed 
between Darcy and his companion. The perpetual 
commendations of the lady either on his hand- 
writing, or on the evenness of his lines, or on the 
length of his letter, with the perfect unconcern 
with which her praises were received, formed a 
curious dialogue, and was exactly in unison with 
her opinion of each. 

**How delighted Miss Darcy will be to receive 
such a letter! '' 



70 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

He made no answer. 

" You write uncommonly fast." 

" You are mistaken. I write rather slowly." 

*^How many letters you must have occasion to 
write in the course of a year! Letters of business, 
too! How odious I should think them! " 

^*It is fortunate, then, that they fall to my lot 
instead of to yours.'' 

''Pray tell your sister that I long to see her." 

"I have already told her so once, by your 
desire." 

" I am afraid you do not like your pen. Let me 
mend it for you. I mend pens remarkably well." 

** Thank you, — but I always mend my own." 

"How can you contrive to write so even? " 

He was silent. 

"Tell your sister I am delighted to hear of her 
improvement on the harp, and pray let her know 
that I am quite in raptures with her beautiful 
little design for a table, and I think it infinitely 
superior to Miss Grantley's." 

"Will you give me leave to defer your raptures 
till I write again? At present I have not room to 
do them justice." 

"Oh, it is of no consequence. I shall see her 
in January. But do you always write such 
charming long letters to her, Mr. Darcy?" 

"They are generally long; but whether always 
charming, it is not for me to determine." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 71 

*'It is a rule with me. that a person who cau 
write a long letter with ease cannot write ill/' 

"That will not do for a complimeut to Darcy, 
Caroline,'' cried her brother, *' because he does not 
write with ease. He studies too much for words 
of four syllables. Do not you, Darcy? " 

"My style of writing is very different from 
yours." 

"Oh," cried Miss Bingley, "Charles writes in 
the most careless way imaginable. He leaves out 
half his words, and blots the rest." 

" My ideas flow so rai>idly tbat I have not time 
to express them ; by which means my lettei*s some- 
times convey no ideas at all to my correspondents." 

" Your humility, Mr. Bingley," said Elizabeth, 
" must disarm reproof." 

"Nothing is more deceitful," said Darcy, 
**than the appearance of humility. It is often 
only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an 
indirect boast." 

"And which of the two do you call my little 
recent piece of modesty? " 

"The indirect boast; for you are really proud of 
your defects in writing, because you consider them 
as proceeding from a rapidity of thought and care- 
lessness of execution, which, if not estimable, you 
think at least highly interesting. The power of 
doing anything with quickness is always much 
prized by the possessor, and often without any 



72 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

attention to the imperfection of the performance. 
When you told Mrs. Bennet this morning, that 
if you ever resolved on quitting Netherfield you 
should be gone in five minutes, you meant it to be 
a sort of panegyric, of compliment to yourself; 
and yet what is there so very laudable in a pre- 
cipitance which must leave very necessary busi- 
ness undone, and can be of no real advantage to 
yourself or any one else?^' 

"Nay," cried Bingley, "this is too much to 
remember at night all the foolish things that were 
said in the morning. And yet, upon my honor, I 
believed what I said of mvself to be true, and I 
believe it at this moment. At least, therefore, 
I did not assume the character of needless precipi- 
tance merely to show off before the ladies.'^ 

"-I dare say you believed it; but T am by no 
means convinced that you would be gone with 
such celerity. Your conduct would be quite as 
dependent on chance as that of any man I know; 
and if, as you were mounting your horse, a friend 
were to say, * Bingley, you had better stay till 
next week, ' you would probably do it, — you 
would probably not go, — and, at another word, 
might stay a month," 

" You have only proved by this," cried Eliza- 
beth, "that Mr. Bingley did not do justice to his 
own disposition. You have shown him off now 
much more than he did himself." 



PRIDE AND PKEJUDICE. 73 

*^I am exceedingly gratified,'' said Bingley, 
*'by your converting what my friend says into 
a compliment on the sweetness of my temper. 
But I am afraid you are giving it a turn which 
that gentleman did by no means intend; for he 
would certainly think the better of me if under 
such a circumstance I were to give a flat denial, 
and ride off as fast as I could." 

"Would Mr. Darcy then consider the rashness 
of your original intention as atoned for by your 
obstinacy in adhering to it? '' 

" Upon my word, I cannot exactly explain the 
matter, — Darcy must si^eak for himself.'' 

" You expect me to account for opinions which 
you choose to call mine, but which I have never 
acknowledged. Allowing the case, however, to 
stand according to your representation, you must 
remember. Miss Bennet, that the friend who is 
supposed to desire his return to the house, and the 
delay of his plan, has merely desired it, asked it 
without offering one argument in favor of its 
propriety." 

"To yield readily — easily — to the persuasion 
of a friend is no merit with you." 

** To yield without conviction is no compliment 
to the understanding of either." 

"You appear to me, Mr. Darcy, to allow noth- 
ing for the influence of friendship and affection. 
A regard for the requester would often make one 



74 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

readily yield to a request, without waiting for ar- 
guments to reason one into it. I am not particu- 
larly speaking of such a case as you have supposed 
about Mr. Bingley. We may as well wait, per- 
haps, till the circumstance occurs, before we dis- 
cuss the discretion of his behavior thereupon. 
But in general and ordinary cases, between friend 
and friend, where one of them is desired by the 
other to change a resolution of no very great 
moment, should you think ill of that person for 
complying with the desire, without waiting to 
be argued into it?" 

** Will it not be advisable, before we proceed on 
this subject, to arrange with rather more precision 
the degree of importance which is to appertain to 
this request, as well as the degree of intimacy 
subsisting between the parties?'' 

**By all means,'' cried Bingley; "let us hear 
all the particulars, not forgetting their compara- 
tive height and size, for that will have more 
weight in the argument, Miss Bennet, than you 
may be aware of. I assure you that if Darcy were 
not such a great tall fellow,- in comparison with 
myself, I should not pay him half so much defer- 
ence. I declare I do not know a more awful 
object than Darcy on particular occasions and in 
particular places; at his own house especially, 
and of a Sunday evening, when he has nothing 
to do." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 75 

Mr. Darcy smiled; but Elizabeth thought she 
could perceive that he was rather offended, and 
therefore checked her laugh. Miss Bingley warmly 
resented the indignity he had received, in an ex- 
postulation with her brother for talking such 
nonsense. 

^*I see your design, Bingley," said his friend. 
**You dislike an argument, and want to silence 
this.'' 

"Perhaps I do. Arguments are. too much like 
disputes. K you and Miss Bennet will defer 
yours till I am out of the room, I shall be very 
thankful; and then you may say whatever you 
like of me." 

"What you ask," said Elizabeth, "is no sacri- 
fice on my side; and Mr. Darcy had much better 
finish his letter." 

Mr. Darcy took her advice, and did finish his 
letter. 

When that business was over, he applied to Miss 
Bingley and Elizabeth for the indulgence of some 
music. Miss Bingley moved with alacrity to the 
pianoforte, and after a polite request that Eliza- 
beth would lead the way, which the other as 
politely and more earnestly negatived, she seated 
herself. 

Mrs. Hurst sang with her sister; and while 
they were thus employed, Elizabeth could not help 
observing, as she turned over st>me music-books 



76 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

that lay on the instrument, how frequently Mr. 
Darcy's eyes were fixed on her. She hardly knew 
how to suppose that she could be an object of ad- 
miration to so great a man, and yet that he should 
\ look at her because he disliked her was still more 
strange. She could only imagine, however, at 
\ I last, that she drew his notice because there was a 
something about her more wrong and reprehensi- 
ble, according to his ideas of right, than in any 
other person present. The supposition did not 
pain hek She liked -him too little to care for 
his approbation. 

After playing some Italian songs, Miss Bingley 
varied the charm by a lively Scotch air; and soon 
afterwards Mr. Darcy, drawing near Elizabeth, 
said to her, — 

^' Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Ben- 
net, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a 
reel?'/ 

She smiled, but made no answer. He repeated 
the question, with some surprise at her silence. 

"Oh," said she, "I heard you before; but I 
could not immediately determine what to say in 
reply. You wanted me, I know, to say ^ Yes, ' 
that you might have the pleasure of despising my 
taste; but I always delight in overthrowing those 
kind of schemes, and cheating a person of their 
premeditated contempt. I have therefore made 
up my mind to tell you that I do not want to 



I 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 77 

dance a reel at all; and now despise me if you 
dare." 

*' Indeed I do not dare." 

Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, 
was amazed at his gallantry; but there was a mix- 
ture of sweetness and archness in her manner 
which made it difficult for her to affroiit anybody, 
and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any 
woman as he was by her. He really believed that, 
were it not for the inferiority of her connections, 
he should be in some danger. 

Miss Bingley saw or suspected enough to be 
jealous; and her great anxiety for the recovery of 
her dear friend Jane received some assistance from 
her desire of- getting rid of Elizabeth. 

She often tried to provoke Darcy in dis- 
liking her guest, by talking of their supposed 
marriage, and planning his happiness in such an 
alliance. 

^'I hope," said she, as they were walking to- 
gether in the shrubbery the next day, ' ' you will 
give your mother-in-law a few hints, when this 
desirable event takes place, as to the advantage of 
holding her tongue; and if you can compass it, to 
cure the younger girls of running after the officers. 
And, if I may mention so delicate a subject, en- 
deavor to check that little something, bordering 
on conceit and impertinence, which your lady 
possesses." 



78 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

^^Have you anything else to propose for my 
domestic felicity? " 

*' Oh, yes. Do let the portraits of your uncle 
and aunt Philips be placed in the gallery at Pem- 
berley. Put them next to your great-uncle the 
judge. They are in the same profession, you 
know, only in different lines. As for your Eliza- 
beth's picture, you must not attempt to have it 
taken, for what painter could do justice to those 
beautiful eyes?'' 

**It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their 
expression; but their color and shape, and the 
eyelashes, so remarkably fine, might be copied." 

At that moment they were met from another 
walk by Mrs. Hurst and Elizabeth herself. 

"I did not know that you intended to walk," 
said Miss Bingley, in some confusion, lest they 
had been overheard. 

'*You used us abominably ill," answered Mrs. 
Hurst, ^^ running away without telling us that 
you were coming out." 

Then taking the disengaged arm of Mr. Darcy, 
she left Elizabeth to walk by herself. The path 
just admitted three. Mr. Darcy felt their rude- 
ness, and immediately said, — 

''This walk is not wide enough for our party. 
We had better go into the avenue." 

But Elizabeth, who had not the least inclination 
to remain with them, laughingly answered, — 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 



79 



**No, no; stay where you are. You are charm- 
ingly grouped, and appear to uncommon advantage. 
The picturesque would be spoiled by admitting a 
fourth. Good-by . ' ' 

She then ran gayly off, rejoicing, as she rambled 
about, in the hope of being at home again in a day 
or two. Jane was already so much recovered as 
to intend leaving her room for a couple of hours 
that evening. 



CHAPTER XI. ' 

When the ladies removed after dinner, Elizabeth 
ran up to her sister, and seeing her well guarded 
from cold, attended her into the drawing-room, 
where she was welcomed by her two friends with 
many professions of pleasure; and Elizabeth had 
never seen them so agreeable as they were during 
the hour which passed before the gentlemen ap- 
peared. Their powers of conversation were consid- 
erable. They could describe an entertainment 
with accuracy, relate an anecdote with humor, and 
laugh at their acquaintance with spirit. 

But when the gentlemen entered, Jane was no 
longer the first object; Miss Bingley's eyes were 
instantly turned towards Darcy, and she had some- 
thing to say to him before he had advanced many 
steps. He addressed himself directly to Miss Ben- 
net with a polite congratulation; My^ Hurst also 
made her a slight bow, and sai<^ lie was **very 
glad;'' but diffuseness and warmth remained for 
Bingley's salutation. He was full of joy and at- I 
tention. The first half-hour was spent in piling 
up the fire, lest she should suffer from the change 
of room; and she removed, at his desire, to the 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 81 

other side of the fireplace, that she might be 
farther from the door. He then sat down by her, 
and talked scarcely to any one else. Elizabeth, 
at work in the opposite corner, saw it all with 
great delight. 

When tea was over, Mr. Hurst reminded his 
sister-in-law of the card-table, — but in vain. She 
had obtained private intelligence that Mr. Darcy 
did not wish for cards, and Mr. Hurst soon found 
even his open petition rejected. She assured him 
that no one intended to play, and the silence of 
the whole party on the subject seemed to justify 
her. Mr. Hurst had, therefore, nothing to do but 
to stretch himself on one of the sofas and go to 
sleep. Darcy took up a book. Miss Bingley did 
the same; and Mrs. Hurst, principally occupied 
in playing with her bracelets and rings, joined 
now and then in her brother's conversation with 
Miss Bennet. 

Miss Bingley' s attention was quite as much 
engaged in watching Mr. Darcy's progress through 
his book, as in reading her own ; and she was per- 
petually either making some inquiry or looking 
at his page. She could not win him, however, to 
any conversation; he merely answered her ques- 
tion and read on. At length, quite exhausted by 
the attempt to be amused with her own book, 
which she had only chosen because it was the 
second volume of his, she gave a great yawn and 

VOL. I. — 6 



82 PKIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

said: ** How pleasant it is to spend an evening in 
this way! I declare, after all, there is no enjoy- 
ment like reading! How much sooner one tires of 
anything than of a book! When I have a house 
of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an 
excellent library/' 

'No one made any reply. She then yawned again, 
threw aside her book, and cast her eyes round the 
room in quest of some amusement; when, hearing 
her brother mentioning a ball to Miss Bennet> she 
turned suddenly towards him and said, — 

**By the by, Charles, are you really serious in 
meditating a dance at Netherfield? I would ad- 
vise you, before you determine on it, to consult 
the wishes of the present party; I am much 
mistaken if there are not some among us to 
whom a ball would be rather a punishment than 
a pleasure.'' 

"If you mean Darcy," cried her brother, "he 
may go to bed, if he chooses, before it begins ; but 
as for the ball, it is quite a settled thing, and as 
soon as Nicholls has made white soup enough, I 
shall send round my cards." 

"T should like balls infinitely better," she re- 
plied, " if they were carried on in a different man- 
ner; but there is something insufferably tedious in 
the usual process of such a meeting. It would 
surely be much more rational if conversation in- 
stead of dancing made the order of the day." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 83 

" Much more rational, my dear Caroline, I dare 
say; but it would not be near so much like a 
ball/' 

Miss Bingley made no answer, and soon after- 
wards got up and walked about the room. Her 
figure was elegant, and she walked well; but 
Darcy, at whom it was all aimed, was still inflexi- 
bly studious. In the desperation of her feelings 
she resolved on one effort more; and turning to 
Elizabeth, said, — 

"Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to 
follow my example, and take a turn about the 
room. I assure you it is very refreshing after 
sitting so long in one attitude.'' 

Elizabeth was surprised, but agreed to it imme- 
diately. Miss Bingley succeeded no less in the 
real object of her civility : Mr. Darcy looked up. 
He was as much awake to the novelty of attention 
in that quarter as Elizabeth herself could be, and 
unconsciously closed his book. He was directly 
invited to join their party; but he declined it, ob- 
serving that he could imagine but two motives for 
their choosing to walk up and down the room to- 
gether, with either of which motives his joining 
them would interfere. What could he mean? 
She was dying to know what could be his mean- 
ing, and asked Elizabeth whether she could at all 
understand him. 

"Not at all," was her answer; "but, depend 



84 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

upon it, he means to be severe on us, and our 
surest way of disappointing him will be to ask 
nothing about it.'' 

Miss Bingley, however, was incapable of disap- 
pointing Mr. Darcy in anything, and persevered, 
therefore, in requiring an explanation of his two 
motives. 

**I have not the smallest objection to explain- 
ing them," said he, as soon as she allowed him to 
speak. ^^ You either choose this method of pass- 
ing the evening because you are in each other's 
confidence and have secret affairs to discuss, or 
because you are conscious that your figures appear 
to the greatest advantage in walking: if the first, 
I should be completely in your way; and if the 
second, I can admire you much better as I sit by 
the fire." 

*'0h, shocking!" cried Miss Bingley. ^^ I 
never heard anything so abominable. How shall 
we punish him for such a speech? " 

^* Nothing so easy, if you have but the inclina- 
tion, " said Elizabeth. '*We can all plague and 
punish one another. Tease him, laugh at him. 
Intimate as you are, you must know how it is to 
be done." 

^^But upon my honor I do not. I do assure you 
that my intimacy has not yet taught me that. 
Tease calmness of temper and presence of mind I 
No, no; I feel he may defy us there. And as to 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 85 

laughter, we will not expose ourselves, if you 
please, by attempting to laugh without a subject. 
Mr. Darcy may hug himself.'' 

**Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at!'' cried 
Elizabeth. " That is an uncommon advantage, 
and uncommon I hope it will continue, for it would 
be a great loss to me to have many such acquaint- 
ance. I dearly love a laugh." 

" Miss Bingley," said he, ** has given me credit 
for more than can be. The wisest and best of men 

— nay, the wisest and best of their actions — may 
be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first 
object in life is a joke." 

* ' Certainly, ' ' replied Elizabeth, ^ ' there are such 
people, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope 
I never ridicule what is wise or good. Follies 
and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert 
me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. 
But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are 
without." 

** Perhaps that is not possible for any one. But 
it has been the study of my life to avoid those 
weaknesses which often expose a strong under- 
standing to ridicule." 

" Such as vanity and pride." 

'^ Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride 

— where there is a real superiority of mind — 
pride will be always under good regulation." 

Elizabeth turned away to hide a smile. 



v 






v 



86 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

'* Your examination of Mr. Darcy is over, I pre- 
sume," said Miss Bingley; *^and pray what is the 
result? '' 

" I am perfectly convinced by it that Mr. Darcy 
has no defect. He owns it himself without 
disguise." 

**No," said Darcy, **I have made no such pre- 
tension. I have faults enough, but they are not, I 
hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not 
vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding; 
certainly too little for the convenience of the 
world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of 
others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against 
myself. My feelings are not puffed about witli 
every attempt to move them. My temper would 
perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion 
once lost is lost forever." 

''That is a failing, indeed! " cried Elizabeth. 
''Implacable resentment is a shade in a character. 
But you have chosen your fault well. I really 
cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me." 

" There is, I believe, in every disposition a ten- 
dency to some particular evil, a natural defect, 
which not even the best education can overcome." 

"And your defect is a propensity to hate 
everybody." 

"And yours," he replied, with a smile, "is 
wilfully to misunderstand them." 

"bo let us have a little music," cried Miss 



/ 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 87 

Biugley, tired of a conversation in which she had 
no share. ** Louisa, you will not mind my wak- 
ing Mr. Hurst." 

Her sister made not the smallest objection, and 
the pianoforte was opened; and Darcy, after a few 
moments' recollection, was not sorry for it. He 
began to feel the danger of paj^ing Elizabeth too 
much attention. 



I * 

* 






O CHAPTER XII. 

In consequence of an agreement between the sis- 
ters, Elizabeth wrote the next morning to her 
mother, to beg that the carriage might be sent for 
them in the course of the day. But Mrs. Bennet, 
who had calculated on her daughters remaining at 
Netherfield till the following Tuesday, which 
would exactly finish Jane's week, could not bring 
herself to receive them with pleasure before. Her 
answer, therefore, was not propitious, at least not 
to Elizabeth's wishes, for she was impatient to get 
home. Mrs. Bennet sent them word that they 
could not possibly have the carriage before Tues- 
day; and in her postscript it was added, that if 
Mr. Bingley and his sister pressed them to stay 
longer, she could spare them very well. Against 
staying longer, however, Elizabeth was positively 
resolved, — nor did she much expect it would be 
asked; and fearful, on the contrary, of being con- 
sidered as intruding themselves needlessly long, 
she urged Jane to borrow Mr. Bingley 's carriage 
immediately, and at length it was settled that 
their original design of leaving Netherfield that 
morning should be mentioned, and the request 
made. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 89 

The communication excited many professions of 
concern; and enough was said of wishing them to 
stay at least till the following day to work on 
Jane; and till the morrow their going was de- 
ferred. Miss Bingley was then sorry that she had 
proposed the delay; for her jealousy and dislike 
of one sister much exceeded her affection for the 
other. 

The master of the house heard with real sorrow 
that they were to go so soon, and repeatedly tried 
to persuade Miss Bennet that it would not he 
safe for her, — that she was not enough recovered; 
but Jane was firm where she felt herself to be 
right. 

To Mr. Darcy it was welcome intelligence. 
Elizabeth had been at Netherfield long enough. 
She attracted him more than he liked; and Miss 
Bingley was uncivil to her, and more teasing than 
usual to himself. He wisely resolved to^ be par- 
ticularly careful that no sign of admiration should 
now escape him, — nothing that could elevate her 
with the hope of influencing his felicity; sensible 
that if such an idea had been suggested, his be- 
havior during the last day must have material 
weight in confirming or crushing it. Steady to 
his purpose, he scarcely spoke ten words to her 
through the whole of Saturday; and though they 
were at one time left by themselves for half an 



90 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

hour, he adhered most conscientiously to his book, 
and would not even look at her. 

On Sunday, after morning service, the separa- 
tion, so agreeable to almost all, took place. Miss 
Bingley's civility to Elizabeth increased at last 
very rapidly, as well as her affection for Jane ; and 
when they parted, after assuring the latter of the 
pleasure it would always give her to see her either 
at Longbourn or Netherfield, and embracing her 
most tenderly, she even shook hands with the 
former. Elizabeth took leave of the whole party 
in the liveliest spirits. 

They were not welcomed home very cordially by 
their mother. Mrs. Bennet wondered at their 
^ coming, and thought them very wrong to give so 
much trouble, and was sure Jane would have 
caught cold again. But their father, though very 
laconic in his expressions of pleasure, was really 
glad to see them; he had felt their importance in 
the family circle. The evening conversation, 
when they were all assembled, had lost much of 
its animation, and almost all its sense, by the 
absence of Jane and Elizabeth. 

They found Mary, as usual, deep in the study 
of thorough bass and human nature ; and had some 
new extracts to admire, and some new observations 
of threadbare morality to listen to. Catherine 
and Lydia had information for them of a different 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 91 

sort. Much had been done and much had been 
said in the regiment since the preceding Wednes- 
day; several of the officers had dined lately with 
their uncle; a private had been flogged, and it 
had actually been hinted that Colonel Forster was 
going to be married. 



CHAPTEE Xin. 

'^I HOPE, my dear/' said Mr. Bennet to his wife, 
as they were at breakfast the next morning, ^*that 
you have ordered a good dinner to-day, because I 
have reason to expect an addition to our family 
party." 

** Who do you mean, my dear? I know of no- 
body that is coming, I am sure, unless Charlotte 
Lucas should happen to call in; and I hope my 
dinners are good enough for her. I do not believe 
she often sees such at home." 

*^The person of whom I speak is a gentleman 
and a stranger." 

Mrs. Bennet's eyes sparkled. ^^A gentleman 
and a stranger! It is Mr. Bingley, I am sure. 
Why, Jane, you never dropped a word of this, — 
you sly thing! Well, I am sure I shall be ex- 
tremely glad to see Mr. Bingley. But — good 
Lord ! how unlucky ! there is not a bit of fish to 
be got to-day. Lydia, my love, ring the bell. 
I must speak to Hill this moment." 

*^It is not Mr. Bingley," said her husband; 
*^it is a person whom I never saw in the whole 
course of my life." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 93 

This roused a general astonishment; and he had 
the pleasure of being eagerly questioned by his 
wife and five daughters at once. 

After amusing himself some time with their 
curiosity, he thus explained: ^^ About a month 
ago I received this letter, and about a fortnight 
ago I answered it ; for I thought it a case of some 
delicacy, and requiring early attention. It is 
from my cousin, Mr. Collins, who, when I am 
dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon 
as he pleases.'' 

'^ Oh, my dear," cried his wife, ** I cannot bear 
to hear that mentioned. Pray do not talk of that 
odious man. I do think it is the hardest thing in 
the world, that your estate should be entailed 
away from your own children ; and I am sure, if I 
had been you, I should have tried long ago to do 
something or other about it.'' 

Jane and Elizabeth attempted to explain to her 
the nature of an entail. They had often attempted 
it before: but it was a subject on which Mrs. 
Bennet was beyond the reach of reason; and she 
continued to rail bitterly against the cruelty of 
settling an estate away from a family of five 
daughters, in favor of a man whom nobody cared 
anything about. 

^^It certainly is a most iniquitous afiPair," said 
Mr. Bennet; ^^and nothing can clear Mr. Collins /^^ 
from the guilt of inheriting Longbourn. But if ' 



/ 



94 PKIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

you will listen to his letter, you may perhaps be 
a little softened by his manner of expressing 
himself." 

**No, that I am sure I shall not; and I think it 
was very impertinent of him to write to you at all, 
and very hypocritical. I hate such false friends. 
Why could not he keep on quarrelling with you, 
as his father did before him?" 

* ^ Why, indeed, he does seem to have had some 
filial scruples on that head, as you will hear." 

HuNSFORD, near Westerham, Kent, 15th October. 

Dear Sir, — The disagreement subsisting between 
yourself and my late honored father always gave me much 
uneasiness ; and since I have had the misfortune to lose 
him, 1 have frequently wished to heal the breach : but 
for some time I was kept back by my own doubts, fear- 
ing lest it might seem disrespectful to his memory for me 
to be on good terms with any one with whom it had al- 
ways pleased him to l>e at variance. [** There, Mrs. 
Bennet I "3 My mind, however, is now made up on the 
subject j^or, having received ordination at Easter, I 
have been so fortunate as to be distinguished bv the 
patronage of the Right Honorable Lady Catherine de 
Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty 
and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory 
of this parish, where it shall be my earnest endeavor to 
demean myself with grateful respect towards her Lady- 
ship, and be ever ready to perform those rites and cere- 
monies which -lire instituted by the Church of England. 
As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote 
and establish the blessing of peace in all families within 
the reach of my influence ; and on these grounds I flatter 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 95 

myself that my present overtures of good-will are highly 
commendable, and that the circumstance of my being 
next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly over- 
looked on your side, and not lead you to reject the offered 
olive branch. 1 1 cannot be otherwise than concerned at 
being the m^ans of injuring your amiable daughters, and 
beg leave to apologize for it, as well as to assure you of 
my readiness to make them every possible amends ; but 
of this hereafter. If you should have no objection to re- 
ceive me into your house, I propose myself the satisfac- 
tion of waiting on you and your family, Monday, Novem- 
ber 18th, by four o'clock, and shall probably trespass on 
your hospitality till the Saturday se'nnight following, 
which I can do without any inconvenience, as Lady 
Catherine is far from objecting to my occasional absence 
on a Sunday, provided that some other clergyman is 
engaged to do the duty of the day. I remain, dear sir, 
with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, 
your well-wisher and friend, 

William Collins. 

^^ At four o'clock^iberefore, we may expect this 
peace-making gentleman," said Mr. Bennet, as he 
folded up the letter. ^' He seems to be a most 
conscientious and polite young man, upon my 
word; and I doubt not will prove a valuable ac- 
quaintance, especially if Lady Catherine should be 
so indulgent as to let him come to us again." 

** There is some sense in what he says about the 
girls, however; and if he is disposed to make 
them any amends, I shall not be the person to 
discourage him." 

*^ Though it is difficult," said Jane, *'to guess 



96 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

in what way he can mean to make us the atone- 
ment he thinks our due, the wish is certainly to 
his credit." 

Elizabeth was chiefly struck with his extraor- 
dinary deference for Lady Catherine, and his kind 
intention of christening, marrying, and burying 
his parishioners whenever it were required. 

O^He must be an oddity, I think," said she. 
** i cannot make him out. UThere is something 
very pompojia. in his style. And what can he 
mean by apologizing for being next in the entail? 
I We cannot suppose he would help it, if he could. 
Can he be a sensible man, sir? 'M 

Y*No, my dear; I think not. I have great 
hopes of finding him quite the reverse. There is 
a mixture of servility and self-importance in his 
letter which promises wellTj I am impatient to 
see him." 

*^In point of composition," said Mary, '^his 
letter does not seem defective. The idea of the 
olive branch perhaps is not wholly new, yet I 
think it is well expressed." 

To Catherine and Lydia neither the letter nor 
its writer was in any degree interesting. It was 
next to impossible that their cousin should come 
in a scarlet coat, and it was now some weeks since 
they had received pleasure from the society of a 
man in any other color. As for their mother, Mr. 
Collinses letter had done away much of her ill-will, 



t ^ 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 97 

and she was preparing to see him with a degree 
of composure which astonished her husband and 
daughters. 

Mr. Collins was punctual to his time, and was 
received with great politeness by the whole family. 
Mr. Bennet indeed said little; but the ladies were 
ready enough to talk, and Mr. Collins seemed 
neither in need of encouragement, nor inclined to 
be silent himself. jHe was a tall, heavy-looking 
young man of five-and-twenty . His air was grave 
and stately, and his manners were very formal^ 
He had not been long seated before he compli- 
mented Mrs. Bennet on having so fine a family of 
daughters, said he had heard much of their beauty, 
but that in this instance fame had fallen short of 
the truth; and added that he did not doubt her 
seeing them all in due time well disposed of in 
marriage.. This gallantry was not much to the 
taste of some of his hearers; but Mrs. Bennet, 
who quarrelled with no compliments, answered 
most readily, — 

" You are very kind, sir, I am sure; and I wish 
with all my heart it may prove so; for else they 
will be destitute enough. Things are settled so 
oddly.'' 

^'You allude, perhaps, to the entail of this 
estate." 

^^Ah, sir, I do indeed. It is a grievous affair 
to my poor girls, you must confess. Not that I 

VOL. I. — 7 



> 



98 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

mean to find fault with you, for such things I 
know are all chance in this world. There is no 
knowing how estates will go when once they come 
to be entailed." 

**I am very sensible, madam, of the hardship 
to my fair cousins, and could say much on the 
subject, but that I am cautious of appearing for- 
ward and precipitate. But I can assure the young 
ladies that I come prepared to admire them. At 
present I will not say more; but perhaps, when we 
are better acquainted — " 

He was internipted by a summons to dinner; 
and the girls smiled on each other. They were 
not the only objects of Mr. Collins's admiration. 
The hall, the dining-room, and all its furniture 
were examined and praised^and his commendation 
of everything would have touched Mrs. Bennetts 
heart, but for the mortifying supposition of his 
viewing it all as his own future property 71 The 
dinner too, in its turn, was highly admired; and 
he begged to know to which of his fair cousins the 
excellence of its cookery was owing. But here he 
was set right by Mrs. Bennet, who assured him, 
with some asperity, that they were very well able 
to keep a good cook, and that her daughters had 
nothing to do in the kitchen. He begged pardon 
for having displeased her. Yjn a softened tone she 
declared herself not at all offended; but he con- 
tinued to apologize for about a quarter of an hourj 



CHAPTER XIV. 

During dinner Mr. Benuet scarcely spoke at all; 
but when the servants were withdrawn, he thought 
it time to have some conversation with his guest, 
andSherefore started a subject in which he ex- 
pected him to shine, by observing that he seemed 
very fortunate in his patroness! Lady Catherine 
de Bourgh's attention to his wishes and consider- 
ation for his comfort appeared very remarkable. 
Mr. Bennet could not have chosen better. f Mr. 
Collins was eloquent in her praise. The subject 
elevated him to more than usual solemnity of 
manner; and with a most important aspect he pro- 
tested that "he had never in his life witnessed 
such behavior in a person of rank, — such affability 
and condescension, as he had himself experienced 
from Lady Catherine. She had been graciously 
pleased to approve of both the discourses which he 
had already had the honor of preaching before her. 
She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings, 
and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to 
make up her pool of quadrille in the evening. 
^Lady Catherine was reckoned proud by many 
people, he knew, but he had never seen anything 



k 



100 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

but affability in her. She had always spoken to 
him as she would to any other gentleman; she 
made not the smallest objection to his joining in 
the society of the neighborhood, nor to his leaving 
his parish occasionally for a week or two to visit 
his relations. She had even condescended to 
advise him to marry as soon as he could, provided 
he chose with discretion; and had once paid him 
a visit in his humble parsonage, where she had 
perfectly approved all the alterations he had been 
making, and had even vouchsafed to suggest some 
herself, — some shelves in the closets upstairs.'^ 

^^That is all very proper and civil, I am sure,'' 
said Mrs. Bennet, ^^and I dare say she is a very 
agreeable woman. It is a pity that great ladies in 
general are not more like her. Does she live near 
you, sir? " 

*^ The garden in which stands my humble abode 
is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her 
Ladyship's residence." 

*^I think you said she was a widow, sir? Has 
she any family? " 

"She has ojap only daughter, the heiress of 
E/Osings, and of very extensive property." 

"Ah," cried Mrs. Bennet, shaking her head, 
" then she is better off than many girls. And what 
sort of young lady is she? Is she handsome? " 

" She is a most charming young lady, indeed. 
Lady Catherine herself says that, in point of true 



£. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 101 

beauty, Miss de Bourgh is far superior to the 
handsomest of her sex; because there is that in 
her features which marks the young woman of 
distinguished birth. She is unfortunately of a 
sickly constitution, which has prevented her^inak- 
ing that progress in many accomplishments which 
she could not otherwise have failed of, as I am 
informed by the lady who superintended her educa- 
tion, and who still resides with them. But ^he is 
perfectly amiable, and often condesce nds to drive 
by my humble abode in her little phaeton and 
ponies.'' 

*^Has she been presented? I do not remember 
her name among the ladies at court." 

**Her indifferent state of health unhappily 
prevents her being in town; and oy that means, 
as I told Lady Catherine myself one day, has de- 
prived the British Court oi its brightest orna- 
ment. Her Ladyship seemed pleased with the 
idea; and you may imagineQhat I am happy on 
every occasion to offer those little delicate compli- 
ments which are always acceptable'' to ladiesTI I 
have more than once observed to<Cady Catherine, 
that her charming daughter seemed born to be a 
duchess; and that the most elevated rank, instead 
of giving her consequence, would be adorned by 
her. Crhese are the kind of little things which 
please her Ladyship, and it is a sort of attention 



102 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to 

pay." :) 

^^ You judge very properly,^' said Mr. Bennet; 
**and^t is happy for you that you possess the 
talent of flattering with delicacy. May I ask 
whether these pleasing attentions proceed from 
the impulse of the moment, or are the result of 
previous study? ^'^ 

<p^ They arise chiefly from what is passing at the 
time ; and though I sometimes amuse myself with 
suggesting and arranging such little elegant com- 
pliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, 
I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as 
possible.'' ^ 

Mr. Bennet 's expectations were fully answered j 
CHia cousin was as absurd as he had hoped; and he 
listened to him with the keenest enjoyment, main- 
taining at the same time the most resolute com- 
posure of countenance, and, except in an occasional 
glance at Elizabeth, requiring no partner in his 
pleasure. 

By tea-time, however, the dose had been enough, 
and Mr. Bennet was glad to take his guest into 
the drawing-room again, and when tea was over, 
glad to invite him to read aloud to the ladies. Mr. 
Collins readily assented, and a book was produced; 
but on beholding it (for everything announced it 
to be from a circulating library) he started back, 



A 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 103 

and begging pardon,^rotested that he never read 
novels.^ Kitty stared at him, and Lydia exclaimed. 
Other books were produced, and after some delib- 
eration he chose Fordyce's Sermons. Lydia gaped 
as he opened the volume; and befor^he had with 
very monotonous solemnity read three pages/ she 
interrupted him with, — 

**Do you know, mamma, that my uncle Philips 
talks of turning away Richard? and if he does. 
Colonel Forster will hire him. My aunt told me 
so herself on Saturday. I shall walk to Meryton 
to-mojrow to hear more about it, and to ask when 
Mr. Denn y comes back from town.'' 

Ijydia was bid by her two eldest sisters to hold 
her tongue; but Mr. Collins, much offended, laid 
aside his book, and said, — 

** I have often observed how little young ladies 
are interested by books of a serious stamp, though 
written solely for their benefit. It amazes me, I 
confess ; for certainly there can be nothing so ad- 
vantageous to them as instruction. But I will no 
longer importi^ne my young cousin.'' 

Then turning to Mr. Bennet, he offered himself 
as his antagonist at backgammon. Mr. Bennet 
accepted the challenge, observing that he acted 
very wisely in leaving the girls to their own 
trifling amusements. Mrs. Bennet and her daugh- 
ters apologized most civilly for Lydia's interrup- 



N 



104 PEIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

tion, and promised that it should not occur again, 
if he would resume his book; but Mr. Collins, 
after assuring them that he bore his young cousin 
no ill-will, and should rfever resent her behavior 
as any affront, seated hiipself at another table with 
Mr. Bennet, and prepared for backgammon. 



\ 



d 



CHAPTER XV. 



Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the de- 
ficiency of nature had been but little assisted by 
education or society, the greatest part of his life 
having been spent under the guidance of an illiter- 
ate and miserly father; and though he belonged 
to one of the universities, he had merely kept the 
necessary terms without forming at it any useful 
acquaintance. The subjection in which his father 
had brought him up had given him originally 
great humility of manner; but it was now a good 
deal counteracted by the self-conceit of a weak 
head, living in retirement, and the consequential 
feelings of early and unexpected prosperity. A 
fortunate chance hafl recommended him to Lady 
Catherine de Bourgh when the living of Hunsford 
was vacant; and the respect which he felt for her 
high rank, and his veneration for her as his pa- 
troness, mingling with a very good opinion of 
himself, of his authority as a clergyman, and his 
right as a rector, made him altogether a mixture 
of "^pride \and obsequiousness, self-importance and 
humility. 

Having now a good house and a very sufficient 
income, he intended to marry; and in seeking a 



7 



106 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

reconciliation with the Longbourn family he had 
a wife in view, as he meant to choose one of the 
daughters, if he found them as handsome and 
amiable as they were represented by common re- 
port. This was his plan of amends — of atone- 
ment — for inheriting their father's estate ; and 
he .thought it an excellent one, full of eligibility 
and suitableness, and excessively generous and dis- 
. int^ested on his own part. 

His plan did not vary on seeing them. Miss 
Bennetts lovely face confirmed his views, and es- 
tablished all his strictest notions of what w^as due 
to seniority; and for the first evening she was his 
settled choice. The next morning, however, made 
an alteration; for in a quarter of an hour's tete-a-tete 
w^ith Mrs. Bennet before breakfast, a conversation 
beginning with his parsonage-house, and leading 
naturally to the avowal of his hopes that a mis- 
tress for it might be found at Longbourn, pro- 
duced from her, amid very complaisant smiles and 
general encouragement, a caution against the very 
Jane he had fixed on. ^^As to her younger 
daughters, she could not take upon her to say, — 
she could not positively answer, — but she did not 
know of any prepossession; her eldest daughter 
she must just mention — she felt it incumbent 
on her to hint — was likely to be very soon 
engaged.'' 

Mr. Collins had only to change from Jane to 



^ 



PRU)E AND PREJUDICE. 107 

Elizabeth; and it was soon done, — done while 
Mrs. Bennet was stirring the fire. Elizabeth, 
equally next to Jane in birth and beauty, suc- 
ceeded her of course. 

Mrs. Bennet treasured up the hint, and trusted 
that she might soon have two daughters married; 
and the man whom she couhl not bear to speak of 
the day before was now high in her good graces. 

Lydia's intention of walking to Meryton was not 
forgotten. Every sister except Mary agreed to go 
with her; and Mr. Collins was to attend them, at 
the request of Mr. Bennet, who was most anxious 
to get rid of him and have his library to himself; 
for thither Mr. Collins had followed him after 
breakfast, and there he would eontinue,niominally 
engaged with one of the largest folios in the col- 
lection, but really talking to Mr. Bennet, with 
little cessation, of his house and garden at Huns- 
ford!^ Such doings discomposed Mr. Bennet ex- 
ceedingly. In his library he had been always 
sure of leisure and tranquillity; and though pre- 
pared, as he told Elizabeth, to meet with folly 
and conceit in every other room in the houso, he 
was used to be free from them there: his civility, 
therefore, was most prompt in inviting Mr. Collins 
to join his daughters in their walk; and^r. Col- 
lins, being in fact much better fitted for a walker 
than a reader, was extremely well pleased to close 
his large book and go77 



108 PRIDE A]^D PREJUDICE. 

In pompous nothings on his side, and civil as- 
sents on that of his cousins, their time passed till 
they entered Meryton. The attention of the 
younger ones was then no longer to be gained b^^ 
him. Their eyes were immediately wandering up 
in the street in quest of the officers ; and nothing 
less than a very smart bonnet indeed, or a really 
new muslin in a shop window could recall them. 

But the attention of every lady was soon caught 
by a young man, whom they had never seen before, 
of most gentlemanlike appearance, walking with 
an officer on the other side of the way. The officer 
was the very Mr. Denny concerning whose return 
from London Lydia came to inquire; and he bowed 
as they passed. All were struck with the stranger's 
air, all wondered who he could be ; and Kitty and 
Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the 
way across the street, under pretence of wanting 
something in an opposite shop, and fortunately 
had just gained the pavement, when the two gen- 
tlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot. 
Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated 
permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickhain, 
who had returned with him the day befor-e from 
town, and, he was happy to say, had accepted a 
commission in their corps. This was exactly as 
it should be ; for the young man wanted only regi- 
mentals to make him completely charming. His 
appearance was greatly in his favor: he had all 



N 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 109 

the best parts of beauty, a fine countenance, a good 
figure, and very pleasing address. The introduc- 
tion was followed up on his side by a happy readi- 
ness of conversation, — a readiness at the same 
time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the 
whole party were still standing and talking to- 
gether very agreeably, when the sound of liorses 
drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were 
seen riding down the street. On distinguishing 
the ladies of the group the two gentlemen came 
directly towards them, and began the usual civili- 
ties.* Bingley was the principal spokesman, and 
Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, 
he said, on his way to Longbourn on purpose to 
inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with 
a bow, and was beginning to determine not to fix 
his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly 
arrested by the sight of the stranger; and Eliza- 
beth, happening to see the countenance of both as 
they looked at each other, was all astonishment at 
the effect of the meeting. Both changed color; one 
looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a 
few moments, touched his hat, — a salutation which 
^ Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. What could be 
the meaning of it? It was impossible to imagine; 
it was impossible not to long to know. 

In another minute Mr. Bingley, but without 
seeming to have noticed what passed, took leave 
and rode on with his friend. 



110 PRIDE AND PJIEJUDICE. 

Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham walked with the 
young ladies to the door of Mr. Philips 's house, 
and then made their bows, in spite of Miss 
Lydia's pressing entreaties that they would come 
in, and even in spite of Mrs. Philips 's throwing 
up the parlor window, and loudly seconding the 
invitation. 

Mrs. Philips was always glad to see her nieces; 
and the two eldest, from their recent absence, were 
particularly welcome; and she was eagerly ex- 
pressing her surprise at their sudden return home, 
which, as their own carriage had not fetched them, 
she should have known nothing about, if she had 
not happened to see Mr. Jones's shoj>boy in the 
street, who had told her that they were not to send 
any more draughts to Netherfield, because the Miss 
Bennets were come away, when her civility was 
claimed towards Mr. Collins by Jane's introduc- 
tion of him/ She received him with her very best 
politeness, which he returned with as much more, 
apologizing for his intrusion without any previous 
acquaintance with her, which he could not help 
flattering himself, however, might be justified by 
his relationship to the young ladies who intro- 
duced him to her notic^ Mrs. Philips was quite 
awed by such an excess of good breeding^ but her 
contemplation of" one stranger was soon put an end 
to by exclamations and inquiries about the other, 
of whom, however, she could only tell her nieces 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Ill 

what they already knew, that Mr. Denny had 
brought him from London, and that he was to 

have a lieutenant's commission in the shire. 

She had been watching him the last hour, she said, 
as he walked up and down the street, and had Mr. 
Wickham appeared, Kitty and Lydia would cer- 
tainly have continued the occupation; but un- 
luckily no one passed the windows now except 
a few of the officers, who, in comparison with the 
stranger, were become ^^ stupid, disagreeable fel- 
lows. '^ Some of them were to dine with the 
Philipses the next day, and their aunt promised 
to make her husband call on Mr. Wickham, and 
give him an invitation also, if the family from 
Longbourn would come in the evening. This was 
agreed to; and Mrs. Philips protested that they 
would have a nice comfortable noisy game of lot- 
tery tickets, and a little bit of hot supper after- 
wards. The prospect of such delights was very 
cheering, and they parted in mutual good spirits. 
Mr. Collins repeated his apologies in quitting tlie 
room, and was assured, with unwearying civility, 
that they were perfectly needless. 

As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane 
what she had seen pass between the two gentle- 
men; but though Jane would have defended either 
or both, had they appeared to be wrong, she could 
no more explain such behavior than her sister. 

Mr. Collins on his return highly gratified Mrs, 






L 



112 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

Bennet by admiring Mrs. Philips's manners and 
politeness. He protested that, except Lady Cath- 
erine and her daughter, he had never seen a more 
elegant woman; for she had not only received him 
with the utmost civility, but had even pointedly 
included him in her invitation for the next even- 
ing, although utterly unknown to her before. 
Something, he supposed, might be attributed to 
his connection with them, but yet he had never 
met with so much attention in the whole course of 
his life. 



i 



CHAPTER XVI. 

As no objection was made to the young people's 
engagement with their aunt, and all Mr. Collins's 
scruples of leaving Mr. and Mrs. Bennet for a 
single evening during his visit were most steadily 
resisted, the coach conveyed him and his five 
cousins at a suitable hour to Meryton; and the 
girls had the pleasure of hearing, as they entered 
the drawing-room, that Mr. Wiekham had accepted 
their uncle's invitation, and was then in the 
house. 

When this information was given, and they had 
all taken their seats, Mr. Collins was at leisure to 
look around him and admire ; and he was so much 
struck with the size and furniture of the apart- 
ment, that he declared he might almost have sup- 
posed himself in the small summer breakfast-parlor 
at Rosings, — a comparison that did not at first con- 
vey much gratification: but when Mrs. Philips 
understood from him what E-osings was, and who 
was its proprietor; when she had listened to the 
description of only one of Lady Catherine's draw- 
ing-rooms, and found that the chimney-piece alone 
had cost eight hundred pounds, — she felt all the 

VOL. I. — 8 



/ 
I 

J 



114 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

force of the compliment, and would hardly have 
resented a comparison with the housekeeper's 
room. 

Sin describing to her all the grandeur of Lady 
Catherine and her mansion, with occasional digres- 
sions in praise of his own humble abode, and the 
improvements it was receiving, he was happily 
employed until the gentlemen joined themjf and 
he found in Mrs. Philips a very attentive listener, 
whose opinion of his consequence increased with 
what she heard, and who was resolving to retail it 
all among her neighbors as soon as she could. To 
the girls, who could not listen to their cousin, and 
who had nothing to do but to wish for an instru- 
ment, and examine their own indifferent imita- 
tions of china on the mantelpiece, the interval of 
waiting appeared very long. It was over at last, 
however. The gentlemen did approach ; and when 
Mr. Wickhara walked into the room, Elizabeth 
felt that she had neither been seeing him before, 
nor thinking of him since, with the smallest de- 
gree of unreasonable admiration. The officers of 

the shire were in general a very creditable, 

gentlemanlike set, and the best of them were of 
the present party; but Mr. Wickham was as far 
beyond them all in person, countenance, air, and 
•walk, as they were superior to the broad-faced 
stuffy uncle Philips, breathing port wine, who 
followed them into the room. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 115 

Mr. Wickham was the happy man towards whom 
almost every female eye was turned, and Elizabeth 
was the happy woman by whom he finally seated 
himself; and the agreeable manner in which he 
immediately fell in conversation, though it was 
only on its being a wet night and on the probabil- 
ity of a rainy season, made her feel that the com- 
monest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be 
rendered interesting by the skill of the speaker. 

With such rivals for the notice of the fair as 
Mr. Wickham and the officers, Mr. Collins seemed 
to sink into insignificance; to the young ladies he 
certainly was nothing; but he had still at inter- 
vals a kind listener in Mrs. Philips, and was by 
her watchfulness most abundantly supplied with 
coffee and muffin. 

When the card-tables were placed, he had an 
opportunity of obliging her, in return, by sitting 
down to whist. 

"I know little of the game at present,'' said 
he, " but I shall be glad to improve myself; for in 
my situation of life — '' Mrs. Philips was very 
thankful for his compliance, but could not wait for 
his reason. 

Mr. Wickham did not play at whist, and with 
ready delight was he received at the other table 
between Elizabeth and Lydia. At first there 
seemed danger of Lydia' s engrossing him entirely, 
for she was a most determined talker; but being 



x^ 



116 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

likewise extremely fond of lottery tickets, she soon 
grew too much interested in the game, too eager 
in making bets and exclaiming after prizes, to 
have attention for any one in particular. Allow- 
ing for the common demands of the game, Mr. 
Wickham was therefore at leisure to talk to Eliza- 
beth; and she was very willing to hear him, though 
what she. chiefly wished to hear she could not hope 
to be told, — the history of his acquaintance with 
Mr. Darcy. She dared not even mention that 
gentleman. Her curiosity, however, was unex- 
pectedly relieved. Mr. Wickham began the sub- 
ject himself. He inquired how far Netherfield 
was from Meryton; and after receiving her an- 
swer, asked in a hesitating manner how long Mr. 
Darcy had been staying there. 

^^ About a month,'' said Elizabeth; and then, 
unwilling to let the subject drop, added, *^He is 
a man of very large property in Derbyshire, I 
understand. ' ' 

^^ Yes," replied Wickham; " his estate there is 
a noble one. A clear ten thousand per annum. 
You could not have met with a person more capa- 
ble of, giving you certain information on that head 
than myself, — for I have been connected with his 
family, in a particular manner, from my infancy." 

Elizabeth could not but look surprised. 

^*You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, at 
such an assertion, after seeing, as you probably 



\ 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 117 

might, the very cold manner of our meeting 
yesterday. Are you much acquainted with Mr. 
Darcy?'' 

'^ As much as I ever wish to be/' cried Eliza- 
beth, warmly. ^*I have spent four days in the 
same house with him, and I think him very 
disagreeable." 

^'I have no right to give my opinion," said 
Wickham, **as to his being agreeable or otherwise. 
I am not qualified to form one. I have known 
him too long and too well to be a fair judge. It 
is impossible for me to be impartial. But I be- 
lieve your opinion of him would in general aston- 
ish — and, perhaps, you would not express it quite 
so strongly anywhere else. Here you are in your 
own family." 

**Upon my word I say no more here than I 
might say in any house in the neighborhood, 
except Netherfield. He is not at all liked in 
Hertfordshire. Everybody is disgusted with his 
pride. You will not find him more favorably 
spoken of by any one." 

'^I cannot pretend to be sorry," said Wickham, 
after a short interruption, ^'that he or ib§t any 
man should not be estimated beyond their deserts ; 
but with him I believe it does not often happen. 
The world is blinded by his fortune and conse- 
quence, or frightened by his high and imposing 
manners, and sees him only as he chooses to be 
seen." 



118 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

** I should take him, even on my slight acquaint- 
ance, to be an ill-tempered man/' Wickham only 
shook his head. 

'*I wonder,'' said he, at the next opportunity 
of speaking, ** whether he is likely to be in this 
country much longer." 

''I do not at all know; but I heard nothing of 
his going away when I was at Netherfield. I 

hope your plans in favor of the ^shire will 

not be affected by his being in the neighbor- 
hood." 

^* Oh, no, — it is not for me to be driven away by 
Mr. Darcy. If he wishes to avoid seeing me, he 
must go. We are not on friendly terms, and it 
always gives me pain to meet him; but I have no 
reason for avoiding him but what I might pro- 
claim to all the world, — a sense of very great ill 
usage, and most painful regrets at his being what 
he is. His father, Miss Bennet, the late Mr. 
Darcy, was one of the best men that ever breathed, 
and the truest friend I ever had; and I can never 
be in company with this Mr. Darcj' without being 
grieved, to the soul by a thousand tender recollec- 
tions. His behavior to myself has been scanda- 
lous; but I verily believe I could forgive him 
anything and everything, rather than his disap- 
pointing the hopes and disgracing the memory 
of his father." 

Elizabeth found the interest of the subject in- 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 119 

crease, and listened with all her heart; but the 
delicacy of it prevented further inquiry. 

Mr. Wickham began to speak on more general 
topics, — Meryton, the neighborhood, the society, 
— 'appearing highly pleased with all that he had 
yet seen, and speaking of the latter, especially, 
with gentle but very intelligible gallantry. 

" It was the prospect of constant society, and 
good society,'' he added, ^* which was my chief 

inducement to enter the shire. I know it 

to be a most respectable, agreeable corps; and my 
friend Denny tempted me further by his account 
of their present quarters, and the very great atten- 
tions and excellent acquaintance Meryton had pro- 
cured them. Society, I own, is necessary to me. 
I have been a disappointed man, and my spirits 
will not bear solitude. I must have employment 
and society. A military life is not what I was 
intended for, but circumstances have now made it 
eligible. The church ought to have been my pro- 
fession, — I was brought up for the church ; and I 
should at this time have been in possession of a 
most valuable living, had it pleased the gentle- 
man we were speaking of just now." 

<andeed!'' 

" Yes, — the late Mr. Darcy bequeathed me the 
next presentation of the best living in his gift. 
He was my godfather, and excessively attached to 
me. I cannot do justice to his kindness. He 



120 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

meant to provide for me amply, and thought he 
had done it ; but when the living fell, it was given 
elsewhere.'' 

'^Good heavens! '^ cried Elizabeth; ^'but how 
could that be? How could his will be disre- 
garded? Why did not you seek legal redress? '' 

'* There was just such an informality in the 
terms of the bequest as to give me no hope from 
law. A man of honor could not have doubted the 
intention ; but Mr. Darcy chose to doubt it, or to 
treat it as a merely conditional recommendation, 
and to assert that I had forfeited all claim to it 
by extravagance, imprudence, in short, anything 
or nothing. Certain it is that the living became 
vacant two years ago, exactly as I was of an age 
to hold it, and that it was given to another man; 
and no less certain is it, that I cannot accuse my- 
self of having really done anything to deserve to 
lose it. I have a warm, unguarded temper, and I 
may perhaps have sometimes spoken my opinion of 
him and to him too freely. I can recall nothing 
worse. But the fact is, that we are very different 
sort of men, and that he hates me.'' 

^^This is quite shocking! He deserves to be 
publicly disgraced." 

^' Some time or other he will be; but it shall 
not be by me. Till I can forget his father, I can 
never defy or expose him." 

Elizabeth honored him for such feelings, and 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 121 

thought him handsomer than ever as he expressed 
them. 

*^But what/' said she, after a pause, ^'can 
have been his motive? what can have induced him 
to behave so cruelly? '^ 

** A thorough, determined dislike of me, — a dis- 
like which I cannot but attribute in some measure 
to jealousy. Had the late Mr. Darcy liked me 
less, his son might have borne with me better; 
but his father's uncommon attachment to me irri- 
tated him, I believe, very early in life. He had 
not a temper to bear the sort of competition in 
which we stood, — the sort of preference which 
was often given me.'' 

^' I had not thought Mr. Darcy so bad as this, — 
though I have never liked him, I had not thought 
so very ill of him, — I had supposed him to be 
despising his fellow-creatures in general, but did 
not suspect him of descending to such malicious 
revenge, such injustice, such inhumanity as 
this!" 

After a few minutes' reflection, however, she 
continued: ^*I do remember his boasting one day, 
at Netherfield, of the implacability of his resent- 
ments, of his having an unforgiving temper. His 
disposition must be dreadful." 

^*I will not trust myself on the subject," re- 
plied Wickham; '^I can hardly be just to him." 

Elizabeth was again deep in tho"ffht, and after 



122 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

a time exclaimed: *^To treat in such a manner the 
godson, the friend, the favorite of his father! " 
She could have added: ''A young man, too, like 
you, whose very countenance may vouch for youi 
being amiable.'' But she contented herself with: 
*'And one, too, who had probably been his own 
companion from childhood, connected together, as 
I think you said, in the closest manner." f 

^' We were born in the same parish, within the 
same park; the greatest part of our youth was 
passed together : inmates of the same house, shar- 
ing the same amusements, objects of the same 
parental care. My father began life in the pro- 
fession which your uncle, Mr. Philips, appears to 
do so much credit to; but he gave up everything to 
be of use to the late Mr. Darcy, and devoted all 
his time to the care of the Pemberley property. 
He was most highly esteemed by Mr. Darcy, a 
most intimate, confidential friend. Mr. Darcy 
often acknowledged himself to be under the 
greatest obligations to my father's active super- 
intendence; and when, immediately before my 
father's death, Mr. Darcy gave him a voluntary 
promise of providing for me, I am convinced that 
he felt it to be as much a debt of gratitude to him 
as of affection to myself." 

'^How strange!" cried Elizabeth. '^How 
abominable ! I wonder that the very pride of this 
Mr. Darcy has not made him just to you. If from 



t>RlDE AND PREJUDICE. l23 

no better motive, that he should not have been 
too proud to be dishonest, — for dishonesty I must 
call it/' 

^' It is wonderful, '' replied Wickham; *' for al- 
most all his actions may be traced to pride; and 
pride has often been his best friend. It has con- 
nected him nearer with virtue than any other feel- 
ing.^ But we are none of us consistent; and in his 
behavior to me there were stronger impulses even 
than pride.'' 

'^Can such abominable pride as his have ever 
done him good? " 

*^Yes; it has often led him to be liberal and 
generous; to give his money freely, to display 
hospitality, to assist his tenants, and relieve the 
poor. Family pride and filial pride, for he is 
very proud of what his father was, have done this. 
Not to appear to disgrace his family, to degenerate 
from the popular qualities, or lose the influence of 
the Pemberley House, is a powerful motive. He 
has also brotherly pride, which, with some 
brotherly affection, makes him a very kind and 
careful guardian of his sister; and you will hear 
him generally cried up as the most attentive and 
best of brothers.'' 

^* What sort of a girl is Miss Darcy? " 

He shook his head. ^^ I wish I could call her 
amiable. It gives me pain to speak ill of a 
Darcy; but she is too much like her brother, — ■ 



124 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. . 

very, very proud. As a child, she was affectionate 
and pleasing, and extremely fond of me; and I 
have devoted hours and hours to her amusement. 
But she is nothing to me now. She is a handsome 
girl, about fifteen or sixteen, and, I understand, 
highly accomplished. Since her father's death 
her home has been London, where a lady lives 
with her, and superintends her education." 

After many pauses and many trials of other 
subjects, Elizabeth could not help reverting once 
more to the first, and saying, — 

'^I am astonished at his intimacy with Mr. 
Bingley. How can Mr. Bingley, who seems good- 
humor itself, and is, I really believe, truly ami- 
able, be in friendship with such a man? How can 
they suit each other? Do you know Mr. Bingley? " 

^^ISTotatall.'' 

^^He is a sweet-tempered, amiable, charming 
man. He cannot know what Mr. Darcy is.'' 

"Probably not; but Mr. Darcy can please 
where he chooses. He does not want abilities. 
He can be a conversable companion if he thinks it 
worth his while. Among those who are at all his 
equals in consequence, he is a very differejit man 
from what he is to the less prosperous. His pride 
never deserts him; but with the rich he is liberal- 
minded, just, sincere, rational, honorable, and, 
perhaps, agreeable, — allowing something for for- 
tune and figure." 



/ 



PKIDE AND PREJUDICE. 125 

The whist-party soon afterwards breaking up, 
the players gathered round the other table, and 
Mr. Collins took his station between* his cousin 
Elizabeth and Mrs. Philips. The usual inquiries 
as to his success were made by the latter. It had 
not been very great ; he had lost every point : but 
when Mrs. Philips began to express her concern 
thereupon, he assured her, with much earnest 
gravity, that it was not of the least importance; 
that he considered the money as a mere trifle, and 
begged she would not make herself uneasy. 

*^I know very well, madam," said he, ^Hhat 
when persons sit down to a card-table they must 
take their chance of these things, — and happily I 
am not in such circumstances as to make five shil- 
lings any object. There are, undoubtedly, many 
who co*uld not say the same ; but, thanks to Lady 
Catherine de Bourgh, I am removed far beyond 
the necessity of regarding little matters.'' 

Mr. Wickham's attention was caught; and after 
observing Mr. Collins for a few moments, he asked 
Elizabeth in a low voice whether her relations 
were very intimately acquainted with the family 
of De Bourgh. 

^*Lady Catherine de Bourgh,'' she replied, 
''has very lately given him a living. I hardly 
know how Mr. Collins was first introduced to her 
notice, but he certainly has not known her long." 

''You know of course that Lady Catherine de 



A. 



126 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

Bourgh and Lady Anne Darcy were sisters; con- 
sequently that she is aunt to the present Mr. 
Darcy." 

''No, indeed, I did not. I knew nothing at all 
of Lady Catherine's connections. I never heard 
of her existence till the day before yesterday.'' 

*'Her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, will have a 
very large fortune, and it is believed that she and 
her cousin will unite the two estates." 

This information made Elizabeth smile, as she 
thought of poor Miss Bingley. Vain indeed must 
he all her attentions, vain and useless her affection 
for his sister and her praise of himself, if he were 
already self-destined to another. 

''Mr. Collins," said she, "speaks highly both 
of Lady^Catherine and her daughter; but, from 
some particulars that he has related of her Lady- 
ship, I suspect his gratitude misleads him, and 
that, in spite of her being his patroness, she is an 
arrogant, conceited woman." 

"I believe her to be both in a great degree," 
replied Wickham. " I have not seen her for many 
years ; but I very well remember that I never 
liked her, and that her manners were dictatorial 
and insolent. She has the reputation of being 
remarkably sensible and clever; but I rather be- 
lieve she derives part of her abilities from her 
rank and fortune, part from her authoritative man- 
ner, and the rest from the pride of her nephew, 



■^ 



^ ^ 



pridp: and prejudice. 127 

who chooses that every one connected with him 
should have an understanding of the first class." 

Elizabeth allowed that he had given a very ra- 
tional account of it, and they continued talking 
together with mutual satisfaction till supper put 
an end to cards, and gave the rest of the ladies 
their share of Mr. Wickham's attentions. There 
could be no conversation in the noise of Mrs. 
Philips's supper-party, but his manners recom- 
mended him to everybody. Whatever he said, 
was said well ; and whatever he did, jdone grace- 
fully. Elizabeth went away with her head full of 
him. She could think of nothing but of Mr. 
Wickham, and of what he had told her, all the 
way home; but there was not time for her even to 
mention his name as they went, for neither Lydia 
nor Mr. Collins was once silent. Lydia talked 
incessantly of lottery tickets, of the fish she had 
lost and the fish she had won; and Mr. Collins, in 
describing the civility uf Mr. and Mrs. Philips, 
protesting that he did not in the least regard his 
losses at whist, enumerating all the dishes at sup- 
per, and repeatedly fearing that he crowded his 
cousins, had more to say than he could well man- 
age before the carriage stopped at Longbourn 
House. 



CHAPTEK XVII. 

Elizabeth related to Jane, the next day, what 
had passed between Mr. Wickham and herself. 
Jane listened with astonishment and concern : she 
knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be 
so unworthy of Mr. Bingley's regard; and yet it 
was not in her nature to question the veracity of a 
young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham. 
The possibility of his having really endured such 
unkindness was enough to interest all her tender 
feelings; and nothing therefore remained to be 
done but to think well of them both, to defend the 
conduct of each, and throw into the account of 
accident or mistake whatever could not be other- 
wise explained. 

^'They have both," said she, ^^been deceived, 
I dare say, in some way or other, of which we can 
form no idea. Interested people have perhaps 
misrepresented each to the other. It is, in short, 
impossible for us to conjecture the causes or cir- 
cumstances which may have alienated them, with- 
out actual blame on either side." 

^'Very true, indeed; and now, my dear Jane, 
what have you got to say in behalf of the in- 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 129 

terested people who have probably been concerned 
in the business? Do clear them, too, or we shall 
be obliged to think ill of somebody." 

^^ Laugh as much as you choose, but you will 
not laugh me out of my opinion. My dearest 
Lizzy, do but consider in what a disgraceful light 
it places Mr. Darcy, to be treating his father's 
favorite in such a manner, — one whom his father 
had promised to provide for. It is impossible. 
No man of common humanity, no man who had 
any value for his character, could be capable of it. 
Can his most intimate friends be so excessively 
deceived in him? Oh, no!'' 

*^I can much more easily believe Mr. Bingley's 
being imposed on than that Mr. Wickham should 
invent such a history of himself as he gave me 
last night; names, facts, everything mentioned 
without ceremony. If it be not so, let Mr. Darcy 
contradict it. Besides, there was truth in his 
looks." 

^^ It is difficult, indeed, — it is distressing. One 
does not know what to think." 

^*I beg your pardon; one knows exactly what 
to think." 

But Jane could think with certainty on only 
one point, — that Mr. Bingley, if he had been im- 
posed on, would have much to suffer when the 
affair became public. 

The two young ladies were summoned from the 

VOL. I. — 9 






130 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

shrubbery, where this conversation passed, by the 
arrival of some of the very persons of whom they 
had been speaking; Mr. Bingley and his sisters 
came to give their personal invitation for the long 
expected ball at Netherfield, which was fixed for 
the following Tuesday. The two ladies were de- 
lighted to see their dear friend again, called it an 
age since they had met, and repeatedly asked what 
she had been doing with herself since their separa- 
tion. To the rest of the family they paid little 
attention; avoiding Mrs. Bennet as much as pos- 
sible, saying not much to Elizabeth, and nothing 
at all to the others. They were soon gone again, 
i'ising from their seats with an activity which took 
their brother by surprise, and hurrying off as if 
eager to escape from Mrs. Bennetts civilities. 

The prospect of the Netherfield ball was ex- 
tremely agreeable to every female of the family. 
Mrs. Bennet chose to consider it as given in com- 
pliment to her eldest daughter, and was particu- 
larly flattered by receiving the invitation from 
Mr. Bingley himself, instead of a ceremonious 
card. Jane pictured to herself a happy evening 
in the society of her two friends, and the atten- 
tions of their brother; and Elizabeth thought with 
pleasure of dancing a great deal with Mr. Wick- 
ham, and of seeing a confirmation of everything in 
Mr. Darcy's look and behavior. The happiness 
anticipated by Catherine and Lydia depended less 



^ 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 131 

on any single event or any particular person; for 
though they each, like Elizabeth meant to dance 
half the evening with Mr. Wickhara, he was by 
no means the only partner who could satisfy them, 
and a ball was, at any rate, a ball. And even 
Mary could assure her family that she had no 
disinclination for it. 

''While I can have my mornings to myself,'' 
said she, *^it is enough. I think it is no sacrifice 
to join occasionally in evening engagements. So- 
ciety has claims on us all; and I profess myself 
one of those who consider intervals of recreation 
and amusement as desirable for everybody." 

Elizabeth's spirits were so high on the occasion, 
that though she did not often speak unnecessarily 
to Mr. Collins, she could not help asking him 
whether he intended to accept Mr. Bingley's invi- 
tation, and if he did, whether he would think it 
proper to join in the evening's amusement; and 
she was rather surprised to find thaThe entertained 
no scruple whatever on that head, and was very far 
from dreading a rebuke, either from the Arch- 
bishop or Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by venturing 
to dance. 

"I am by no means of opinion, I assure you," 
said he, ''that a ball of this kind, given by a 
young man of character to respectable people, can 
have any evil tendency; and I am so far from ob- 
jecting to dancing myself, that I shall hope to be 



132 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

honored with the hands of all my fair cousins in 
the course of the evening; and I take this oppor- 
tunity of soliciting yours, Miss Elizabeth, for the 
two first dances especially, — a preference which I 
trust my cousin Jane will attribute to the right 
cause, and not to any disrespect for her. ''J 

Elizabeth felt herself completely taken in. She 
had fully proposed being engaged by Wickham for 
those very dances; and to have Mr. Collins in- 
stead! — her liveliness had been never worse 
timed. There was no help for it, however. Mr. 
Wickham's happiness and her own were perforce 
delayed a little longer, and Mr. Collins's proposal 
accepted with as good a grace as she could. She 
was not the better pleased with his gallantry, from 
the idea it suggested of something more. It now 
first struck her that she was selected from among 
her sisters as worthy of being the mistress of 
Hunsford Parsonage, and of assisting to form a 
quadrille table at Kosings, in the absence of more 
eligible visitors. The idea soon reached to con- 
viction, a^she observed his increasing civilities 
towards herself, and heard his frequent attempt at 
a compliment on her wit and vivacity^ and though 
more astonished than gratified herg^f by this ef- 
fect of her charms, it was not long before her 
mother gave her to understand that the probability 
of their marriage was exceedingly agreeable to her. 
Elizabeth, however, did not choose to take the 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 133 

hint, being well aware that a serious dispute must 
be the consequence of any reply. Mr. Collins 
might never make the offer, and, till he did, it 
was useless to quarrel about him. 

If there had not been a Netherfield ball to pre- 
pare for and talk of, the j'^ounger Miss Bennets 
would have been in a pitiable state at this time; 
for from the day of the invitation to the day of the 
ball there was such a succession of rain as pre- 
vented their walking to Meryton once. No aunt, 
no officers, no news could be sought after; the very 
shoe-roses for Netherfield were got by proxy. 
Even Elizabeth might have found some trial of 
her patience in weather which totally suspended 
the improvement of her acquaintance with Mr. 
Wickham ; and nothing less than a dance on Tues- 
day could have made such a Friday, Saturday, 
Sunday, and Monday endurable to Kitty and 
Lydia. 



CHAPTEE XVIII. 

Till Elizabeth entered the drawing-room at Neth- 
eriield, and looked in vain for Mr. Wickham 
among the cluster of red coats there assembled, a 
doubt of his being present had never occurred to 
her. The certainty of meeting him had not been 
checked by any of those recollections that might 
not unreasonably have alarmed her. She had 
dressed with more than usual care, and prepared 
in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that 
remained unsubdued of his heart, trusting that it 
was not more than might be won in the course of 
the evening. But in an instant arose the dreadful 
suspicion of his being purposely omitted, for Mr. 
Darcy's pleasure, in the Bingleys' invitation to 
the officers; and though this was not exactly the 
case, the absolute fact of his absence was pro- 
nounced by his friend Mr. Denny, to whom Lydia 
eagerly applied, and who told them that Wickham 
had been obliged to go to town on business the day 
before, and was not yet returned; adding, with a 
significant smile, — 

*'I do not imagine his business would have 
called him away just now, if he had not wished 
to avoid a certain gentleman here.'' 



PRroE AND PREJUDICE. 135 

This part of his intelligence, though unheard 
by Lydia, was caught by Elizabeth ; and as it as- 
sured her that Darcy was not less answerable for 
Wickham's absence than if her first surmise had 
been just, every feeling of displeasure against the 
former was so sharpened by immediate disappoint- 
ment, that she could hardly reply with tolerable 
civility to the polite inquiries which he directly 
afterwards approached to make. Attention, for- 
bearance, patience with Darcy, were injury to 
Wickham. She was resolved against any sort of 
conversation with him, and turned away with a 
degree of ill-humor which she could not wholly 
surmount even in speaking to Mr. Bingley, whose 
blind partiality provoked her. 

But Elizabeth was not formed for ill-humor; 
and though every prospect of her own was de- 
stroyed for the evening, it could not dwell long 
on her spirits; and having told all her griefs to 
Charlotte Lucas, whom she had not seen for a 
week, she was soon able to make a voluntary 
transition to the oddities of her cousin, and to 
point him out to her particular notice. The two 
first dances, however, brought a return of distress : 
they were dances of mortification. Mr. Collins, 
awkward and solemn, apologizing instead of at- 
tending, and often moving wrong without being 
aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery 
which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances 



136 PRroE AND PREJUDICE. 

can give. The moment of her release from him 
was ecstasy. 

She danced next with an officer, and had the re- 
freshment of talking of Wickham, and of hearing 
that he was universally liked. When those dances 
were over, she returned to Charlotte Lucas, and 
was in conversation with her, when she found her- 
self suddenly addressed by Mr. Darcy, who took 
her so much by surprise in his application for her 
hand, that, without knowing what she did, she ac- 
cepted him. He walked away again immediately, 
and she was left to fret over her own want of pres- 
ence of mind. Charlotte tried to console her. 

^^I dare say you will find him very agreeable.'^ 

** 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." 

When the dancing recommenced, however, and 
Darcy approached to claim her hand, Charlotte 
could not help cautioning her, in a whisker, not to 
be a simpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham 
to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a 
man of ten times his consequence. Elizabeth 
made no answer, and took her place in the set, 
amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in 
being allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and 
reading in her neighbors' looks their equal amaze- 
ment in beholding it. They stood for some time 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 137 

without speaking a word; and she hegan to ima- 
gine that their silence was to last through the two 
dances, and at first was resolved not to break it; 
till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater 
punishment to her partner to oblige him to talk, 
slie made some slight observation on the dance. 
He replied, and was again silent. After a pause 
of some minutes, she addressed him a second time, 
with, — 

^^It is your turn to say something now, Mr. 
Darcy. I talked about the dance, and you ought 
to make some kind of remark on the size of the 
room or the number of couples." 

He smiled, and assured her that whatever she 
wished him to say should be said. 
. ** Very well; that reply will do for the present. 
Perhaps, by and by, I may observe that private 
balls are much pleasanter than public ones; but 
noio we may be silent." 

^^ Do you talk by rule, then, while you are 
dancing?" j 

^^ Sometimes. One must speak a little, you 
know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for 
half an hour together; and yet, for the advantage 
of some, conversation ought to be so arranged as 
that they may have the trouble of saying as little 
as possible." 

*^ Are you consulting your own feelings in the 
present case, or do you imagine that you are grati- 
fying mine? " 



138 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

*^ Both, '' replied Elizabeth, archly; " for I have 
always seen a great similarity in the turn of our 
minds. We are each of an unsocial, taciturn 
disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect 
to say something that will amaze the whole room, 
and be handed down to posterity with all the 
eclat of a proverb.'' 

**This is no very striking resemblance of your 
own character, I am sure,'' said he. ** How near 
it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. You 
think it a faithful portrait, undoubtedly." 

** I must not decide on my own performance." 

He made no answer, and they were again silent 
till they had gone down the dance, when he asked 
her if she and her sisters did not very often walk 
to Meryton. She answered in the affirmative; and 
unable to resist the temptation, added, ^* When 
you met us there the other day, we had just been 
forming a new acquaintance." 

The effect was immediate. A deeper shade 
of hauteur overspread his features, but he said 
not a word; and Elizabeth, though blaming her- 
self for her own weakness, could not go on. At 
length Darcy spoke, and in a constrained manner 
said, — 

** Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy man- 
ners as may insure his making friends; whether 
he may be equally capable of retaining them, is 
less certain." 



PRroE AND PREJUDICE. 139 

*'He has been so unlucky as to lose your friend- 
ship,'' replied Elizabeth with emphasis, **and in 
a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his 
life.'' 

Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of 
changing the subject. At that moment Sir Wil- 
liam Lucas appeared close to them, meaning to 
pass through the set to the other side of the room; 
but on perceiving Mr. Darcy, he stopped, with a 
bow of superior courtesy, to compliment him on 
his dancing and his partner. 

•*I have been most highly gratified, indeed, my 
dear sir; such very superior dancing is not often 
seen. It is evident that you belong to the first 
circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair 
partner does not disgrace you; and that I must 
hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially 
when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss 
Eliza " (glancing at her sister and Bingley), 
** shall take place. What congratulations will then 
flow in ! I appeal to Mr. Darcy ; — but let me 
not interrupt you, sir. You will not thank me for 
detaining you from the bewitching converse of that 
young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding 
me." 

The latter part of this address was scarcely 
heard by Darcy; but Sir William's allusion to his 
friend seemed to strike him forcibly, and his eyes 
were directed, with a very serious expression, 



140 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

towards Bingley and Jane, who were dancing to- 
gether. Recovering himself, however, shortly, he 
turned to his partner, and said, — 

** Sir William's interruption has made me forget 
what we were talking of.'' 

**I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir 
William could not have interrupted any two people 
in the room who had less to say for themselves. 
We have tried two or three subjects already with- 
out success, and what we are to talk of next I can- 
not imagine." 

*^ What think you of books? " said he, smiling. 

*^ Books, oh, no! I am sure we never read the 
same, or not with the same feelings." 

**I am sorry you think so; but if that be the 
case, there can at least be no want of subject. We 
may compare our different opinions." 

" No, I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my 
head is always full of something else." 

*^The present always occupies you in such 
scenes, does it? " said he, with a look of doubt. 

^^Yes, always," she replied, without knowing 
what she said ; for her thoughts had wandered far 
from the subject, as soon afterwards appeared by 
her suddenly exclaiming: ^^I remember hearing 
you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever 
forgave; that your resentment, once created, was 
unappeasable. You are very cautious, I sup- 
pose, as to its being created?^' 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 141 

''1 am," said he, with a firm voice. 

*^ And never allow yourself to be blinded by 
prejudice? ^^ 

^'I hope not." 

*'It is particularly incumtent on those who 
never change their opinion, to be secure of judging 
properly at first." 

*^May I ask to what these questions tend? " 

*^ Merely to the illustration of your character," 
said she, endeavoring to shake off her gravity. 
*^I am trying to make it out." 

*^ And what is your success? " 

She shook her head. '^ I do not get on at all. I 
hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me 
exceedingly." 

*^I can readily believe," answered he, gravely, 
''that reports may vary greatly with respect to 
me; and I could wish. Miss Bennet, that you 
were not to sketch my character at the present 
moment, as there is reason to fear that the per- 
formance would reflect no credit on either." 

"But if I do not take your likeness now, I 
may never have another opportunity." 

'* I would by no means suspend any pleasure 
of yours," he coldly replied. She said no more, 

* 

and they went down the other dance and parted 
in silence; on each side dissatisfied, though not 
to an equal degree: for in Darcy's breast there 
was a tolerably powerful feeling towards her, 



142 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

which soon procured her pardon, and directed all 
his anger against another. 

They had not long separated when Miss Bing- 
ley came towards her, and, with an expression of 
civil disdain, thus* accosted her, — 

^' So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite de- 
lighted with George Wickham? Your sister has 
heen talking to me about him, and asking me a 
thousand questions; and 1 find that the young 
man forgot to tell you, among his other commu- 
nications, that he was the son of old Wickham, 
the late Mr. Darcy's steward. Let me recom- 
mend you, however, as a friend, not to give im- 
plicit confidence to all his assertions; for, as to 
Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false: 
for, on the contrary, he has been always remark- 
ably kind to him, though George Wickham has 
treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. I 
do not know the particulars, but I know very 
well that Mr. Darcy is not in the least to blame; 
that he cannot bear to hear George Wickham 
mentioned; and that though my brother thought 
he could not well avoid including him in his in- 
vitation to the officers, he was excessively glad 
to find that he had taken himself out of the way. 
His coming into the country at all is a most in- 
solent thing, indeed, and I wonder how he could 
presume to do it. I pity you. Miss Eliza, for 
this discovery of your favorite's guilt; but really. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 143 

considering his descent, one could not expect 
much better.'' 

*^His guilt and his descent appear, by your 
account, to be the same," said Elizabeth, angrily; 
'^for I have heard you accuse him of nothing 
worse than of being the son of Mr. Darcy's stew- 
ard, and of that, I can assure you, he informed 
me himself.'' 

^^I beg your pardon," replied Miss Bingley, 
turning away with a sneer. *' Excuse my inter- 
ference; it was kindly meant." 

^^ Insolent girl!" said Elizabeth to herself. 
*^You are much mistaken if you expect to in- 
fluence me by such a paltry attack as this. I see 
nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and 
the malice of Mr. Darcy." She then sought her 
eldest sister, who had undertaken to make in- 
quiries on the same subject of Bingley. Jane 
met her with a smile of such sweet complacency, 
a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently 
marked how well she was satisfied with the occur- 
rences of the evening. Elizabeth instantly read 
her feelings; and at that moment solicitude for 
Wickham, resentment against his enemies, and 
everything else gave way before the hope of 
Jane's being in the fairest way for happiness. 

'^I want to know,'* said she, with a counte- 
nance no less smiling than her sister's, ''what 
you have learned about Mr. Wickham. But per- 



144 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

haps you have been too pleasantly engaged to 
think of any third person, in which case you 
may be sure of my pardon." 

'^No/' replied Jane, *^I have not forgotten 
him; but I have nothing satisfactory to tell you. 
Mr. Bingley does not know the whole of his his- 
tory, and is quite ignorant of the circumstances 
which have principally offended Mr. Darcy; but 
he will vouch for the good conduct, the probity 
and honor, of his friend, and is perfectly con- 
vinced that Mr. Wickham has deserved much less 
attention from Mr. Darcy than he has received; 
and I am sorry to say that by his account, as well 
as his sister's, Mr. Wickham is by no means a 
respectable young man. I am afraid he has been 
very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr. 
Darcy 's regard. '^ 

^^Mr. Bingley does not know Mr. Wickham 
himself." 

*^No; he never saw him till the other morning 
at Meryton." 

*^This account then is what he has received 
from Mr. Darcy. I am perfectly satisfied. But 
what does he say of the living?" 

'^He does not exactly recollect the circum- 
stances, though he has heard them from Mr. Darcy 
more than once, but he believes that it was left to 
him conditionally only." 

'^ I have not a doubt of Mr. Bingley 's sincerity, " 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 145 

said Elizabeth, warmly, * ^ but you must excuse my 
not being convinced by assurances only. Mr. 
Bing\ey's defence of his friend was a very able 
one, I dare say ; but since he is unacquainted with 
several parts of the story, and has learned the rest 
from that friend himself, I shall venture still to 
think of both gentlemen as I did before." 

She then changed the discourse to one more 
gratifying to each, and on which there could be no 
difference of sentiment. Elizabeth listened with 
delight to the happy though modest hopes which 
Jane entertained of Bingley's regard, and said all 
in her power to heighten her confidence in it. On 
their being joined by Mr. Bingley himself, Eliza- 
beth withdrew to Miss Lucas; to whose inquiry 
after the pleasantness of her last partner she had 
scarcely replied, before Mr. Collins came up to 
them, and told her, with great exultation, that he 
had just been so fortunate as to make a most 
important discovery. 

^^I have found out," said he, '^by a singular 
accident, that there is now in the room a near 
relation to my patroness. I happened to overhear 
the gentleman himself mentioning to the young 
lady who does the honors of this house the names 
of his cousin Miss de Bourgh, and of her mother 
Lady Catherine. How wonderfully these sort of 
things occur! Who would have thought of my 
meeting with — perhaps — a nephew of Lady Cath- 

VOL. I. — 10 



146 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

erine de Bourgh in this assembly! I am most 
thankful that the discovery is made in time for 
me to pay my respects to him, which I am now 
going to do, and trust he will excuse my not 
having done it before. My total ignorance of the 
connection must plead my apology." 

'^ You are not going to introduce yourself to 
Mr. Darcy?'' 

^^ Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for 
not having done it earlier. I believe him to be 
Lady Catherine's nephew. It will be in my power 
to assure him that her Ladyship was quite well 
yesterday se'nnight." 

Elizabeth tried hard to dissuade him from such 
a scheme; assuring him that Mr. Darcy would 
consider his addressing him without introduc- 
tion as an impertinent freedom, rather than a 
compliment to his aunt; that it was not in the 
least necessary there should be any notice on 
either side, and that if it were, it^ust belong to 
Mr. Darcy, the superior in consequence, to begin 
the acquaintance. Mr. Collins listened to her 
with the determined air of following his own 
*incli nation, and when she ceased speaking, replied 
thus, — 

^^My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest 
opinion in the world of your excellent judgment 
in all matters within the scope of your understand- 
ing, but \permit me to say that there must be a 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 147 

wide difference between the established forms of 
ceremony amongst the laity and those which regu- 
late the clergy; for give me leave to observe that 
I consider the clerical office as equal in point of 
dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom, — 
provided that a proper humility of behavior is at 
the same time maintained. You must therefore 
allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience 
on this occasion, which leads me to perform what 
I look on as a point of dutyj Pardon me for 
neglecting to profit by your advice, which on every 
other subject shall be my constant guide, though 
in the case before us I consider myself more fitted 
by education and habitual study to decide on what 
is right than a young lady like yourself; " and 
with a low bow he left her to attack Mr. Darcv, 
whose reception of his advances she eagerlj^ 
watched, and whose astonishment at being so ad- 
dressed was very evident. Her cousin prefaced 
his speech wi^h a solemn bow, and though she 
could not hear a word of it, she felt as if hearing 
it all, and saw in the motion of his lips the words 
^^ apology," ^'Hunsford," and '^Lady Catherine 
de Bourgh." It vexed her to see him expose him- 
self to such a man. Mr. Darcy was eying him 
with unrestrained wonder; and when at last Mr. 
Collins allowed him to speak, replied with an air 
of distant civility. Mr. Collins, however, was 
not discouraged from speaking again, and Mr. 



148 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

Darcy's contempt seemed abundantly increasing 
with the length of his second speech; and at the 
end of it he only made him a slight bow, and 
moved another way. Mr. Colliiis then returned 
to Elizabeth. 

^^ I have no reason, I assure you," said he, '* to 
be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr. Darcy 
seemed much pleased with the attention. He 
answered me with the utmost civility, and even 
paid me the compliment of saying that he was so 
well convinced of Lady Catherine's discernment as 
to be certain she could never bestow a favor un- 
worthily. It was really a very handsome thought. 
Uponihe whole, I am much pleased with him." 

As Elizabeth had no longer any interest of her 
own to pursue, she turned her attention almost 
entirely on her sister and Mr. Bingley; and the 
train of agreeable reflections which her observa- 
tions gave birth to made her perhaps almost as 
happy as Jane. She saw her in idea settled in 
that very house, in all the felicity which a mar- 
riage of true affection oould bestow; and she felt 
capable, under such circumstances, of endeavoring 
even to like Bingley's two sisters. Her mother's 
thoughts she plainly saw were bent the same way, 
and she determined not to venture near her, lest 
she might hear too much. When they sat down 
to supper, therefore, she considered it a most un- 
lucky perverseness which placed them within one of 



4 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 149 

each other; and deeply was she vexed to find that 
her mother was talking to that one person (Lady 
Lucas) freely, openly, and of nothing else hut of 
her expectation that Jane, would he soon married 
to Mr. Bingley. It was an animating suhject, 
and Mrs. Bennet seemed incapahle of fatigue while 
enumerating the advantages of the match. His 
heing such a charming young man, and so rich, 
and living hut three miles from them, were the 
first points of self-gratulation ; and then it was such 
a comfort to think how fond the two sisters were of 
Jane, and to he certain that they must desire the 
connection as much as she could do. It was, 
moreover, such a promising thing for her younger 
daughters, as Jane's marrying so greatly must 
throw them in the way of other rich men; and, 
lastly, it was so pleasant at her time of life to he 
able to consign her single daughters to the care of 
their sister, that she might not be obliged to go into 
company more than she liked. It was necessary 
to make this circumstance a matter of pleasure, 
because on such occasions it is the etiquette; but 
no one was less likely than Mrs. Bennet to find 
comfort in staying at home at any period of her 
life. She concluded with many good wishes that 
Lady Lucas might soon be equally fortunate, 
though evidently and triumphantly believing there 
'was no chance of it. 

In vain did Elizabeth endeavor to check the 



150 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

rapidity of her mother's words, or persuade her to 
describe her felicity in a less audible whisper; for 
to her inexpressible vexation she could perceive 
that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, 
who sat opposite to them. Her mother only 
scolded her for being nonsensical. 

''What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should 
be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such 
particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing 
he may not like to hear.'' 

*'For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. 
What advantage can it be to you to offend Mr. 
Darcy? You will never recommend yourself to 
his friend by so doing." 

Nothing that she could say, however, had any 
influence. Her mother would talk of her views in 
the same intelligible tone. Elizabeth blushed 
and blushed again with shame and vexation. She 
could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. 
Darcy, though every glance convinced her of what 
she dreaded; for though he was not always look-' 
ing at her mother, she was convinced that his 
attention was invariably fixed by her. The ex- 
pression of his face changed gradually from indig- 
nant contempt to a composed and steady gravity. 

At length, however, Mrs. Bennet had no more 
to say; and Lady Lucas, who had been long 
yawning at the repetition of delights which she 
saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 151 

comforts of cold ham and chicken. Elizabeth now 
began to revive. But not long was the interval of 
tranquillity; for when supper was over, singing 
was talked of, and she had the mortification of 
seeing Mary, after very little entreaty, preparing 
to oblige the company. By many significant looks 
and silent entreaties did she endeavor to prevent 
such a proof of complaisance, but in vain : Mary 
would not understand them ; such an opportunity 
of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she be- 
gan her song. Elizabeth's eyes were fixed on her 
with most painful sensations, and she watched her 
progress through the several stanzas with an im- 
patience which was very ill rewarded at their 
close ; for Mary, on receiving amongst the thanks 
of the table the hint of a hope that she might be 
prevailed on to favor them again, after the pause 
of half a minute, began another. Mary's powers 
were by no means fitted for such a display; her 
voice was weak, and her manner affected. Eliza- 
beth was in agonies. She looked at Jane to see 
how she bore it; but Jane was very composedly 
talking to Bingley. She looked at his two sisters, 
and saw them making signs of derision at each 
other; and at Darcy, who continued, however, 
impenetrably grave. She looked at her father to 
entreat his interference, lest Mary should be sing- 
ing all night. He took the hint, and when Mary 
had finished her second song, said aloud, — 



152 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

''That will do extremely well, child. You 
have delighted us long enough. Let the other 
young ladies have time to exhibit. '* 

Mary, though pretending not to hear, was some- 
what disconcerted; and Elizabeth, sorry for her 
and sorry for her father's speech, was afraid her 
anxiety had done no good. Others of the party 
were now applied to. 

''If I," said Mr. Collins, "were so fortunate 
as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, 
I am sure, in obliging the company with an air; 
Nfor I consider music as a very innocent diversion, 
and perfectly compatible with the profession of a 
clergyman. I do not mean, however, to assert 
that we can be justified in devoting too much of 
our time to music, for there are certainly other 
things to be attended to/Jxhe rector of a parish 
has much to do. In the first place, he must make 
such an agreement for tithes as may be beneficial 
to himself and not offensive to his patron. He 
must write his own sermons; and the time that 
remains will not be too much for his parish duties, 
and the care and improvement of his dwelling, 
which he cannot be excused from making as com- 
fortable as possible. And I do not think it of 
light importance that he should have attentive and 
conciliatory manners towards everybody, especially 
towards those to whom he owes his preferment. I 
cannot acquit him of that duty; nor could I think 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 153 

well of the man who should omit an occasion of 
testifying his respect towards anybody connected 
with the family. T And with a bow to Mr. Darcy, 
lie concluded his speech, which had been spoken 
so loud as to be heard by half the room. Many 
stared, many smiled; but no one looked more 
amused than Mr. Bennet himself, while his wife 
seriously commended Mr. Collins for having spoken 
so sensibly, and observed, in a half- whisper to 
Lady Lucas, that he was a remarkably clever, 
good kind of young man. 

To Elizabeth it appeared that had her family 
made an agreement to expose themselves as much 
as they could during the evening, it would have 
been impossible for them to play their parts with 
more spirit or finer success; and happy did she 
think it for Bingley and her sister that some of 
the exhibition had escaped his notice, and that his 
feelings were not of a sort to be much distressed 
by the folly which he must have witnessed. That 
his two sisters and Mr. Darcy, however, should 
have such an opportunity of ridiculing her rela- 
tions was bad enough; and she could not deter- 
mine whether the silent contempt of the gentleman 
or the insolent smiles of the ladies were more 
intolerable. 

The rest of the evening brought her little 
amusement. She was teased by Mr. Collins, who 
continued most perseveringly by her side; and 



154 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

though he could not prevail with her to dance 
with him again, put it out of her power to dance 
with others. In vain did she entreat him to stand 
up with somebody else, and offered to introduce 
him to any young lady in the room. He assured 
her that, as to dancing, he was perfectly indiffer- 
ent to it 5 that his chief object was, by delicate 
attentions, to recommend himself to her; and that 
he should therefore make a point of remaining 
close to her the whole evening. There was no 
arguing upon such a project. She owed her great- 
est relief to her friend Miss Lucas, who often 
joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr. 
CoUins's conversation to herself. 

She was at least free from the offence of Mr. 
Darcy's further notice; though often standing 
within a very short distance of her, quite disen- 
gaged, he never came near enough to speak. She 
felt it to be the probable consequence of her allu- 
sions to Mr. Wickham, and rejoiced in it. 

The Longbourn party were the last of all the 
company to depart; and by a manoeuvre of Mrs. 
Bennet had to wait for their carriage a quarter of 
an hour after everybody else was gone, which gave 
therfi time to see how heartily they were wished 
away by some of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her 
sister scarcely opened their mouths except to com- 
jjlain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to 
have the house to themselves. They repulsed 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 155 

every attempt of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, 
and, by so doing, threw a languor over the whole 
party, which was very little relieved by the long 
speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting 
Mr. Bingley and his sisters on the elegance of their 
entertainment, and the hospitality and politeness 
which had marked their behavior to their guests. 
, Darcy said nothing at all. Mr. Bennet, in equal 
-silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr. Bingley and 
Jane were standing together a little detached from 
the rest, and talked only to each other. Elizabeth 
preserved as steady a silence as either Mrs. Hurst 
or Tfi-iss Bingley } and even Lydia was too much 
fatigued to utter more than the occasional excla- 
mation of *^Lord, how tired I am! '' accompanied 
by a violent yawn. 

When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. 
Bennet was most pressingly civil in her hope of 
seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn; and 
addressed herself particularly to Mr. Bingley, to 
assure him how happy he would make them by eat- 
ing a family dinner with them at any time without 
the ceremony of a formal invitation. Bingley was 
all grateful pleasure; and he readily engaged for 
taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her, 
after his return from London, whither he was 
obliged to go the next day for a short time. 

Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied; and quitted 
the house under the delightful persuasion that, 



156 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

allowing for the necessary preparations of settle- 
ments, new carriages, and wedding-clothes, she 
should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at 
Netherfield in the course of three or four months. 
Of having another daughter married to Mr. Collins 
she thought with equal certainty, and with consid- 

/ erable, though not equal pleasure. Elizabeth was 
the least dear to her of all her children; and 

* though the man and the match were quite good 
enough for her, the worth of each was eclipsed by 
Mr. Bingley and Netherfield. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

The next day opened a new scene at Longbourn. 
Mr. Collins made his declaration in form. Hav- 
ing resolved to do it without loss of time, as his 
leave of absence extended only to the following 
Saturday, and having no feelings of diffidence to 
make it distressing to himself even at the moment, 
he set about it in a very orderly manner, with all 
the observances which he supposed a regular part 
of the business. On finding Mrs. Bennet, Eliza- 
beth, and one of the younger girls together, soon 
after breakfast, he addressed the mother in these 
words, — 

**May I hope, madam, for your interest with 
your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for 
the honor of a private audience with her in the 
course of this morning? '' 

Before Elizabeth had time for anything but a 
blush of surprise, Mrs. Bennet instantly answered : 

^^Oh dear! Yes, certainly. I am sure Lizzy 
will be very happy, — I am sure she can have no 
objection. Come, Kitty, I want you upstairs." 
And gathering her work together, she was hasten- 
ing away, when Elizabeth called out, — 



158 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

*^Dear ma'am, do not go. I beg you will not 
go. Mr. Collins must excuse me. He can have 
nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear. 
I am going away myself." 

**!N"o, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you will 
stay where you are." And upon Elizabeth's 
seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed looks, 
about to escape, she added; ''Lizzy, I insist upon 
your staying and hearing Mr. Collins." 

Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction; 
and a moment's consideration making her also sen- 
sible that it would be wisest to get it over as soon 
and as quietly as possible, she sat down again, and 
tried to conceal by incessant employment the feel- 
ings which were divided between distress and di- 
version. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty walked off; and 
as soon as they were gone, Mr. Collins began : — 

"Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that 
your modesty, so far from doing you any dis- 
service, rather adds to your other perfections. 
You would have been less amiable in my e3"es had 
there not been this little unwillingness; but allow 
me to assure you that I have your respected 
mother's permission for this address. You can 
hardly doubt the purport of my discourse, however 
your natural delicacy may lead you to dissemble; 
my attentions have been too marked to be mis- 
taken. Almost as soon as I entered the house I 
singled you out as the companion of my future 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 159 

life. But before I am run away with by my feel- 
ings on this subject, perhaps it will be advisable 
for me to state my reasons for marrying — and, 
moreover, for coming into Hertfordshire with the 
design of selecting a wife, as I certainly did." 

The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn 
composure, being run away with by his feelings, 
made Elizabeth so near laughing that she could 
not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt 
to stop him further; and he continued, — 

**My reasons for marrying are, first, that I 
think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy 
circumstances (like myself) to set the example of 
matrimony in his parish; secondly, that I am con- 
vinced' it will add very greatly to my happiness; 
and thirdly, which perhaps I ought to have men- 
tioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and 
recommendation of the very noble lady whom I 
have the honor of calling patroness. Twice has 
she condescended to give me her opinion (unasked 
too!) on this subject; and it was but the very Sat- 
urday night before I left Hunsford — between our 
pools at quadrille, while Mrs. Jenkinson was ar- 
ranging Miss de Bourgh's footstool — that she 
said, * Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman 
like you must marry. Choose properly, — choose a 
gentlewoman, for my sake and for your own; let 
her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought 
up high, but able to make a small income go a 



>' 



160 PREDE AND PREJUDICE. 

• 

good way. This is my advice. Find such a 
woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, 
and I will visit her.' Allow me, by the way, to 
observe, my fair cousin, that I do not reckon the 
notice and kindness of Lady Catherine de Bourgh 
as among the least of the advantages in my power 
to offer. You will find her manners beyond any- 
thing I can describe; and your wit and vivacity 
I think must be acceptable to her, especially 
when tempered with the silence and respect which 
her rank will inevitably excite. Thus much for 
my general intention in favor of matrimony; it re- 
mains to be told why my views were directed to 
Longbourn instead of my own neighborhood, where 
I assure you there are many amiable young women. 
But the fact is that, being, as I am, to inherit this 
estate after the death of your honored 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 takes place, which, however, as I have already 
NJ^ said, may not be for several years. This has been 
5 my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it 
>^^ will not sink me in your esteem. And now noth- 
v^ ing remains for me but to assure you in the most 
^ animated language of the violence of my affection* ' 
To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall 
make no demand of that nature on your father, 



\ 



• 



I PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 16l 

since I am well aware that it could not be com- 

plied with; and that one thousand pounds in the 

? four per cents, which will not he yours till after 

1 your mother's decease, is all that you may ever be 

f entitled to. On that head, therefore, I shall be 

uniformly silent ; and you may assure yourself that 

no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips 

when we are .married.'' 

It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now. 

*^ You are too hasty, sir," she cried. ^^You 
forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it . 
without further loss of time. Accept my thanks 
for the compliment you are paying me. I am very 
sensible of the honor of your proposals, but it is im- 
possible for me to do otherwise than decline them." 

'*I am not now to learn," replied Mr. Collins, 
with a formal wave of the hand, ^ ^ that it is usual 
with young ladies to reject the addresses of the 
man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he 
first applies for their favor; and that sometimes 
the refusal is repeated a second or even a third 
time. I am, therefore, by no means discouraged 
by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead 
you to the altar erelong." 

'^Upon my word, sir," cried Elizabeth, ^*your 
hope is rathe, an extraordinary one after my dec- 
laration. I do assure you that I am not one of 
those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) 
who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the 

VOL. I. — 11 



X 



PHIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

leing asked a second time. Z am per- 
is ill my refusal. You could Dot make 
and I am convinced that I am the last 
the world who would make you so. 
your friend Lady Catherine to know 
frauaded she would find me in every re- 
ilified for the situation." 
t certain that Lady Catherine would 
said Mr. Collins, very gravely, — " hut 
lagine that her Ladyship would at all 
jf you. And you may be certain that 
e the honor of seeing her again I shall 
he h i ghest terms of your modesty, 
nd other amiable qualiiieations." 

Mr. Collins, all praise of me will be 
. You must give me leave to judge 
md pay me the compliment of believing 
I wish you very happy and very rich, 
sing your hand, do all in my power to 
ir being otherwise. In making me the 
lust have satisfied the delicacy of your 
:h regard to my family, and may take 
)f Longbourn estate whenever it falls, 
y self-reproach. This matter may be 

therefore, as fi.nally settled." And 
le thus spoke, she would have quitted 
ad not Mr. Collins thus addressed her: 
I do myself the honor of speaking to 
1 the subject, I shall hope to receive a 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 163 

more favorable answer than you have now given 
me; though I am far from accusing you of cruelty 
at present, because I know it to be the established 
custom of your sex to reject a man on the first ap- 
plication, and perhaps you have even now said as 
much to encourage my suit as would be consistent 
with the true delicacy of the female character.'' 

'*' Really, Mr. Collins," cried Elizabeth, with 
some warmth, ^*you puzzle me exceedingly. If 
what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the 
form of encouragement, I know not how to express 
my refusal in such a way as may convince you of 
its being one." 

^* You must give me leave to flatter myself, my 
dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses are 
merely words of course. My reasons for believing 
it are briefly these: It does not appear to me 
that my hand is unworthy your acceptance, or that 
the establishment I can offer would be any other 
than highly desirable. My situation in life, my 
connections with the family of De Bourgh, and 
my relationship to your own are circumstances 
highly in my favor; and you should take it into 
further consideration, that, in spite of your mani- 
fold attractions, it is by no means certain that an- 
other offer of marriage may ever be made you. 
Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in 
all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness 
and amiable qualifications. As I must therefore 



164 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

conclude that you are not serious in your rejection 
of me, I shall choose to attribute it to your wish of 
increasing my love by suspense, according to the 
usual practice of elegant females." 

** I do assure you, sir, that I have no preten- 
sions whatever to that kind of elegance which con- 
sists in tormenting a respectable man. I would 
rather be paid the compliment of being believed 
sincere. I thank you again and again for the 
honor you have done me in your proposals, but to 
accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings 
in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? 
Do not consider me now as an elegant female in- 
tending to plague you, but as a rational creature 
speaking the truth from her heart." 

''You are uniformly charming! " cried he, with 
an air of awkward gallantry; **and I am persuaded 
that, when sanctioned by the express authority of 
both your excellent parents, my proposals will not 
fail of being acceptable." 

To such perseverance in wilful self-deception 
Elizabeth would make no reply, and immediately 
and in silence withdrew; determined that if he 
persisted in considering her repeated refusals as 
flattering encouragement, to apply to her father, 
whose negative might be uttered in such a manner 
as must be decisive, and whose behavior at least 
could not be mistaken for the affectation and 
coquetry of an elegant female. 



CHAPTEK XX. 

Mr. Collins was not left long to the silent con- 
templation of his successful love ; for Mrs. Bennet, 
having dawdled about in the vestibule to watch 
for the end of the conference, no sooner saw Eliza- 
beth open the door and with quick step pass her 
towards the staircase, than she entered the break- 
fast-room, and congratulated both him and herself 
in warm terms on the happy prospect of their 
nearer connection. Mr. Collins received and re- 
turned these felicitations with equal pleasure, and 
then proceeded to relate the particulars of their in- 
terview, with the result of which he trusted he 
had every reason to be satisfied, since the refusal 
which his cousin had steadfastly given him would 
naturally flow from her bashful modesty and the 
genuine delicacy of her character. 

This information, however, startled Mrs. Ben- 
net : she would have been glad to be equally satis- 
fied that her daughter had meant to encourage him 
by protesting against his proposals; but she dared 
not to believe it, and could not help saying so. 

^'But depend upon it, Mr. Collins,'' she added, 
*'that Lizzy shall be brought to reason. I will 



166 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

speak to her about it myself directly. She is a very 
headstrong, foolish girl, and does not know her 
own interest; but I will make her know it.'' 

'* Pardon me for interrupting you, madam,'' 
cried Mr. Collins; *'but if she is really headstrong 
and foolish, I know not whether she would alto- 
gether be a very desirable wife to a man in my sit- 
uation, who naturally looks for happiness in the 
marriage state. If therefore she actually persists 
in rejecting my suit, perhaps it were better not to 
force her into accepting me, because, if liable to 
such defects of temper, she could not contribute 
much to my felicity." 

^*Sir, you quite misunderstand me," said Mrs. 
Bennet, alarmed. ^* Lizzy is only headstrong in 
such matters as these. In everything else she is 
as good-natured a girl as ever lived. I will go 
directly to Mr. Bennet, and we shall very soon 
settle it with her, I am sure." 

She would not give him time to reply, but 
hurrying instantly to her husband, called out, as 
she entered the library, — 

^ ^ 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, 
he will change his mind and not have her." 

Mr. Bennet raised his eyes from his book as she 
entered, and fixed them on her face with a calm 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 167 

unconcern which was not in the least altered by 
her communication. 

**I have not the pleasure of understanding 
you," said he, when she had finished her speech. 
*'0f what are you talking?" 

**0f Mr. Collins and Lizzy. Lizzy declares 
she will not have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins 
begins to say that he will not have Lizzy." 

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

'* Speak to Lizzy about it yourself. Tell her 
that you insist upon, her marrying him." 

**Let her be called down. She shall hear my 
opinion." 

Mrs. Bennet rang the bell, and Miss Elizabeth 
was summoned to the library. 

**Come here, child," cried her father, as she 
appeared. *' I have sent for you on an affair of 
importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has 
made you an offer of marriage. Is it true? " 
Elizabeth replied that it was. **Very well, — 
and this offer of marriage you have refused? " 

*' I have, sir." 

**Very well. We now come "to the point. 
Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Is 
it not so, Mrs. Bennet? " 

** Yes, or I will never see her again." 

'*An unhappy alternative is before you, Eliza- 
beth. From this day you must be a stranger to 



168 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

^ j one of your parents. ^Your mother will never see 

you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I 
will never see you again if you do. ^ 

Elizabeth could not but smile at such a con- 
clusion of such a beginning; but Mrs. Bennet. 
who had persuaded herself that her husband re- 
garded the affair as she wished, was excessively 
disappointed. 

'^ What do you mean, Mr. Bennet, by talking in 
this way? You promised me to insist upon her 
marrying him.'^ 

'^My dear," replied her husband, '^I have two 
small favors to request: First, that you will 
allow me the free use of my understanding, on 
the present occasion; and, secondly, of my room. 
I shall be glad to have the library to myself as 
soon as may be." 

Not yet, however, in spite of her disappoint- 
ment in her husband, did Mrs. Bennet give up the 
point. She talked to Elizabeth again and again; 
coaxed and threatened her by turns. She endeav- 
ored to secure Jane in her interest; but Jane, 
with all possible mildness, declined interfering; 
and Elizabeth sometimes with real earnestness and 
sometimes with playful gayety, replied to her at- 
tacks. Though her manner varied, however, her 
determination never did. 

Mr. Collins, meanwhile, was meditating in soli- 
tude on what had passed. \He thought too well of 



f 



It 



C PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 169 

himself to compreliend on what motive his cousin 
could refuse him; and though his pride was hurt, 
he suffered in no other way. His regard for her 
was quite imaginary; and the possibility of her 
deserving her mother's reproach prevented his 
feeling any regret. / 

While the family were in this confusion, Char- 
lotte Lucas came, to spend the day with them. 
She was met in the vestibule by Lydia, who, flying 
to her, cried in a half -whisper : '*I am glad you 
are come, for there is such fun here! What do 
you think has happened this morning? Mr. Col- 
lins has made an offer to Lizzy, and she will not 
have him.'' 

Charlotte had hardly time to answer before they 
were joined by Kitty, who came to tell the same 
news; and no sooner had they entered the break- 
fast-room, where Mrs. Bennet was alone, than she 
likewise began on the subject, calling on Miss 
Lucas for her compassion, and entreating her to 
persuade her friend Lizzy to comply with the 
wishes of all her family. ^^Pray do, my dear 
Miss Lucas," she added, in a melancholy tone; 
^'for nobody is on my side, nobody takes part with 
me. I am cruelly used; nobody feels for my poor 
nerves." 

Charlotte's reply was spared by the entrance of 
Jane and Elizabeth. 

^*Ay, there she comes," continued Mrs. Bennet, 



i 



1 



170 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

'Mooking as unconcerned as may be, and caring 
no more for us than if we were at York, provided 
she can have her own way. But I tell you what, 
Miss Lizzy, if you take it into your head to go on 
refusing every offer of marriage in this way, you 
will never get a husband at all, — and I am sure I 
do not know who is to maintain you when your 
father is dead. I shall not be able to keep you, — 
and so I warn you. I have done with you from 
this very day. I told jou in the library, you 
know, that I should never speak to you again, and 
you will find me as good as my word. I have no 
pleasure in talking to undutiful children. Not 
that I have much pleasure, indeed, in talking to 
anybody. People who suffer as I do from nervous 
complaints can have no great inclination for talk- 
ing. Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is 
always so. Those who do not complain are never 
pitied." 

Her daughters listened in silence to this effu- 
sion, sensible that any attempt to reason with or 
soothe her would only increase the irritation. She 
talked on, therefore, without interruption from 
f.ny of them till they were joined by Mr. Collins, 
who entered with an air more stately than usual, 
and on perceiving whom, she said to the girls, — 

**Now I do insist upon it that you, all of you, 
hold your tongues, and let Mr. Collins and me 
have a little conversation together." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 171 

Elizabeth passed quietly out of the room, Jane 
and Kitty followed, but Lydia stood her ground, 
determined to hear all she could; and Charlotte, 
detained first by the civility of Mr. Collins, whose 
inquiries after herself and all her family were very 
minute, and then by a little curiosity, satisfied 
herself with walking to the window and pretend- 
ing not to hear. In a doleful voice Mrs. Bennet 
thus began the projected conversation : — 

^<0h, Mr. Collins." 

^' My dear madam," replied he, '^ let us be for- 
ever silent on this point. fTar be it from me," he 
presently continued, in a voice that marked his 
displeasure, '*to resent the behavior of your 
daughter. Resignation to inevitable evils is the 
duty of us all, — the peculiar dut}'^ of a young man 
who has been so fortunate as I have been, in early 
preferment; and I trust I am resigne^ Perhaps 
not the less so from feeling a doubt of my positive 
happiness had my fair cousin honored me with her 
hand; for I have often observed that resignation 
is never so perfect as when the blessing denied 
begins to lose somewhat of its value in our estima- 
tion. You will not, I hope, consider me as show- 
ing any disrespect to your family, my dear madam, 
by thus withdrawing my pretensions to your daugh- 
ter's favor, without having paid yourself and Mr. 
Bennet the compliment of requesting you to inter- 
pose your authority in my behalf. My conduct 



172 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

may, I fear, be objectionable in having accepted 
my dismission from your daughter's lips instead of 
your own ; but we are all liable to error. I have 
certainly meant well through the whole affair. 
My object has been to secure an amiable com- 
panion for myself, with due consideration for the 
advantage of all j^our family ; and if mj*^ manner 
has been at all reprehensible, I here beg leave to 
apologize." 



CHAPTER XXI. 

The discussion of Mr. Collinses offer was now 
nearly at an end, and Elizabeth had only to suffer 
from the uncomfortable feelings necessarily attend- 
ing it, and occasionally from some peevish allusion 
of her mother. As for the gentleman himsel\^ his 
feelings were chiefly expressed, not by embarrass- 
ment or dejection, or by trying to avoid her, but 
by stiffness of manner, and resentful silenced He 
scarcely ever spoke to her; and the assiduous at- 
tentions which he had been so sensible of himself 
were transferred for the rest of the day to Miss 
Lucas, whose civility in listening to him was a 
seasonable relief to them all, and especially to 
her friend. 

The morrow produced no abatement of Mrs. 
Bennetts ill humor or ill health. Mr. Collins 
was also in the same state of angry pride. Eliza- 
beth had hoped that his resentment might shorten 
his visit, but his plan did not appear in the least 
affected by it. He was always to have gone on 
Saturday, and to Saturday he still meant to stay. 

After breakfast the girls walked to Meryton, to 
inquire if Mr. Wickham were returned, and to la- 



174 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

ment over his absence from the Ketherfield ball. 
He joined them on their entering the town, and 
attended them to their aunt's, where his regret 
and vexation and the concern of everybody were 
well talked over. To Elizabeth, however, he vol- 
untarily acknowledged that the necessity of his 
absence had been self-imposed. 

^^I found," said he, ^^as the time drew neap, 
that I had better not meet Mr. Darcy; that to 
be in the same room, the same party with him for 
so many hours together, might be more than I 
could bear, and that scenes might arise unpleasant 
to more than myself." 

She highly approved his forbearance; and they 
had leisure for a full discussion of it, and for all 
the commendations which they civilly bestowed on 
each other, as Wickham and another officer walked 
back with them to Longbourn ; and during the walk 
he particularly attended to her. His accompany- 
ing them was a double advantage : she felt all the 
compliment it offered to herself; and it was most 
acceptable as an occasion of introducing him to 
her father and mother. 

Soon after their return a letter was delivered to 
Miss Bennet: it came from Netherfield, and was 
opened immediately. The envelope contained a 
sheet of elegant, little, hot-pressed paper, well 
covered with a lady's fair, flowing hand; and 
Elizabeth saw her sister's countenance change as 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 



175 



she read it, and saw her dwelling intently on some 
particular passages. Jane recollected herself soon, 
and putting the letter away, tried to join with her 
usual cheerfulness in the general conversation; 
but Elizabeth felt an anxiety on the subject which 
drew off her attention even from Wickham; and 
no sooner had he and his companion taken leave, 
than a glance from Jane invited her to follow her 
upstairs. When they had gained their own room, 
Jane, taking out her letter, said: ^^This is from 
Caroline Bingley; what it contains has surprised 
me a good deaTr The whole party have left Neth- 
erfield by this time, and are on their way to town, 
and without any intention of coming back again. 
You shall hear what she says.'' 

She then read the first sentence aloud, which 
comprised the information of their having just re- 
solved to follow their brother to town directly, and 
of their meaning to dine that day in Grosvenor 
Street, where Mr. Hurst had a house. The next 
was in these words : — 

"I do not pretend to regret anything I shall leave in 
Hertfordshire except your society, my dearest friend; 
but we will hope at some future period to enjoy many re- 
turns of that delightful intercourse we have known, and 
in the mean while may lessen the pain of separation by a 
very frequent and most unreserved correspondence. I 
depend on you for that.** 

To these high-flown expressions Elizabeth lis- 
tened with all the insensibility of distrust; and 



176 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

though the suddenness of their removal surprised 
her, she saw nothing in it really to lament : it was 
not to he supposed that their absence from Nether 
field would prevent Mr. Bingley's being there; and 
as to the loss of their society, she was persuaded 
that Jane must soon cease to regard it in the en- 
joyment of his. 

^^It is unlucky," said she, after a short pause, 
^^that you should not be able to see your friends 
before they leave the country. But may we not 
hope that the period of future happiness to which 
Miss Bingley looks forward may arrive earlier 
than she is aware, and that the delightful inter- 
course you have known as friends will be renewed 
with yet greater satisfaction as sisters? Mr. Bing- 
ley will not be detained in London by them.'' 

^'Caroline decidedly says that none of the party 
will return into Hertfordshire this winter. I will 
read it to you." 

" When my brother left us yesterday, he imagined that 
the business which took him to London might be con- 
cluded in three or four days ; but as we are certain it 
cannot be so, and at the same time convinced that when 
Charles gets to town he will be in no hurry to leave it 
again, we have determined on following him thither, that 
he may not be obliged to spend his vacant hours in a 
comfortless hotel. Many of my acquaintance are already 
there for the winter : I wish I could hear that you, my 
dearest friend, had any intention of making one in the 
crowd; but of that I despair. I sincerely hope your 
Christmas in Hertfordshire may abound in the gayeties 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 177 

which that season generally brings, and that your beaux 
will be so numerous as to prevent your feeling the loss of 
the three of whom we shall deprive you." 

**It is evident by this,'' added Jane, ^^that he 
comes back no more this winter." 

*^It is only evident that Miss Bingley does not 
mean he should." 

'* Why will you think so? It must be his own 
doing; he is his own master. But you do not 
know all. I will read you the passage which par- 
ticularly hurts me. I will have no reserves from 
you." 

" Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his sister ; and to con- 
fess the truth, we are scarcely less eager to meet her 
again. I really do not think Georgiana Darcy has her 
equal for beauty, elegance, and accomplishments; and 
the affection she inspires in Louisa and myself is height- 
ened into something still more interesting from the Hope 
we dare to entertain of her being hereafter our sister. I 
do not know whether I ever before mentioned to you my 
feelings on this subject, but I will not leave the countrv 
without confiding them, and I trust you will not esteem 
them unreasonable. My brother admires her greatly al- 
ready ; he will have frequent opportunity now of seeino* 
her on the most intimate footing ; her relations all wish 
the connection as much as his own ; and a sister's par- 
tiality is not misleading me, I think, when I call Charles 
most capable of engaging any woman's heart With all 
these circumstances to favor an attachment, and nothino* 
to prevent it, am I wrong, my dearest Jane, in indulging 
the hope of an event which will secure the happiness of 
80 many?" 

VOL. I. — 12 



1 



178 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

"What think you of this sentence, my dear 
Lizzy?'' said Jane, as she finished it. "Is it 
not clear enough? Does it not expressly declare 
that Caroline neither expects nor wishes ine to be 
her sister; that she is perfectly convinced of her 
brother's indifference ; and that if she suspects the 
nature of my feelings for him, she means (most 
kindly!) to put me on my guard. Can there be 
any other opinion on the subject? " 

"Yes, there can; for mine is totally different. 
Will you hear it?'' 

* * Most willingly. ' ' 

." You shall have it in a few words. Miss Bingley 
sees that her brother is in love with you, and 
wants him to marry Miss Darcy. She follows him 
to town in the hope of keeping him there, and 
tries to persuade you that he does not care about 
you." 

Jane shook her head. 

"Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe me. No 
one who has ever seen you together can doubt his 
affection; Miss Bingley, I am sure, cannot: she 
is not such a simpleton. Could she have seen 
half as much love in Mr. Darcy for herself, she 
would have ordered her wedding-clothes. But the 
case is this: we are not rich enough or grand 
enough for them; and she is the more anxious to 
get Miss Darcy for her brotherj from the nofion 
that when there has been one intermarriage, she 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 179 

may have less trouble in achieving a second; in 
which there is certainly some ingenuity, and T 
dare say it would succeed if Miss de Bourgh were 
out of the way. But, my dearest Jane, you can- 
not seriously imagine that because Miss Bingley 
tells you her brother greatly admires Miss Darcy, 
he is in the smallest degree less sensible of your 
merit than when he took leave of you on Tuesday ; 
or that it will be in her power to persuade him 
that instead of being in love with you, he is very 
much in love with her friend.'' 

'^ If we thought alike of Miss Bingley," replied 
Jane, ^^your representation of all this might make 
me quite easy. But I know the foundation is 
unjust. Caroline is incapable of wilfully deceiv- 
ing any one; and all that I can hope in this case 
is that she is deceived herself." 

^^That is right. You could not have started a 
more happy idea, since you will not take comfort 
in mine : believe her to be deceived, by all means. 
You have now done your duty by her, and must 
fret no longer." 

*'But, my dear sister, can I be happy, even 
supposing the best, in accepting a man whose 
sisters and friends are all wishing him to marry 
elsewhere?" 

'* You must decide for yourself," said Elizabeth; 
'^and if upon mature deliberation you find that 
the misery of disobliging his two sisters is more 



180 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

than equivalent to the happiness of being his 
wife, I advise you by all means to refuse him.'' 

^^How can you talk so?" said Jane, faintly 
smiling; **you must know that though I should 
be exceedingly grieved at their disapprobation, I 
could not hesitate." 

**Idid not think you would; and that being 
the case, I cannot consider your situation with 
much compassion." 

*^But if he returns no more this winter, my 
choice will never be required. A thousand things 
may arise in six months." 

The idea of his returning no more Elizabeth 
treated with the utmost contempt. It appeared to 
her merely the suggestion of Caroline's interested 
wishes; and she could not for a moment suppose 
that those wishes, however openly or artfully 
spoken, could influence a young man so totally 
independent of everj' one. 

She represented to her sister, as forcibly as pos- 
sible, what she felt on the subject, and had soon 
the pleasure of seeing its happy effect. Jane's 
temper was not desponding; and she was gradually 
led to hope, though the diffidence of affection 
sometimes overcame the hope, that Bingley would 
return to Netherfield, and answer every wish of 
her heart. 

They agreed that Mrs. Bennet should only hear 
of the departure of the family, without being 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 181 

alarmed on the score of the gentleman's conduct; 
but even this partial communication gave her a 
great deal of concern, and she bewailed it as ex- 
ceedingly unlucky that the ladies should happen 
to go away just as they were all getting so inti- 
mate together. After lamenting it, however, at 
some length, she had the consolation of thinking 
that Mr. Bingley would be soon down again, and 
soon dining at Longboum; and the conclusion of 
all was the comfortable declaration that though 
he had been invited only to a family dinner, she 
would take care to have two full courses. 



CHAPTER XXn. 

The Bennets were engaged to dine with the 
Lucases; and again, during the chief of the ^j, 
was Miss Lucas so kind as to listen to Mr. Collins. 
Elizabeth took an opportunity of thanking hjer. . 
^*It keeps him in good humor/' i^aid she, "and I 
am more obliged to you than I can express.'' 
Charlotte assured her friend of her satisfaction in 
being useful, and that it amply repaid her for the 
little sacrifice of ber time. This was very ami- 
able; but Charlotte's kindness extended farther 
than Elizabeth had any conception of: its object 
was nothing less than to secure her from any 
return of Mr. Collinses addresses, by engaging 
them towards herself. Such was Miss Lucas's 
scheme; and appearances were so favorable that 
when they parted at night, she would have felt 
almost sure of success if he had not been to leave 
Hertfordshire so very soon. But here she did 
injustice to the fire and independence of his char- 
acter; for it led him to escape out of Longbourn 
House the next morning with admirable slyness, 
and hasten to Lucas Lodge to throw himself at 
her feet. He was anxious to avoid the notice of 



.^^ 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 183 

his cousins, from a conviction that if they saw 
him depart, they could not fail to conjecture his 
design, and he was not willing to have the attempt 
known till its success could be known likewise; 
for though feeling almost secure, and with reason, 
for Charlotte had been tolerably encouraging, he 
was comparatively diffident since the adventure of 
Wednesday. His reception, however, was of the 
most flattering kind. Miss Lucas perceived him 
from an upper window as he walked towards the 
house, and instantly set out to meet him acci- 
dentally in the lane. But little had she dared to 
hope that so much love and eloquence awaited her 
there. 

^ In as short a time as Mr. Collinses long speeches 
would allow, everything was settled between them 
to the satisfaction of both ;i and as they entered 
the house, he earnestly entreated her to name the 
day that was to' make him the happiest of men; 
and though such a solicitation must be waived 
for the present, the lady felt no inclination to 
trifle with his happiness. The stupidity with 
which he was favored by nature must guard his 
courtship from any charm that could make a woman 
wish for its continuance ; and Miss Lucas^ who ac- 
cepted him solely from the pure and disinterested 
desire of an establishment, cared not how soon that 
establishment were gained. 

Sir William and Lady Lucas were speedily ap- 



184 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

plied to for their consent; and it was bestowed 
with a most joyful alacrity. Mr. CoUins's present 
circumstances made it a most eligible match for 
their daughter, to whom they could give little for- 
tune; and his prospects of future wealth were 
exceedingly fair. Lady Lucas began directly to 
calculate, with more interest than the matter had 
ever excited before, how many years longer Mr. 
Bennet was likely to live; and Sir William gave it 
as his decided opinion, that whenever Mr. Collins 
should be in possession of the Longbourn estate, it 
would be highly expedient that both he and his 
wife should make their appearance at St. James's. 
The whole family, in short, were properly overjoyed 
on the occasion. The younger girls formed hopes 
of coming out a year or two sooner than they might 
otherwise have done; and the boys were relieved 
from their apprehension of Charlotte's dying an 
old maid. Charlotte herself was tolerably com- 
posed. She had gained her point, and had time 
to consider of it. Her reflections were in general 
satisfactory. /^Mr. Collins, to be sure, was neither 
sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, 
and his attachment to her must be imaginarj\^ 
But still he would be her husband. Without 
thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, 
marriage had always been her object: it was 
the only honorable provision for well-educated 
young women of small fortune, and, however 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 185 

uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleas- 
antest preservative from want. This preserva- 
tive she had now obtained j and at the age of 
twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome, 
she felt all the good luck of it. The least agree- 
able circumstance in the business was the surprise 
it must occasion to Elizabeth Bennet, whose 
friendship she valued beyond that of any other 
person. Elizabeth would wonder, and probably 
would blame her; and though her resolution was 
not to be shaken, her feelings must be hurt by 
such a disapprobation. She resolved to give her 
the information herself; and therefore charged Mr. 
Collins, when he returned to Longboum to^gJi^J^^r, 
to drop no hint of what had passed before any of 
the family. A promise of secrecy was of course 
very dutifully given, but it could not be kept 
without difficulty ; for the curiosity excited by his 
long absence burst forth in such very direct ques- 
tions on his return as required some ingenuity to 
evade, and he was at the same time exercising 
great self-denial, for he was longing to publish his 
prosperous love. 

As he was to begin his journey too early on the 
morrow to see any of the family, the ceremony of 
leave-taking was performed when the ladies moved 
for the night; and Mrs. Bennet, with great polite- 
ness and cordiality, said how happy they should 
be to see him at Longbourn again, whenever 



186 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

his other engagements might allow him to visit 
them. 

^'My dear madam," he replied, ^^ this invitation 
is particularly gratifying, because it is what I 
have been hoping to receive ; and you may be very 
certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon as 
possible." 

They were all astonished; and Mr. Bennet, who 
could by no means wish for so speedy a return, 
immediately said, — 

'^But is there not danger of Lady Catherine's 
disapprobation here, my good sir? You had better 
neglect your relations than run the risk of offend- 
ing your patroness." 

'^My dear sir," replied Mr. Collins, '*I am 
particularly obliged to you for this friendly cau- 
tion, and you may depend upon my not tak- 
ing so material a step without her Ladyship's 
concurrence." 

*^ You cannot be too much on your guard. Risk 
anything rather than her displeasure; and if you 
find it likely to be raised by your coming to us 
again, which I should think exceedingly probable, 
stay quietly at home, and be satisfied th^t we 
shall take no offence." 

'* Believe me, my dear sir, my gratitude is 
warmly excited by such affectionate attention; 
and, depend upon it, you will speedily receive 
from me a letter of thanks for this as well as for 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 187 

every other mark of jour regard during my stay in 
Hertfordshire. As for my fair cousins, though 
my absence may not be long enough to render it 
necessary, I shall now take the liberty of wishing 
them health and happiness, not excepting my 
cousin Elizabeth." 

With proper civilities, the ladies then withdrew ; 
all of them equally surprised to find that he medi- 
tated a quick return. Mrs. Bennet wished to un- 
derstand by it that he thought of paying his ad- 
dresses to one of her younger girls, and Mary 
might have been prevailed on to accept him. She 
rated his abilities much higher than any of the 
others: there was a solidity in his reflections 
which often struck her; and though by no means 
so clever as herself, she thought that if encour- 
aged to read and improve himself by such an ex- 
ample as hers, he might become a very agreeable 
companion. But on the following morning every 
hope of this kind was done away. Miss Lucas 
called soon after breakfast, and in a private con- 
ference with Elizabeth related the event of the 
day before. 

The possibility of Mr. Collinses fancying himself 
in love with her friend had once occurred to Eliza- 
beth within the last day or two ; but that Charlotte 
could encourage him seemed almost as far from 
possibility as that she could encourage him herself; 
and her astonishment was consequently so great as 



/^ 



188 PRroE AND PREJUDICE. 

to overcome at first the bounds of decorum, and 
she could not , help crying out, — 

"Engaged to Mr. Collins! my dear Charlotte, 
impossible ! " 

The steady countenance which Miss Lucas had 
commanded in telling her story gave way to a 
momentary confusion here on receiving so direct 
a reproach; though, as it was no more than she 
expected, she soon regained her composure, and 
calmly replied, — 

'* Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? 
Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should 
be able to procure any woman's good opinion, be- 
cause he was not so happy as to succeed with 
you?" 

But Elizabeth had now recollected herself; and 
making a strong effort for it, was able to assure 
her, with tolerable firmness, that the prospect of 
their relationship was highly grateful to her, and 
that she wished her all imaginable happiness. 

"I see what you are feeling," replied Charlotte: 
"you must be surprised, very much surprised, so 
lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. 
But 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, you know; I never was. I 
ask only a comfortable home ; and considering Mr. 
/^Collins's character, connections, and situation in 
yie, I am convinced that my chance of happiness 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 189 

with him is as fair as most people can boast on 
entering the marriage state." "^7 

Elizabeth quietly answered, ^'XJndoulHedlyi " 
and after an awkward pause they returned to the 
rest of the family. Charlotte did not stay much 
longer; and Elizabeth was then left to reflect on 
what she had heard. It was a long time before 
she became at all reconciled to the idea of so un- 
suitable a match. The strangeness of Mr. Colli ns's 
making two offers of marriage within three days 
was nothing in comparison of his being now ac- 
cepted. She had always felt that Charlotte's opin- 
ion of matrimony was not exactly like her own; 
but she could not have supposed it possible that 
when called into action, she would have sacrificed 
every better feeling to worldly advantage. Char- 
lotte the wife of Mr. Collins was a most hu- 
miliating picture! And to the pang of a friend 
disgracing herself and sunk in her esteem, was 
added the distressing conviction that it was im- 
possible for that friend to be tolerably happy in 
the lot she had chosen. 



i\ 




UCVL^tf^HF^'^ 



CHAPTER XXin. 



Elizabeth was sitting with her mother and 
sisters, reflecting on what she had heard, and 
doubting whether she was authorized to mention 
it, when Sir William Lucas himself appeared, sent 
by his daughter to announce her engagement to 
the family. With man^^ compliments to them, 
and much self-gratulation on the prospect of a 
connection between the houses, he unfolded the 
matter, — to an audience not merely wondering, 
but incredulous : for Mrs. Bennet, with more perse- 
verance than politeness, protested he must be en- 
tirely mistaken; and Lydia, always unguarded and 
often uncivil, boisterously exclaimed, — 

^^Good Lord! Sir William, how can you tell 
such a story? Do not you know that Mr. Collins 
wants to marry Lizzy?'' 

Nothing less than the complaisance of a courtier 
could have borne without anger such treatment: 
but Sir William's good-breeding carried him 
through it all; and though he begged leave to be 
positive as to the truth of his information, he 
listened to all their impertinence with the most 
forbearing courtesy. 



I'BIDE AND PREJUDICE. 191 

Elizabeth, feeling it incumbent on her to relieve 
him from so unpleasant a situation, now put her- 
self forward to confirm his account, by meutioning 
her prior knowledge of it from Charlotte herself; 
and endeavored to put a stop to the exclamations 
of her mother and sisters, by the earnestness of 
her congratulations to ^jtiYiHiam, in which she 
was readily Joined by eRB^^W by making a 
variety of remarks on the happiness that might be 
expected from the match, the excellfnt character 
of Mr. Collins, and the convenient distance of 
Hunsford from London. 

Mrs. Bennet was, in fact, too much overpowered 
to say a great deal while Sir William remained; 
but no sooner had he left them than her feelings 
found a rapid vent. In the first place, she per- 
sisted in disbelieving the whole of the matter; 
secondly, she was very sure that Mr. Collins had 
been taken tni_.thir<Uyi she trusted that they 
would ni er; and, fourthly, 

that the m ol¥. Two infer- 

t'tices, h deduced from the 

whole, — IS the real cause of 

all the r ■, that she herself 

had been barbarously used by them all, — and on 
these two points she principally dwelt during the 
rest of the day. Nothing could console and noth- 
ing appease her. Nor did that day wear out her 
resentment. A week elapsed before she could see 



X 



192 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

Elizabeth without scolding her; a month passed 
away before she could speak to Sir William or 
Lady Lucas without being rude; and many months 
were gone before she could at all forgive their 
daughter. 

Mr. Beunet's emotions were much more tran- 
quil on the occasion, and such as he did expe- 
rience he pronounced to be of a most agreeable 
sort; for it gratified him, he said, to discover that 
Charlotte Lucas, whom he had been used to think 
tolerably sensible, was as foolish as his wife, 
and more foolish than his daughter! 

Jane confessed herself a little surprised at the 
match: but she said less of her astonishment 
than of her earnest desire for their happiness; 
nor could Elizabeth persuade her to consider it 
as improbable. Kitty and Lydia were far from 
envying Miss Lucas, for Mr. Collins was only a 
clergyman; and it affected them in no other way 
than as a piece of news to spread at Meryton. 

Lady Lucas could not be insensible of triumph 
on being able to retort on Mrs. Bennet the com- 
fort of having a daughter well married; and she 
called at Longbourn rather oftener than usual to 
say how happy she was, though Mrs. Bennet's 
sour looks and ill-natured remarks might have 
been enough to drive happiness away. 

Between Elizabeth and Charlotte there was a 
restraint which kept them mutually silent on the 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 193 

subject; and Elizabeth felt persuaded that no real 
confidence could ever subsist between ..them again. 
Her disappointment in Charlotte made her turn 
with fonder regard to her sister, of whose rectitude 
and delicacy she was sure her opinion could never 
be shaken, and for whose happiness she grew 
daily more anxious, as Bingley had now been gone 
a week, and nothing was heard of his return. 

Jane had sent Caroline an early answer to her 
letter, and was counting the days till she might 
reasonably hope to hear again. The promised 
letter of thanks from Mr. Collins arrived on 
Tuesday, addressed to their father, and written 
with all the solemnity of gratitude which a twelve- 
month's abode in the family might have prompted. 
After discharging his conscience on that head, he 
proceeded to inform them, with many rapturous 
expressions, of his happiness in having obtained 
the affection of their amiable neighbor. Miss 
Lucas, and then explained that it was merely with 
the view of enjoying her society that he had been 
so ready to close with their kind wish ofseeing_him^ 
again at Longbourn, whither he ho/ei to the ajWp 
to return on Monday fortnight ; for Lady Catherine, 
he added, so heartily approved his marriage that 
she wished it to take place as soon as possible, 
which he trusted would be an unanswerable argu- 
ment with his amiable Charlotte to name an early 
day for making him the happiest of men . 

VOL. I. — 13 



194 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

Mr. Collinses return into Hertfordshire was no 
longer a matter of pleasure to Mrs. Bennet. On 
the contrary, she was as much disposed to com- 
plain of it as her hushand. It was very strange 
that he should come to Longhourn instead of to 
Lucas Lodge; it was also very inconvenient and 
exceedingly troublesome. She hated having vis- 
itors in the house while her health was so indiffer- 
ent, and lovers were of all people the most disa- 
greeable. Such were the gentle murmurs of Mrs. 
Bennet, and they gave way only to the greater 
distress of Mr. Bingley's continued absence. 

Neither Jane nor Elizabeth was comfortable 
on this subject. Day after day passed away with- ( 

out bringing any other tidings of him than the 
report which shortly prevailed in Meryton of his 
coming no more to Netherfield the whole winter, — 
a report which highly incensed Mrs. Bennet, and 
which she never failed to contradict as a most 
scandalous falsehood. 

Even Elizabeth began to fear, not that Bing- 
ley was indifferent, but that his sisters would be 
successful in keeping him away. Unwilling as 
she was to admit an idea so destructive of Jane's 
happiness, and so dishonorable to the stability of 
her lover, she could not prevent its frequently \ 

recurring. The united efforts of his two unfeeling 
sistera and of his overpowering friend, assisted by 
the attractions of Miss Darcy and the amusements 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 195 

of London, might be too much, she feared, for the 
strength of his attachment. 

As for Jane, her anxiety under this suspense 
was, of course, more painful than Elizabeth's; 
but whatever she felt she was desirous of conceal- 
ing, and between herself and Elizabeth, therefore, 
the subject was never alluded to. But as no such 
delicacy restrained her mother, an hour seldom 
passed in which she did not talk of Bingley, ex- 
press her impatience for his arrival, or even re- ^ 
quire Jane to confess that if he did not come back 
she should think herself very ill used. It needed 
all Jane's steady mildness to bear these attacks 
with tolerable tranquillity. 

Mr. Collins returned most punctually on the 
Monday fortnight; but his reception at Longbourn 
was not quite so gracious as it had been on his 
first introduction. He was too happy, however, 
to need much attention; and, luckily for the 
others, the business of love-making relieved them 
from a great deal of his company. The chief of 
every day was spent by him at Lucas Lodge, and 
he sometimes returned to Longbourn only in time 
to make an apology for his absence before the 
family went to bed. 

Mrs. Bennet was really in a most pitiable state. 
The very mention of anything concerning the 
match threw her into an agony of ill-humor, and 
wherever she went she was sure of hearing it 



196 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

talked of. The sight of Miss Lucas was odious to 
* her. As her successor in that house, she regarded 
her with jealous ahhorrence. Whenever Charlotte 
came to see them, she concluded her to -be an- 
ticipating the hour of possession; and whenever 
she spoke in a low voice to Mr. Collins, was con- 
vinced that they were talking of the Longbourn 
estate, and resolving to turn herself and her daugh- 
ters out of the house as soon as Mr. Bennet was 
,dead. 'She complained bitterly of all this to her 
husband. 

''Indeed, Mr. Bennet, '' said she, ''it is very 
hard to think that Charlotte Lucas should ever be 
mistress of this house, that I should be forced to 
make way for her, and live to see her take my 
place in it.'' 

" My dear, do not give way to such gloomy 
thoughts. Let us hope for better things. Let us 
flatter ourselves that I may be the survivor.'' 

This was not very consoling to Mrs. Bennet; 
and therefore, instead of making any answer, she 
went on as before. 

"I cannot bear to think that they should have 
all this estate. If it was not for the entail, I 
should not mind it." 

"What should not you mind? " 

" I should not mind anything at all." 

" Let us be thankful that you are preserved from 
a state of such insensibility." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 197 

'* I never can be thankful, Mr. Bennet, for any- 
thing about the entail. How any one could have 
the conscience to entail away an estate from one's 
own daughters I cannot understand; and all for 
the sake of Mr. Collins too! Why should he 
have it more than anybody else?" 

*'I leave it to yourself to determine/' said Mr. 
Bennet. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Miss Bingley's letter arrived, and put an end to 
doubt. The very first sentence conveyed the as- 
surance of their being all settled in London for the 
winter, and concluded with her brother's regret 
at not having had time to pay his respects to 
his friends in Hertfordshire before he left the 
country. 

Hope was over, entirely over; and when Jane 
could attend to the rest of the letter, she found 
little, except the professed affection of the writer, 
that could give her any comfort. Miss Darcy's 
praise occupied the chief of it. Her many attrac-' 
tions were again dwelt on; and Caroline boasted 
joyfully of their increasing intimacy, and ventured 
to predict the accomplishment of the wishes which 
had been unfolded in her former letter. She wtote 
also with great pleasure of her brothe»^s being an 
inmate of Mr. Darcy's house, and mentioned with 
raptures some plans of the latter with regard to 
new furniture. 

Elizabeth, to whom Jane very soon communi- 
cated the chief of all this, heard it in silent indig- 
nation. Her heart was divided between concern 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 199 

for her sister and resentment against all others. 
To Caroline's assertion of her brother's being par- 
tial to Miss Darcy, she paid no credit. That he 
was really fond of Jane, she doubted no more than 
she had ever don^; and much as she had always 
been disposed to like him, she could not think 
without anger, hardly without contempt, on that 
easiness of temper, that want of proper resolution, 
which now made him the slave of his designing 
friends, and led him to sacrifice his own happiness 
to the caprice of their inclinations. Had his own 
happiness, however, been the only sacrifice, he 
might have been allowed to sport with it in what- 
ever manner he thought best; but her sister's was 
involved in it, as she thought he must be sensible 
himself. It was a subject, in short, on which 
reflection would be long indulged, and must be 
unavailing. She could think of nothing else; and 
yet, whether Bingley's regard had really died 
away, or were suppressed by his friend's interfer- 
ence; whether he had been aware of Jane's attach- 
ment, or whether it had escaped his observation; 
whatever werfi the case, though her opinion of him 
must be materially affected by the difference, her 
sister's situation remained the same, her peace 
equally wounded. 

A day or two passed before Jane had courage to 
speak of her feelings to Elizabeth; but at last, on 
Mrs. Bennet's leaving them together, after a longer 



200 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

irritation than usual about Netlierfield and its 
master, she could not help saying, — 

** Oh that my dear mother had more command 
over herself; she can have no idea of the pain she 
gives me by her continual reflections on him. But 
I will not repine. It cannot last long. He will 
be forgot, and we shall all be as we were before.'' 

Elizabeth looked at her sister with incredulous 
solicitude, but said nothing. 

*^ You doubt me," cried Jane, slightly coloring; 
'* indeed you have no reason. He may live in my 
memory as the most amiable man of my acquaint- 
ance, but that is all. I have nothing either 
to hope or fear, and nothing to reproach him 
with. Thank God, I have not that pain. A little 
time, therefore — I- shall certainly try to get the 
better — '' 

With a stronger voice she soon added: ^^I have 
this comfort immediately, that it has not been 
more than an error of fancy on my side, and that 
it has done no harm to any one but myself." 

^^My dear Jane," exclaimed Elizabeth, **you 
are too good. Your sweetness and disinterested- 
ness are really angelic; I do not know what to say 
to you. I feel as if I had never done you justice, 
or loved you as you deserve." 

Miss Bennet eagerly disclaimed all extraor- 
dinary merit, and threw back the praise on her 
sister's warm affection. 



PKIDE AND PREJUDICE. 201 

'*Nay," said Elizabeth, '^this is not fair. 
You wisli to think all the world respectable, and 
are hurt if I speak ill of anybody. I only want to 
think you perfect, and you set yourself against it. 
Do not be afraid of my running into any excess, 
of my encroaching on your privilege of universal 
good-will. You need not. There are few people 
whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I 
think well. The more T see of the world the more 
am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms 
my belief of the inconsistency of all human char- 
acters, and of the little dependence that can be 
placed on the appearance of either merit or sense. 
I have met with two instances lately: one I 
will not mention; the other is Charlotte's mar- 
riage. It is unaccountable, — in every view it is 
unaccountable! '' 

'*My dear Lizzie, do not give way to such feel- 
ings as these. They will ruin your happiness. 
You do not make allowance enough for difference 
of situation and temper. Consider Mr. CoUins's 
respectability, and Charlotte's prudent, steady 
character. Bemember that she is one of a large 
family; that as to fortune it is a most eligible 
match; and be ready to believe, for everybody's 
sake, that she may feel something like regard and 
esteem for our cousin." 

*^To oblige you, I would try to believe almost 
anything, but no one else could be benefited by 



202 PRroE AND PREJUDICE. 

such a belief as this; for were I persuaded that 
Charlotte had any regard for him, I should only 
think worse of her understanding than I now do 
of her heart. ^My dear Jane, Mr. Collins is a 
conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly manf^^ 
you know he is, as well as I do; and you must 
feel, as well as I do, that the woman who marries 
him cannot have a proper way of thinking. You 
shall not defend her, though it is Charlotte Lucas. 
AYou shall not, for the sake of one individual 
• change the meaning of principle and integrity, 
nor endeavor to persuade yourself or me, that 
selfishness is prudence, and insensibility of dan- 
ger security for happiness.'' 

" I must think your language too strong in 
speaking of both," replied Jane; ^^and I hope 
you will be convinced of it, by seeing them happy 
together. But enough of this. You alluded to 
something else. You mentioned two instances. 
I cannot misunderstand you, but I entreat you, 
dear Lizzie, not to pain me by thinking that per- 
son to blame, and saying your opinion of him is 
sunk. We must not be so ready to fancy ourselves 
intentionally injured. We must not expect a 
lively young man to be always so guarded and 
circumspect. It is very often nothing but our 
own vanity that deceives us. Women fancy 
admiration means more than it does.'' 

'* And men take care that they should." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 203 

''If it is designedly done, they cannot be justi- 
fied; but I have no idea of there being so much 
design in the world as some persons imagine." 

''I am far from attributing any part of Mr. 
Bingley^s conduct to design/' said Elizabeth; 
''but without scheming to do wrong or to make 
others unhappy, there may be error and there may 
be misery. Thoughtlessness, want of attention to 
other people's feelings, and want of resolution will 
do the business." 

"And do you impute it to either of those?" 

"Yes; to the last. But if I go on I shall dis- 
please you by saying what I think of persons you 
esteem. Stop me whilst you can." 

"You persist, then, in supposing his sisters 
influence him.'' 

"Yes, in conjunction with his friend." 

"I cannot believe it. Why should they try to 
influence him? They can only wish his happiness; 
and if he is attached to me, no other woman can 
secure it." 

"Your first position is false. They may wish 
many things besides his happiness : they may wish 
his increase of wealth and consequence; they may 
wish him to marry a girl who has all the impor- 
tance of money, great connections, and pride." 

"Beyond a doubt they do wish him to choose 
Miss Darcy," replied Jane; "but this may be 
from better feelings than you are supposing. They 



204 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

have known her much longer than they have known 
me ; no wonder if they love her better. But whatever 
may be their own wishes^ it is very unlikely they 
ghould have opposed their brother's. Wliat sister 
would think herself at liberty to do it, unless there 
were something very objectionable? If they be- 
lieved him attached to me, they would not try to 
part us ; if he were so, they could not succeed. By 
supposing such an affection, you make everybody 
acting unnaturally and wrong, and me most un- 
happy. Do not distress me by the idea. I am 
not ashamed of having been mistaken — or, at 
least, it is slight, it is nothing in comparison of 
what I should feel in thinking ill of him or his 
sisters. Let me take it in the best light, in the 
light in which it may be understood." 

Elizabeth could not oppose such a wish; and 
from this time Mr. Bingley's name was scarcely 
ever mentioned between them. 

Mrs. Bennet still continued to wonder a,nd re- 
pine at his returning no more; and though a day 
seldom passed in which Elizabeth did not account 
for it clearly, there seemed little chance of her 
ever considering it with less perplexity. Her 
daughter endeavored to convince her of what she 
did not believe herself, that his attentions to Jane 
had been merely the effect of a, common and tran- 
sient liking, which ceased when he saw her no 
more; but though the probability of the statement 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 205 

was admitted at the tioie, she had the same story 
to repeat every day. Mrs. Bennet's best comfort 
was that Mr. Bingley must be down again in the 
summer. 

Mr. Bennet treated the matter differently. ** So, 
Lizzy," said he, one day, **your sister is crossed 
in love, I find. I congratulate her. Next to be- 
ing married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a 
little now and then. It is something to think of, 
and gives her a sort of distinction among her com- 
panions. When is your turn to come? You will 
hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane. Now is 
your time. Here are officers enough at Meryton 
to disappoint all the young ladies in the country. 
Let Wickham be your man. He is a pleasant 
fellow, and would jilt you creditably." 

^* Thank you, sir, but a less agreeable man 
would satisfy me. We must not all expect Jane's 
good fortune." 

^^True," said Mr. Bennet; "but it is a comfort 
to think that, whatever of that kind may befall 
you, you have an affectionate mother who will 
always make the most of it." 

Mr. Wickham's society was of material service 
in dispelling the gloom which the late perverse 
occurrences had thrown on many of the Longbourn 
family. They 9^ him often, and to his other 
recommendations was now added that of general 
unreserve. The whole of what Elizabeth had al- 



206 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

ready heard, his claims on Mr. Darcy, and all that 
he had suffered from him was now openly acknowl- 
edged and publicly canvassed; and everybody was 
pleased to think how much they had always dis- 
liked Mr. Darcy before they had known anything 
of the matter. 

Miss Bennet was the only creature who could 
suppose there might be any extenuating circum- 
stances in the case unknown to the society of 
Hertfordshire : her mild and steady candor always 
pleaded for allowances, and urged the possibility 
of mistakes ; but by everybody else Mr. Darcy was 
condemned as the worst of men. 



J 



V - 



/ // 



CHAPTER XXV. 



After a week spent in professions of love and 
schemes of felicity, Mr. Collins was called from 
his amiable Charlotte by the arrival of Saturday. 
The pain of separation, however, might be allevi- 
ated on his side by preparations for the recep- 
tion of his bride, as he had reason to hope that 
shortly after his next return into Hertfordshire 
the day would be fixed that was to make him the 
happiest of men. He took leave of his relations 
at Longbourn with as much solemnity as before; 
wished his fair cousins health and happiness 
again, and promised their father another letter of 
thanks. 

On the following Monday Mrs. Bennet had the 
pleasure of receiving her brother and his wife, who 
came, as usual, to spend the Christmas at Long- 
bourn. Mr. Gardiner was a sensible, gentleman- 
like man, greatly superior to his sister, as well by 
nature as education. The Netherfield ladies would 
have had difficulty in believing that a man who 
lived by trade, and within view of his own ware- 
houses, could have been so well bred and agreeable. 
Mrs. Gardiner, who was several years younger 



208 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

than Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Philips, was an amia- 
ble, intelligent, elegant woman, and a great fa- 
vorite with her Longbourn nieces. Between the 
two eldest and herself especially, there subsisted a 
very particular regard. They had frequently been 
staying with her in town. 

The first part of Mrs. Gardiner's business, on 
her arrival, was to distribute her presents and 
describe the newest fashions. When this was 
done, she had a less active part to play. It be- 
came her turn to listen. Mrs. Bennet had many 
grievances to relate, and mitch to complain of. 
They had all been very ill-used since she last 
saw her sister. Two of her girls had been on the 
point of marriage, and after all there was nothing 
in it. 

'*I do not blame Jane," she continued, *^for 
Jane would have got Mr. Bingley if she could. 
But, Lizzy! Oh, sister! it is very hard to think 
that she might have been Mr. Collins's wife by 
this time, had not it been for her own perverse- 
ness. He made her an offer in this very room, 
and she refused him. The consequence of it is 
that Lady Lucas will have a daughter married before 
I have, and that Longbourn estate is just as much 
entailed as ever. The Lucases are very artful 
people, indeed, sister. They are all for what they 
can get. I am sorry to say it of them, but so it 
is. It makes me very nervous and poorly, to be 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 209 

thwarted so in my own family, and to have neigh- 
bors who think of themselves before anybody else. 
However, your coming just at this time is the 
greatest of comforts, and I am very glad to hear 
what you tell us of long sleeves." 

Mrs. Gardiner, to whom the chief of this news 
had been given before, in the course of Jane and 
Elizabeth's correspondence with her, made her 
sister a slight answer, and, in compassion to her 
nieces, turned the conversation. 

When alone with Elizabeth afterwards, she 
spoke more on the subject. ^^It seems likely to 
have been a desirable match for Jane/' said she. 
^^I am sorry it went off. But these things hap- 
pen so often! A young man, such as you describe 
Mr. Bingley, so easily falls in love with a pretty 
girl for a few weeks, and, when accident separates 
them, so easily forgets her, that these sort of in- 
constancies are very frequent." 

^^An excellent consolation in its way," said 
Elizabeth; ** but it will not do for us. We do not 
suffer by accident. It does not often happen that 
the interference of friends will persuade a young 
man of independent fortune to think no more of a 
girl whom he was violently in love with only a' 
few days before." 

^^But that expression ot ^violently in love ' is 
so hackneyed, so doubtful, so indefinite, that it 
gives me very little idea. It is as often applied 

VOL. I. — 14 



210 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

to feelings which arise only from a half hour's ac- 
quaintance as to a real, strong attachment. "Pray, 
how violent was Mr. Bingley's love? '' 

** I never saw a more promising inclination; he 
was growing quite inattentive to other people, and 
wholly engrossed by her. Every time they met, it 
was more decided and remarkable. At his own 
ball he offended two or three young ladies by not 
asking them to dance ; and I spoke to him twice 
myself without receiving an answer. Could there 
be finer symptoms? Is not general incivility the 
very essence of love? '' 

*^ Oh, yes! of that kind of love which I suppose 
him to have felt. Poor Jane ! I am sorry for her, 
because, with her dispo^^ition, she may not get 
over it immediately. / It had better have happened 
to you, Lizzy; you would have laughed yourself 
out of it sooner. But do you think she would be 
prevailed on to go back with us? Change of scene 
might be of service, and perhaps a little relief 
from home may be as useful as anything.'^ 

Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased with this 
proposal, and felt persuaded of her sister's ready 
acquiescence. 

^^ I hope,'' added Mrs. Gardiner, **that no con- 
sideration with regard to this young man will in- 
fluence her. We live in so different a part of 
town, all our connections are so different, and, as 
you well know, we go out so little, that it is very 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 211 

improbable they should meet at all, unless he 
really comes to see her." ' 

^* And that is quite impossible; for he is now in 
the custody of his friend, and Mr. Darcy would no 
more suffer him to call on Jane in such a part of 
London ! My dear aunt, how could you think of 
it? Mr. Darcy may perhaps have heard of such 
a place as Gracechurch Street, but he would hardly 
think a month's ablution enough to cleanse him 
from its impurities, were he once to enter it; and 
depend upon it, Mr. Bingley never stirs without 
him.'' 

^^So much the better. I hope they will not 
meet at all. But does not Jane correspond with 
his sister? She will not be able to help calling." 

^* She will drop the acquaintance entirely." 

But, in spite of the certainty in which Elizabeth 
affected to place this point, as well as the still 
more interesting one of Bingley 's being withheld 
from seeing Jane, she felt a solicitude on the sub- 
ject which convinced her, on examination, that she 
did not consider it entirely hopeless. It was pos- 
sible, and sometimes she thought it probable, that 
his affection might be re-animated, and the influ- 
ence of his friends successfully combated by the 
more natural influence of Jane's attractions. 

Miss Bennet accepted her aunt's invitation with 
pleasure; and the Bingleys were no otherwise in 
her thoughts at the same time than as she hoped, 



212 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

by Caroline's not living in the same house with 
her brother, she might occasionally spend a morn- 
ing with her, without any danger of seeing him. 

The Gardiners stayed a week at Longbourn; and 
what with the Philipses, the Lucases, and the offi- 
cers, there was not a day without its engagement. 
Mrs. Bennet had so carefully provided for the en- 
tertainment of her brother and sister, that they 
did not once sit down to a family dinner. When 
the engagement was for home, some of the officers 
always made part of it, of which officers Mr. Wick- 
ham was sure to be one; and on these occasions 
Mrs. Gardiner, rendered suspicious by Elizabeth's 
warm commendation of him, narrowly observed 
them both. Without supposing them, from what 
she saw, to be very seriously in love, their prefer- 
ence of each other was plain enough to make her a 
little uneasy; and she resolved to speak to Eliza- 
beth on the subject before she left Hertfordshire, 
and represent to her the imprudence of encourag- 
ing such an attachment. 

• To Mrs. Gardiner, Wickham had one means of 
affording pleasure, unconnected with his general 
powers. About ten or a dozen years ago, before 
her marriage, she had spent a considerable time in 
that very part of Derbyshire to which he belonged. 
They had therefore many acquaintance in com- 
mon ; and though Wickham had been little there 
since the death of Darcy's father, five years before, 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 213 

it was yet in his power to give her fresher intelli- 
gence of her former friends than she had heen in 
the way of procuring. 

Mrs. Gardiner had seen Pemherley, and known 
the late Mr. Darcy by character perfectly well. 
Here, consequently, was an inexhaustible subject 
of discourse. In comparing her recollection of 
Pemberley with the minute description which 
Wickham could give, and in bestowing her tribute 
of praise on the character of its late possessor, she 
was delighting both him and herself. On being 
made acquainted with the present Mr. Darcy's 
treatment of him, she tried to remember some- 
thing of that gentleman's reputed disposition, 
when quite a lad, which might agree with it; and 
was confident, at last, that she recollected having 
heard Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy formerly spoken of 
as a very proud, ill-natured boy. 



CHAPTEE XXVI. 

Mrs. Gardiner's caution to Elizabeth was punc- 
tually and kindly given on the first favorable op- 
portunity of speaking to her alone. After honestly 
telling her what she thought, she thus went on ; 

*^You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in 
love merely because you are warned against it: 
and therefore I am not afraid of speaking openly. 
Seriously, I would have you be on your guard. 
Do not involve yourself, or endeavor to involve 
him, in an affection which the want of fortune 
would make so very imprudent. I have nothing 
to say against him : he is a most interesting young 
man; and if he had the fortune he ought to have, 
I should think you could not do better. But as it 
is — yoyi must not let your fancy run away with 
you. You have sense, and we all expect you to 
use it. Your father would depend on your resolu- 
tion and good conduct, I am sure. You must not 
disappoint your father.'' 

'^My dear aunt, this is being serious indeed." 
'* Yes, and I hope to engage you to be serious 
likewise." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 215 

'^ Well, then, you need not be under any alarm. 
I will take care of myself, and of Mr. Wickham 
too. He shall not be in love with me, if I can 
prevent it.'' 

** Elizabeth, you are not serious now." 

^^I beg your pardon. I will try again. At 
present I am not in love with Mr. Wickham ; no, 
I certainly am not. But he is, beyond all com- 
parison, the most agreeable man I ever saw; and 
if he becomes really attached to me — I believe it 
will be better that he should not. I see the im- 
prudence of it. Oh, that abominable Mr. Darcy! 
My father's opinion of me does me the greatest 
honor, and I should be miserable to forfeit it. 
My father, however, is partial to Mr. Wickham. 
In short, my dear aunt, I should be very sorry 
to be the means of making any of you unhappy; 
but since we see, every day, that where there is 
affection young people are seldom withheld, by 
immediate want of fortune, from entering into 
engagements with each other, how can I promise 
to be wiser than so many of my fellow-creatures, 
if I am tempted, or how am I even to know that it 
would be wisdom to resist? All that I can promise 
you, therefore, is not to be in a hurry. I will not 
be in a hurry to believe myself his first object. 
When I am in company with him, I will not be 
wishing. In short, I will do my best." 

** Perhaps it will be as well if you discourage 



216 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

his coming here so very often. At least you 
should not remind your mother of inviting him." 

'* As I did the other day,'^ said Elizabeth, with 
a conscious smile; *^very true, it will be wise in 
me to refrain from that. But do not imagine that 
he is always here so often. It is on your account 
that he has been so frequently invited this week. 
You know my mother's ideas as to the necessity of 
constant company for her friends. But really, and 
upon my honor, I will try to do what I think to be 
wisest; and now I hope you are satisfied." 

Her aunt assured her that she was; and Eliza- 
beth, having thanked her for the kindness of her 
hints, they parted, — 3, wonderful instance of ad- 
vice being given on such a point without being 
resented. 

Mr. Collins returned into Hertfordshire soon 
after it had been quitted by the Gardiners and 
Jane; but as he took up his abode with the Lu- 
cases, his arrival was no great inconvenience to 
Mrs. Bennet. His marriage was now fast ap- 
proaching; and she was at length so far resigned 
as to think it inevitable, and even repeatedly to 
say, in an ill-natured tone, that she ' ' wished they 
might be happy." Thursday was to be the wed- 
ding-day, and on Wednesday Miss Lucas paid her 
farewell visit; and when she rose to take leave, 
Elizabeth, ashamed of her mother's ungracious and 
reluctant good wishes, and sincerely affected her- 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 217 

self, accompanied her out of the room. As they 
went downstairs together, Charlotte said, — 

"I shall depend on hearing from you very often, 
Eliza." 

^' That you certainly shall." 

^*And I have another favor to ask. Will you 
come and see me?" 

*^ We shall often meet, I hope, in Hertfordshire." 

/^I am not likely to leave Kent for some time. 
Promise me, therefore, to come to Hunsford." 

Elizabeth could not refuse, though she foresaw 
little pleasure in the visit. 

' ' My father and Maria are to come to me in 
March," added Charlotte, '^and I hope you will 
consent to be of the party. Indeed, Eliza, you will 
be as welcome to me as either of them." 

The wedding took place: the bride and bride- 
groom set off for Kent from the church door, and 
everybody had as much to say or to hear on the sub- 
ject as usual. Elizabeth gr>/^^" hcx^wi from her 
friend, and their corp^ojjdjgicfl^Hasi as regular 
and frequent as it evir J|i^\5lfefl j Tth Jt it should 
be equally unreservedlijkitl^Mw/slsmiyj Elizabeth 
could never address hX cSwrtn^ ]]^ fp-^-p that all 
the comfort of intimacy was over; and though de- 
termined not to slacken as a correspondent, it was 
for the sake of what had been rather than what 
was. Charlotte's first letters were received with a 
good deal of eagerness: there could not but be 



218 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

curiosity to know how she would speak of her new 
home, how she would like Lady Catherine, and 
how happy she would dare pronounce herself to be ; 
though, when the letters were read, Elizabeth felt 
that Charlotte expressed herself on every point 
exactly as she might have foreseen. She wrote 
cheerfully, seemed surrounded with comforts, and 
mentioned nothing which she could not praise. 
The house, furniture, neighborhood, and roads 
were all to her taste, and Lady Catherine's be- 
havior was most friendly and obliging. It was 
Mr. CoUins's picture of Hunsford and Rosings 
rationally softened; and Elizabeth perceived that 
she must wait for her own visit there, to know 
the rest. 

Jane had already written a few lines to her 
sister, to announce their safe arrival in London; 
and when she wrote again, Elizabeth hoped it 
would be in her power to say something of the 
Bingleys. Her impatience for this second letter 
was as well rewarded as impatience generally is. 
Jane had been a week in town without either seeing 
or hearing from Caroline. She accounted for it, 
however, by supposing that her last letter to her 
friend from Longbourn had by some accident been 
lost. 

" My aunt," she continued, " is going to-morrow into 
that part of the town, and I shall take the opportunity of 
calling in Grosvenor Street.'* 



PBIDE AND PREJUDICE. 219 

She wrote again when the visit was paid, and 
she had seen Miss Bingley. 

" I did not think Caroline in spirits," were her words ; 
" but she was very glad to see me, and reproached me for 
giving her no notice of my coming to London. I was 
right, therefore ; my last letter had never reached her. 
I inquired after their brother, of course. He was well, 
but so much engaged with Mr. Darcy that they scarcely 
ever saw him. I found that Miss Darcy was expected to 
dinner : I wish I could see her. My visit was not long, 
as Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were going out. I dare say 
I shall soon see them here." 

Elizabeth shook her head over this letter. It 
convinced her that accident only could discover to 
Mr. Bingley her sister's being in town. 

Four weeks passed away, and Jane saw nothing 
of him. She endeavored to persuade herself that 
she did not regret it; but she could no longer be 
blind to Miss Bingley's inattention. After wait- 
ing at home every morning for a fortnight, and in- 
venting every evening a fresh excuse for her, the 
visitor did at last appear ; but the shortness of her 
stay, and yet more the alteration of her manner 
would allow Jane to deceive herself no longer. 
The letter which she wrote on this occasion to her 
sister will prove what she felt: — 

My dearest Lizzy will, I am sure, be incapable of tri- 
umphing in her better judgment, at my expense, when I 
confess myself to have been entirely deceived in Miss 
Biiigley's regard for me. But, my dear sister, though 
the event has proved you right, do not think me obstinate 



220 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

if I still assert that, considering what her behavior was, 
my confidence was as natural as your suspicion. I do not 
at all comprehend her reason for wishing to be intimate 
with me ; but if the same circumstances were to happen 
again, I am sure I should be deceived again. Caroline 
did not return my visit till yesterday ; and not a note, 
not a line, did I receive in the mean time. When she did 
come, it was very evident that she had no pleasure in it ; 
she made a slight, formal apology for not calling before, 
said not a word of wishinor to see me again, and was in 
every respect so altered a creature that when she went 
away I was perfectly resolved to continue the acquaint- 
ance no longer. I pity, though I cannot help blaming 
her. She was very wrong in singling me out as she did ; 
. I can safely say that every advance to intimacy began on 
her side. But I pity her, because she must feel that she 
has been acting wrong, and because I am very sure that 
anxiety for her brother is the cause of it. I need not 
explain myself further ; and though we know this anxiety 
to l)e quite needless, yet if she feels it, it will easily ac- 
count for her behavior to me ; and so deservedly dear as 
he is to his sister, whatever anxiety she may feel on his 
behalf is natural and amiable. I cannot but wonder, 
however, at her having any such fears now, because if he 
had at all cared about me, we must have met long, long 
ago. He knows of my being in town, I am certain, from 
something she said herself ; and yet it would seem, by 
her manner of talking, as if she wanted to persuade her- 
self that he is really partial to Miss Darcy. I cannot 
understand it. If I were not afraid of judging harshly, I 
should be almost tempted to say that there is a strong 
appearance of duplicity in all this. But I will endeavor 
to banish every painful thought, and think only of what 
will make me happy, your affection, and the invariable 
kindness of my dear uncle and aunt. Let me hear from 
you very soon. Miss Bingley said something of his never 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 221 

returning to Netherfield again, of giving up the house, 
but not with any certainty. We had better not mention 
it. I am extremely glad that you have such pleasant ac- 
counts from our friends at Hunsford. Pray go to see 
them, with Sir William and Maria. I am sure you will 

be very comfortable there. 

Yours, etc. 

This letter gave Elizabeth some pain; but her 
spirits returned, as she considered that Jane<would 
no longer bfe duped, by the sister at least. All ex- 
pectation from the brother was now absolutely over. 
She would not even wish for any renewal of his at- 
tentions. His character sunk on every review of 
it ; and, as a punishment for him, as well as a pos- 
sible advantage to Jane, she seriously hoped he 
might really soon marry Mr. Darcy^s sister, as, by 
Wickham's account, she would make him abun- 
dantly regret what he had thrown away. 

Mrs. Gardiner about this time reminded Eliza- 
beth of her promise concerning that gentleman, 
and required information; and Elizabeth had such 
to send as might rather give contentment to her 
aunt than to herself. His apparent partiality had 
subsided, his attentions were over, he was the ad- 
mirer of some one else. Elizabeth was watchful 
enough to see it all, but she could see it and write 
of it without material pain. Her heart had been 
but slightly touched, and her vanity was satisfied 
with believing that she would have been his only 
choice, had fortune permitted it. The sudden 



222 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

acquisition of ten thousand pounds was the most 
remarkahle charm of the young lady to whom he 
was now rendering himself agreeable; but Eliza- 
beth, less clear-sighted perhaps in this case than 
in Charlotte's, did not quarrel with him for his 
wish of independence. Nothing, on the contrary, 
could be more natural; and while able to suppose 
that it cost him a few struggles to relinquish her, 
she was ready to allow it a wise and desirable 
measure for both, and could very sincerely wish 
him happy. 

All this was acknowledged to Mrs. Gardiner; 
and after relating the circumstances, she thus 
went on: — 

" I am now convinced, my dear aunt, that I have never 
been much in love; for had I really experienced that 
pure and elevating passion, I should at present detest his 
very name, and wish him all manner of evil. But my 
feelings are not only cordial towards him,, they are even 
impartial towards Mi^s JCing. I cannot find out that I 
hate her at all, or that I am in the least unwilling to 
think her a very good sort of girl. There can be no 
love in all this. My watchfulness has been effectual; 
and though I should certainly be a more interesting ob- 
ject to all my acquaintance, were I distractedly in love 
with him, I cannot say that I regret my comparative in- 
significance. Importance may sometimes be purchased 
too dearly. Kitty and Lydia take his defection much 
more to heart than I do. They are young in " the ways 
of the world , and not yet open to the mortifying convic- 
tion that handsome young men must have something to 
live on, as well as the plain." 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

With no, greater events than these in the Long- 
bourn family, and otherwise diversified by little 
beyond the walks to Meryton, sometimes dirty and 
sometimes cold, did January and February pass 
away. March was to take Elizabeth to Hunsford. 
She had not at first thought very seriously of going 
thither; but Charlotte, she soon found, was de- 
pending on the plan, and she gradually learned to 
consider it herself with greater pleasure as well as 
greater certainty. Absence had increased her de- 
sire of seeing Charlotte again, and weakened her 
disgust of Mr. Collins. There was novelty in the 
scheme; and as with such a mother and such un- 
companionable sisters home could not be faultless, 
a little change was not unwelcome for its own sake. 
The journey would, moreover, give her a peep at 
Jane ; and in short, as the time drew near, she would 
have been very sorry for any delay. Everything, 
however, went on smoothly, and was finally settled 
according to Charlotte's first sketch. She was to 
accompany Sir William and his second daughter. 
The improvement of spending a night in London 
was added in time, and the plan became perfect as 
plan could be. 



224 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

The only pain was in leaving her father, who 
would certainly miss her, and who, when it came 
to the point, so little liked her going that he told 
her to write to him, and almost promised to answer 
her letter. 

The farewell between herself and Mr. Wickham 
was perfectly friendly; on his side even more. 
His present pursuit could not make him forget 
that Elizabeth had been the first to excite and to 
deserve his attention, the first to listen and to 
pity, the first to be admired; and in his manner 
of bidding her adieu, wishing her every enjoy- 
ment, reminding her of what she was to expect in 
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and trusting their 
opinion of her — their opinion of everybody — would 
always coincide, there was a solicitude, an interest, 
which she felt must ever attach her to him with a 
most sincere regard; and she parted from him 
convinced that whether married or single, he 
must always be her model of the amiable and 
pleasing. 

Her fellow-travellers the next day were not of a 
kind to make her think him less agreeable. Sir 
William Lucas and his daughter Maria, a good- 
humored girl, but as empty-headed as himself, had 
nothing to say that could be worth hearing, and 
were listened to with about as much delight as the 
rattle of the chaise. Elizabeth loved absurdities, 
but she had known Sir William's too long. He 



PRIDE Alro PREJUDICE. 225 

« 

could tell her nothing new of the wonders of his 
presentation and knighthood; and his civilities 
were worn out like his information. 

It was a journey of only twenty-four miles, and 
they hegan it so early as to be in Gracechurch 
Street by noon. As they drove to Mr. Gardiner's 
door, Jane was at a drawing-room window watch- 
ing their arrival : when they entered the passage, 
she was there to welcome them; and Elizabeth, 
looking earnestly in her face, was pleased to see it 
healthful and lovely as ever. On the stairs were a 
troop of little boys and girls, whose eagerness for 
their cousin's appearance would not allow them to 
wait in the drawing-room, and whose shyness, as 
they had not seen her for a twelvemonth, pre- 
vented their coming lower. All was joy and kind- 
ness. The day passed most pleasantly away, — the 
morning in bustle and shopping, and the evening 
at one of the theatres. 

Elizabeth then contrived to sit by her aunt. 
Their first subject was her sister; and she was 
more grieved than astonished to hear, in reply to her 
minute inquiries, that though Jane always struggled 
to support her spirits, there were periods of dejec- 
tion. It was reasonable, however, to hope that 
they would not continue long. Mrs. Gardiner 
gave her the particulars also of Miss Bingley's 
visit in Gracechurch Street, and repeated conversa- 
tions occurring at different times between Jane 

VOL. I. — 15 






/ 



^ 

^ 



226 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

and herself, which proved that the former had, 
from her heart, given up the acquaintance. 

Mrs. Gardiner then rallied her niece on Wick- 
ham's desertion, and complimented her on bearing 
it so well. 

^^But, my dear Elizabeth, '' she added, ^^what 
sort of girl is Miss King? I should be sorry to 
think our friend mercenary." 

**Pray, my dear aunt, what is the difference, in 
matrimonial affairs, between the mercenary and 
the prudent motive? Where does discretion end, 
and avarice begin? Last Christmas you were 
afraid of his marrying me, because it would be 
imprudent; and now, because he is trying to get 
a girl with only ten thousand pounds, you want to 
find out that he is mercenary.'' 

'^If you will only tell me what sort of girl Miss 
King is, I shall know what to think." 

.** She is a very good kind of girl, I believe. I 
know no harm of her." 

**But he paid her not the smallest attention till 
her grandfather's death made her mistress of this 
fortune?" 

^'No; why should he? If it were not allow- 
able for him to gain my affections because I had 
no money, what occasion could there be for making 
love to a girl whom he did not care about, and who 
was equally poor? " 



L 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 227 

^^But there seems indelicacy in directing his 
attentions towards her so soon after this event." 

'^A man in distressed circumstances has not 
time for all those elegant decorums which other 
people may observe . If she does not object to it, 
why should we?" 

'^Her not objecting does not justify him. It 
only shows her being deficient in something her- 
self, — sense or feeling." 

^^Well," cried Elizabeth, <'have it as you 
choose. He shall be mercenary, and she shall be 
foolish." 

^^No, Lizzy, that is what I do not choose. I 
should be sorry, you know, to think ill of a young 
man who has lived so long in Derbyshire." 

*^0h, if that is all, I have a very poor opinion 
of young men who live in Derbyshire; and their 
intimate friends who live in Hertfordshire are not 
much better. I am sick of them all. Thank 
Heaven! I am going to-morrow where I shall find 
a man who has not one agreeable quality, who has 
neither manner nor sense to recommend him. 
Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing, 
after all." 

*'Take care, Lizzy; that speech savors strongly 
of disappointment." 

Before they were separated by the conclusion of 
the play, she had the unexpected happiness of an 
invitation to accompany her uncle and aunt in a 



228 . PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

tour of pleasure which they proposed taking in the 
summer. 

*^ We have not quite determined how far it shall 
carry us," said Mrs. Gardiner, "hut perhaps to 
the Lakes." 

No scheme could have been more agreeable to 
Elizabeth, and her acceptance of the invitation was 
most ready and grateful. *^My dear, dear aunt," 
she rapturously cried, "what delight, what feli- 
city! You give me fresh life and vigor. Adieu 
to disappointment and spleen. What are men to 
rocks and mountains? Oh, what hours of trans- 
port we shall spend! And when we do return, it 
shall not be like other travellers, without being 
able to give one accurate idea of anything. We 
will know where we have gone, — we will recollect 
what we have seen. Lakes, mountains, and rivers 
shall not be jumbled together in our imaginations ; 
nor, when we attemjit to* describe any particular 
scene, will we begin quarrelling about its relative 
situation. Let our first effusions be less insupport- 
able than those of the generality of travellers." 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Every object in the next day's journey was new 
and interesting to Elizabeth, and her spirits were 
in a state of enjoyment ; for she had seen her sister 
looking so well as to banish all fear for her health, 
and the prospect of her northern tour was a con- 
stant source of delight. 

When they left the high-road for the lane to 
Hunsford, every eye was in search of the Parson- 
age, and every turning expected to bring it in view. 
The paling of Rosings park was their boundary on 
one side. Elizabeth smiled at the recollection of 
all that she had heard of its inhabitants. 

At length the Parsonage was discernible. The 
garden sloping to the road, the house standing in 
it, the green pales, and the laurel hedge, — every- 
thing declared they were arriving. Mr. Collins and 
Charlotte appeared at the door; and the carriage 
stopped at the small gate, which led by a short 
gravel walk to the house, amidst the nods and 
&miles of the whole party. In a moment they 
were all out of the chaise, rejoicing at the sight 
of each other. Mrs. Collins welcomed her friend 
with the liveliest pleasure; and Elizabeth was 



230 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

more and more satisfied with coming, when she 
•found herself so affectionately received. She saw 
instantly that her cousin's manners were not 
altered hy his marriage: his formal civility was 
just what it had heenj and he detained her some 
minutes at the gate to hear and satisfy his inqui- 
ries after all her family. They were then, with no 
other delay than his pointing out the neatness of 
the entrance, taken into the house ; and as soon as 
they were in the parlor, he welcomed them a second 
time, with ostentatious formality, to his humhle 
ahode, and punctually repeated all his wife's offers 
of refreshment. 

Elizabeth was prepared to see him m his glory; 
and she could not help fancying that in displaying 
the good proportion of the room, its aspect, and its 
furniture, he addressed himself particularly to her, 
as if wishinn; to make her feel what she had lost in 
refusing him. But though everything seemed 
neat and comfortable, she was not able to gratify 
him by any sigh of repentance, and rather looked 
with wonder at her friend, that she could have so 
cheerful an air with such a companion. When Mr. 
Collins said anything of which his wife might 
reasonably be ashamed, vV^hich certainly was not 
seldom, she involuntarily turned her oye on Char- 
lotte. Once or twice she could discern a faint 
blush; but in general Charlotte wisely did not 
hear. After sitting long enough to admire everjr 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 231 

article of furniture in the room, from the sideboard 
to the fender, to give an account of their journey, 
and of all that had happened in London, Mr. 
Collins invited them to take a stroll in the garden, 
which was large and well laid out, and to the culti- 
vation of which he attended himself. To work in 
his garden was one of his most respectable pleas- 
ures; and Elizabeth admired the command of 
countenance with which Charlotte talked of the 
healthfulness of the exercise, and owned she en- 
couraged it as much as possible. Here, leading 
the way through every walk and cross walk, and 
scarcely allowing them an interval to utter the 
praises he asked for, every view was pointed out 
with a minuteness which left beauty entirely be- 
hind. He could number the fields in every direc- 
tion, and could tell how many trees there were in 
the most distant clump. But of all the views 
which his garden or which the country or the 
kingdom could boast, none were to be compared 
with the prospect of Rosings, afforded by an open- 
ing in the trees that bordered the park nearly oppo- 
site the front of his house. It was a handsome 
modem building, well situated on rising ground. 

From his garden, Mr. Collins would have led 
them round his two meadows ; but the ladies, not 
having shoes to encounter the remains of a white 
frost, turned back; and while Sir William accom- 
panied him, Charlotte took her sister and friend 



232 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

over the house, extremely well pleased, probably, 
to have the opportunity of showing it without her 
husband's help. It was rather small, but well 
built and convenient; and everything was fitted 
up and arranged with a neatness and consistency 
of which Elizabeth gave Charlotte all the credit. 
When Mr. Collins could be forgotten, there was 
really a great air of comfort throughout; and by 
Charlotte's evident enjoyment of it, Elizabeth 
supposed he must be often forgotten. 

She had already learned that Lady Catherine 
was still in the country. It was spoken of again 
while they were at dinner, when Mr. Collins, join- 
ing in, observed, — 

*^Yes, Miss Elizabeth, you will have the honor 
of seeing Lady Catherine de Bourgh on the ensu- 
ing Sunday at church, and I need not say you will 
be delighted with her. She is all affability and 
condescension, and I doubt not but you will be 
honored with some portion of her notice when 
service is over. I have scarcely any hesitation in 
saying that she will include you and my sister 
Maria in every invitation with which she honors 
us during your stay here. Her behavior to my 
dear Charlotte is charming. We dine at Bosings 
twice every week, and are never allowed to walk 
home. Her Ladyship's carriage is regularly or- 
dered for us. I should say, one of her Ladyship's 
carriages, for she has several." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 233 

"Lady Catherine is a very respectable, sensible 
woman, indeed," added Charlotte, "and a most 
attentive neighbor.'' 

"Very true, my dear; that is exactly what I 
say. She is the sort of woman whom one cannot 
regard with too much deference." 

The evening was spent chiefly in talking over 
Hertfordshire news, and telling again what had 
been already written; and when it closed, Eliza- 
beth, in the solitude of her chamber, had to medi- 
tate upon Charlotte's degree of contentment, to 
understand her address in guiding, and composure 
in bearing with her husband, and to acknowledge 
that it was all done very well. She had also to 
anticipate how her visit would pass, — the quiet 
tenor of their usual employments, the vexatious 
interruptions of Mr. Collins, and the gayeties of 
their intercourse with Rosings. A lively imagina- 
tion soon settled it all. 

About the middle of the next day, as she was in 
her room getting ready for a walk, a sudden noise 
below seemed to speak the whole house in confu- 
sion; and after listening a moment, she heard 
somebody running upstairs in a violent hurry, and 
calling loudly after her. She opened the door and 
met Maria in the landing-place, who, breathless 
with agitation, cried out, — 

"Oh, my dear Eliza! pray make haste and come 
into the dining-room, for there is such a sight to 



234 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

be seen ! I will not tell you what it is. Make 
baste, and come down tbis moment." 

Elizabeth asked questions in vain ; Maria would 
tell ber notbing more; and down tbey ran into the 
dining-room, whicb fronted tbe lane, in quest of 
tbis wonder : it was two ladies, stopping in a low 
pbaeton at the garden gate. 

<*And is this all?" cried Elizabeth. ''1 ex- 
pected at least that the pigs were got into the 
garden; and here is nothing but Lady Catherine 
and her daughter! ** 

"La! my dear," said Maria, quite shocked at 
the mistake, "it is not Lady Catherine. The old 
lady is Mrs. Jenkinson, who lives with them. 
The other is Miss de Bourgh. Only look at her. 
She is quite a little creature. Who would have 
thought she could be so thin and small!'' 

"She is abominably rude to keep Charlotte out 
of doors in all this wind. Why does she not 
come in?" 

"Oh, Charlotte says she hardly ever does. It 
is the greatest of favors when Miss de Bourgh 
comes in." 

"I like ber appearance," said Elizabeth, struck 
with other ideas. "She looks sickly and cross. 
Yes, she will do for him very well. She will 
make him a very proper wife." 

Mr. Collins and Charlotte were both standing at 
the gate in conversation with the ladies; and Sir 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 235 

William, to Elizabeth's high diversion, was sta- 
tioned in the doorway, in earnest contemplation of 
the greatness before him, and constantly bowing 
whenever Miss de Bourgh looked that way. 

At length there was nothing more to be said; 
the ladies drove on, and the others returned into 
the house. Mr. Collins no sooner saw the two 
girls than he began to congratulate them on their 
good fortune, which Charlotte explained by letting 
them know that the whole party was asked to dine 
at Rosings the next day. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Mr. Collinses triumph, in consequence of this 
invitation, was complete. The power of display- 
ing the grandeur of his patroness to his wonder- 
ing visitors, and of letting them see her civility 
towards himself and his wife, was exactly what he 
had wished for 5 and that an opportunity of doing 
it should he given so soon was such an instance 
of Lady Catherine's condescension as he knew not 
how to admire enough. 

**I confess,^' said he, '^that I should not have 
been at all surprised by her Ladyship's asking us 
on Sunday to drink tea and spend the evening at 
Rosings. I rather expected, from my knowledge 
of her affability, that it would happen. But who 
could have foreseen such an attention as this? 
Who could have imagined that we should receive 
an invitation to dine there (an invitation, more- 
over, including the whole party) so immediately 
after your arrival?" **I am the less surprised 
at what has happened," replied Sir William, 
"from that knowledge of what the manners of the 
great really are, which my situation in life has al- 



I 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 237 

lowed me to acquire. About the court such iu" 
stances of elegant breeding are not uncommon." 

Scarcely anything was talked of the whole day 
or next morning but their visit to E-osings. Mr. 
Collins was carefully instructing them in what 
they were to expect, that the sight of such rooms, 
so many servants, and so splendid a dinner might 
not wholly overpower them. 

When the ladies were separating for the toilette, 
he said to Elizabeth, — 

** Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin, 
about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from 
requiring that elegance of dress in us which be- 
comes herself and daughter. I would advise you 
merely to put on whatever of your clothes is supe- 
rior to the rest; there is no occasion for anything 
more. Lady Catherine will not think the worse 
of you for being simply dressed. She likes to 
have the distinction of rank preserved. '^ 

While they were dressing, he came two or three 
times to their different doors, to recommend their 
being quick, as Lady Catherine very much ob- 
jected to be kept waiting for her dinner. Such 
formidable accounts of her Ladyship and her man- 
ner of living quite frightened Maria Lucas, who 
had been little used to company; and she looked 
forward to her introduction at Rosin gs with as 
much apprehension as her father had done to his 
presentation at St. James's. 



238 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

As the weather was fine, they had a pleasant 
walk of about half a mile across the park. Every 
park has its beauty and its prospects; and Eliza- 
beth saw much to be pleased with, though she 
could not be in such raptures as Mr. Collins ex- 
pected the scene to inspire, and was but slightly , 
affected by his enumeration of the windows in 
front of the house, and his relation of what the 
glazing altogether had originally cost Sir Lewis 
de Bourgh. "- 

When they ascended the steps to the hall, 
Maria's alarm was every moment increasing, and 
even Sir William did not look perfectly calm. 
Elizabeth's courage did not fail her. She had 
heard nothing of Lady Catherine that spoke her 
awful from any extraordinary talents or miracu- 
lous virtue, and the mere stateliness of money 
and rank she thought she could witness without 
trepidation. 

From the entrance hall, of which Mr. Collins 
pointed out, with a rapturous air, the fine propor- 
tion and finished ornaments, they followed the ser- 
vants through an antechamber to the room where 
Lady Catherine, her daughter, and Mrs. Jenkinson 
were sitting. Her Ladyship, with great conde- 
scension, arose to receive them; and as Mrs. Col- 
lins had settled it with her husband that the 
oflSce of introduction should be hers, it was per- 
formed in a proper manner, without any of those 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 239 

apologies and thanks whicli he would have thought 
necessary. 

In spite of having been at St. James's, Sir Wil- \ 
Ham was so completely awed by the grandeur sur- ' 
rounding him, that he had but just courage enough 
to make a very low bow, and take his seat without 
saying a word; and his daughter, frightened al- 
most out of her senses, sat on the edge of her 
chair, not knowing which way to look. Elizabeth 
found herself quite equal to the scene, and could 
observe the three ladies before her composedly. 
Lady Catherine was a tall, large woman, with 
strongly marked features, which might once have 
been handsome. Her air was not conciliating, 
nor was her manner of receiving them such as to 
make her visitors forget their inferior rank. She 
was not rendered formidable by silence; but what- 
ever she said was spoken in so authoritative a tone 
as marked her self-importance, and brought Mr, 
Wickham immediately to Elizabeth's mind; and, 
from the observation of the day altogether, she 
believed Lady Catherine to be exactly what he 
had represented. 

When, after examining the mother, in whose 
countenance and deportment she soon found some 
resemblance of Mr. Darcy, she turned her eyes on 
the daughter, she could almost have joined in 
Maria's astonishment at her being so thin' and 
so small. There was neither in figure nor face 



240 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

any likeness between the ladies. Miss de Bourgli 
was pale and sickly; her features, though not 
plain, were insignificant; and she spoke very 
little, except in a low voice, to Mrs. Jenkinson, 
in whose appearance there was nothing remark- 
able, and who was entirely engaged in listening 
to what she said, and placing a screen in the 
proper direction before her eyes. 

After sitting a few minutes, they were all sent 
to one of the windows to admire the view, Mr. 
Collins attending them to point out its beauties, 
and Lady Catherine kindly informing them that it 
was much better worth looking at in the summer. 

The dinner was exceedingly handsome, and there 
were all the servants, and all the articles of plate 
which Mr. Collins had promised; and as he had 
likewise foretold, he took his seat at the bottom of 
the table, by her Ladyship's desire, and looked as 
if he felt that life could furnish nothing greater. 
He carved and ate and praised with delighted 
alacrity; and every dish was commended first by 
him, and then by Sir William, who was now 
enough recovered to echo whatever his son-in-law 
said, in a manner which Elizabeth wondered Lady 
Catherine could bear. But Lady Catherine seemed 
gratified by their excessive admiration, and gave 
most gracious smiles, especially when any dish on 
the table proved a novelty to them. The party 
did not supply much conversation. Elizabeth was 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 241 

ready to speak whenever there was an opening; 
but she was seated between Charlotte and Miss de 
Bourgh — the former of whom was engaged in 
listening to Lady Catherine, and the latter said 
not a word to her all dinner-time. Mrs. Jen- 
kinson was chiefly employed in watching how 
little Miss de Bourgh ate, pressing her to try 
some other dish, and fearing she was indisposed. 
Maria thought speaking out of the question, and 
the gentlemen did nothing but eat and admire. 

When the ladies returned to the drawing-room, 
there was little to be done but to hear Lady Cath- 
erine talk, which she did without any intermission 
till coffee came in, delivering her opinion on every 
subject in so decisive a manner as proved that she 
was not used to have her judgment controverted. 
She inquired into Charlotte's domestic concerns 
familiarly and minutely, and gave her a great deal 
of advice as to the management of them all; told 
her how everything ought to be regulated in so 
small a family as hers, and instructed her as to 
the care of her cows and her poultry. Elizabeth 
found that nothing was beneath this great lady's 
attention which could furnish her with an occasion 
for dictating to others. In the intervals of her 
discourse with Mrs. Collins, she addressed a va- 
riety of questions to Maria and Elizabeth, but es- 
pecially to the latter, of whose connections she 
knew the least, and who, she observed to Mrs. 

VOL. I. — 16 



%f^^ 



242 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

Collins, was a very genteel, pretty kind of girl. 
She asked her at different times how many sisters 
she had, whether they were older or younger than 
herself, whether any of them were likely to be 
married, whether they were handsome, where they 
had been educated, what carriage her father kept, 
and what had been her mother's maiden name? 
Elizabeth felt all the impertinence of her ques- 
tions, but answered them very composedly. Lady 
Catherine then observed, — 

'^ Your father's estate is entailed on Mr. Collins, 
I think? For your sake," turning to Charlotte, 
**I am glad of it; but otherwise I see no occasion 
for entailing estates from the female line. It was 
not thought necessary in Sir Lewis de Bourgh's 
family. Do you play and sing, Miss Bennet? " 

^< A little." 

'* Oh, then — some time or other we shall be 
happy to hear you. Our instrument is a capital 
one, probably superior to — You shall try it some 
day. Do your sisters play and sing?" 

**One of them does." 

** Why did not you all learn? You ought all 
to have learned. The Miss lYebbs all play, and 
their father has not so good an income as yours. 
Do you draw? " 

''No, not at all." 

'' What, none of you? " 

'' Not one." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 243 

*^That is very strange. But I suppose you had 
no opportunity. Your mother should have taken you 
to town every spring for the benefit of masters.'^ 

" My mother would have no objection, but my 
father hates London." 

*'Has your governess left you?" 

^' We never had any governess." 

'*No governess! How was that possible? Five 
daughters brought up at home without a governess ! 
I never heard of such a thing. Your mother 
must have been quite a slave to your education." 

Elizabeth could hardly help smiling, as she as- 
sured her that had not been the case. 

"Then who taught you, who attended to 
\you? Without a governess you must have been 
neglected." 

"Compared with some families, I believe we 
were; but such of us as wished to learn never 
wanted the means. We were always encouraged 
to read, and had all the masters that were ne- 
cessary. Those who chose to be idle certainly 
might." 

"Ay, no doubt: but that is what a governess 
will prevent ; and if I had known your mother, I 
should have advised her most strenuously to en- 
gage one. I always say that nothing is to be done 
in education without steady and regular instruc- 
tion, and nobody but a governess can give it. It 
is wonderful how many families I have been the 



244 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 

means of supplying in that way. I am always 
glad to get a young person well placed out. Four 
nieces of Mrs. Jenkinson are most delightfully 
situated through my means; and it was hut the 
other day that I recommended another young per- 
son, who was merely accidentally mentioned to 
me, and the family are quite delighted with her. 
Mrs. Collins, did I tell you of La dv Metcalfe^s 
calling yesterday to thank me? She finds Miss 
Pojfi^ji treasure. *Lady Catherine,' said she, 
'you have given me a treasure.' Are any of 
your younger sisters out, Miss Bennet?" 

'*Yes, ma'am, all." 

''All! What, all five out at once? Very odd! 
And you only the second! The younger ones out 
hefore the elder are married! Your younger sisters 
must he very young? " 

"Yes, my youngest is not sixteen.- Perhaps 
she is full young to he much in company. But 
really, ma'am, I think it would he very hard upon 
younger sisters that they should not have their 
share of society and amusement, hecause the elder 
may not have the means or inclination to marry 
early. The last horn has as good a right to the. 
pleasures of youth as the first. And to he kept 
hack on such a motive ! I think it would not be 
very likely to promote sisterly affection or delicacy 
of mind." 

" Upon my word," said her Ladyship, " you give 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 245 

your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. 
Pray, what is your age?'' 

** With three younger sisters grown up," replied 
Elizabeth, smiling, **your Ladyship can hardly 
expect me to own it." 

Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not 
receiving a direct answer; and Elizabeth suspected 
herself to be the first creature who had ever dared 
to trifle with so much dignified impertinence. 

'* You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure; 
therefore you need not conceal your age." 

**I am not one-and-twenty." 

When the gentlemen had joined them, and 
tea was over, the card-tables were placed. Lady 
Catherine, Sir William, and Mr. and Mrs. Collins 
sat down to quadrille; and as Miss de Bourgh 
chose to play at casino, the two girls had the 
honor of assisting Mrs. Jenkinson to make up 
her party. Their table was superlatively stupid. 
Scarcely a syllable was uttered that did not relate 
to the game, except when Mrs. Jenkinson ex- 
pressed her fears of Miss de Bourgh's being too 
hot or too cold, or having too much or too little 
light. A great deal more passed at the other table. 
Lady Catherine was generally speaking, — stating 
the mistakes of the three others, or relating some 
anecdote of herself.^ Mr. Collins was employed in 
agreeing to everything her Ladyship said, thank- 
ing her for every fish he won, and apologizing if 



246 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

he thought he won too manyj]7 Sir William did 
not say much. He was storing his memory with 
anecdotes and noble names. 

When Lady Catherine and her daughter had 
played as long as they chose, the tables were 
broken up, the carriage was offered to Mrs. Col- 
lins, gratefully accepted, and immediately ordered. 
The party then gathered round the fire to hear 
Lady Catherine determine what weather they were 
to have on the morrow. From these instructions 
they were summoned by the arrival of the coach; 
and with many speeches of thankfulness on Mr. 
Collinses side, and as many bows on Sir William's, 
they departed. As soon as they had driven from 
the door, Elizabeth was called on by her cousin 
to give her oi)iiiion of all that she had seen at 
Rosings, which, for Charlotte's sake, she made 
more favorable than it really was\But her commen- 
dation, though costing her some trouble, could by 
no means satisfy Mr. Collins; and he was very 
soon obliged to take her Ladyship's praise into 
his own hands .J 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Sir William stayed only a week at Hunsf ord ; 
but his visit was long enough to convince him 
of his daughter's being most comfortably settled, 
and of her possessing such a husband and such a 
neighbor as were not often met with. While Sir 
William was with them, Mr. Collins devoted his 
mornings to driving him out in his gig and show- 
ing him the country; but when he went away, the 
whole family returned to their usual employments, 
and Elizabeth was thankful to find that they did 
not see more of her cousin by the alteration; for 
the chief of the time between breakfast and dinner 
was now passed by him either at work in the gar- 
den, or in reading and writing, and looking out of 
window in his own book-room, which fronted the 
road. The room in which the ladies sat was back- 
wards. Elizabeth at first had rather wondered 
that Charlotte should not prefer the dining-parlor 
for common use; it was a better-sized room, and 
had a pleasanter aspect : but she soon saw that her 
friend had an excellent reason for what she did, 
for Mr. Collins would undoubtedly have been much 
less in his own apartment had they sat in one 



248 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

equally lively; and she gave Charlotte credit for 
the arrangement. 

From the drawing-room they could distinguish 
nothing in the lane, and were indebted to Mr. 
Collins for the knowledge of what carriages went 
along, and how often especially Miss de Bourgh 
drove by in her phaeton, which he never failed 
coming to inform them of, though it happened 
almost every day. She not unfrequently stopped 
at the Parsonage, and had a few minutes' conver- 
sation with Charlotte, but was scarcely ever pre- 
vailed on to get out. 

Very few days passed in which Mr. Collins did 
not walk to Rosings, and not many in which his 
wife did not think it necessary to go likewise; and 
till Elizabeth recollected that there might be other 
family livings to be disposed of, she could not un- 
derstand the sacrifice of so many hours. Now and 
then they were honored with a call from her Lady- 
ship, and nothing escaped her observation that was 
passing in the room during these visits. She ex- 
amined into their employments, looked at their 
work, and advised them to do it differently; found 
fault with' the arrangement of the furniture, or 
detected the housemaid in negligence; and if she 
accepted any refreshment, seemed to do it only for 
the sake of finding out that Mrs. Collins's joints of 
meat were too large for her family. 

Elizabeth soon perceived that though this great 



PRIBE AND PREJUDICE. 249 

lady was not in the commission of the peace for 
the county, she was a most active magistrate in 
her own parish, the minutest concerns of which 
were carried to her hy Mr. Collins; and whenever 
any of the cottagers were disposed to be quarrel- 
some, discontented, or too poor, she sallied forth 
into the village to settle their differences, silence 
their complaints, and scold them into harmony 
and plenty. 

The entertainment of dining at E-osings was 
repeated about twice a week; and allowing for 
the loss of Sir William, and there being only one 
card-table in the evening, every such entertain- 
ment was the counterpart of the first. Their other 
engagements were few; as the style of living of 
the neighborhood in general was beyond the Col- 
linses' reach. This, however, was no evil to 
Elizabeth, and upon the whole she spent her time 
comfortably enough: there were half hours of 
pleasant conversation with 6!iarlotte, and the 
weather was so fine for the time of year that she 
had often great enjoyment out of doors. Her 
favorite walk, and where she frequently went 
while the others were calling on Lady Catherine, 
was along the open grove which edged that side of 
the park where there was a nice sheltered path, 
which no one seemed to value but herself, and 
where she felt beyond the reach of Lady Catherine's 
curiosity. 



250 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

In this quiet way the first fortnight of her visit 
soon passed away. Easter was approaching, and 
the week preceding it was to bring an addition to 
the family at Rosings, which in so small a circle 
must be important. Elizabeth had heard, soon 
after her arrival, that Mr. Darcy was expected 
there in the course of a few weeks; and though 
there were not many of her acquaintance whom 
she did not prefer, his coming would furnish one 
comparatively new to look at in their Rosings 
parties, and she might be amused in seeing how 
hopeless Miss Bingley's designs on him were, by 
his behavior to his cousin, for whom he was evi- 
dently destined by Lady Catherine ; who talked of 
his coming with the greatest satisfaction, spoke 
of him in terms of the highest admiration, and 
seemed almost angry to find that he had already 
been frequently seen by Miss Lucas and herself. 

His arrival was soon known at the Parsonage; 
for Mr. Collins was walking the whole morning 
within view of the lodges opening into Hunsford 
Lane, in order to have the earliest assurance of it; 
and after making his bow as the carriage turned 
into the park, hurried home with the great intel- 
ligence. On the following morning he hastened 
to Rosings to pay his respects. There were two 
nephews of Lady Catherine to require them, for 
Mr. Darcy had brought with him a Colonel Fitz- 
william, the younger son of his uncle, Lord ; 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 251 

and, to the great surprise of all the party, when 
Mr. Collins returned, the gentlemen accompanied 
him. Charlotte had seen them from her husband's 
room, crossing the road, and immediately running 
into the other, told the girls what an honor they 
might expect, adding, — 

''I may thank you, Eliza, for this piece" of 
civility. Mr. Darcy would never have come so 
soon to wait upon me.'' 

Elizabeth had scarcely time to disclaim all right 
to the compliment, before their approach was an- 
nounced by the door-bell, and shortly afterwards 
the three gentlemen entered the room. Colonel 
Fitzwilliam, who led the way, was about thirty; 
not handsome, but in person and address most 
truly the gentleman. Mr. Darcy looked just as 
he had been used to look in Hertfordshire; paid 
his compliments, with his usual reserve, to Mrs. 
Collins; and whatever might be his feelings to- 
wards her friend, met her with every appearance 
of composure. Elizabeth merely courtesied to him, 
without saying a word. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into conversation 
directly, with the readiness and ease of a well-bred 
man, and talked very pleasantly ; but his cousin, 
after having addressed a slight observation on the 
house and garden to Mrs. Collins, sat for some 
time without speaking to anybody. At length, 
however, his civility was so far awakened as to 



252 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

inquire of Elizabeth after the health of her family. 
She answered him in the usual way ; and after a 
moment's pause added, — 

*^ My eldest sister has been in town these three 
months. Have you never happened to see her 
there? " 

She was perfectly sensible that he never had, 
but she wished to see whether he would betray 
any consciousness of what had passed between the 
Bingleys and Jane; and she thought he looked a 
little confused as he answered that he had never 
been so fortunate as to meet Miss Bennet. The 
subject was pursued no further, and the gentlemen 
soon afterwards went away. 



/ 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam's manners were very much 
admired at the Parsonage, and the ladies all 
felt that he must add considerably to the pleasure 
of their engagements at Rosings. It was some 
days, however, before they received any invitation 
thither, for while there were visitors in the house 
they could not be necessary; and it was not till 
Easter-day, almost a week after the gentlemen^s 
arrival, that they were honored by such an atten- 
tion, and then they were merely asked on leaving 
church to come there in the evening. For the 
last week they had seen very little of either Lady 
Catherine or her daughter. Colonel Fitzwilliam 
had called at the Parsonage more than once dur- 
ing the time, but Mr. Darcy they had only seen 
at church. 

The invitation was accepted, of course, and at 
a proper hour they joined the party in Lady 
Catherine's drawing-room. Her Ladyship received 
them civilly, but it was plain that their company 
was by no means so acceptable as when she could 
get nobody else; and she was, in fact, almost en- 
grossed by her nephews, speaking to them, espe- 



254 PRIDE AST) PREJUDICE. 

cially to Darcy, much more than to any other 
person in the room. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed really glad to see 
them: anything was a welcome relief to him at 
Rosings; and Mrs. Collins's pretty friend had, 
moreover, caught his fancy very much. He now 
seated himself hy her, and talked so agreeahly of 
Kent and Hertfordshire, of travelling and staying 
at home, of new hooks and music, that Elizaheth 
had never heen half so well entertained in that 
room hefore; and they conversed with so much 
spirit and flow as to draw the attention of Lady 
Catherine herself, as well as of Mr. Darcy. His 
eyes had been soon and repeatedly turned towards 
them with a look of curiosity ; and that her Lady- 
ship after a while shared the feeling, was more 
openly acknowledged, for she did not scruple to 
call out, — 

**What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? 
What is it you are talking of? What are you 
telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear what it is." 

<<We are speaking of music, madam,'' said he, 
when no longer able to avoid a reply. 

"Of music! Than pray speak aloud. It is, of 
all subjects, my delight. I must have my share in 
the conversation, if you are speaking of music. 
There are few people in England, I suppose, who 
have more true enjoyment of music than myself, 
or a better natural taste. If I had ever learned, 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 255 

I should have been a great proficient. And so 
would Anne, if her health had allowed her to 
apply. I am confident that she would have per- 
formed delightfully. How does Georgiana get 
on, Darcy? " 

Mr. Darcy spoke with affectionate praise of his 
sister's proficiency. 

** I am very glad to hear such a good account of 
her," said Lady Catherine; ^*and pray tell her 
from me, that she cannot expect to excel, if she 
does not practise a great deal." 

^^I assure you, madam," he replied, **that she 
does not need such advice. She practises very 
constantly." 

"So much the better. It cannot be done too 
much; and when I next write to her, I shall 
charge her not to neglect it on any account. I 
often tell young ladies that no excellence in music 
is to be acquired without constant practice. I 
have told Miss Bennet several times that she will 
never play really well unless she practises more; 
and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is 
very welcome, as I have often told her, to come 
to Rosin gs every day, and play on the pianoforte 
in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. She would be in 
nobody's way, you know, in that part of the 
house." 

Mr. Darcy looked a little ashamed of his aunt's 
ill-breeding, and made no answer. 



V 



y 



256 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

When coffee was over. Colonel Fitzwilliam re- 
minded Elizabeth of having promised to play to 
him; and she sat down directly to the instmment. 
He drew a chair near her. Lady Catherine lis- 
tened to half a song, and then talked as before to 
her other nephew; till the latter walked away 
from her, and moving with his nsnal deliberation 
towards the pianoforte, stationed himself so as to 
command a full view of the fair performer's coun- 
tenance. Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and 
at the first convenient pause turned to him with 
an arch smile, and said, — 

" You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by com- 
ing in all this state to hear me. But I will not 
be alarmed, though your sister does play so well. 
There is a stubbornness about me that never can 
bear to be frightened at the will of others. My 
courage always rises with every attempt to intimi- 
date me.^' 

*^I shall not say that you are mistaken,'' he 
replied, "because you could not really believe me 
to entertain any design of alarming you; and I 
have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long 
enough to know that you find great enjoyment in 
occasionally professing opinions which, in fact, are 
not your own.'' 

Elizabeth laughed heartily at this picture of 
herself, and said to Colonel Fitzwilliam: "Your 
cousin will give you a very pretty notion of me, 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 257 

and teach you not to believe a word I say. I am 
particularly unlucky in meeting with a person so 
well able to expose my real character, in a part of 
the world where I had hoped to pass myself off 
with some degree of credit. Indeed, Mr. Darcy, 
it is very ungenerous in you to mention all that 
you knew to my disadvantage in Hertfordshire, — 
and, give me leave to say, very impolitic too, — for 
it is provoking me to retaliate, and such things 
may come out as will shock your relations to 
hear." 

"I am not afraid of you,'' said he, smilingly. 

'^ Pray let me hear what you have to accuse him 
of,'^ cried Colonel Fitzwilliam. ^^I should like 
to know how he behaves among strangers." 

** You shall hear, then ^- but prepare for some- 
thing very dreadful. The first time of my ever 
seeing him in Hertfordshire, you must know, was 
at a ball, — and at this ball what do you think 
he did? He danced only four dances ! I am sorry 
to pain you, but so it was. He danced only four 
dances, though gentlemen were scarce; and, to my 
certain knowledge, more than one young lady was 
sitting down in want of a partner. Mr. Darcy, 
you cannot deny the fact." 

**I had not at that time the honor of know- 
ing any lady in the assembly beyond my own 
party. " 

^^True; and nobody can ever be introduced in 

VOL. I. — 17 



258 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

a ball-room. Well, Colonel Fitzwilliam, what do 
I play next? My fingers wait your orders." 

^* Perhaps, "^said Darcy, **I should have judged 
better had I sought an introduction, but I am ill- 
qualified to recommend myself to strangers." 

^^ Shall we ask your cousin the reason of this?" 
said Elizabeth, still addressing Colonel Fitz- 
william. "Shall we ask him why a man of sense 
and education, and who has lived in the world, is 
ill-qualified to recommend himself to strangers?" 

" I can answer your question," said Fitzwilliam, 
** without applying to him. It is because he will 
not give himself the trouble." 

"I certainly have not the talent which some 
people possess," said Darcy, "of conversing easily 
with those I have never seen before. I cannot 
catch their tone of conversation, or appear inter- 
ested in their concerns, as I often see done." 

" My fingers," said Elizabeth, "do not move over 
this instrument in the masterly manner which I 
see so many women's do. They have not the same 
force or rapidity, and do not produce the same ex- 
pression. But then I have always supposed it to 
be my own fault, — because I would not take the 
trouble of practising. It is not that I do not 
believe my fingers as capable as any other woman's 
of superior execution." 

Darcy smiled and said: "You are perfectly 
right. You have employed your time much better. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 259 

No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you 
can think anything wanting. We neither of us 
perform to strangers.'* 

Here they were interrupted hy Lady Catherine, 
who called out to know what they were talking 
of. Elizabeth immediately began playing again. 
Lady Catherine approached, and after listening 
for a few minutes, said to Darcy, — 

**Miss Bennet would not play at all amiss if 
she practised more, and could have the advantage 
of a London master. She has a very good notion 
of fingering, though her taste is not equal to 
Anne's. Anne would have been a delightful per- 
former, had her health allowed her to learn." 

Elizabeth looked at Darcy to see how cordially 
he assented to his cousin's praise; but neither at 
that moment nor at any other could she discern 
any symptom of love; and from the whole of his 
behavior to Miss de Bourgh she derived this com- 
fort for Miss Bingley, that he might have been 
just as likely to marry her, had she been his 
relation. 

Lady Catherine continued her remarks on Eliza- 
beth's performance, mixing with them many in- 
structions on execution and taste. Elizabeth 
received them with all the forbearance of civility; 
and at the request of the gentlemen remained at 
the instrument till her Ladyship's carriage was 
ready to take them all home. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Elizabeth was sitting by herself the next morn- 
ing, and writing to Jane, while Mrs. Collins and 
Maria were gone on business into the village, when 
she was startled by a ring at the door, the certain 
signal of a visitor. As she had heard no carriage, 
she thought it not unlikely to be Lady Catherine; 
and under that apprehension was putting away 
her half-finished letter, that she might escape all 
impertinent questions, when the door opened, and 
to her very great surprise Mr. Darcy, and Mr. 
Darcy only, entered the room. 

He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, 
and apologized for his intrusion by letting her 
know that he had understood all the ladies to Be 
within. 

They then sat down, and when her inquiries 
after Rosings were made, seemed in danger of 
sinking into total silence. It was absolutely 
necessary, therefore, to think of something; and 
in this emergency recollecting when she had seen 
him last in Hertfordshire, and feeling curious to 
know what he would say on the subject of their 
hasty departure, she observed, — 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 261 

^^How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield 
last November, Mr. Darcy! It must have been a 
most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley to see you 
all after him so soon; for if I recollect right, he 
went but the day before. He and his sisters were 
well, I hope, when you left London? '^ 

"Perfectly so, I thank you.^' 

She found that she was to receive no other an- 
swer; and after a short pause, added, — 

"I think I have understood that Mr. Bingley 
has not much idea of ever returning to Netherfield 
again? " 

"I have never heard him say so; but it is 
probable that he may spend very little of his time 
there in future. He has many friends, and he is 
at a time of life when friends and engagements are 
continually increasing." 

"If he means to be but little at Netherfield, it 
would be. better for the neighborhood that he 
should give up the place entirely, for then we 
might possibly get a settled family there. But, 
perhaps, Mr. Bingley did not take the house so 
much for the convenience of the neighborhood as 
for his own, and we must expect him to keep or 
quit it on the same principle." 

"I should not be surprised," said Darcy, "if 
he were to give it up as soon as any eligible pur- 
chase offers." 

Elizabeth made no answer. She was afraid of 



262 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

talking longer of his friend; and having nothing 
else to say, was now determined to leave the 
trouhle of finding a subject to him. 

He took the hint and soon began with: ^*This 
seems a very comfortable house. Lady Catherine, 
I believe, did a great deal to it when Mr. Collins 
first came to Hunsford." 

^^I believe she did, — and I am sure she could 
not have bestowed her kindness on a more grateful 
object.'' 

^^Mr. Collins appears very fortunate in his 
choice of a wife." 

''Yes, indeed; his friends may well rejoice in 
his having met with one of the very few sensible 
women who would have accepted him, or have 
made him happy if they had. My friend has an 
excellent understanding, — though I am not cer- 
tain that I consider her marrying Mr. Collins as 
the wisest thing she ever did. She seems per- 
fectly happy, however; and in a prudential light 
it is certainly a very good match for her." 

"It must be very agreeable to her to be settled 
within so easy a distance of her own family and 
friends." 

''An easy distance do you call it? It is nearly 
fifty miles." 

"And what is fifty miles of good road? Little 
more than half a day's journey. Yes, I call it a 
very easy distance." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 263 

'^I should never have considered the distance as 
one of the advantages of the match," cried Eliza- 
beth. *^I should never have said Mrs. Collins 
was settled near her family.'' 

**It is a proof of your own attachment to Hert- 
fordshire. Anything beyond the very neighbor- 
hood of Longboum, I suppose, would appear 
far.'' 

As he spoke, there was a sort of smile, which 
Elizabeth fancied she understood; he must be sup- 
posing her to be thinking of Jane and Netherfield, 
and she blushed as she answered, — 

** I do not mean to say that a woman may not be 
settled too near her family. The far and the near 
must be relative, and depend on many varying 
circumstances. Where there is fortune to make 
the expense of travelling unimportant, distance 
becomes no evil. But that is not the case here. 
Mr. and Mrs. Collins have a comfortable income, 
but not such a one as will allow of frequent jour- 
neys; and I am persuaded my friend would not 
call herself near her family under less than half 
the present distance." 

Mr. Darcy drew his chair a little towards her, 
and said: *' You cannot have a right to such very 
strong local attachment. You cannot have been 
always at Longboum." 

Elizabeth looked surprised. The gentleman ex- 
perienced some change of feeling; he drew back 



\ 



264 PRIDE* AND PREJUDICE. 

his chair, took a newspaper from the table, and 
glancing over it, said in a colder voice, — 

**Are you pleased with Kent?" 

A short dialogue on the subject of the country 
ensued, on either side calm and concise, and 
soon put an end to by the entrance of Charlotte 
and her sister, just returned from their walk. 
The tete-a-tete surprised them. Mr. Darcy related 
the mistake which had occasioned his intruding 
on Miss Bennet, and after sitting a few minutes 
longer without saying much to anybody, went 
away. 

**What can be the meaning of this?" said 
Charlotte, as soon as he was gone. ** My dear 
Eliza, he must be in love with you, or he would 
never have called on us in this familiar way." 

But when Elizabeth told of his silence, it did 
not seem very likely, even to Charlotte's wishes, 
to be the case; and after various conjectures, they 
could at last only suppose his visit to proceed from 
the difficulty of finding anything to do, which was 
the more probable from the time of year. All 
field sports were over. Within doors there was 
Lady Catherine, books, and a billiard-table, but 
gentlemen cannot be always within doors ; and in 
the nearness of the Parsonage, or the pleasantness 
of the walk to it, or of the people who lived in it, 
the two cousins found a temptation from this 
period of walking thither almost every day. They 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 265 

called at various times of the morning, sometimes 
separately, sometimes together, and now and then 
accompanied by their aunt. It was plain to them 
all that Colonel Fitzwilliam came because he had 
pleasure in their society, — a persuasion which 
of course recommended him still more ; and Eliza- 
beth was reminded by her own satisfaction in 
being with him, as well as by his evident admi- 
ration, of her former favorite, George Wickham; 
and though in comparing them she saw there was 
less captivating softness in Colonel Fitzwilliam's 
manners, she believed he might have the best 
informed mind. 

But why Mr. Darcy came so often to the Par- 
sonage it was more difficult to understand. It 
could not be for society, as he frequently sat there 
ten minutes together without opening his lips; 
and when he did speak, it seemed the effect of 
necessity rather than of choice, — a sacrifice to 
propriety, not a pleasure to himself. He seldom 
appeared really animated. Mrs. Collins knew not 
what to make of him. Colonel Fitzwilliam's occa- 
sionally laughing at his stupidity proved that he was 
generally different, which her own knowledge of 
him could not have told her; and as she would 
have liked to believe this change the effect of love, 
and the object of that love her friend Eliza, she 
set herself seriously to work to find it out: she 
watched him whenever they were at Rosings and 



^- 



266 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

whenever he came to Hunsford, but without much 
success. He certainly looked at her friend a great 
deal, but the expression of that look was dis- 
putable. It was an earnest, steadfast gaze; but 
she often doubted whether there were much admi- 
ration in it, and sometimes it seemed nothing but 
absence of mind. 

She had once or twice suggested to Elizabeth 
th^ possibility of his being partial to her, but Eliz- 
abeth always laughed at the idea; and Mrs. Col- 
lins did not think it right to press the subject, 
from the danger of raising expectations which 
might only end in disappointment; for in her 
opinion it admitted not of a doubt that all her 
friend's dislike would vanish if she could suppose 
him to be in her power. 

In her kind schemes for Elizabeth, she some- 
times planned her marrying Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
He was, beyond comparison, the pleasantest man : 
he certainly admired her, and his situation in life 
was most eligible; but, to counterbalance these 
advantages, Mr. Darcy had considerable patronage 
in the church, and his cousin could have none 
at all. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

More than once did Elizabeth, in her ramble 
within the park, unexpectedly meet Mr. Darcy. 
She felt all the perverseness of the mischance that 
should bring him where no one else was brought j 
and, to prevent its ever happening again, took 
care to inform him, at first, that it was a favorite 
haunt of hers. How it could occur a second time, 
therefore, "Was very odd! Yet it did, and even a 
third. It seemed like wilful ill-nature or a volun- 
tary penance; for on these occasions it was not 
merely a few formal inquiries and an awkward 
pause and then away, but he actually thought it 
necessary to turn back and walk with her. He 
never said a great deal, nor did she give herself 
the trouble of talking or of listening much ; but it 
struck her in the course of their third rencounter 
that he was asking some odd unconnected ques- 
tions, — about her pleasure in being at Hunsford, 
her love of solitary walks, and her opinion of Mr. 
and Mrs. CoUins's happiness; and that in speak- 
ing of Eosings, and her not perfectly understand- 
ing the house, he seemed to expect that "whenever 
she came into Kent again, she would be staying 



268 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

there too. His words seemed to imply it. Could 
he have Colonel Fitzwilliam in his thoughts? 
She supposed, if he meant anything, he must 
mean an allusion to what might arise in that quar- 
ter. It distressed her a little, and she was quite 
glad to find herself at the gate in the pales 
opposite the Parsonage. 

She was engaged one day, as she walked, in re- 
perusing Jane's last letter, and dwelling on some 
passages which proved that Jane had not written 
in spirits, when, instead of being again surprised 
by Mr. Darcy, she saw, on looking up, that 
Colonel Fitzwilliam was meeting her. Putting 
away the letter immediately, and forcing a smile, 
she said, — 

**I did not know before that you ever walked 
this way." 

'*I have been making the tour of the park," he 
replied, '*as I generally do every year, and in- 
tended to close it with a call at the Parsonage. 
Are you going much farther?" 

^^No; I should have turned in a moment." 

And accordingly she did turn, and they walked 
towards the Parsonage together. 

*'Do you certainly leave Kent on Saturday?" 
said she. 

**Yes, — if Darcy does not put it off again. 
But I am at his disposal. He arranges the busi- 
ness just as he pleases.'' 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 269 

^*And if not able to please himself in the ar- 
rangement^ he has at least great pleasure in the 
power of choice. I do not know anybody who 
seems more to enjoy the power of doing what he 
likes than Mr. Darcy." 

*'He likes to have his own way very well," 
replied Colonel Fitzwilliam. *'But so we all do. 
It is only that he has better means of having it 
than many others, because he is rich, and many 
others are poor. I speak feelingly. A younger 
son, you know, must be inured to self-denial and 
dependence." 

*^ In my opinion, the younger son of an earl 
can know very little of either. Now, seriously, 
what have you ever known of self-denial and de- 
pendence? When have you been prevented by 
want of money from going wherever you chose, or 
procuring anything you had a fancy for?'' 

*^ These are home questions, — and perhaps I 
cannot say that I have experienced many hardships 
of that nature. But in matters of greater weight 
I may suffer from the want of money. Younger 
sons cannot marry where they like." 

** Unless where they like women of fortune, 
which I think they very often do." 

'*Our habits of expense make us too dependent, 
and there are not many in my rank of life who 
can afford to marry without some attention to 
money." 



270 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

*< Is this/' thought Elizabeth, '^ meant for me? " 
and she colored at the idea; but recovering her- 
self, said in a lively tone: "And pray, what is 
the usual price of an earl's younger son? Unless 
the elder brother is very sickly, I suppose you 
would not ask above fifty thousand pounds." 

He answered her in the same style, and the 
subject dropped. To interrupt a silence which 
might make him fancy her afEected with what 
had passed, she soon afterwards said, — 

"I imagine your cousin brought you down with 
him chiefly for the sake of having somebody at 
his disposal. I wonder he does not marry, to 
secure a lasting convenience of that kind. But, 
perhaps, his sister does as well for the present; 
and as she is under his sole care, he may do what 
he likes with her.'' 

"No," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, "that is an 
advantage which he must divide with me. I am 
joined with him in the guardianship of Miss Darcy." 

"Are you, indeed? And pray, what sort of a 
guardian do you make ? Does your charge give 
you much trouble ? Young ladies of her age are 
sometimes a little difficult to manage ; and if she 
has the true Darcy spirit, she may like to have 
her own way." 

As she spoke, she observed him looking at her 
earnestly; and the manner in which he immedi- 
ately asked her why she supposed Miss Darcy 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 271 

likely to give them any uneasiness, convinced her 
that she had somehow or other got pretty near the 
truth. She directly replied, — 

**You need not be frightened. I never heard 
any harm of her; and I dare say she is one of 
the most tractable creatures in the world. She 
is a very great favorite with some ladies of my 
acquai^tance, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. I 
think I have heard you say that you know them.'' 

<*! know them a little. Their brother is a 
pleasant, gentlemanlike man, — he is a great friend 
of Darcy's.'' 

**0h, yes,'' said Elizabeth, dryly; ^*Mr. Darcy 
is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley, and takes a 
prodigious deal of care of him." 

^'Care of him! Yes, I really believe Darcy 
does take c"are of him in those points where he 
most wants care. From something that he told 
me in our journey hither, I have reason to think 
Bingley very much indebted to him. But I ought 
to beg his pardon, for I have no right to suppose 
that Bingley was the person meant. It was all 
conjecture." 

'^What is it you mean?" 

**It is a circumstance which Darcy of course 
could not wish to be generally known, because if 
it were to get round to the lady's family, it would 
be an unpleasant thing." 

'* You may depend upon my not mentioning it." 



272 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 

^'And remember that I have not much reason 
fdr supposing it to be Bingley. What he told me 
was merely this: that he congratulated himself 
on having lately saved a friend from the incon- 
veniences of a most imprudent marriage, but with- 
out mentioning names or any other particulars; 
and I only suspected it to be Bingley, from be- 
lieving him the kind of young man to get into 
a scrape of that sort, and from knowing them to 
have been together the whole of last summer." 

**Did Mr. Darcy give you his reasons for this 
interference?'' 

'*I understood that there were some very strong 
objections against the lady? " 

^* And what arts did he use to separate them? " 
**He did not talk to me of his own arts," said 
Fitzwilliam, smiling. *^He only told me what I 
have now told you." 

Elizabeth made no answer, and walked on, her 
heart swelling with indignation. After watching 
her a little, Fitzwilliam asked her why she was 
so thoughtful. 

**I am thinking of what you have been telling 
me," said she. ** Your cousin's conduct does not 
suit my feelings. Why was he to be the judge? " 

**You are rather disposed to call his interfer- 
ence officious? " 

*^I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to de- 
cide on the propriety of his friend's inclination; 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 273 

or why, upon his own judgment alone, he was to 
determine and direct in what manner that friend 
was to be happy. But," she continued, recollect- 
ing herself, ^^as we know none of the particulars, 
it is not fair to condemn him. It is not to be sup- 
posed that there was much affection in the case." 

^^That is not an unnatural surmise," said Fitz- 
william; ^^but it is lessening the honor of my 
cousin's triumph very sadly." 

This was spoken jestingly, but it appeared to 
her so just a picture of Mr. Darcy that she would 
not trust herself with an answer; and therefore, 
abruptly changing the conversation, talked on in- 
different matters till they reached the Parsonage. 
There, shut into her own room, as soon as their 
visitor left them, she could think without inter- 
ruption of all that she had heard. It was not to 
be supposed that any other people could be meant 
than those with whom she was connected. There 
could not exist in the world two men over whom 
Mr. Darcy could have such boundless influence. 
That he had been concerned in the measures taken 
to separate Mr. Bingley and Jane, she had never 
doubted; but she had always attributed to Miss 
Bingley the principal design and arrangement 
of them, n his own vanity, however, did not 
\ mislead him, he was the cause — his pride and'^v 
caprice were the cause — of all that Jane had 
suffered, and still continued to suffer. He had 

^^ VOL.1. — 18 



1 



274 PRIDE AND PBBJUDICP. 

ruined for a while every hope of happiness for the 
most affectionate, generous heart in the world; 
and no one could say how lasting an evil he might 
have inflicted. 

** There were some very strong objections against 
the lady," were Colonel Fitzwilliam's words; and 
these strong objections probably were, her hav- 
ing one uncle who was a country attorney, and 
another who was in business in London. 

*'To Jane herself,'' she exclaimed, ^Hhere 
could be no possibility of objection, — all loveli- 
ness and goodness as she is! Her understanding 
excellent, her mind improved, and her manners 
captivating. Neither could anything be urged 
against my father, who, though with some pecu- 
liarities, has abilities which Mr. Darcy himself 
need not disdain, and respectability which he will 
probably never reach." When she thought of her 
mother, indeed, her confidence gave way a little 5 
but she would not allow that any objections there 
had material weight with Mr. Darcy, whose pride, 
she was convinced, would receive a deeper wound 
from the want of importance in his friend's con- 
nections than from their want of sense; and she 
was quite decided, at last, that he had been partly 
governed by this worst kind of pride, and partly 
by the wish of retaining Mr. Bingley for his • 
sister. 

The agitation and tears which the subject occa- 



r ' 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. 275 

sioned brought .on a headache; and it grew so 
much worse towards evening that, added to her 
unwillingness to see Mr. Darcy, it determined 
her not to attend her cousins to Rosings, where 
they were engaged to drink tea. Mrs. Collins, 
seeing that she was really unwell, did not press 
her to go, and as much as possible prevented her 
husband from pressing her; but Mr. Collins could 
not conceal his apprehension of Lady Catherine's 
being rather displeased by her staying at home. 



END OF VOL. I. 



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