Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 192 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 192

JANE AUSTEN

daughter had meant to encourage him by protesting

against his proposals, but she dared not 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 speak to her

about it 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 altogether be a very

desirable wife to a man in my situation, 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.”

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