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Pride & Prejudice – page 217

Pride and Prejudice

to procure any woman’s good opinion, because he was

not so happy as to succeed with you?”

But Elizabeth had now recollected herself, and

making a strong effort for it, was able to assure her,

with tolerable firmness, that the prospect of their

relationship was highly grateful to her, and that she

wished her all imaginable happiness.

“I see what you are feeling,” replied Charlotte. “You

must be surprised, very much surprisedso lately as

Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you

have had time to think it over, I hope you will be

satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic,

you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home;

and considering Mr. Collins’s character, connection,

and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of

happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast

on entering the marriage state.”

Elizabeth quietly answered “Undoubtedly;” and after

an awkward pause, they returned to the rest of

the family. Charlotte did not stay much longer, and

Elizabeth was then left to reflect on what she had heard.

It was a long time before she became at all reconciled

to the idea of so unsuitable a match. The strangeness

of Mr. Collins’s making two offers of marriage within

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