Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 196 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 196

JANE AUSTEN

whisper, “I am glad you are come, for there is such fun

here! What do you think has happened this morning?

Mr. Collins has made an offer to Lizzy, and she will not

have him.”

Charlotte hardly had time to answer, before they

were joined by Kitty, who came to tell the same news;

and no sooner had they entered the breakfast-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. “Aye, there she comes,” continued

Mrs. Bennet, “looking 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, 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 alland I am sure I do not know who is to maintain

you when your father is dead. I shall not be able to keep

youand so I warn you. I have done with you from

188