Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 182 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 182

JANE AUSTEN

Before Elizabeth had time for anything but a blush

of surprise, Mrs. Bennet answered instantly, “Oh

dear!ye scertainly. I am sure Lizzy will be very

happyI am sure she can have no objection. Come,

Kitty, I want you upstairs.” And, gathering her work

together, she was hastening away, when Elizabeth

called out:

“Dear madam, 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.”

“No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you to 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 injunctionand

a moment’s consideration making her also sensible 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 feelings which were divided

between distress and diversion. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty

walked off, and as soon as they were gone, Mr. Collins

began.

174