Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 272 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 272

Chapter 29

Mr. Collins’s triumph, in consequence of this invitation,

was complete. The power of displaying the grandeur

of his patroness to his wondering visitors, and of

letting them see her civility towards himself and his

wife, was exactly what he had wished for; and that an

opportunity of doing it should be given so soon, was

such an instance of Lady Catherine’s condescension, as

he knew not how to admire enough.

“I confess,” said he, “that I should not have been at

all surprised by her ladyship’s asking us on Sunday to

drink tea and spend the evening at Rosings. I rather

expected, from my knowledge of her affability, that it

would happen. But who could have foreseen such an

attention as this? Who could have imagined that we

should receive an invitation to dine there (an invitation,

moreover, including the whole party) so immediately

after your arrival!”

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