Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 210 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 210

Chapter 22

The Bennets were engaged to dine with the Lucases

and again during the chief of the day was Miss Lucas

so kind as to listen to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth took an

opportunity of thanking her. “It keeps him in good

humour,” said 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 her time. This was very

amiable, but Charlotte’s kindness extended farther than

Elizabeth had any conception of; its object was nothing

else than to secure her from any return of Mr. Collins’s

addresses, by engaging them towards herself. Such

was Miss Lucas’s scheme; and appearances were so

favourable, that when they parted at night, she would

have felt almost secure 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 character,

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