Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 22 (2)
"I have no doubt at all of Mr. Bingley's sincerity," said Elizabeth passionately; "but, as you will understand, mere assurances do not convince me. Mr. Bingley said to his friend His defense, I dare say, is of course strong, but since he does not know the whole story, and has learned all he knows from his friends, I will still venture as I used to. Think of these two gentlemen."

Elizabeth afterwards turned the conversation to a matter which was agreeable to both parties, so as not to excite different emotions.Elizabeth listened with delight to Jane's many small wishes of happiness in order to win Mr. Bingley's favor, and she said many things which endeavored to increase her confidence in this direction.When Mr. Bingley himself joined them both, Elizabeth took her leave and went to Miss Lucas; In reply, Mr. Collins stepped forward and told her with great excitement that he had been lucky enough to have made a great discovery.

"By a most accidental chance," said he, "I have discovered that in this room there is now a close relative of my patron. I happened to overhear the gentleman and the young lady of the master's family speak of his Cousin Mademoiselle de Bourgh and her mother, Lady Catherine. It's such a wonderful thing to happen! Who would have thought that I would meet at this ball - perhaps - Lady Catherine de Bourgh's Nephew!—Thank God, I found it just in time, and I had time to greet him, so I'll go to him, and I'm sure he won't blame me for being late. I don't mind the presence of this relative Knowing nothing, my apology must be acceptable."

"You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Darcy?"

"Of course he is. I shall beg his pardon for my late greeting. I believe he is Lady Catherine's nephew. I can tell him that his aunt was in perfect health last week."

Elizabeth strongly dissuaded him from doing so; and assured him that he would have thought it presumptuous of him to go up and talk to people without being introduced, and that he would not have regarded it as a compliment to his aunt. A compliment; there was no need for it between them at all, and if it were, it would have to have been offered by Mr. Darcy of standing. —Mr. Collins, who listened to her with a determined look on his face, replied, after she had finished speaking:
"My dear Miss Elizabeth, I greatly admire your unrivaled judgment in all matters that come within your ken, but allow me to say that, in the established decency of the world, There is a great difference between the forms and the ceremonies which regulate the clergy; and I think that a priest is equal in dignity to a prince—so long as he can at the same time maintain a Proper humility. So in this matter you should tell me to obey my conscience, which always leads me to do what I should do. Forgive me for not taking your lesson, your lesson. In everything else I shall be my constant guide, though in the matter before us I find myself better fitted to judge rightly than a young lady like you, by virtue of my education. Pay attention to study in peacetime.

" As he spoke, he bowed deeply, and left her to trouble Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth watched eagerly Mr. Darcy's reaction to his rash gesture, and her surprise at seeing Mr. Darcy was obvious. Her cousin bowed solemnly before speaking, and though she couldn't hear a word from her, it seemed to her that she heard everything, and she knew him from the way he spoke. In? NB031? Phrasing "Apologize," "Hasford," "Mrs. Catherine de Bourgh."—It troubled her to see him make a fool of himself in front of such a man. Mr. Darcy eyed him with undisguised surprise. When Mr. Collins at last finished his speech and it was his turn, he answered with a respectful air. But Mr. Collins had not the slightest courage to speak again. Under the influence of the other party, Mr. Darcy's contempt increased over time due to his eloquence these two times. As soon as his words fell, Mr. Darcy bowed slightly and walked in another direction No. Mr. Collins then returned to Elizabeth.

"I can assure you," said he, "that I have no reason to be dissatisfied with the reception he has just given me. Mr. Darcy seemed very pleased to hear my greeting. He answered my words with the utmost civility, and even complimented him. I said that he is very convinced of Madam Catherine's ability to recognize people, and her grace will never be given to the wrong person. His idea is really wonderful. Generally speaking, I am very satisfied with him. "

As Elizabeth had no interest of her own to pursue, she devoted her attention almost exclusively to her sister and Mr. Bingley, and her observations brought to her a train of pleasant thoughts which almost Became as happy as Jiying.She pictured Jane marrying into the house, and living with all the happiness and warmth that a true loving marriage can give; and thinking of this, she even felt that she could try to like the Bingley sisters. .She also clearly saw that her mother thought exactly like her, and she made up her mind not to approach her mother rashly, lest her mother make a fool of herself again.When they all sat down to dinner, it was unfortunate that they had somehow found themselves sitting together, and she was very disturbed to find that the mother was talking to the man (Mrs. Lucas) Talked without scruple, and talked about nothing but her expectation that Jane would marry Bingley soon, or something like that.

—he was such a handsome and lovely young man, and so rich, and lived three miles from their house, that her mother began her own congratulations; thinking how much his two sisters liked Jane, they The two of them must also hope to promote this marriage as much as she does, so she can't mention how comfortable she is.Again, since Jane was able to climb into a rich family, her younger daughters could hope to meet other rich people; The life-long affairs are entrusted to their elder sister, and there is no need for her to socialize too much for them.It was necessary for her to call it a delight, for such entertainments were tedious exchanges of courtesy; but Mrs. Bennet, more than anyone, was less likely than anyone to feel that being at home would be an enjoyment.She ended with many wishes to Mrs. Lucas, and hoped that Mrs. Lucas would soon have the same good fortune, though she made it clear that she did not believe that Mrs. Lucas would. blessing.

Elizabeth tried very hard to check her mother's outpouring, or to persuade her to keep her voice down; for she found that Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite them, heard most of what her mother said, and she There are really indescribable troubles.But her mother just scolded her for meddling in her own business and didn't listen to her.

"Well, what does this Mr. Darcy have to do with me that I must be afraid of him? I tell you, we don't owe him anything to say in front of him what he doesn't like to hear."

"For God's sake, mother. Keep your voice down.--what good is it to you if you offend Mr. Darcy?--you'll never make his friends think of you by doing so."

(End of this chapter)