Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 194 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 194

JANE AUSTEN

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

welland 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, Elizabeth.

From this day you must be a stranger to 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 conclusion of

such a beginning, but Mrs. Bennet, who had persuaded

herself that her husband regarded the affair as she

wished, was excessively disappointed.

“What do you mean, Mr. Bennet, in talking this way?

You promised me to insist upon her marrying him.”

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