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diff --git a/37431-h/37431-h.htm b/37431-h/37431-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6d5f360 --- /dev/null +++ b/37431-h/37431-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5990 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en"> + <head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> +<title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Pride and Prejudice, by Mrs. Steele Mackaye. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + p {margin-top:.2em;text-align:justify;margin-bottom:.2em;text-indent:2%;} + +.c {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} + +.cb {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;font-weight:bold;} + +.charct {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;margin:4% auto 1% auto;} + +.hang {text-indent:-2%;margin-left:2%;} + +small {font-size: 70%;} + + h2 {margin-top:10%;text-align:center;clear:both;font-size:120%;} + + h1 {margin-top:10%;text-align:center;clear:both;} + + hr.full {width: 50%;margin:5% auto 5% auto;border:4px double gray;} + + table {margin:8% auto 8% auto;border:none;text-align:center;} + + body{margin-left:2%;margin-right:2%;background:#fdfdfd;color:black;font-family:"Times New Roman", serif;font-size:medium;} + +a:link {background-color:#ffffff;color:blue;text-decoration:none;} + + link {background-color:#ffffff;color:blue;text-decoration:none;} + +a:visited {background-color:#ffffff;color:purple;text-decoration:none;} + +a:hover {background-color:#ffffff;color:#FF0000;text-decoration:underline;} + +.smcap {font-variant:small-caps;font-size:95%;} + + img {border:none;} + +.blockquot2 {margin: 10% 15% 5% 15%; font-size: 85%;} + +.blockquot3 {margin: 10% 15% 5% 15%; font-size: 95%;} + +.blockquot {margin: 2% 5% 2% 5%; font-size: 100%;} + +.caption {font-weight:bold;} + +.figcenter {margin:auto;text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} +</style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Pride and Prejudice, a play, by +Mary Keith Medbery Mackaye + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Pride and Prejudice, a play + +Author: Mary Keith Medbery Mackaye + +Release Date: September 15, 2011 [EBook #37431] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, A PLAY *** + + + + +Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Internet Archive.) + + + + + + +</pre> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<p class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/cover_lg.jpg"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="353" height="550" alt="image of the book's cover" title="image of the book's cover" /></a> +</p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<p class="cb"><i><big>PRIDE AND PREJUDICE</big></i><br /> +<i>A PLAY</i></p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<p class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/frontispiece_lg.jpg"> +<img src="images/frontispiece_sml.jpg" width="378" height="550" alt=""Mr. Darcy, I have never desired your good opinion, and +you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly."" title="" /></a> +<br /> +<span class="caption">"Mr. Darcy, I have never desired your good opinion, and<br /> +you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly."</span> +</p> + +<h1><i>PRIDE AND PREJUDICE</i><br /> +<br /> +<i><small>A PLAY</small></i><br /> +<br /><br /> +<i><small><small>FOUNDED ON JANE AUSTEN'S<br /> +NOVEL</small></small></i><br /> +<br /><br /> +<small><small><i>B<small>Y</small></i></small><br /> +<i>MRS. STEELE MACKAYE</i></small></h1> + +<p class="figcenter"> +<img src="images/colophon.png" width="100" height="137" alt="colophon" title="colophon" /> +</p> + +<p class="cb"><small><i>NEW YORK</i><br /> +<i>DUFFIELD AND COMPANY</i><br /> +<i>1906</i></small></p> + +<div class="blockquot2"><p class="c"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1906, by</span> DUFFIELD & COMPANY.<br /><br /> +Published September, 1906.<br /> +———<br /> +SPECIAL COPYRIGHT NOTICE.</p> + +<p>This play is fully protected by copyright, all requirements of the +law having been complied with. Performances may be given only with +the written permission of Duffield & Company, agents for Mrs. +Steele Mackaye, owner of the acting rights.</p> + +<p>Extract from the law relating to copyright:</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Sec.</span> 4996. Any person publicly performing or representing any +dramatic or musical composition for which a copyright has been +obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or +musical composition or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for +damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such +sum not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty +dollars for every subsequent performance as to the Court shall +appear just. If the unlawful performance and representation be +wilful and not for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty +of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period +not exceeding one year."</p></div> + +<h2><a name="PERSONS_OF_THE_PLAY" id="PERSONS_OF_THE_PLAY"></a>PERSONS OF THE PLAY</h2> + +<div class="blockquot3"><p class="hang">MR. DARCY—(<span class="smcap">of Pemberley, Derbyshire</span>). "<i>Possessed of a fine tall +person, handsome features, noble mien, and ... ten thousand a year +... clever ... haughty, reserved and fastidious; his manners, +though well-bred, were not inviting. 'Some people call him proud,' +said Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper at Pemberley, 'but I am sure I +never saw anything of it.... He is the best landlord and the best +master that ever lived.'</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">MR. BINGLEY—(<span class="smcap">of Netherfield, Hertfordshire, Darcy's Friend</span>). +"<i>Just what a young man ought to be; sensible and good-humoured, +lively ... such happy manners! So much ease, with such perfect good +breeding.... Also handsome, which a young man ought likewise to be +if he possibly can.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">COLONEL FITZWILLIAM—(<span class="smcap">Cousin to Darcy</span>). "<i>About thirty, not +handsome, but in person and address most truly the gentleman.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">MR. BENNET—(<span class="smcap">of Longbourn</span>). "<i>An odd mixture of quick parts, +sarcastic humour, reserve and caprice. He was fond of the country +and of books, and from these tastes had arisen his principal +enjoyments.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">MR. COLLINS—(<span class="smcap">a Cousin of Mr. Bennet, and Next in the Entail of +Longbourn Estate.</span>) "<i>A tall, heavy-looking young man of +five-and-twenty. His air was grave and stately, and his manners +very formal. His veneration for his patroness, Lady Catherine de +Bourg, mingling with a very good opinion of himself and of his +authority as a clergyman ... made him altogether a mixture of pride +and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">SIR WILLIAM LUCAS—(<span class="smcap">an Intimate Friend and Neighbour of the +Bennets</span>). "<i>Formerly in trade in Meryton ... he had risen to the +honour of knighthood by an address to the King during his +mayoralty. The distinction had ... given him a disgust to his +business, and, ... quitting it, he had removed ... to Lucas Lodge, +where he could think with pleasure of his own importance, and ... +occupy himself solely in being civil to all the world.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">COLONEL FORSTER—(<span class="smcap">the Colonel of the Regiment Stationed at +Meryton</span>).</p> + +<p class="hang">MR. WICKHAM—(<span class="smcap">an Officer in the Regiment</span>). "<i>Endowed with all the +best parts of beauty—a fine countenance, a good figure, and a very +pleasing address. As false and deceitful as he is insinuating.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">MR. DENNY—(<span class="smcap">Another Officer in the Regiment</span>).</p> + +<p class="hang">HARRIS—(<span class="smcap">the Butler at Longbourn</span>).</p> + +<p class="hang">MRS. BENNET—(<span class="smcap">the Wife of Mr. Bennet</span>). "<i>A woman of mean +understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. When she +was discontented she fancied herself nervous. The business of her +life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and +news.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">JANE—(<span class="smcap">Eldest Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet</span>). "<i>She united with +great strength of feeling a composure of temper and a uniform +cheerfulness of manner. Her mild and steady candour always pleaded +allowances, and urged the possibility of mistakes.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">ELIZABETH—(<span class="smcap">Their Second Daughter</span>). "<i>Although not so handsome as +Jane, her face was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful +expression of her dark eyes. She had a lively, playful disposition, +which delighted in anything ridiculous, with more quickness of +observation and less pliancy of temper than her sister. There was a +mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it +difficult for her to affront anybody.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">LYDIA—(<span class="smcap">Their Youngest Daughter</span>). "<i>A stout, well-grown girl of +fifteen, with a fine complexion and a good-humoured countenance—a +favourite with her mother, whose affection had brought her into +public at an early age.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">LADY LUCAS—(<span class="smcap">the Wife of Sir William</span>). "<i>Not too clever to be a +valuable neighbour to Mrs. Bennet.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">CHARLOTTE LUCAS—(<span class="smcap">Daughter of Sir William and Lady Lucas</span>). "<i>A +sensible, intelligent young woman, about twenty-seven, ... +Elizabeth's intimate friend.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">MISS BINGLEY—(<span class="smcap">Sister of Mr. Bingley</span>). "<i>A very fine lady ... but +proud and conceited.</i>"</p> + +<p>LADY CATHERINE DE BOURG—(<span class="smcap">Aunt of Darcy and Patroness of Mr. +Collins</span>). "<i>A tall, large woman, with strongly marked features, +which might once have been handsome. Her air was not +conciliating.... Whatever she said, was spoken in so authoritative +a tone as marked her self-importance.</i>"</p> + +<p class="hang">HILL—(<span class="smcap">the Housekeeper at Longbourn</span>).</p> + +<p class="hang">MARTHA—(<span class="smcap">the Maid at Mr. Collins's Parsonage</span>).</p></div> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><a href="#ACT_I">ACT I</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Drawing-Room at Longbourn</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><a href="#ACT_II">ACT II</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Orangery at Netherfield</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">One Month Later</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><a href="#ACT_III">ACT III</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins's Parsonage at Hunsford</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Three Months Later</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><a href="#ACT_IV">ACT IV</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Shrubbery at Longbourn</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">One Week Later</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" class="smcap">Place: England</td><td align="center">Time: 1796</td></tr> +</table> + +<div class="blockquot3"><p>"In the novels of the last hundred years there are vast numbers of +young ladies with whom it might be a pleasure to fall in love,—but +to live with and to marry, I do not know that any of them can come +into competition with <i>Elizabeth Bennet</i>."—<span class="smcap">George Saintsbury.</span> +Preface to the Peacock Edition of "Pride and Prejudice."</p></div> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<p class="cb"><a name="page_001" id="page_001"></a>ACT I</p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<h1>PRIDE AND PREJUDICE<br /> +<small>A PLAY</small></h1> + +<h2><a name="ACT_I" id="ACT_I"></a>ACT I</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="hang"><i>The drawing-room at Longbourn. At the back, wide glass doors open upon +a terrace which overlooks an English landscape. It is winter, and coals +are burning in the fireplace. On each side of the glass doors are +rounded recesses with windows. On one side of the room a door opens into +the library. On the other side is a door to the hall—the chief entrance +of the house. The room is handsomely furnished in eighteenth century +style.</i> <span class="smcap">Mr.</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>are discovered sitting on either side of +the table.</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>is knitting—</i><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet</span> <i>reading.</i></p> +</div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>After a slight pause and laying down her knitting.</i>]</p> + +<p>My dear Mr. Bennet, did not you hear me? Did you know that Netherfield +Park is let at last?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Continues reading and does not answer.</i>]<a name="page_002" id="page_002"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Do not you want to know who has taken it?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Ceases reading and looks up at her with an amused smile.</i>] You want to +tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With animation.</i>] Why, my dear, you must know Lady Lucas says that +Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the North of +England. His name is Bingley, and he is <i>single</i>, my dear. Think of +that, Mr. Bennet! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand +pounds a year. What a fine thing for our girls!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>How so? How can it affect them?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>My dear Mr. Bennet, how can you be so tiresome! You must know that I am +thinking of his marrying one of them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Is that his design in settling here?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Design!—Nonsense! How can you talk so? But it is very likely that he +will fall in love with one of them, and<a name="page_003" id="page_003"></a> therefore you must visit him as +soon as you can. Consider your daughters, Mr. Bennet! Only think what an +establishment it would be for one of them! Sir William and Lady Lucas +are determined to go merely on that account. Indeed you must go, for it +will be impossible for us to visit him if <i>you</i> do not.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Who has risen during this last speech and now stands with his back to +the fire, facing</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span>] You are overscrupulous, surely. I dare +say Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you, and I will send a few +lines to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying whichever he +chooses of the girls—though I must throw in a good word for my little +Lizzy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] I desire you will do no such thing! Lizzy is not a bit +better than the others. She is not half as handsome as Jane, nor as +good-humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving her the preference.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Not unless she deserves it, my dear. But in this particular instance my +poor little Lizzy is the only one who is unprovided for. Lydia and the +others belong in the schoolroom, and you tell me that Mr. Collins has +already spoken for Jane.<a name="page_004" id="page_004"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, that odious Mr. Collins! I wish he had never come here. I wish I +might never hear his name again!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Collins odious! You surprise me! I thought that he had won your full +approval.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Fretfully.</i>] Oh, well, since he had to be your cousin, and since you +<i>will</i> not do anything about the entail, I suppose it will be a mercy if +he does marry Jane. [<i>Half crying.</i>] But I do think, Mr. Bennet, it is +the hardest thing in the world that we have no son of our own, so that +your property has to be entailed away from your own wife and children, +so if you should die, we may all be turned out of the house whenever +this Mr. Collins pleases. [<i>In bewailing tone.</i>] He certainly does seem +to have all the luck in the world. Here he has just got this good living +from that grand Lady Catherine de Bourg.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>But, my dear, that will soon be <i>your</i> luck, as well. You forget that +your daughter is to profit by it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, perhaps. I don't know about <i>that</i>, but, [<i>With renewed +excitement.</i>] I <i>do</i> know that it is too monstrous<a name="page_005" id="page_005"></a> that after you are +gone I shall be forced to make way for this man and live to see him +master in this house!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better +things. Let us flatter ourselves that I may be the survivor.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>This is not very consoling to</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>; <i>and therefore, instead of +making answer, she goes on as before.</i>] If it was not for the entail I +should not mind it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>What should not you mind?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I should not mind anything at all.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state of such +insensibility. But it certainly is a most iniquitous affair, and nothing +can clear Mr. Collins from the guilt of inheriting Longbourn. However, +you know he is doing his best to mend matters. He has not only +handsomely apologised for his fault, but he has now assured us of his +readiness to make every possible amends by marrying one of the girls. +Surely, my dear, you must acknowledge that this plan is excessively +generous on his part.<a name="page_006" id="page_006"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Dolefully.</i>] Well, I suppose it might be worse.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Cheerfully.</i>] Decidedly worse. With Jane so well settled, and a single +man like Mr. Bingley in prospect, I think you should be quite cheerful.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Excited once more.</i>] Mr. Bingley! We shall never know Mr. Bingley. Oh, +Mr. Bennet, you take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my +poor nerves.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>You mistake, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my +old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these +twenty years at least.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Ah! You do not know what I suffer.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Bursting into the room, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Jane.</span>] Oh, that horrid practice! +[<i>Looking back at</i> <span class="smcap">Jane.</span>] Jane does so keep me at it. [<i>Throwing herself +into a chair.</i>] La, I'm tired to death.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Who sees that her mother is half crying, goes and<a name="page_007" id="page_007"></a> stands behind her +chair, puts her hand affectionately on her shoulder, and bends over +her.</i>] Does your head ache, mamma?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Of course my head aches. Your father is so teasing. I cannot persuade +him to call on Mr. Bingley at Netherfield, so I suppose we shall never +know him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] But you forget, mamma, that we shall meet him at the +assemblies, and Lady Lucas has promised to introduce him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I do not believe Lady Lucas will do any such thing. She has daughters of +her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of +her.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>No more have I, and I am glad to find that you do not depend on her +serving you.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I may have to depend on her after all, Mr. Bennet, since you will do +nothing to help me. [<i>Fretfully to</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia</span>, <i>who has been yawning and +coughing.</i>] Don't keep coughing, Lydia, for Heaven's sake! Have a little +compassion on my nerves.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>pouts and looks unutterable things.</i>]<a name="page_008" id="page_008"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Lydia has no discretion in her coughs. She times them ill.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>I do not cough for my own amusement, papa. Jane, when is your next ball?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>To-morrow fortnight.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Starting excitedly.</i>] Ay, so it is—and Lady Lucas does not come back +till the day before. So you see it will be impossible for her to +introduce Mr. Bingley, for she will not know him herself.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and <i>you</i> can +introduce Mr. Bingley to <i>her</i>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Impossible, Mr. Bennet, when I am not acquainted with him myself. How +can you be so teasing?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I honour your circumspection. A fortnight's acquaintance is certainly +very little. But if <i>we</i> do not venture, somebody else will, and if +<i>you</i> decline the office <i>I</i> will take it upon myself.<a name="page_009" id="page_009"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>As the two girls stare at their father.</i>] Oh, nonsense—nonsense! I am +sick of Mr. Bingley!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I am sorry to hear that; but why did not you tell me so before? If I had +known as much a week ago, I certainly should not have called upon him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Springing from her chair and throwing her arms about</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet's</span> +<i>neck.</i>] What! You have really called upon him? Oh, how good in you, my +dear Mr. Bennet!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit—and as he +will very likely return it at any time, and bring his friend, Mr. Darcy, +with him—we cannot now avoid the acquaintance of Mr. Bingley and his +party.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet, I was sure you loved your girls too well to +neglect such an acquaintance. [<span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet</span> <i>deftly takes her hands from +his shoulders. She stands looking fondly at him.</i>] Well, how pleased I +am! And it was such a good joke that you should have already paid Mr. +Bingley a visit and never said a word about it.<a name="page_010" id="page_010"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes. Yes. Well, I must go to the library. [<i>He goes to the door, but +stops for a moment.</i>] Now, Lydia, you can cough as much as you choose. +[<i>He goes out.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking after</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span>] What an excellent father you have, girls! +[<i>Turns to the girls.</i>] I do not know how you will ever make him amends +for his kindness, or me either, for that matter. At our time of life it +is not so pleasant to be making new acquaintances every day. But for +your sakes we would do anything. [<i>Looking about her.</i>] Where is Lizzy? +Lydia, my love, where is your sister?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, she is out walking with Charlotte Lucas and that dismal Mr. Collins.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Lizzy—out walking with Mr. Collins? Why didn't <i>you</i> go, Jane?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>I had to practise with Lydia.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>I'm sure I would have excused you. But what is Mr. Collins here for, +mamma? I am sure I caught Mr. Wickham and Colonel Forster laughing at +him the day we went to Meryton. Why does papa have a cousin like that?<a name="page_011" id="page_011"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>He really cannot help it. It is the entail, my love—[<i>Mysteriously.</i>] +But I hope that all you girls will be very civil to him, Jane +especially.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>I—mamma?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Embarrassed.</i>] Yes—my love.—You see——</p> + +<p>[<i>She is interrupted by the sound of laughter outside, and</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth's</span> +<i>voice.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Very well, Mr. Collins.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>makes a sudden awed gesture of silence to the girls, who +fail to understand.</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>enters by the glass doors. She is +dressed in winter walking costume: a large hat,—fur-trimmed pelerine, +and a large muff. She stops in the doorway and looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>, +<i>half puzzled and smiling.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Well, what is it, mamma? What is the matter?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Nothing. Hush! What have you done with Mr. Collins?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Oh, Mr. Collins is safe! He has gone round to the +library.<a name="page_012" id="page_012"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a sigh of relief.</i>] How providential!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking back.</i>] But I have brought someone else with me.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Mr. Wickham</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte Lucas</span> <i>come in gaily.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">All.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Exclaiming.</i>] Oh, Mr. Wickham!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span>] How do you do, Mrs. Bennet? This is indeed a +pleasure. [<i>Going over to</i> <span class="smcap">Jane.</span>] Miss Bennet, I am <i>so</i> glad to see +you. [<i>Reproachfully.</i>] You were not with our party! [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia</span>.] Why +do you never come to Meryton, Miss Lydia? Mr. Denny is quite downcast.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Pouting.</i>] La, Mr. Denny!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>And many others beside him, Miss Lydia.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>giggles.</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>returns to</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, 'tis an age since we saw you, Mr. Wickham. What <i>have</i> you been +doing?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>Colonel Forster keeps me so busy that I have no time for enjoyment.<a name="page_013" id="page_013"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Mr. Wickham bears all the marks of an harassed and overworked man.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Bowing to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. You have given me +the very terms I needed. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>.] You see before you, Mrs. +Bennet, an harassed and overworked man. Miss Elizabeth will bear witness +that I was on my way to a business appointment when I yielded to +temptation and went off for a walk with her and Miss Lucas and their +irreproachable escort.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>And Miss Elizabeth will also testify that you yielded with the celerity +and ease of long practice.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Laughing; to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] But in this case who was the tempter?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I will admit that Mr. Collins was partially responsible.</p> + +<p>[<i>All laugh.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Come, Lizzy, you have been talking to Mr. Wickham all the morning. Now, +let some of the rest of us have a chance. [<i>Turning to</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span>.] You +must stay to dinner, Mr. Wickham.<a name="page_014" id="page_014"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>I wish I might. That is indeed a temptation. But you know Miss Elizabeth +has just reminded me of my duty.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, nobody ever minds Lizzy!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>Truly, I cannot to-day, Mrs. Bennet. It is too bad, but I am to meet +Colonel Forster [<i>Smiling at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>] on important <i>business</i> at the +Drake Farm.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, I am very sorry.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] I might perhaps bring Colonel Forster in for a few +moments on the way back—that is, if we return this way.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">All.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes, do.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, indeed. Tell Colonel Forster we should be delighted to see him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>Thank you, I will. But now I really must be gone. [<i>Bowing brightly to</i> +<span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia</span>.] Good morning.<a name="page_015" id="page_015"></a></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte Lucas.</span>] Good morning, Miss Lucas. You must let me hear +more about those clever plans of yours. I am vastly interested in them. +[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. [<i>Laughing.</i>] You must +try to temper your justice with mercy the next time I join you in a +walk. [<i>Pausing, he looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>, <i>who is standing between her +daughters.</i>] Do you know, Mrs. Bennet, that you always remind me of one +of my old schoolboy phrases. <i>Filię pulchrę!—Mater pulchrior!</i> +Good-bye.</p> + +<p>[<i>He runs off laughing. He has only gone a few steps when</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia,</span> <i>who +has been standing close to the door, runs out and calls to him.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Mr. Wickham!</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>turns and</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>runs up to him and whispers something in his +ear.</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>laughs, then shakes his finger at her, still laughing, +and goes off.</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>stops outside and watches him.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Really, mamma, I think you should speak to Lydia. She is too forward.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Nonsense! You are jealous.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Jealous! Of Lydia<a name="page_016" id="page_016"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, she is no more forward than any of you. All you girls are crazy +about Mr. Wickham. [<i>Indulgently.</i>] But I can't wonder at it. He +certainly is a most engaging young man. What were those French words he +said to me as he went out, Lizzy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>They were Latin, dear. He paid a very charming compliment to our pretty +mamma. He said—The daughters are lovely, but the mother is lovelier. +You know papa always says that you are handsomer than any of us.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>My dear Lizzy, I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I don't +pretend to be anything extraordinary now. [<span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>enters.</i>] Oh, +Mr. Collins, there you are.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Bowing profoundly.</i>] I do not find Mr. Bennet in the library, Madam. +Do you know where he is?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Why, really, Mr. Collins, I can't imagine. Did you enjoy your walk?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>Most assuredly, Madam. The beauties of nature, not only in the +landscape, but also [<i>Bowing to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i><a name="page_017" id="page_017"></a> <span class="smcap">Charlotte Lucas</span>.] in +the blooming countenances of my fair companions, made our expedition a +peculiarly enjoyable one.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, I am very glad of it, I am sure. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia</span>.] Girls, +we haven't told Lizzy and Charlotte the news.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>What news, mamma?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>with an ill-concealed triumph</i>.] Oh, nothing of +consequence, Lizzy, only your father has just told us that we may expect +a visit at any time from our new neighbour, Mr. Bingley, and that friend +of his who is stopping with him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Mr. Bingley! That will be entertaining. [<i>Suddenly with mischief she +turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span>, <i>who all through this latter conversation has +been staring at</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>with solemn persistence</i>.] Do not you think so, +Mr. Collins?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Starting from his absorption.</i>] Eh? What? [<i>Pompously again.</i>] Excuse +me, Miss Elizabeth, on what subject did you ask my opinion<a name="page_018" id="page_018"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I asked you if you didn't think it was a very pleasant thing to meet new +neighbours.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>Most assuredly, Miss Elizabeth, if those neighbours are possessed of +those qualifications which redound to their own credit, and to the +edification of their friends. Otherwise, as a clergyman, I must hesitate +in my approval. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>.] You realise, I am sure, Madam, the +caution which should ever be exercised where my amiable young cousins +are concerned.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, mamma, you really should be cautious.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Nonsense! Why, my dear Mr. Collins, we have found out all about them. +Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are connected with some of the most +respectable families in England.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In amazement.</i>] Mr. Darcy? Mr. Fitzgerald Darcy! My dear Madam, can it +be possible that you are to be honoured by a visit from him? Respectable +indeed! Why, he is the nephew of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de +Bourg. It is true that I have never yet had the honour of meeting +him—but he frequently visits his aunt, and she has promised to bring +him on some occasion to inspect<a name="page_019" id="page_019"></a> my humble abode. I am surprised, +indeed, by this civility on his part. [<i>Anxiously.</i>] I only fear there +may be some mistake, for Mr. Darcy has the reputation of possessing a +very natural pride of birth; but if your information is indeed to be +relied upon, I think Lady Catherine would consent to my approval of this +visit, provided my fair cousins will keep in mind the proper attitude of +respectful humility which should be assumed toward a person of his +superior station.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>We will promise you, Mr. Collins, never for one instant to forget either +Mr. Darcy's exalted position or our own insignificance.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at her with admiration.</i>] With that assurance, Miss Elizabeth, +I think even Lady Catherine would be satisfied. So I need no longer +withhold my sanction.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Curtsying.</i>] We thank you, sir.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>This is the very attitude of mind I could desire. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>.] I +think, with your permission, I will now retire again to the library. +[<i>Going over smilingly to</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.] There was a volume of Fordyce's +sermons that you may remember I was reading to you in this room +yesterday. I<a name="page_020" id="page_020"></a> do not find it in the library. Do you know where it is? +[<i>Looking about him.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>I haven't seen it, Mr. Collins. I will try to find it for you. [<i>She +starts as if to go out of the room.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Wishing to leave them together.</i>] No—no, Lydia will find it. Lydia, +my love, go see if you can find the sermons for Mr. Collins.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Lydia</span>, <i>with a grimace, rises slowly from her chair</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte Lucas.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I am quite sure that I saw the book in the hall. I will +go fetch it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] On no account, Charlotte. Lydia will find the book. Lizzy, +go and get the mud off your shoes.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I will not trouble any of you ladies.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>It is no trouble, Mr. Collins. Charlotte, if you will come with me, I +have a parcel I should like to send your mother<a name="page_021" id="page_021"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>But I assure you, Madam——</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>As they go out</i>, <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>—<i>looking daggers at</i> +<span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>—<i>tries to keep</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>with</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Lydia will find your book, Mr. Collins.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>On no account, Madam——</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>With awkward gallantry</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>ushers out the +ladies</i>—<span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>rebellious</i>, <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>somewhat offended</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With an amused smile, having watched the party vanish, turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> +<i>and speaks to her in mock-heroic fashion</i>.] Miss Bennet! Do you realise +the honour which is so soon to fall upon our humble home, and our +gratefully humble selves?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Oh, Lizzy!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Do you really grasp in its full significance the fact that we may soon +be honoured by a visit from Mr. Bingley of<a name="page_022" id="page_022"></a> Netherfield and Mr. +Fitzgerald Darcy, nephew of the Lady Catherine de Bourg?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Lizzy, Mr. Collins is a little pompous, but he seems a very +well-meaning young man—indeed, sometimes quite agreeable.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking quizzically, but affectionately, at her sister.</i>] No one can +be anything but agreeable in the mind of our dear Jane. This time, +however, I quite agree with you, I am as delighted as papa with Mr. +Collins. I can see that his mixture of servility and importance promises +well.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>And I think Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy promise well. If the half of what +our neighbours say is true, Mr. Bingley will give us all sorts of +gaieties. [<i>Slyly.</i>] Who knows? We may find him as entertaining as Mr. +Wickham.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>As Mr. Wickham? Then, dear Jane, we shall be rich indeed. [<i>Counting on +her fingers.</i>] For hospitality—Mr. Bingley; for conversation—Mr. +Wickham; for grandeur—Mr. Darcy, and the agreeable Mr. Collins!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Lizzy! Can not you let the poor man alone<a name="page_023" id="page_023"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>With all my heart. I will gladly let him alone. You shall have him all +to yourself. [<i>Mischievously.</i>] If only Mr. Collins knew your good +opinion of him! But he is too modest to find it out for himself.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Playfully pulling</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth's</span> <i>ear</i>.] You are a tease!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Harris.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Entering.</i>] The two gentlemen from Netherfield have just brought their +horses into the paddock, Madam.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Show them in, Harris, and speak to Mrs. Bennet at once.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Harris</span> <i>bows and goes out</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>They have come soon, Lizzy. Really this is very civil in them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Uncommonly civil. Come with me, Jane. I must make myself tidy. Mud and +dirty petticoats for Mr. Darcy!—Oh, that would never do.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They run off, laughing. There is a short pause. Then</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Bingley</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Darcy</span> <i>enter. The latter is very quiet, with an air of +scornful<a name="page_024" id="page_024"></a> hauteur</i>. <span class="smcap">Bingley</span>, <i>on the contrary, has a gracious and +animated manner</i>. <span class="smcap">Harris</span> <i>ushers them in, much impressed</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Harris</span>.] You will announce us to Mr. Bennet and the ladies.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Harris</span> <i>goes out</i>.]</p> + +<p>Do you know, Darcy, I believe that was George Wickham we saw just now, +going toward the Drake Farm.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Quietly.</i>] I think there is no doubt of it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>But what is he doing here?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With assumed indifference.</i>] Probably it is his regiment which is +stationed at Meryton.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Excitedly.</i>] No, Darcy! You don't mean it! Why, confound it, if I had +had any notion of that—I ... I....</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Contemptuously.</i>] I don't think we need mind Wickham<a name="page_025" id="page_025"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>But I do mind! To think that I should bring you into the neighbourhood +of that rascal——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>He must live somewhere, I suppose.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, unfortunately. But, Darcy, you are a puzzle to me.—You are, +indeed! How can you speak with any charity of a man who for years abused +the patience and generous kindness of your father, and who so lately has +attempted against your family the most dastardly action that——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Interrupting him with hauteur.</i>] We have already said too much of +George Wickham. I prefer not to discuss him further.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>turns away hurt and embarrassed</i>. <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>seeing the +effect of his words and manner, goes to him kindly, and speaks to +him in a changed voice</i>.]</p></div> + +<p>Bingley, I entirely understand your indignation. Indeed, I share it so +fully that I dare not trust myself to think of the man's villainy. It is +better that I say nothing of him, even to you.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">BINGLEY.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Moved.</i>] I am sure, I beg your pardon, Darcy<a name="page_026" id="page_026"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>It is rather for me to ask yours.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>There follows an awkward pause, which <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> at length breaks by +speaking in a tone of forced gaiety</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Pretty place, this.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a shrug.</i>] Very small.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>What has the size to do with it? I think we are in luck to have such +charming neighbours. You know we saw two of the young ladies going +through the lane the other day. Why, Darcy, one of them is the most +beautiful creature I ever beheld—and the other—the one with the dark +eyes—she is uncommonly pretty. Don't you think so?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>She is tolerable, but fine eyes cannot change family connections.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] What do you mean?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in +Meryton<a name="page_027" id="page_027"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Shortly.</i>] Yes.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>And that they have another in London who lives somewhere near Cheapside.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With irritation.</i>] If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside, it +wouldn't make them one jot less handsome.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>But it must materially lessen their chances of marrying men of any +consideration in the world.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Of marrying? You go fast, Darcy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Perhaps. But I am in no humour to give consequence to young ladies. I am +here to please you, Bingley—and—[<i>He smiles meaningly.</i>] knowing your +disposition, I think it is just as well that I came.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>is about to reply when the door opens and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> +<i>enters, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>and</i> <a name="page_028" id="page_028"></a><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. <i>The two young men +make ceremonious bows.</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>curtsies and then advances +with delighted fussiness</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Good morning, gentlemen. I am so sorry that Mr. Bennet has gone for his +walk.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>As she looks a little puzzled from one to the other</i>, <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> +<i>advances</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Good morning, Mrs. Bennet. I am Mr. Bingley, your new neighbour at +Netherfield. This is my friend, Mr. Darcy, of Pendleton, Derbyshire. +[<i>All bow and curtsy.</i>] Mr. Bennet has been so kind as to call upon us, +and we are most happy to have the honour of waiting upon the ladies of +his family.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>We are delighted to see you, I am sure! Mr. Bingley—Mr. +Darcy—[<i>Indicating</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>]—my eldest daughter, Miss Bennet. +[<i>Indicating</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>]—Miss Elizabeth Bennet.</p> + +<p>[<i>The girls make low curtsies—the gentlemen bow.</i>]</p> + +<p>Will not you be seated, gentlemen? [<i>The guests and ladies seat +themselves.</i>] I am sure you must like Netherfield, Mr. Bingley. I do not +know a place in the country<a name="page_029" id="page_029"></a> that is equal to Netherfield. You will not +think of quitting it in a hurry, I hope, though you have but a short +lease.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Whatever I do is done in a hurry, Mrs. Bennet, and therefore if I should +resolve to quit Netherfield I should probably be off in five minutes. At +present, however, [<i>looking intently at</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>] I consider myself as +quite fixed here.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>It is very pleasant to have Netherfield open once more, although you +must both miss London. There is so much gaiety in London.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, in a country neighbourhood you move in a confined and unvarying +society.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>looks vexed at this speech</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>But people themselves alter so much that there is something new to be +observed in them forever.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>turns and looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>with surprise and interest</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Then you are a student of character, Miss Elizabeth. It must be an +amusing study<a name="page_030" id="page_030"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Lizzy always likes to watch people. [<i>Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>.] And there +are plenty of people about, even if you do live in the country. The +country is a vast deal pleasanter than London, is not it, Mr. Bingley?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>When I am in the country I never wish to leave it, and when I am in town +it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages and I am +equally happy in either.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Ay—that is because <i>you</i> have the right disposition. [<i>Looking at</i> +<span class="smcap">Darcy</span>.] But that gentleman seemed to think the country was nothing at +all.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] Indeed, mamma, you are mistaken. You quite mistook Mr. +Darcy. He only meant that there is not such a variety of people to be +met with in the country as in town, which you must acknowledge to be +true.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly, my dear, nobody said there was—but as to not meeting with +many people in this neighbourhood, I believe there are few +neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with four-and-twenty families.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>As all become embarrassed at this speech</i>, <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>comes to the +rescue</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, there are many fine estates hereabout. Can you see Sir William +Lucas' place from the garden? I am not quite sure I have placed it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes, there is a fine view of the chimneys from the terrace. Sir +William is our nearest neighbour. Such an agreeable man—so genteel, and +so easy—— [<i>Rising, she goes toward the glass doors.</i>] Come, Jane, we +must show Mr. Bingley Sir William's chimneys.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>, <span class="smcap">Bingley</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>go out upon the terrace</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling mischievously.</i>] Would not you also like to see the chimneys, +Mr. Darcy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Thank you. Like yourself, I prefer people to places.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Did I say that?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Not precisely. But I have drawn that conclusion.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gathering her sewing materials, begins to embroider.</i>] Well, I can +laugh at people better than places, and I dearly love a laugh<a name="page_032" id="page_032"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Isn't that rather a dangerous trait, Miss Bennet? The wisest and the +best of men may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in +life is a joke.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly. But I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good. Whims and +inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. +[<i>Mischievously.</i>] But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are +without.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been the study of my +life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding +to ridicule.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>And in your list of weaknesses do you include such faults as vanity and +pride, for instance?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, vanity is a weakness, indeed, but <i>pride</i>, where there is a real +superiority of mind—pride will be always under good regulation.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I am perfectly convinced, Mr. Darcy, that you have no defect<a name="page_033" id="page_033"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I have made no such pretension, Miss Bennet. I have faults enough. My +temper I dare not vouch for. I cannot forget the follies and vices of +others against myself. My good opinion once lost is lost forever.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>That is a failing, indeed. Implacable resentment <i>is</i> a shade in a +character. But you have chosen your fault well. I really cannot laugh at +it. You are safe from me.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular +evil—a natural defect which not even the best education can overcome.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>And your defect is a propensity to hate everybody.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] And yours to wilfully misunderstand them.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>Voices are heard outside.</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>applies herself to her +embroidery</i>. <span class="smcap">Bingley</span>, <span class="smcap">Jane</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>return from the +terrace</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>The surrounding country is really charming, Mrs. Bennet<a name="page_034" id="page_034"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p><i>We</i> think so. But you must give us a ball at Netherfield, Mr. Bingley, +and then you will see that some of the people who live here are worth +knowing.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Distressed.</i>] Oh, mamma!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Mamma!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly, Mrs. Bennet. I had already decided upon it. I told Mr. Darcy +only yesterday that as soon as my sister, Miss Bingley, arrived, and +Nicholas could make white soup enough, I should send out my cards. Did +not I, Darcy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Very stiffly.</i>] I believe you did.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, that is vastly good in you, Mr. Bingley; and then, perhaps, your +friend may change his mind about the country. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>.] You didn't +come to admire Sir William's chimneys, Mr. Darcy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I was admiring your daughter's work, Madam<a name="page_035" id="page_035"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, you should see Jane's work. Lizzy is all for books, like her father. +She is a great reader and has no pleasure in anything else. Jane, show +your embroidered parrot to Mr. Bingley.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>I do not think Mr. Bingley would be interested, ma'am.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Eagerly.</i>] Oh, indeed, I should, Miss Bennet; I am very much +interested in parrots.—Pray show it to me.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, and the new hand-screen. I will find it for you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>All three withdraw, leaving</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>together</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>And so you are a great reader and take no pleasure in anything else?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Mamma does not understand. I deserve neither such praise nor such +censure. I am <i>not</i> a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>So I should have thought<a name="page_036" id="page_036"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at the screen which he holds in his hand.</i>]</p> + +<p>It is amazing to me how young ladies can have patience to be so very +accomplished as they are; to think how you all paint tables and cover +screens and net purses. It is quite wonderful.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Do you agree with your friend, Mr. Darcy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>His list of the common extent of accomplishments has too much truth. But +I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen young ladies in the +whole range of my acquaintance that are really accomplished.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Then you must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished +woman.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Perhaps. To deserve the word, a woman must have a thorough knowledge of +music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages. She must +also possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking—the +tone of her voice—her address and expression, and to all this she must +yet add something more substantial—[<i>With a little bow to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] +in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading<a name="page_037" id="page_037"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six +accomplished women! I rather wonder at your knowing any.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Harris.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Enters and announces.</i>] Colonel Forster and Mr. Wickham.</p> + +<p>[<i>The gentlemen enter, smiling.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>Here I am again, Mrs. Bennet. I found that Colonel Forster had a message +for the young ladies.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I am delighted to see you. You are just in time to meet our new +neighbours. [<i>Introducing the gentlemen.</i>] Colonel Forster, Mr. +Wickham—Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>As the gentlemen enter</i>, <span class="smcap">Mr. Darcy</span> <i>has his back turned to them +in conversation with</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. <i>At the sound of</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham's</span> <i>voice +he starts and turns so that he faces the latter just in time for +the introduction. At sight of</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>starts and is +greatly confused</i>. <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>stiffens and scarcely nods when</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> +<i>is introduced. The whole situation is so marked that everyone +looks on with an astonishment to which</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>gives audible +expression</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, well! If ever there was a proud, stiff man——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In a dismayed whisper.</i>] Mamma!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking distressed, speaks hurriedly.</i>] Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I'm sorry +that we cannot wait for Mr. Bennet. We—we—were on the way to meet my +steward—and we are already late for the appointment.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Effusively.</i>] I am very sorry you must go, Mr. Bingley. But I hope you +will come again. We must engage you soon for dinner.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In an absent and worried way.</i>] It will be a pleasure.</p> + +<p>[<i>Then with bows, the party moves toward the door.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Bustling.</i>] Your best way to the paddock is by the terrace.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>The gentlemen have almost reached the glass doors when</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. +Collins</span> <i>comes in excitedly, putting himself directly in the way +of</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have this moment found out<a name="page_039" id="page_039"></a> by a singular +accident that there is now in this room a near relation of my patroness +Lady Catherine de Bourg. Will you present me?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He looks enquiringly from one to the other of the young men.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Bingley, allow me to present my cousin, Mr. Collins—Mr. Darcy—Mr. +Collins.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Taking almost no notice of</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Bingley</span>, <i>he greets</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Darcy</span> <i>with +servile effusion</i>.] My dear sir—I trust you will pardon me for not +having paid my respects before. My total ignorance of your presence here +must plead my apology. [<i>Looking severely about him at the ladies.</i>] I +was not informed of it. Is there any message, sir, which I could take +from you to my honoured patroness—your aunt, or to your fair +cousin—Miss de Bourg?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Stiffly.</i>] Thank you, I will not trouble you so far.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>It would be no trouble—but an honour and a privilege.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Disgusted, turns from him to</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span>.] We are already very late, +Bingley<a name="page_040" id="page_040"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Yes,—we have no time to lose.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>give passing bows and go out by the glass +doors</i>. <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>keeps by</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy's</span> <i>side and, as they pass out +of sight, is seen still talking to him, to his evident annoyance. +All the time that the party is bidding good-bye to</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and</i> +<span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>has been moodily standing by the fireplace</i>. +<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>has evidently been concerned about him, for throughout +the foregoing interview with</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span>, <i>she has looked at</i> +<span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>from time to time</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Hill.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Enters at the door leading to the hall.</i>] May I speak to you, Madam?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Hill, yes. [<i>To the gentlemen.</i>] Excuse me for a moment. I will +return directly. [<span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Hill</span> <i>go out</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth! Your aunt, Mrs. Phillips, has sent word +by me that her card-party is to be on Wednesday. She hopes you will +surely be there.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In a pre-occupied way, looking towards</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham.</span>] Oh, yes, we shall +go<a name="page_041" id="page_041"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>As he passes the piano, and looking at some music which is on the +rack.</i>] Ah! Here is the song you have promised to sing to me. Pray sing +it now, Miss Elizabeth.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Really, Colonel Forster, you must excuse me for to-day. Jane will play +for you, instead.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Indeed, I cannot, Lizzy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking meaningly at her.</i>] <i>Please</i>, Jane.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, do, I beg—Miss Bennet.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>All through the following interview between</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i> +<span class="smcap">Wickham</span>, <i>the tinkle of the instrument is heard. During their +conversation</i> <span class="smcap">Jane's</span> <i>back is</i> <i>turned—also</i> <span class="smcap">Colonel Forster's</span> <i>as +he looks over her music—so that</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>are +practically alone</i>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>returns to her embroidery. There is +an awkward pause for a moment.</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>finally breaks it</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>How long has Mr. Darcy been in Hertfordshire, Miss Elizabeth<a name="page_042" id="page_042"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Only for a very short time, I believe. He comes from Derbyshire, I +understand, and has a very large property there.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, his estate is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per annum. I am +well informed on this head—— [<i>Hesitates.</i>] I have been connected with +Mr. Darcy's family in a particular manner since my infancy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Surprised.</i>] Indeed?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>You may well be surprised, Miss Elizabeth, at this assertion after +seeing the very cold manner of our meeting just now. [<i>After a pause.</i>] +Are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>No. Though I have heard of him, I met him for the first time to-day, but +even on this short acquaintance I should take him to be an ill-tempered +man.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>As if he had come to a sudden decision.</i>] Miss Elizabeth, you have +been a witness of Mr. Darcy's treatment of me to-day, and therefore I +feel that I must, for my own justification, acquaint you with the facts +of my past connection with him<a name="page_043" id="page_043"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I shall respect your confidence, Mr. Wickham.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>I am sure of it. [<i>After a short pause.</i>] Mr. Darcy and I were born in +the same parish. My own father, who, to be frank, was steward of the +Darcy estates, gave up everything to serve the interests of the Darcy +family. Mr. Darcy's father was excessively attached to me:—indeed, I +was his godson. He meant to provide for me amply, and thought he had +done so. I was destined for the church and Mr. Darcy's father left to me +a most valuable living. But the present Mr. Darcy chose to ignore his +father's will and gave the living to another man. This closed for me the +career for which I was most fitted and left me with almost no means of +support.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Good heavens! But how could that be? Why did not you seek legal redress?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>There was an informality in the terms of the will which gave me no hope +from the law. Mr. Darcy's father had relied implicitly upon the honour +of his son.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>But—this is quite shocking. Mr. Darcy deserves to be publicly +disgraced<a name="page_044" id="page_044"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>Sometime or other he will be, but not by me. Till I can forget his +father, I can never defy or expose him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>This feeling does you honour. But what can have induced Mr. Darcy to +behave so cruelly?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>I must attribute it in some measure to his jealousy. His father's +uncommon attachment to me irritated him, but the fact is, Miss +Elizabeth, as you can see, we are very different men, and he hates me.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>His disposition must be dreadful.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>I will not trust myself on that subject.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>To treat in such a manner the godson—the friend—the favourite of his +father! How abominable!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>And yet, Miss Elizabeth, we must try to be just to him. Mr. Darcy has +many good qualities. He can be both liberal and generous. He has also a +brother's affection and pride which makes him a careful guardian of his +sister<a name="page_045" id="page_045"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, he has a sister?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>Yes. You will hear him cried up as the most attentive and best of +brothers. Oh, Mr. Darcy can please when he chooses. Among those who are +his equals he is a very different man from what he is to the less +prosperous.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Contemptible!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] Wickham!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Starting.</i>] Yes, Colonel Forster.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>I fear we must be going.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hurriedly to Elizabeth.</i>] Thank you for listening to me. It is hard to +be misjudged.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Thank you for your confidence. It is well to know the truth<a name="page_046" id="page_046"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>Well, Miss Elizabeth, I hope we shall see you all at your aunt's on +Wednesday. Good morning. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.] Good morning, Miss Bennet. Thank +you for the music. Please present my respects to Mrs. Bennet. I am sorry +that we cannot wait longer.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Effusively.</i>] Yes, Miss Bennet, be sure to give your mother my best +regards. Good morning—[<i>All bow and curtsy. As he is leaving he speaks +aside.</i>] Oh, Miss Elizabeth, may I entreat——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>You may depend upon my sympathy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at her with an understanding smile.</i>] I am most grateful.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>The gentlemen go out of the door.</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>go into +the recess and look from the window. There is a short pause.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Enters, flurried, and looks about her.</i>] Well, have they gone?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>enters through the glass doors at the center. He +sees</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Madam, I am just returned from attending on Mr. Darcy. Such a +privilege! He was most condescending. I was able to tell him that Lady +Catherine was very well on Saturday sennight. He is very like Lady +Catherine. I am sure you must have been impressed by his distinguished +manners.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, really, Mr. Collins!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>A titter is heard from the recess where the girls are seated, and +then</i> <span class="smcap">Jane's</span> <i>voice</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Lizzy, hush!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hearing this, turns and discovers the two girls. Then he speaks to</i> +<span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>with lowered voice, as if an idea had just come to him</i>.] +This meeting is most opportune. Will you kindly step this way for a +moment? [<i>He draws</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>aside</i>.] May I hope, Madam, for your +interest with your fair daughter Jane, in the matter on which we were +speaking yesterday? I would solicit the honour of a private audience +with her this morning.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly, Mr. Collins. [<i>Hesitating.</i>] But there have been some changes +since then. Some things have happened<a name="page_048" id="page_048"></a>—I think it is right you should +know, that—that Jane is very likely to be soon engaged. +[<i>Encouragingly.</i>] But there is Elizabeth. I cannot take it upon myself +to say—I cannot possibly answer—but I do not know of any prepossession +in her case, and I am sure she can have no objection to listen to you.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>goes to the fire and stirs it</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>As soon as she has finished.</i>] Then Miss Elizabeth let it be, Madam. I +was struck by her attitude of respectful awe when I mentioned the Lady +Catherine de Bourg. Such modesty and humility of mind cannot but +recommend her to my patroness.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking rather astonished at this last speech, but recovering +herself.</i>] Yes, my daughter Elizabeth knows what is proper. She will be +very happy to listen to you. Shall I call her now?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>I think, Madam, there should be no further loss of time, as my leave of +absence extends only to the coming Saturday.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Very well—[<i>She goes to the recess where the two girls are talking +together.</i>] Jane, I want you upstairs. Lizzy, Mr. Collins has something +he wishes to say to you<a name="page_049" id="page_049"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Suspicious and dismayed.</i>] Dear ma'am, Mr. Collins must excuse me. I +was just going away myself.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Now, no nonsense, Lizzy! I desire you will stay. Mr. Collins has +something <i>very</i> particular to say to you. [<i>As</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>tries to +escape</i>.] Lizzy, I insist upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins. +Come, Jane—[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>go out</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Approaching</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <i>who does not move from the place where her +mother left her</i>.] Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, your modesty so +far from doing you any disservice rather adds to your other perfections. +But allow me to assure you that I have your respected mother's +permission for this address. [<i>He escorts</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>with clumsy +gallantry to the sofa, then brings a chair and seats himself opposite to +her</i>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>has recovered herself sufficiently to begin to enjoy +the humour of the situation</i>.] My fair cousin, you must have at least +surmised that I am about to ask you to become the companion of my life. +And perhaps I had better begin by stating my reasons for this decision +before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject. [<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>is +so overcome with laughter at this idea that she can hardly speak, or +keep a decent countenance</i>.<a name="page_050" id="page_050"></a>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I beg, Mr. Collins——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>One moment. My reasons for marrying are, first,—that I think it a right +thing for every clergyman to set the example of matrimony to his parish; +second, I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; third, +it is the particular advice of that very noble lady whom I have the +honour of calling patroness.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With more command of her voice.</i>] Believe me, Mr. Collins——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>Excuse me—one moment. It remains only to be told why my views were +directed to Longbourn instead of to my own neighbourhood. The fact is +that, being as I am to inherit this estate after the death of your +father (who, however, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy +myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that +the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy +event took place. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter +myself it will not sink me in your esteem.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Collins,—I——<a name="page_051" id="page_051"></a></p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Rising and approaching nearer to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Still one moment more! +And now nothing remains for me but to assure you, in the most animated +language, of the violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly +indifferent, and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach on +that score shall ever pass my lips when we are married.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Rising in her turn.</i>] You are too hasty, sir! You forget that I have +made no answer. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I +am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible +for me to do otherwise than decline them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With another formal wave of the hand.</i>] I am not unmindful of the fact +that sometimes a young lady's refusal is repeated a second or even a +third time. I am, therefore, by no means discouraged by what you have +just said, and I shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Upon my word, sir, your hope is rather an extraordinary one after my +declaration! You must pay me the compliment of believing what I say. I +wish you very happy, and very rich, and, by refusing your hand, do all +in my power<a name="page_052" id="page_052"></a> to prevent your being otherwise. This matter may be +considered, therefore, as definitely settled.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She is about to leave the room when</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>detains her</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>One moment. When I do myself the honour of speaking to you next on this +subject, I shall hope to receive a more favourable answer.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Becoming angry.</i>] Really, Mr. Collins, you puzzle me exceedingly. I +know not how to express my refusal in such a way as may convince you of +its being one.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your +refusals of my address are merely words, of course. I shall choose to +attribute them to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according +to the usual practice of elegant females.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Very decidedly.</i>] Please do not consider me now as an 'elegant +female'; I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed +sincere. To accept your proposal is absolutely impossible. Can I speak +plainer<a name="page_053" id="page_053"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With awkward gallantry.</i>] You are uniformly charming; but I am +persuaded that when my proposals are sanctioned by both your parents +they will not fail of being acceptable. Meanwhile I may perhaps best +serve my cause by leaving you to consider the matter by yourself for a +while.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He bows and withdraws to the door.</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>with a gesture as +if she gave the whole matter up in despair, and yet half amused, +goes to the fireplace. Just as</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>reaches the door</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. +Bennet</span> <i>opens it</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, Mr. Collins, are we to congratulate each other? [<i>Looking +doubtfully at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Has all gone as you could wish?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>I have every reason to be satisfied, Madam. My cousin has indeed +steadily refused this, my first offer, and with considerable warmth, but +this refusal would naturally flow from her bashful modesty. With your +influence behind me, I have no doubt of my ultimate success.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, you may depend upon me, Mr. Collins. I will speak to Lizzy myself +directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl and does not know her +own interest. But I will make her know it<a name="page_054" id="page_054"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Alarmed.</i>] Pardon me, Madam, but if she is really headstrong and +foolish, I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable +wife to a man in my situation. If, therefore, Miss Elizabeth persists in +rejecting my suit, perhaps it were better not to force her into +accepting me.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Alarmed in her turn.</i>] Sir, you quite misunderstand me. Lizzy is only +headstrong in such matters as these. In everything else she is as +good-natured a girl as ever lived. Let me see her alone for a moment. +That will be the best.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>But Madam—I——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Almost forcing</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>out of the room</i>.] Oh, I shall very soon +settle it with her, I am sure. [<span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>goes out</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> +<i>goes quickly to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Lizzy, what is the meaning of all this? +Have you refused Mr. Collins?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, mamma, but please listen——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] No, I will not listen. I tell you what, 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<a name="page_055" id="page_055"></a> at all. I am going at once to the +library and speak to your father. You will listen <i>to him</i> perhaps.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>starts to go when she sees</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet</span> <i>outside +passing the glass doors. He is just returning from his walk and +carries a book under his arm</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, there he is now! [<i>She runs to the door, and opens it.</i>] Oh, Mr. +Bennet—Mr. Bennet! [<span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet</span> <i>turns</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>runs out, takes +him by the arm, and tries to pull him into the room by main force</i>. <span class="smcap">Mr. +Bennet</span>, <i>puzzled, submits</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>While she draws</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet</span> <i>into the room</i>.] Oh, Mr. Bennet, you are +wanted immediately. We are all in an uproar. You must come and make +Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him, and, if you +do not make haste, Mr. Collins will change his mind and not have <i>her</i>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what are you talking?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy! Lizzy declares she will not have Mr. Collins, +and Mr. Collins begins to say he will not have Lizzy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Lizzy? I thought it was Jane<a name="page_056" id="page_056"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>No—no—It's Lizzy now!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Ah! And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless business.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Speak to Lizzy. There she is. [<i>Pointing to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>at the +fireplace</i>.] Tell her that you insist upon her marrying him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Turning to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Come here, child. [<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>goes to her +father</i>.] This is an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins +has made you an offer of marriage. Is this true?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes—papa—it—is.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Very well—and this offer of marriage you have refused.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I have, sir.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting him. +Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet<a name="page_057" id="page_057"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, or I will never see her again!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day, you must +be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you +again, if you do <i>not</i> marry Mr. Collins; and <i>I</i> will never see you +again if you <i>do</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="page_058" id="page_058"></a></p> + +<p><a name="page_059" id="page_059"></a></p> + +<h2><a name="ACT_II" id="ACT_II"></a>ACT II</h2> + +<p><a name="page_060" id="page_060"></a></p> + +<p><a name="page_061" id="page_061"></a></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="hang"><i>The Conservatory or Orangery at Netherfield. On one side, an +archway, approached by two or three steps and hung with curtains, +separates the Orangery from the ball-room. On the opposite side is +a smaller archway with curtains, which are looped back, giving a +glimpse of the drawing-room beyond. There is another door on the +right.</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>is discovered directing two</i> <span class="smcap">Footmen</span>, <i>who are +putting a bench in place</i>. <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>stands watching him</i>.</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>A little more to the right, Martin. That will do. Push those lights +farther back—behind the trees. Yes, that is better. [<i>Looking about +him.</i>] I think that is all. You may go. [<i>The men leave the room.</i>] +Well, Darcy, do you approve of the arrangements? Have you anything to +suggest? Any criticisms?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I have no criticisms for the arrangements.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] But you have for the <i>ball</i>. Yes, I know—still I was +really obliged to keep my promise<a name="page_062" id="page_062"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I am glad to find that a promise is with you an obligation.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, come, Darcy! I understand. Set your mind at rest. I am going to +London with you, although I must say I do not see the necessity for it. +I think you are exaggerating the effect of any small attentions of mine +toward Miss Bennet. However, we will cling together, and fly a common +danger.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Coldly.</i>] Common danger?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Yes, common danger! I, too, have eyes. Where will you match +the wit and vivacity of Miss Elizabeth Bennet?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Quietly.</i>] She is indeed charming, and I admit that were it not for +the inferiority of her connections, I might be in some danger. [<i>Very +coolly and confidently.</i>] But they form, for me, an insurmountable +barrier against any possible peril.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Love laughs at bars, Darcy! [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>looks annoyed</i>.] No,—I won't! It +really is not fair, since it is my fault. You would never have been put +to this test if you hadn't been so good as to stay on here with me after +that——<a name="page_063" id="page_063"></a></p> + +<p>[<i>Stopping suddenly, and with an entire change from his former bantering +tone, he says in a hesitating manner.</i>] Darcy, do you really think you +should be silent about Wickham?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Haughtily.</i>] Decidedly! I do not choose to lay my private affairs +before the world.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>But the fellow is sailing under false colours. You do not know what the +result may be. I really must speak of this again, Darcy, even at the +risk of offending you. [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>makes an impatient gesture</i>.] I am truly +concerned at the foothold this rascal has already gained in the Bennet +family. What he has failed to accomplish once he may succeed in again. +These young ladies have no brother to defend them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Neither have they the wealth to excite Wickham's cupidity. At any rate I +do not wish to be the one to enlighten the neighbourhood. Besides, I +understand that he has left Meryton.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Even so—I—— [<i>He is interrupted by</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Bingley</span>, <i>who enters gaily +from the drawing-room</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Ah! Here you are! [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>.] Will you be so<a name="page_064" id="page_064"></a> kind? [<i>She holds out +her arm for him to clasp her bracelet.</i>] Your sister Georgiana should be +here, Mr. Darcy. [<i>To her brother.</i>] Charles, you should have insisted +on her coming.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>I am not in the habit of insisting with Darcy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Laughingly.</i>] Very true. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <i>who has at length succeeded in +fastening the bracelet</i>.] Thank you. [<i>Looking about her.</i>] It is vastly +pretty, Charles, but I am much mistaken if there are not some among us +to whom a ball will be rather a punishment than a pleasure.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] If you mean Darcy, he may go to bed, if he pleases, before +it begins.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>But, Charles, it would certainly be more rational if conversation +instead of dancing were made the order of the day.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Much more rational, my dear Caroline, but it would not be near so much +like a ball.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Martin, the Footman.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Entering, to</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span>.] Several of the carriages have<a name="page_065" id="page_065"></a> arrived, sir, +and the guests will soon be entering the ball-room.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To the</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span>.] Very well. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Bingley</span>.] Come Caroline, we +must be at our post. We will leave Darcy to make up his mind whether he +will join us later.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and his sister disappear through the archway leading to +the ball-room</i>. <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>does not follow them, but walks thoughtfully +up and down the room. The sound of a voice is heard announcing</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">The Voice.</span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Long—the Miss Longs. [<i>A pause.</i>] Colonel Forster and Mr. Denny. +[<i>A pause.</i>] Mr. and Mrs. Goulding. [<i>A pause.</i>] Mrs. Bennet—the Miss +Bennets. [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>stops in his walk and goes toward the ball-room +archway—then he walks once more up and down</i>.] Mrs. King—Miss King. +[<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>again moves toward the ball-room; he lifts the curtain, +hesitates—looks in—then disappears</i>.] Sir William and Lady Lucas—Miss +Lucas—Mr. Robinson.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>The music now begins, the stage is left empty. After a short +pause</i>, <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>appear between the curtains of +the ball-room archway</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Peeps in—then enters.</i>] Isn't this pretty! Come in here for a moment, +Eliza. I want to tell you something<a name="page_066" id="page_066"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Following her.</i>] Why <i>did</i> I promise to dance with Mr. Darcy just now! +Why did not I have more presence of mind!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They sit on the bench together while they talk; the guests, at +the back, pass to and from the drawing-room and ball-room, and the +sound of music is heard faintly.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>I dare say you will find him very agreeable.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all. To find a +man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an +evil.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>I wouldn't be a simpleton, Eliza. You are angry because Wickham is not +here, but I wouldn't allow my fancy for him to make me unpleasant in the +eyes of a man of ten times his consequence.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>My <i>fancy</i> for Wickham, as you choose to call it, is simply my sympathy +for a most ill-used man: also the relief of meeting with good manners +and a good understanding after the insufferable pride of Mr. Darcy, and +the stupid pomposity of that <i>dreadful</i> Mr. Collins! [<span class="smcap">Charlotte</span><a name="page_067" id="page_067"></a> +<i>starts</i>.] Oh, my dear Charlotte, I have never thanked you half enough +for helping us to endure that man. It was so good-natured in you to +sacrifice yourself by listening to those interminable speeches of +his.—I am more obliged to you than I can express. But oh, what a relief +it is to know that he is really gone!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Who has listened to all this tirade in increasing embarrassment.</i>] Oh, +don't! Don't, Eliza! You are making it so terribly hard for me. +But,—but I must tell you.—I am engaged to Mr. Collins!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>is stupefied with surprise and looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>for +a moment in silent and incredulous amazement. Then with difficulty +she speaks.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Engaged! Engaged to—to Mr. Collins! Oh, my dear +Charlotte—<i>impossible</i>! [<i>Hopefully.</i>] You are joking!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With spirit.</i>] No, indeed, Eliza, I am in most serious earnest. Why +should you be so surprised? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins +should be able to procure <i>any</i> woman's good opinion, because he was not +so happy as to succeed with you?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Confused.</i>] Oh, no—no—of course not. And,—and<a name="page_068" id="page_068"></a> you must forgive all +I have just said. I couldn't possibly have imagined——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>More sweetly.</i>] No, Eliza, indeed you could not. [<i>She puts her hand +on</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth's</span> <i>shoulder</i>.] And we shall be friends still?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Why, of course, of course, dear Charlotte. It was only the—the +surprise. You know how fond I am of you. You know I wish you all +imaginable happiness.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I am sure of it. You must be surprised—very much surprised, so +lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But, dear Eliza, when +you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied +with what I have done. I am not romantic. I ask only a comfortable home, +and, considering Mr. Collins' 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.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In an absent manner.</i>] Undoubtedly.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at Elizabeth affectionately and wistfully.</i>] And you will come +to visit me sometimes? I could not bear to lose you, Eliza<a name="page_069" id="page_069"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking up, and patting</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte's</span> <i>hand</i>.] Surely, Charlotte! +[<i>Smiling.</i>] We are to be cousins, you know.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Cheerfully.</i>] Why, so we are!</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Colonel Forster</span> <i>comes from the ball-room</i>. <span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Denny</span> <i>enter +from the drawing-room</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hurriedly going to</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>.] I am to have the honour of this reel, +I believe, Miss Lucas.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Oh yes, Colonel Forster.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She goes out with</i> <span class="smcap">Forster</span>, <i>leaving</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>alone, still +seated</i>. <span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Denny</span> <i>approach</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>I think we are being treated abominably ill, Lizzy! It seems that Mr. +Wickham has gone off on business somewhere, so he will not be here at +all. [<span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>looks off toward the ball-room</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Denny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>significantly</i>.] I do not imagine his business +would have called him away just now if he had not wished to avoid a +certain gentleman.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Suddenly.</i>] Why, Mr. Denny—I do believe the reel is<a name="page_070" id="page_070"></a> half over—I +dearly love a reel! We shall miss it, altogether. Come! [<i>She drags</i> +<span class="smcap">Denny</span> <i>off</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Alone.</i>] Well! Well! The world is surely upside down. Charlotte +and—Collins! <i>What</i> a match!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Approaching from the ball-room.</i>] Do not you feel a great inclination, +Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>makes no answer</i>.]</p> + +<p>Do not you enjoy the reel, Miss Bennet?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking up.</i>] Oh, I heard you before, but I could not immediately +determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know, to say—"Yes," +that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste; but I always +delight in overthrowing that kind of scheme. I have therefore made up my +mind to tell you that I do not want to dance a reel at all; and now +despise me, if you dare!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I do not dare.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Miss Bingley</span> <i>enters from the ball-room with an officer. They talk +together.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Entering from the ball-room, and looking about him, sees</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> +<i>and comes to her</i>.] May I have the honour, Miss Bennet?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I do not dance the reel, Colonel Forster.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, the reel is over. This is our dance.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She goes off with</i> <span class="smcap">Colonel Forster</span>. <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>remains where</i> +<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>leaves him and watches her till she disappears into the +ball-room. The officer bows and leaves</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Bingley</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Approaching</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>.] I can guess the subject of your reverie.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I should imagine not.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>You are considering how insufferable it would be to pass many evenings +in such society. Indeed, I am quite of your opinion. I was never more +annoyed. The insipidity<a name="page_072" id="page_072"></a> and yet the noise;—the nothingness and yet the +self-importance of all these people! What would I give to hear your +strictures on them!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Your conjecture is totally wrong. I assure you, my mind was more +agreeably engaged. I was meditating on the very great pleasure which a +pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at him very meaningly and sweetly, speaks with coquetry.</i>] +Indeed! And will not you tell me what lady has the credit of inspiring +such reflections?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With great intrepidity.</i>] Miss Elizabeth Bennet.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Taken aback.</i>] Miss Elizabeth Bennet! I am all astonishment! How long +has she been such a favourite? Pray when am I to wish you joy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask. A lady's +imagination is very rapid: it jumps from admiration to love, from love +to matrimony in a moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy<a name="page_073" id="page_073"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Nay, if you are so serious about it I shall consider the matter as +absolutely settled. You will have a charming mother-in-law! Of course +she will always be at Pemberley with you. Perhaps you might give her a +few hints as to the advantage of holding her tongue.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Thank you. Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes! Let the portrait of your uncle, the attorney, be placed next to +your great uncle, the Judge. They are in the same profession, you know, +only in different lines. As for your Elizabeth's picture, you must not +attempt to have it taken, for what painter could do justice to those +beautiful eyes!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression; but their +colour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably fine, might be +copied.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Sarcastically.</i>] Oh, I fear not—[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Colonel Forster</span>, +<i>with others, enter from the ball-room</i>—<span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>with</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Lucas</span> +<i>from the drawing-room</i>.] Here comes the fair one—[<i>Seeing</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. +Bennet.</span>]—and<a name="page_074" id="page_074"></a> mamma-in-law as well. I will not intrude on the family +party.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She goes off laughing and mingles with the guests.</i> <span class="smcap">Colonel +Forster</span> <i>bows and leaves</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>with her mother</i>. <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> +<i>enters with</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>from the drawing-room</i>. <i>He sees</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <i>who +is standing where</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Bingley</span> <i>left him, and comes to him</i>.</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>I thought this next dance was the one you liked so much, Darcy. Let me +find you a partner.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Starting, as if from a reverie.</i>.] So it is. Thank you—I have a +partner.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He goes to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <i>bows, and they go into the ball-room +together</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Long</span> <i>follow them</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking after</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>with a smile, turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.] You must be +tired, Miss Bennet. I propose that we sit quietly through this dance. Do +you agree?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, indeed. [<i>She sits on the bench.</i>] It will be very pleasant. +[<i>Looking about her.</i>] How very prettily you have arranged all the +rooms, Mr. Bingley<a name="page_075" id="page_075"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>I am so glad you think so. I feared they were rather inconvenient for so +large a party.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I find them delightful!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>You are always charitable, Miss Bennet. It seems to me you always manage +to see the best side of everything. I never knew you to say an ill word +about a person or a place.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Oh, I fear that is not quite exact. I only try to see +things in their best light, perhaps.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>That is just it. The rest of us rarely try to see things in that way. So +you see I have proved my case. You are too amiable.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Not for to-night, Mr. Bingley. Everybody is of one mind to-night. There +is but one point of view—you are giving nothing but pleasure.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p><a name="page_076" id="page_076"></a>[<i>Soberly.</i>] I wish it were so—but—— [<i>With impulsive earnestness.</i>] +Dear Miss Bennet, I wish to tell you—I must tell you——</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He is interrupted by the people coming in again from the dance.</i> +<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>enter with</i> <span class="smcap">Sir William Lucas</span> <i>and others</i>. +<span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>rise from their seats and walk slowly toward +the back of the room</i>. <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>escorts</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>to a seat and +stands by her. They are both silent for a moment.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. I talked about the +dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the +rooms, or the number of couples.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I assure you I will say whatever you wish.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Very well, that reply will do for the present. Perhaps by and by I may +observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Do you talk by rule then?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know,—and yet for the advantage +of some, conversation ought to be so arranged that they may have the +trouble of saying as little as possible<a name="page_077" id="page_077"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you +imagine that you are gratifying mine?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Archly.</i>] Both, for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn +of our minds; we are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, +unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze +the whole room and be handed down to posterity with all the <i>éclat</i> of a +proverb.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure. +How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. You think it a +faithful portrait, undoubtedly.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I shall not decide on my own performance. [<i>There is a short silence; +then, as if with an effort</i>, <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>speaks</i>.] I am surprised not to +see Mr. Wickham here to-night. I find that he is a great favourite with +the officers. He has made many friends among them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With great hauteur.</i>] Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners +as may insure his <i>making</i> friends; whether he may be equally capable of +<i>retaining</i> them is less certain<a name="page_078" id="page_078"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Excitedly.</i>] He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship, and in +a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life.</p> + +<p>[<i>They are both silent.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William Lucas.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Coming up to them all urbanity and smiles.</i>] What a charming amusement +for young people this dancing is, Mr. Darcy! I consider it as one of the +first refinements of polished societies.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly, sir, and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst +the less polished societies of the world: every savage can dance.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Do you often dance at St. James?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Never, sir.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>You have a house in town, I conclude.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Mr. Darcy</span> <i>bows, but does not speak</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>I had once some thoughts of fixing in town myself: but<a name="page_079" id="page_079"></a> I did not feel +quite certain that the air of London would agree with Lady Lucas.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Mr. Darcy</span> <i>bows in silence again</i>—<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>is amused</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>But I must not further interrupt you, sir! I only wish to tell you once +more how highly gratified I have been by your superior dancing; allow me +also to say that your fair partner does not disgrace you. It is a great +pleasure to see you together. I must hope to—to have this pleasure +often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss +Eliza, [<i>Glancing at</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>, <i>who are talking earnestly +together at the back of the scene</i>.] shall take place. What +congratulations will then flow in: but let me not interrupt you—you +will not thank me, Mr. Darcy, for detaining you from the bewitching +converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Murmurs to himself.</i>] So! [<i>Looking earnestly at</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>, +<i>he seems much impressed by what</i> <span class="smcap">Sir William</span> <i>has said</i>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> +<i>notices this. Recovering himself</i>, <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>turns to her again</i>.] Sir +William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have +interrupted any two people who had less to<a name="page_080" id="page_080"></a> say for themselves. We have +tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to +talk of next, I cannot imagine.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] What think you of books?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Books? Oh no: I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same +feelings.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I am sorry you think so, but if that be the case, there can at least be +no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions of them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>No, I cannot talk of books at a ball—my head is always full of +something else.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>The present always occupies you in such scenes, does it?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In an absent manner.</i>] Yes, always. [<i>Suddenly.</i>] I remember hearing +you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave; that your +resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I +suppose, as to its being created?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Firmly.</i>] I am<a name="page_081" id="page_081"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I hope not.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to +be secure of judging properly at first.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>May I ask to what these questions lead?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Merely to the illustration of your character. I am trying to make it +out.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>And what is your success?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Shaking her head.</i>] I do not get on at all. I hear such different +accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] I can readily believe that reports may vary greatly with +respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to +sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear +that the performance would reflect no credit on either<a name="page_082" id="page_082"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>But if I do not take your likeness now I may never have another +opportunity.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Very stiffly.</i>] I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Miss Bingley</span> <i>enters from the ball-room. She comes directly to</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Mr. Darcy—would you be so good as to go to Charles? He wishes very +much to consult with you about some of the table arrangements. You will +find him in the dining-parlour. [<i>With exaggerated politeness to</i> +<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] That is, if Miss Bennet will permit you.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Carelessly.</i>] Oh, certainly.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>bows and goes out</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <i>after a moment's silence</i>.] So, Miss Bennet, I hear +that you are quite delighted with George Wickham. He must have told you +all a pretty tale. As to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly +false. I do not know the particulars, but I do know that George Wickham +has treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. His coming into the +county at all is a most insolent thing.<a name="page_083" id="page_083"></a> I feel very strongly on this +point, Miss Bennet, as Mr. Darcy's interests are so intimately +associated with our own. [<i>She watches</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] We hope Miss +Georgiana Darcy may some day be my sister. My brother admires her +greatly.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With indifference.</i>] Ah!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, and therefore we resent these falsehoods and this presumption on +the part of George Wickham. But, really, considering his descent, we +could not expect much better. He has evidently forgotten to tell you +that he is the son of old Wickham, steward to the late Mr. Darcy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the +same. I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son +of Mr. Darcy's steward, and of <i>that</i>, I can assure you, he informed me +himself.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a sneer.</i>] Oh! I beg your pardon. Excuse my interference; it was +kindly meant.</p> + +<p>[<i>She goes out.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Insolent girl! You are much mistaken if you expect<a name="page_084" id="page_084"></a> to influence me by +such a paltry attack at this. I see nothing in it but your own wilful +ignorance and the malice of Mr. Darcy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Footmen</span> <i>now come in with small tables, which they place about the +stage</i>. <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>comes in and directs them</i>. <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>follows him</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[To <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <span class="smcap">Jane</span>, <i>his sister, and others who have entered</i>.] I +thought it would be pleasant to have some of the tables here. [<i>To</i> +<span class="smcap">Jane</span>.] We must have places together.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>With some bustle, all seat themselves. At the table on one side +are seated</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>: <i>A little behind +them are</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Bingley</span> <i>with</i> <span class="smcap">Colonel Forster</span>, <span class="smcap">Charlotte Lucas</span> +<i>with an officer. At the table on the opposite side is</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> +<i>with</i> <span class="smcap">Sir William</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Lucas</span>. <i>Behind them are more tables +at which other guests are seated.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Entering with</i> <span class="smcap">Denny</span>, <i>much excited, goes to</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>.] Mamma, +have you heard the news? Mr. Denny has just told me that the regiment is +to leave Meryton, and go to Brighton! Good heavens! What is to become of +us, mamma?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Sympathetically.</i>] Are they really going? Well, my love, it <i>is</i> too +bad! I know how you feel. I am sure I<a name="page_085" id="page_085"></a> cried for two days together when +Colonel Millar's regiment went away, five-and-twenty years ago. I +thought I should have broken my heart.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>I am sure I shall break mine. [<i>Coaxingly.</i>] Mamma, might we not <i>all</i> +go to Brighton?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, if we only could! But I fear your father will not hear of it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, papa is so disagreeable! I am sure a little sea-bathing would set me +up forever! Wouldn't it, Mr. Denny?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Denny.</span></p> + +<p>Surely, Miss Lydia. Oh, you must manage it in some way.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They move off and take their places at one of the tables.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking after them.</i>] Well, Lady Lucas, it is hard for a lively young +girl like my Lydia to be cooped up in a place where there is so little +going on. However, [<i>Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.] we are not likely +to have it so very dull in the future. [<i>In a loud whisper to</i> <span class="smcap">Lady +Lucas</span>.] You know what I mean—[<i>Nudging her and laughing.</i>] Jane and +Bingley<a name="page_086" id="page_086"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Lucas.</span></p> + +<p>Ah! Indeed!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With importance and in a still louder tone.</i>] Oh, yes! It's quite +settled. Such a charming young man—and Netherfield only three miles +from Longbourn! And Jane's marrying will be a fine thing for my other +girls. They will be sure to meet other rich men who will fall in love +with them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Who has heard the beginning of this conversation, makes a pretext to +go to arrange her mother's scarf and says in low tones.</i>] Oh, mamma! Be +careful, I beg. Mr. Darcy can hear you!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure +we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing +<i>he</i> may not like to hear!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In distress.</i>] For heaven's sake, Madam, speak lower! What advantage +can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy? You will never recommend yourself +to his friend by so doing.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>That is enough, Lizzy! I think I can take care of myself. I never knew +before that it was a crime to speak<a name="page_087" id="page_087"></a> to one's friends about what +everybody can see plainly enough, who has eyes in his head. [<i>Turning +to</i> <span class="smcap">Sir William</span>.] Did <i>you</i>, Sir William?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Our friends usually have very sharp eyes for what is going +on, Mrs. Bennet! [<i>Significantly.</i>] I have, indeed, sometimes expected +that <i>you</i> would observe what has been going on in our own household of +late.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] Going on? What <i>has</i> been going on, Sir William?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With an important air.</i>] It is only this, Mrs. Bennet, that Lady Lucas +and myself have to ask your congratulations on our very great +satisfaction in the recent engagement of our daughter, Charlotte.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Charlotte! Engaged! Why, who in the world is going to marry <i>her</i>?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Sir William</span> <i>draws himself up with offended dignity</i>; <span class="smcap">Lady Lucas</span> +<i>bridles</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>The gentleman whom my daughter has honoured with her hand is your +husband's cousin—Mr. Collins<a name="page_088" id="page_088"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Rising in rage and amazement.</i>] Mr. Collins! Marry your Charlotte? +Good Lord, Sir William, how can you tell such a story! Do not you know +that Mr. Collins is going to marry my Lizzy—or—or one of my other +girls!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Lucas.</span></p> + +<p>Well, really, Mrs. Bennet!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Offended.</i>] What I have told you is quite true, nevertheless, Mrs. +Bennet. The whole matter was settled before Mr. Collins returned to +Hunsford. I am sorry we are not to receive your good wishes.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hastily.</i>] Oh, but you <i>are</i>, Sir William! Charlotte has already told +me all about her engagement, and we shall be most happy to welcome her +as a cousin.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Mollified and with gallantry.</i>] Thank you, Miss Elizabeth! I am sure +other congratulations will shortly be in order.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He glances significantly at</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>; <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>draws herself up</i>. +<span class="smcap">Sir William</span>, <i>smiling, makes a little bow and then turns to the +table, where he and</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Lucas</span> <i>busy themselves with their +supper</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] So Charlotte has told you, has she? I don't believe a +word of it!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, mamma!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I am sure Mr. Collins has been taken in. Well, I trust they will never +be happy together, and I hope the match will be broken off.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Imploringly.</i>] Mamma!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Turning on</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>in a rage</i>.] And <i>you</i> are the cause of the +whole mischief, Lizzy! I think I have been barbarously used by you all!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>While this conversation has been going on, the other guests have +been taking their supper.</i> <span class="smcap">Colonel Forster</span> <i>now rises with a glass +of wine in his hand</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>Ladies and gentlemen—— [<i>The buzz of conversation ceases.</i>] Ladies and +gentlemen, I should like to propose the health of Mr. Bingley.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">All.</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Bingley<a name="page_090" id="page_090"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Raising his glass.</i>] To Mr. Bingley—may the pleasure which he has +given us all to-night be but a foretaste of the future happiness which +he will both <i>receive</i> and <i>give</i> in this community.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">All.</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Bingley—Colonel Forster!—Mr. Bingley!</p> + +<p>[<i>All drink as</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>bows</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Rising.</i>] And may <i>I</i> be allowed to still farther express the +sentiments of this community, by proposing another toast in which I am +sure you will all join me with enthusiasm? [<i>Raising his glass.</i>] To the +Master of Netherfield! May he retain that title from his present +fortunate youth, to his future green and honoured old age!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">All.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Drinking.</i>] Mr. Bingley! Sir William! Mr. Bingley!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Rising.</i>] Ladies and gentlemen! Friends!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">All.</span></p> + +<p>Hear! Hear!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>I—I really cannot tell you how much I am touched by<a name="page_091" id="page_091"></a> the very kind +words of Colonel Forster and Sir William! And—and I only wish that I +deserved them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">All.</span></p> + +<p>Indeed, you do!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Embarrassed and looking toward</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <i>who with folded arms, is +staring at the ceiling</i>.] No, I do not. I—I did not like to speak of +such a painful thing on an occasion like this, and so I have told no one +of the fact that I am about to—to leave Netherfield.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">All.</span></p> + +<p>Leave Netherfield! Oh! Oh!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Still more ill at ease.</i>] Yes.—It is a very sudden decision, but—but +important interests have made it necessary for me to—[<i>Lamely.</i>] to +leave Netherfield.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>But only for a time, Mr. Bingley! Let us hope it will only be a—a +<i>temporary</i> separation.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Why, surely, Mr. Bingley, you will be back again very soon<a name="page_092" id="page_092"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In a dogged manner.</i>] No—no. I am afraid my returning at all is +extremely uncertain. In fact, I—I expect to leave Netherfield +<i>permanently</i>.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>Great consternation.</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>looks down</i>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>looks at</i> +<span class="smcap">Darcy</span>. <span class="smcap">Miss Bingley</span> <i>has a triumphant smile</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Incredulously.</i>] Oh, my dear Mr. Bingley!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Sir William.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Solemnly.</i>] This is, indeed, a calamity.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Good Lord, Lizzy, poor Jane! What——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, hush, mamma!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looks again at</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <i>who remains perfectly calm through all this +commotion. This time the sight of him seems to make</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>somewhat +angry, and he pulls himself together and speaks in a firmer tone and in +a more cheerful manner</i>.] But, my friends, nobody knows what may happen. +We shall undoubtedly all meet again sometime, and meanwhile, you must +not let what I have said<a name="page_093" id="page_093"></a> spoil your pleasure. [<i>The music is now heard +again in the ball-room.</i>] There is the music. We must have another dance +together.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>There is a general movement among the guests. Those at the back +of the room begin to go into the ball-room.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>, <span class="smcap">Colonel Forster</span>, <i>and others near him</i>.] Let us make up a +set here; I think there will be room.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>Capital idea!</p> + +<p>[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Footmen</span> <i>remove the tables</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Miss Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes, capital! [<i>With meaning, to</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>.] Do not you think so, Mr. +Darcy?</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>bows stiffly, without speaking</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Forster.</span></p> + +<p>Miss Bingley, may I have the pleasure?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She bows, looks daggers at</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <i>and takes her place in the +dance</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.] Miss Bennet, will you grant me the happiness? [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>gives +him a look which</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>sees</i>.] The—the <i>final</i> happiness of my +stay at Netherfield<a name="page_094" id="page_094"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Curtsies, a tremor in her voice.</i>] Thank you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They begin to form a set with</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Bingley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Colonel +Forster</span>, <span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Denny</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Crossing to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] May I have the honour, Miss Elizabeth?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at him with frank hauteur.</i>] Thank you, Mr. Darcy, I am +indisposed.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>bows, reddens, and crosses to the other side of the room. +The music begins. Amid embarrassed astonishment</i>, <span class="smcap">Sir William</span> <i>and</i> +<span class="smcap">Charlotte Lucas</span> <i>fill the quadrille set. As the dance commences</i>, +<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <i>standing at either side of the dancers, +exchange a glance of the keenest pride and prejudice</i>.]</p></div> + +<h2><a name="ACT_III" id="ACT_III"></a>ACT III</h2> + +<p><a name="page_096" id="page_096"></a></p> + +<p><a name="page_097" id="page_097"></a></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="hang"><i>The parlour of</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins's</span> <i>parsonage at Hunsford. At the back +of the room is an open door. This door leads directly into the +garden, beyond which is seen, through an opening in the trees of +the park opposite, "the prospect of Rosings"—the residence of</i> +<span class="smcap">Lady Catherine de Bourg</span>—"<i>a handsome, modern building on rising +ground." A wide cottage window, also at the back of the room, gives +a plain view of the passers-by. On either side of the parlour is a +door, leading to other parts of the house.</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>is +discovered standing at the open door and looking up at some one +outside who is evidently climbing the trellis</i>.</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">A Voice</span> (<i>outside.</i>)</p> + +<p>Is this the cluster you wish, Miss Bennet?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Mischievously.</i>] No, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Those are buds; the ones +higher still. There—by the eaves.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>laughingly watches</i> <span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam</span> <i>until he +appears with a cluster of half opened roses, which he presents to +her with a gallant air</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Taking the roses and putting them in her girdle.</i>]</p> + +<p>Thank you.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>May not I have <i>one</i>, as my reward, Miss Bennet?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Is not accomplishment its own reward?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>And is not the power to be generous the highest reward that can be given +to any accomplishment?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, surely! And so <i>you</i> would have to be generous and get me some more +roses: then we should each of us have to invent new speeches, and so we +should never be done till we were ready to print a phrase book. However, +you have certainly won your rose. [<i>She gives it to him.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>Thank you! That phrase-book is a capital idea, Miss Bennet. Nothing +could please me better than just such an occupation. It would really be +a charity, for Darcy is such a dull fellow these days that I really +don't know what to do with myself.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>But we should hardly have the time for such a project.<a name="page_099" id="page_099"></a> You say that you +and Mr. Darcy are to leave Lady Catherine on Saturday.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, if Darcy doesn't put it off again. He has already paid our aunt a +much longer visit than ever before. I am at his disposal, you know. He +arranges the business just as he pleases.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I do not know anybody who seems more to enjoy the power of doing what he +pleases than Mr. Darcy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>He likes to have his own way very well, but so do we all. It is only +that he has better means of having it than many others. [<i>Looking at his +watch.</i>] I suppose I ought to go and look for him now. I expected to +find him here, [<i>With a meaning smile.</i>] as not unfrequently happens. +But since he is not, he probably expects me to meet him at the +Crossroads.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I imagine your cousin brought you down with him chiefly for the sake of +having somebody at his disposal. I wonder he does not marry to secure a +lasting convenience of that kind. But perhaps his sister does as well +for the present,—and, as she is under his sole care, he may do what he +likes with her<a name="page_100" id="page_100"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>No—that is an advantage which he must share with me. I am joined with +him in the guardianship of Miss Darcy.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Are you, indeed? And pray what sort of a guardian do you make? Does your +charge give you much trouble? Young ladies of her age are sometimes a +little difficult to manage. And, if she has the true Darcy spirit, she +may like to have her own way.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam</span> <i>looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>very suspiciously as she +makes this last remark</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>Why—what?—Why do you suppose Miss Darcy is likely to give us any +uneasiness, Miss Bennet?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Carelessly.</i>] Oh, nothing at all! You need not be frightened! I never +heard any harm of her; she is a great favourite with a lady of my +acquaintance—Miss Bingley. I think I have heard you say that you knew +Miss Bingley.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>I know her a little. Her brother is a pleasant, gentlemanlike man. He is +a great friend of Darcy's.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes. Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley and takes a +prodigious deal of care of him<a name="page_101" id="page_101"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>Care of him? Yes, I really believe Darcy does take care of him. From +something he has told me, I have reason to think Bingley very much +indebted to him. [<i>Stopping.</i>] But I ought to beg his pardon, for I have +no right to suppose that Bingley was the person meant.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Curiously, and with ill-concealed anxiety.</i>] What is it you mean?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>It is a circumstance which, of course, Darcy could not wish to be +generally known, because if it were to get round to the lady's family it +would be an unpleasant thing.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>You may depend upon my not mentioning it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>And, remember, that I haven't much reason for supposing it to be +Bingley. What he told me was merely this: that he congratulated himself +on having lately saved a friend from the inconveniences of a most +imprudent marriage, but without names or any other particulars, and I +only suspected it to be Bingley from believing him to be the kind of +young man to get into a scrape of that sort.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Trying to suppress her feeling.</i>] Did Mr. Darcy give you his reasons +for this interference<a name="page_102" id="page_102"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>I understood that there were some very strong objections against the +lady.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Indeed! [<i>Trying to speak calmly.</i>] And what arts did he use to separate +them?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] He did not talk to me of his own arts. He only told <i>me</i>, +what I have now told <i>you</i>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Why was your cousin to be the judge?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>You are rather disposed to call his interference officious?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Growing excited.</i>] I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to decide on +the propriety of his friend's inclination; why, upon his <i>own</i> judgment +alone, Mr. Darcy was to determine in what manner his friend was to be +happy. [<i>Recovering herself.</i>] But as we know none of the particulars, +it is not fair to condemn him. It is not to be supposed that there was +much affection in the case.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>That is not an unnatural surmise, and I believe Darcy<a name="page_103" id="page_103"></a> told me that he +did not think that the lady, at least, was very deeply concerned in the +matter. However, to lessen the affection on either side is to lessen the +honour of my cousin's triumph very sadly.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Your cousin's triumph——</p> + +<p>[<i>Greatly excited, she is about to continue, when</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte's</span> <i>voice is +heard outside</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Mr. Darcy, I think I saw Colonel Fitzwilliam go up the garden path +a few moments ago. [<i>Protesting.</i>] Oh, no, Mr. Darcy, you are too kind! +Really——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Outside.</i>] Pray, allow me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>enters, accompanied by</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <i>who is carrying a +basket of eggs. She wears a garden hat and gloves.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Ah, here he is. Good morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>.] Pray +let me have the basket now, Mr. Darcy. [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>gives</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>the +basket, and then turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Good morning, Miss Bennet. [<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>returns</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy's</span> <i>greeting with a +self-consciousness which does not<a name="page_104" id="page_104"></a> escape his notice, but the motive of +which he mistakes</i>. <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>gives a quick glance from</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>to</i> +<span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam</span>, <i>as he turns to speak to the latter</i>.] Ah, +Fitzwilliam, I thought I might find you here.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Lightly.</i>] Yes, I have been so fortunate as to secure some of Mrs. +Collins's early roses for Miss Bennet.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In surprise.</i>] Really! Have they already opened?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Who has by this time recovered her self-possession.</i>] A very few of +them. But Colonel Fitzwilliam was obliged to climb very near to the sun +to get me these. [<i>She looks admiringly upon the flowers as she +speaks.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Showing the rose which</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>has given him</i>.]</p> + +<p>And you see I have my reward.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling faintly.</i>] Colonel Fitzwilliam might not have won his prize so +easily, Miss Bennet, had there been others in the field.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Ah, no, Mr. Darcy, I cannot lessen Colonel Fitzwilliam's achievement by +admitting any such possibility<a name="page_105" id="page_105"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gallantly.</i>] Thank you, Miss Bennet!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>turns away with an unconscious look of chagrin</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Well, surely, my roses will have to bloom their prettiest this season in +return for all the attention they have received. [<i>To the young men.</i>] +Will not you be seated, gentlemen?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Tartly.</i>] Thanks, no, Mrs. Collins; I merely stopped for Colonel +Fitzwilliam; but perhaps his rose-gathering has caused him to abandon +our project of taking a walk together this morning.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>By no means, Darcy, that pleasure has only been deferred.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Very good then. We will go at once, if Mrs. Collins and Miss Bennet will +pardon me this hasty call.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly, Mr. Darcy! [<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>also, absent-mindedly, murmurs her +assent, for which</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>lingers with vague uneasiness before departing +with</i> <span class="smcap">Fitzwilliam</span>. <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>curiously, then calls +to the little maid, who enters</i>.<a name="page_106" id="page_106"></a>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Martha—take these eggs to the pantry. Do not disturb them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Martha.</span></p> + +<p>Very well, ma'am.</p> + +<p>[<i>She curtsies and goes out.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Taking off her hat and gloves.</i>] Now, Eliza, we must get to our work +and have a comfortable chat. You have been here nearly two weeks and we +really haven't had a good talk yet.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Getting out her embroidery.</i>] Yes, you promised me a quiet visit, +Charlotte. But I find you are more lively here than we are at Longbourn.</p> + +<p>[<i>The two ladies sit at the table with their embroidery.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>But how could I have anticipated the arrival here of two very attentive +young gentlemen? [<i>Smiling at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] It is really quite a +surprising coincidence, or else Mr. Darcy has timed his visit to his +aunt very cleverly. As to these daily visits to the parsonage—you may +be sure I do not take to myself the credit of them. Neither of these +young gentlemen would ever come so often to see me. I have to thank you, +Eliza, for this civility<a name="page_107" id="page_107"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a little temper.</i>] You may thank a lack of occupation on their +part. You know very well my opinion of Mr. Darcy!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Yes. You have often expressed it. I wish I were as well informed of Mr. +Darcy's opinion of Eliza.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>When you know the one, you know the other. They are identical.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Well, perhaps under the circumstances, that is the most satisfactory +condition of things. And do we hold the same opinion of Colonel +Fitzwilliam?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Tossing her head.</i>] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>sharply, and after a short silence</i>.] And so +Jane is once more at home after her visit in London, and Lydia has gone +to Brighton after all. How did she ever manage to persuade your father?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Lydia was so determined upon it that she and mamma gave my father no +peace till they had teased him to consent. But I am very sorry. Lydia is +too foolish,<a name="page_108" id="page_108"></a> too ignorant and wilful to be trusted away from home. I +only hope that no harm will come of it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>And is Mr. Wickham still with the regiment?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, he went with it to Brighton.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>I hear that he is thinking of marrying Miss King, since she has just +received a legacy of ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think +that our friend was mercenary.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>A man in distressed circumstances has not time for all those elegant +decorums which other people may observe. If Miss King does not object to +it, why should we?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p><i>Her</i> not objecting does not justify—him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Emphatically.</i>] Well, have it as you choose. <i>He</i> shall be mercenary, +and <i>she</i> shall be foolish! Mr. Wickham's worst fault, after all, is his +power of being agreeable. Thank heaven, we both of us know some men who +haven't one agreeable quality. Stupid men are the only ones worth +knowing<a name="page_109" id="page_109"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Well, well, Eliza! That speech savours a little +of—disappointment.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes—anything you please!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Changing the subject.</i>] And you say that Jane is not in her usual +spirits?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Shortly.</i>] Yes.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>And she is looking poorly?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Still more shortly.</i>] Yes—very!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Did she see much of the Bingleys in London?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Bursting out hotly.</i>] She saw nothing of them. Oh, Charlotte, I have +just had all my suspicions verified.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Your suspicions?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, there has been an arrangement in all this. Mr.<a name="page_110" id="page_110"></a> Bingley has been +kept away from Jane by—— [<i>Stops suddenly.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looks up curiously, then speaks quickly.</i>] Don't imagine any such +nonsense, Eliza. A young man like Mr. Bingley so easily falls in love +with a pretty girl for a few weeks—and, when accident separates them, +so easily forgets her, that this sort of inconstancy is very frequent.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>We do not suffer from accident, Charlotte. A young man of independent +fortune does not suddenly decide of his own free will to think no more +of a girl with whom he was violently in love.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>But were they so violently in love?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes—I never saw a more promising inclination. Why, Mr. Bingley would +talk to no one else—would look at no one else. Is not general +incivility the very essence of love?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] It is usually a good test. But if Jane did not return his +affection—— It really did not seem to me that there was anything +<i>violent</i> in Jane's attitude. I could never see that she showed any +extreme affection for Bingley<a name="page_111" id="page_111"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hotly.</i>] Well, I know that Jane was very much in love with him, and +that she showed her affection as much as her nature would allow. If +Bingley didn't see it he must have been a simpleton. No—the real +trouble was that Jane didn't see him often enough, perhaps, to make her +understand his character.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, if Jane were married to Bingley to-morrow, I should think she had as +good a chance of happiness as if she were studying him for a +twelve-month. It is far better to know as little as possible of the +person with whom you are to pass your life.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Demurely.</i>] In some cases that is undoubtedly true.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Appears at the garden door. He wears a wide-brimmed hat and carries a +hoe—also a large basket. He looks in.</i>] Ah! A very charming domestic +picture! [<i>Taking a bunch of radishes from the basket, he speaks to</i> +<span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>.] My dear, I have found some fine early radishes. I thought it +would be a graceful attention on your part to send some of these to Miss +de Bourg. [<i>He sits upon the chair near the doorway.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>I fear the apothecary might object<a name="page_112" id="page_112"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>True—they might not be suitable, but [<i>Looking at them proudly.</i>] they +are very fine radishes. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Miss Elizabeth, I am very +successful in my gardening. I consider the work I do in my garden to be +one of my most respectable pleasures. Lady Catherine is always ready to +encourage me in it, and my dear Charlotte is ever willing that I should +leave her side for the sake of this healthful exercise. [<i>Looking at the +radishes again.</i>] It is, indeed, a pity that Miss de Bourg is not well +enough to enjoy them. My dear Charlotte has doubtless told you, Miss +Elizabeth, of the alliance which is in prospect between Miss de Bourg +and Mr. Darcy. This extreme delicacy of constitution would seem to be +the only bar to their happiness.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Charlotte has told me that Miss de Bourg is sickly. She will make +Mr. Darcy a very proper wife.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>looks anxiously at</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>as</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>says +this, but he is gazing out of the door and does not seem to notice +the remark</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>I hope you are pleased with Kent, Miss Elizabeth.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Very much, Mr. Collins.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>I do not think the kingdom can boast a grander scene<a name="page_113" id="page_113"></a> than the one now +spread before our eyes: [<i>Pointing.</i>] This garden—that park with +Rosings in the distance. Do not you think my dear Charlotte is most +fortunately placed, Miss Elizabeth?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Most fortunately, Mr. Collins.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>And when you have seen Lady Catherine, you will be more deeply +impressed, I am sure. We can hardly expect her to call upon you. This +illness of Miss de Bourg would prevent it, and in any case it would be +an act of extreme condescension on her part; but I am quite confident +that you will receive an invitation to drink tea of a Sunday evening +with her, after Mr. Darcy and his cousin are gone, of course. And—we +may later have an invitation to dinner—although I would not for the +world arouse in you false hopes which may be shattered.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Martha.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Enters in great excitement.</i>] Oh, Mrs. Collins! Lady Catherine's +carriage is turning into the lane and <i>she</i> is in it!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Rising in great excitement</i>.] Lady Catherine—at this hour! What +amazing condescension! [<i>He turns in a helpless manner to</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>.] +But, my dear, I am quite<a name="page_114" id="page_114"></a> unprepared. My habiliments—I would not be +wanting in respect.—What shall I do?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hurriedly putting up her work and giving her hat and gloves to the +maid.</i>] Go make yourself ready, Mr. Collins. We will do the same. +[<span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>pushes</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>gently toward the door</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Protesting.</i>] Yes—yes! But this implement——</p> + +<p>[<i>He holds out the hoe.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Give it to Martha!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>hastily gives the hoe to the maid and then goes out. +He instantly returns, however, and again appeals in distressed +tones to his wife</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Holding out the basket.</i>] And these radishes, my dear?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Martha, take the radishes from Mr. Collins.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Martha.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, ma'am.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>The maid tries to hold at once—basket, hoe, hat, and gloves, as +she stands in a corner, open-mouthed.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Again emerging from the door.</i>] Do not make yourself uneasy about your +own apparel, Miss Elizabeth; Lady Catherine is far from requiring that +elegance in us which becomes herself and daughter—I——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Oh, do go, Mr. Collins! Lady Catherine will be here in +an instant!</p> + +<p>[<i>She shuts the door on</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Greatly amused at all this excitement.</i>] Are you going to make any +change in your dress, Charlotte? Do you wish me to do so?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Well, Eliza, if you wouldn't mind, I should like you to put on your +sprigged muslin. In spite of what Mr. Collins says, I know it would +please him. I have no time to change. Is my cap straight? Oh, here she +is. [<i>To the maid, who stands staring, with her arms full.</i>] Why, +Martha! Are you still there? Go! Go! [<i>She bustles the maid out of one +door, then runs to the other, calling her husband.</i>] Mr. Collins! Mr. +Collins!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She then rushes into the garden, followed immediately by</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. +Collins</span> <i>in the same state of excitement</i>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <i>as she looks +after them, is convulsed with laughter</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>So, at last—her high and only mightiness! No tremors, Elizabeth! Now is +the time for all your courage. [<i>She runs laughing out of the room.</i>]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>Sounds of voices are heard, and</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Catherine</span> <i>appears escorted +up the path by</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Collins</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>As she reaches the door.</i>] You keep too many hens, Mrs. Collins. There +is just a certain number which are profitable—beyond that there is +waste. [<span class="smcap">Lady Catherine</span> <i>sits on the sofa</i>.] A clergyman's wife should +set an example of thrift. You should have asked my advice.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Collins will in the future regulate her poultry-yard according to +your directions, Lady Catherine, if you will be so condescending as to +give them.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, thank you, Lady Catherine.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>Will your Ladyship not take some refreshment?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes—let me fetch you a cup of tea<a name="page_117" id="page_117"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>No, no—I wish nothing. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span>.] But you may go, Mr. Collins, +and see if Jones is walking the horses up and down. I do not trust +Jones.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>With great pleasure, your Ladyship. [<span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>goes out</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>.] I thought you had a visitor, Mrs. Collins.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, your Ladyship—I have. It is my friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She +is a cousin of Mr. Collins and a neighbour of ours in Hertfordshire.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>I have heard about her. Fitzwilliam says she is a very genteel, pretty +kind of girl.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Pleased.</i>] Indeed she is, Lady Catherine.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Well, where is she?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>She has gone to make a little change in her dress, before presenting +herself to your Ladyship<a name="page_118" id="page_118"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Oh! very proper—very proper!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>I am delighted to hear that Miss de Bourg is better, Lady Catherine.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, thank you. She is very greatly improved. [<i>After a slight pause, +with impatience</i>.] Well, Miss Bennet takes her time!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Anxiously.</i>] I am sure she will be here in a moment. [<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> +<i>enters</i>.] Oh, here she is. [<i>Presenting</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Lady Catherine, +Miss Elizabeth Bennet. [<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>curtsies</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Without leaving her seat, looks</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>over from head to foot</i>.] +Oh, how do you do, Miss Bennet. You are younger than I thought!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Indeed?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>You know my nephew, Mr. Darcy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I met him in Hertfordshire<a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Humph! And you know Colonel Fitzwilliam?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I have only met Colonel Fitzwilliam since coming here.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Humph! Has your governess left you?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Half laughs.</i>] My sisters and I have never had a governess, Madam.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>No governess! I never heard of such a thing! Your mother must have been +quite a slave to your education.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I assure you she was not, Lady Catherine.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Then who taught you? Without a governess you must have been neglected.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Such of us as wished to learn, never wanted the means, Madam.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Well, if I had known your mother, I should have advised<a name="page_120" id="page_120"></a> her most +strenuously to engage a governess. I should have seen to it myself. +[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>.] Go on with your work, Mrs. Collins. A clergyman's wife +should set an example of industry. [<i>Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte's</span> <i>embroidery +with disapproval</i>.] I will send you some more of the parish petticoats +to hem, Mrs. Collins. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Go on with your work, Miss +Bennet. Young ladies should never be idle. [<i>Both</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i> +<span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>go on with their embroidery. Looking hard at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] +Pray what is your age, Miss Bennet?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I am not one and twenty.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>You have sisters, have not you?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Madam.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Are any of them out?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>All, Madam.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>What! All out at once? Very odd! Out before the oldest is married<a name="page_121" id="page_121"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Really, Madam, I think it would be very hard on the younger sisters not +to have their share of society because the eldest one does not happen to +be married. That would hardly be likely to promote sisterly affection, +or delicacy of mind.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a +person! Your sisters may be married before you. You must not be too +ambitious. A good many young girls have lost their chances through being +too ambitious. [<i>Looking at a large picture on the wall and then +pointing to it.</i>] Mrs. Collins, I suppose you have shown Miss Bennet +this print of Pemberley—Mr. Darcy's place?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Lady Catherine.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Complacently.</i>] Pemberley is one of the finest places in England. My +daughter Anne is very fond of it, which is fortunate, since she will +probably spend the most of her life there.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>Most fortunate, your Ladyship.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] You see my nephews here often, Miss Bennet<a name="page_122" id="page_122"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Mischievously.</i>] Yes, <i>very</i> often, Lady Catherine.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Humph! Well, idle young gentlemen often make very foolish use of their +time. My daughter, Miss de Bourg, is unfortunately not able to accompany +Mr. Darcy in his walks as often as both of them could desire.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Entering.</i>] I think your Ladyship's mind may be quite at rest about +the horses. Jones seems to have them well in hand.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I am glad you have come back, Mr. Collins. I am going to ask you and +Mrs. Collins to go and see the new cottages with me. I shall take you in +the carriage. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>.] You had better put on a plain bonnet, +Mrs. Collins.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>By all means, your Ladyship. [<i>She goes out.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Are you quite ready to go, Mr. Collins?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Collins.</span></p> + +<p>Oh—assuredly, your Ladyship—quite!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Miss Bennet, I should advise you to<a name="page_123" id="page_123"></a> write to your +family while we are gone. [<span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>returns in her bonnet and mantle</i>. +<span class="smcap">Lady Catherine</span> <i>looks her over</i>.] Yes, that will do very well!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Charlotte.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] We shall not be gone very long, Eliza.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>I am not sure of that, Mrs. Collins, but I have provided an occupation +for Miss Bennet during our absence. Good morning, Miss Bennet. I may ask +you later for dinner.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Curtsying.</i>] Good morning, Madam. [<i>All go out</i>, <span class="smcap">Mr. Collins</span> <i>showing +servile attentions to</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Catherine</span>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>watches them from the +door</i>.] Really! I might have spared myself some of the mortifications I +have felt for the shortcomings of my own family. The contrast is not +such a violent one after all. [<i>Looking at the writing desk.</i>] However, +Lady Catherine can give good advice. I really ought to write to my poor, +dear Jane.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She seats herself at the writing table—gets out her paper, etc. +and begins her letter when the door-bell sounds.</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>starts +and is putting away the writing materials, when the maid ushers in</i> +<span class="smcap">Mr. Darcy</span>, <i>who seems much excited</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I am here again, Miss Bennet. I saw Mr. and Mrs.<a name="page_124" id="page_124"></a> Collins drive away +with my aunt. I have something which I <i>must</i> say to you. [<i>He walks +excitedly up and down for a moment, while</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>watches him in +amazed silence. Then he suddenly goes up to her and begins to speak in +an agitated manner.</i>] Miss Bennet—in vain have I struggled! It will not +do! My feelings will not be repressed! You must allow me to tell you how +ardently I admire and love you!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Is perfectly astounded. She stares, colours, doubts, and is silent.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Taking her silence for encouragement.</i>] Miss Bennet, I can well +understand your own astonishment at this declaration, for I am amazed at +myself! My feeling for you has taken possession of me against my will, +my reason, and almost against my character!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Starting in indignation.</i>] Sir!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, understand me, I beg of you! For yourself alone my admiration is +only too natural. I share it with everyone who has the happiness of +knowing you. But—pardon me—for it pains me to offend you—the defects +of your nearest relations, the total lack of propriety so frequently +betrayed by your family, has so opposed my judgment to<a name="page_125" id="page_125"></a> my inclination, +that it has required the utmost force of passion on my part to put them +aside. But, my dear Miss Bennet, your triumph is complete. Your own +loveliness stands out the fairer in its contrast to your surroundings, +and I now hope that the strength of my love may have its reward in your +acceptance of my hand.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Who has gone through all sorts of emotions during this speech, speaks, +in a constrained manner as if trying to control herself.</i>] Mr. Darcy—in +such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a +sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they +may be returned. If I could feel gratitude I would now thank you. But I +cannot. I have never desired your good opinion, and <i>you</i> have certainly +bestowed it most unwillingly.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Leaning against the mantel-piece, hears her words with no less +resentment than surprise. After a little he speaks in a voice of forced +calmness.</i>] And that is all the reply which I am to have the honour of +expecting? I might perhaps wish to be informed why, with so little +endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small +importance.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I might as well inquire why, with so evident a design of insulting me, +you chose to tell me that you liked me against your will, your reason, +and even against your character!<a name="page_126" id="page_126"></a> Was not this some excuse for +incivility, if I was uncivil?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I very clearly explained that the objections which appealed to my reason +applied entirely to your <i>family</i>, and in no respect to yourself.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I am a part of my family, Mr. Darcy; and allow me to say that, since I +have had the opportunity of comparing my relations with your own, the +contrast is not so marked as I had been led to suppose. [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> +<i>starts</i>.] But—aside from all questions of either feeling or family—do +you think any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has +been the means of ruining, perhaps forever, the happiness of a most +beloved sister, and involving her in misery of the acutest kind? [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> +<i>looks at her with a smile of incredulity.</i>.] Can you deny that you have +done this?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate +my friend from your sister. I did not, indeed, anticipate that I should +involve either of them in "misery" of any kind. On your sister's side, +at least, I was never able to discover any symptoms of peculiar regard +for Mr. Bingley. While, for every reason, I must rejoice in my success +with my friend; toward him I have been kinder than toward myself<a name="page_127" id="page_127"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With disdain.</i>] Your arrogance in calmly deciding the extent of other +people's sentiments does not surprise me. It is of a piece with your +whole nature! But your interference in my sister's concerns is not all. +Long before it had taken place, my opinion of you was decided. Your +character was unfolded in the recital which I received months ago from +Mr. Wickham. [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>starts excitedly</i>.] What can you have to say on +this subject? In what imaginary act of friendship can you here defend +yourself?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In a tone of suppressed excitement, in marked contrast to his previous +self-assured manner.</i>] You take an eager interest in that gentleman.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Who that knows what his misfortunes have been can help feeling an +interest in him?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Contemptuously.</i>] His misfortunes! Yes, his misfortunes have been +great indeed!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With energy.</i>] And of your infliction! You have reduced him to his +present state of poverty—comparative poverty; you have withheld the +advantages which you must know to have been designed for him. You have +done all<a name="page_128" id="page_128"></a> this, and yet you can treat the mention of his misfortunes +with contempt and ridicule!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Walking up and down the room with quick steps.</i>] And this is your +opinion of me? This is the estimation in which you hold me! I thank you +for explaining it so fully. [<i>Stopping and looking at her.</i>] Perhaps if +I were to divulge the truth regarding Mr. Wickham, I might give <i>you</i> as +great a surprise as you have given <i>me</i>. [<i>After a slight pause.</i>] I do +not care to go into particulars, but in justice to myself, I must tell +you that the man whom you consider a martyr is a profligate with the +most vicious propensities. A man who should never have entered your +home, for his presence there is a constant source of danger.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In indignation.</i>] Mr. Darcy!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With dignity.</i>] I am ready to give you the full proofs of all I have +said, Miss Bennet, whenever you may so desire, although I would gladly +forget all the miserable circumstances myself, and no obligation less +than the present should induce me to unfold them to any human being.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Coldly.</i>] Your judgment in the matter of my sister's happiness has +given me a gauge by which I can measure<a name="page_129" id="page_129"></a> your fairness to a man who has +been so unfortunate as to offend you. My faith in Mr. Wickham is +unshaken.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>in indignation and by a great effort governing +himself</i>.] I shall take what you have said, Miss Bennet, as a reflection +on my <i>judgment</i> alone; otherwise, my veracity would be at stake, and +this, I am sure, you did not intend. Indeed I understand your whole +position perfectly. I have erred in the manner of my declaration. Your +bitter accusations might have been suppressed, had I concealed my +struggles. It is my own fault. I have wounded your pride. I should have +flattered you into the belief that I was impelled by inclination, by +reason, by reflection, by everything! But disguise of every sort is my +abhorrence. Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your +connections?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] And do you expect <i>me</i> to rejoice in your proposal that I +ally myself to the conceit and impertinence of <i>yours</i>? No, Mr. Darcy! +The manner of your declaration has affected me only in one way:—it has +spared me the concern which I might otherwise have felt in refusing you, +had you behaved in a more <i>gentlemanlike</i> way. [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>starts</i>.] You +could not, however, have made me the offer of your hand in any possible +way that would have tempted me to accept it. [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>looks at her with +an expression of mortified amazement</i>.] I had not known<a name="page_130" id="page_130"></a> you a month, +before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever +be prevailed upon to marry.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>You have said quite enough, Madam! I perfectly comprehend your feelings +and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for +having taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your +health and happiness. [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>hastily leaves the room</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Sinking into a chair, then getting up and walking excitedly about the +room.</i>] To insult my family! To think I was ready to fall on my knees, +in gratitude for his condescension! To calmly dispose of Jane's +happiness! [<i>Stopping in her walk and with a half-amused smile.</i>] And +yet really to be in love with me in spite of every obstacle. [<i>Throwing +herself again into the chair, half laughing, half crying.</i>] Oh, Jane, +Jane! I wish you were here!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Martha.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Enters with a letter.</i>] Here is a letter, Miss. The express has just +brought it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>A letter? For me?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Miss—[<i>She gives</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>the letter; curtsies and goes out</i>.<a name="page_131" id="page_131"></a>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at the letter.</i>] Why, it is from Jane! What can be the matter? +[<i>She opens the letter hurriedly and reads.</i>] "Dearest Lizzy—I have bad +news for you, and it cannot be delayed. An express came to us last night +from Colonel Forster. He told us that Lydia had run away from Brighton +with one of his officers:—to own the truth—with Wickham!"</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh! Wickham! [<i>Going on with the letter.</i>] "He first thought they had +gone to Scotland, but, oh, Lizzy, it is far worse than that! We now know +that Wickham never intended to go there, or to marry Lydia at all!"</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh! [<i>Reading again.</i>] "Colonel Forster has been here to-day. He says +Wickham is not a man to be trusted! He has left Brighton terribly in +debt, and his record is bad in every way. Oh, Lizzy, our distress is +very great! My father is going to London with Colonel Forster instantly +to try to discover the fugitives. It is hard to ask you to shorten your +visit, but we are in such distress that——" [<i>Darting from her seat.</i>] +Oh where—where is the express? I must write. No—I must go. Oh, Lydia +and Wickham! I must go at once! I must send someone for a carriage. +[<i>She rushes to the garden door calling.</i>] Martha, Martha! The express! +[<i>Suddenly she calls again.</i>] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam, is that you<a name="page_132" id="page_132"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Appearing in the garden.</i>] What is the matter, Miss Bennet?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Wildly.</i>] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam—the express—or can you get me a +carriage? I have bad news from home. I must return at once and Mr. +Collins is away. Will you be so kind? [<i>She falls, half-fainting, upon a +chair near the door.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With concern.</i>] Certainly, my dear Miss Bennet—of course—but—— +[<i>Calling off.</i>] Darcy, don't wait for me. I can't join you now. Miss +Bennet is in distress.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Entering.</i>] Miss Bennet? Good God! What is the matter?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Colonel Fitzwilliam.</span></p> + +<p>Miss Bennet has just had bad news from home. She wishes to return, and +desires a carriage.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In a decided tone.</i>] Do you go for the carriage, Fitzwilliam. Get one +from the stables. [<span class="smcap">Fitzwilliam</span> <i>hesitates</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Go. I will remain with Miss Bennet.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Fitzwilliam</span> <i>goes out</i>.<a name="page_133" id="page_133"></a>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>very gently</i>.] Shall I call the maid, Miss Bennet? A +glass of wine? Shall I get it for you? You are very ill.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hardly able to speak.</i>] No, I thank you: there is nothing the matter +with me. I am quite well. I am only distressed by some dreadful news +which I have just received from Longbourn. [<i>She bursts into tears.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Helplessly.</i>] I am sorry, very indeed!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>After a short silence.</i>] I have just had a letter from Jane with such +<i>dreadful</i> news! It cannot be concealed from anyone.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>I am grieved, Miss Bennet. Grieved indeed!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Mr. Darcy, you were right. If I had only believed you! You, and +others! But I could not believe it. [<i>She sobs.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Greatly moved.</i>] What is it, my dear Miss Bennet? What has happened<a name="page_134" id="page_134"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Wildly.</i>] Oh, I cannot tell it, and yet everyone must know! My sister +Lydia—has—has eloped—has thrown herself into the power of—of <i>Mr. +Wickham</i>! She has no money, nothing that can tempt him to—she is lost +forever! [<i>She sobs again.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Good God, Miss Bennet! Your sister and Wickham! Oh, this is <i>my</i> fault. +I should have realised this danger—I should have spoken. My own +wretched experience with this man should have been told.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Wonderingly.</i>] Your experience!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Yes—I—you remember. I hinted it to you—to-day. But I should long ago +have spoken boldly.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>What do you mean?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Wickham attempted this same plan with my own sister—two years ago. +She was an ignorant, innocent, trusting girl of fifteen. Happily, his +villainy was discovered and prevented. But oh, I should have told you! +Had his character been known, this could not have happened<a name="page_135" id="page_135"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>You tried to tell me, Mr. Darcy. Everybody has tried to warn me. But I +could not believe it, and now—it is too late, too late!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Let us hope not. Is what you have told me certain—absolutely certain?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes. They left Brighton together on Sunday night. They are certainly +not gone to Scotland.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>And what has been done, or attempted, to recover your sister?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>My father has gone to London. He will beg my uncle Gardiner's +assistance. But nothing can be done! I know very well that nothing <i>can</i> +be done. How is such a man to be worked on? How are they ever to be +discovered? I have not the smallest hope. It is all horrible!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Miss Bennet, I have made a wretched mistake in all this. Would to Heaven +that anything could be said or done on my part that might make you +reparation, or offer consolation to such distress!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>sinks sobbing into a chair while</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>walks up and +down in deep thought. In a moment a carriage is heard outside—then +voices.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking out.</i>] Mr. and Mrs. Collins are returning. What would you wish +me to do?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I do not know! I do not know!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Returning to</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <i>speaks quickly and in deep concern</i>.] You +really wish to return home at once?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Rising from her chair.</i>] Oh, yes, yes—at once. [<i>Reaching her hand to +him appealingly.</i>] Take me home, Mr. Darcy! Take me home!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>At this instant</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. and Mrs. Collins</span> <i>appear at the garden door, +and, transfixed with astonishment, stand gazing at</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> <i>and</i> +<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.]</p></div> + +<h2><a name="ACT_IV" id="ACT_IV"></a>ACT IV</h2> + +<p><a name="page_138" id="page_138"></a></p> + +<p><a name="page_139" id="page_139"></a></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="hang"><i>The Lawn and Shrubbery at Longbourn.</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span> <i>is seated in a +garden chair with pillows at her back. She has an umbrella over her +head. Near her stands a table on which are bottles, dishes, etc. +She wears a big cap, and is gowned in a widely-flowing, flowered +chamber-robe, over which is fastened a shawl; across her knees is a +lap-robe. Her entire get-up is grotesque and laughable. About her +hover the housekeeper</i>, <span class="smcap">Hill</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Dear mamma, do try and take some of this nice gruel. You will be ill if +you do not eat something.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Hill.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, do, I beg of you, Madam. Now that you are once more in the air, if +you will only take some food you will feel much better.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Fretfully.</i>] How can I feel better? I must be ill. It is all very well +for the rest of you, now that this disgrace has been brought upon +me—but if I had been able to carry my point—if I could have gone to +Brighton with all my family, this would never have happened. But poor +dear<a name="page_140" id="page_140"></a> Lydia had nobody to take care of her. Oh, that villainous Wickham! +I am sure there was some great neglect or other somewhere, for Lydia is +not the kind of girl to run away with a man. But no one would listen to +me. I was overruled, as I always am. Poor Lydia! Poor dear child!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Soothingly.</i>] Oh, mamma, try to be calm.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Hill.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Madam, this excitement is so bad for you.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>How can I help being excited? You have no feelings. Here is Mr. Bennet +gone away, and I know he will fight that abominable Wickham and be +killed. And then what is to become of us all? The Collinses will turn us +out before Mr. Bennet is cold in his grave.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, mamma, do not have such terrific ideas.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Weeping.</i>] If my brother Gardiner is not kind to me, I do not know +what we shall do.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, yes. My Uncle Gardiner is very kind. He is doing everything in his +power for us. He is helping my<a name="page_141" id="page_141"></a> father now in London, you know. I hope +he will find Lydia, and perhaps he may be able to arrange a marriage +after all. You must not give up so, dear mamma.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Hill.</span></p> + +<p>No indeed, Madam. You must not indeed.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Brightening.</i>] Yes, Jane, that is true. My brother may be able to see +that they are married. Write to him at once, Jane. Tell him to find them +out wherever they may be, and if they are not married already, make them +marry. Oh, I do think that Wickham is the wickedest young man in the +world to so deceive my poor innocent Lydia. But, Jane, go and write my +brother and tell him that Lydia need not wait for wedding clothes—don't +let her even give directions till she has seen me, for she doesn't know +which are the best warehouses. And oh, Jane, tell my brother to keep +your father from fighting that hateful Wickham. Tell him what a dreadful +state I am in.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, mamma. [<i>She is about to go.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Where are you going?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Why, to write the letter, mamma<a name="page_142" id="page_142"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Fretfully.</i>] Oh, not just this minute. Don't leave me alone. Where is +Lizzy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>She has gone down the road to meet the post. She hopes to bring you good +news.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Lamenting.</i>] She had better stay here and be of some help. She has +only just got home and now she leaves me. But nobody thinks of me. +Nobody knows what I suffer. I am frightened out of my wits. I have such +tremblings and flutterings all over me—such spasms in my side—and +pains in my head, and such beatings at my heart. Oh, I can get no rest +by night or by day! [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Hill</span>.] You might try and do something, Hill. +Where is my soothing draught?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Hill.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking.</i>] Here, Madam. No, I must have left it in your room. I will +run fetch it. [<i>She goes out quickly.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Who has been looking off toward the driveway during part of this +tirade.</i>] Oh, mamma—mamma! Lizzy's running up the drive. She is +smiling! She has some good news, I am sure<a name="page_143" id="page_143"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Take care, Jane. You are exciting me. Oh, my poor nerves.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>enters, breathless. She has a letter in her hand.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, good news—good news, Jane!—mamma! They are married!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Lizzy—Lizzy!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>You are sure, Lizzy? Don't excite me. You are sure?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Half laughing and half crying.</i>] Oh, yes, 'tis certain. My dear Aunt +Gardiner has written me all about it. They are really married! Oh, how +good my uncle is! [<i>She kisses the letter.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Jane—Oh, Lizzy! My dear, dear Lydia! She is really married! I shall +see her again! Oh, my good, kind brother! But how did it happen, Lizzy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, tell us all about it. Let me read it. [<i>She reaches for the +letter.</i><a name="page_144" id="page_144"></a>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Keeping the letter.</i>] No, I will tell you. Well, my father and my +uncle succeeded in finding Lydia. My aunt does not tell me just how it +was done.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Triumphantly.</i>] And your father found that they were married after +all. I told him——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>No, mamma. They were not married, and they had no idea of being—but my +father and uncle insisted upon it. They took Lydia away at once to my +aunt's house and from there, they were married only yesterday at St. +Clement's Church.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>St. Clement's—fine!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>My dear good uncle has arranged to have all Mr. Wickham's debts paid and +my father is to settle an allowance on Lydia.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>But where are they? What are they going to do?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>My father is coming home at once. He may be here at any moment. At first +he would not consent to let Lydia<a name="page_145" id="page_145"></a> and Wickham come to us, but my aunt +and uncle urged it—and my father knew how anxious mamma would be—and +so <i>they</i> are coming here too.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>At once?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, directly, to-day.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, my dear Lydia! How I long to see her, and to see my dear Wickham +too. But the clothes, the wedding clothes! I must write to my Sister +Gardiner about them directly.</p> + +<p>[<i>She tries to get out of the chair.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, mamma, there is plenty of time for that.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, perhaps so. My dear, dear Lydia! How merry we shall all be +together! I am so happy! Lydia married. She is Mrs. Wickham. How well it +sounds. My dear Jane, I must see about the clothes. We will settle with +your father about the money later. Oh, I am in such a flutter! Here +comes Hill. [<span class="smcap">Hill</span> <i>enters with the bottle</i>.] My dear Hill, have you +heard the news? Miss Lydia is married and is coming home directly.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Hill.</span></p> + +<p>Indeed<a name="page_146" id="page_146"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, you shall all have a bowl of punch, to make merry for her wedding, +and I am going into the house to write about the clothes. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>, +<i>who is going with her</i>.] No, Jane, you stay where you are. I know what +I am about. Come, Hill. Think of it—Mrs. Wickham!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She goes out leaning on</i> <span class="smcap">Hill's</span> <i>arm, leaving</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> and <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> +together.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Lizzy, how relieved and happy we should be. Is not it wonderful? +[<i>Anxiously.</i>] Are you sure it is true? Have you told us all?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Jane, it is true. They are really married. And for this we are to +be thankful. In spite of Lydia's folly and Wickham's wretched character, +we are to rejoice. How strange it is! Heigh-ho!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Putting out her hand for the letter which</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>still carries</i>.] +May not I read the letter, Lizzy?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>No, not now, dear. My aunt has some queer notions in her head. Later +perhaps. [<i>After a pause.</i>] I am very sorry now that in my agitation I +told Mr. Darcy about this wretched affair. Now that it has come out so<a name="page_147" id="page_147"></a> +well, he need never have known anything about it, and it would have +saved me a great deal of mortification.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>But how would you ever have explained things to Charlotte and Mr. +Collins without his help? Mr. Darcy made everything so smooth and +plausible for your sudden departure.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, that is true.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Really, Lizzy, I think I shall have to take up the cudgels in Mr. +Darcy's defence. His kindness to you has quite won my heart, and his +amazing proposal was certainly a most flattering compliment. Why can you +see no good in Mr. Darcy, Lizzy? You were always so full of excuses for +Wickham, though it is true his open and delightful manners deceived us +all.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, there certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of +those two young men. One has all the goodness and the other all the +appearance of it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>I never thought Mr. Darcy so deficient in the appearance of it as you +did, and he certainly could hardly have had the friends he has if he did +not possess some good qualities.<a name="page_148" id="page_148"></a> [<i>Shyly.</i>] Lizzy, have you heard that +Mr. Bingley is back in Netherfield?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Astonished.</i>] Oh, Jane, no. When did he come? Have you seen him?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>No; I hardly expect to see him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Brightly.</i>] Yes, you will, if he has returned. [<i>Suddenly clapping her +hands.</i>] Oh, I understand. [<i>Kissing her.</i>] My darling Jane, you are +going to be very happy!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Lizzy dear—don't, don't. That is all over now, and besides I don't want +to be happy unless you can be, too.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, forty Mr. Bingleys wouldn't make me happy. Till I have your +disposition, I never can have happiness. No, no, let me shift for +myself. Perhaps if I have very good luck I may meet with another Mr. +Collins in time.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Harris.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Entering.</i>] Mr. Bennet has returned, Madam, and is looking for you.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Papa returned<a name="page_149" id="page_149"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Where is he, Harris? [<i>Looking off.</i>] There he comes! Papa!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They run to meet</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet</span>, <i>and, bringing him in, seat him in +a garden chair, one on either side of him</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Papa, tell us all about it quickly—quickly.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Are they really married, papa?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, that misfortune is well settled on them. They are married fast +enough.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>And where are they? When will they be here?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I should say they would be here directly. I didn't care to travel with +them, but they are not far behind—only just far enough to keep out of +the dust of my post chaise.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Dear papa—how you must have suffered!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Say nothing of that—who should suffer but myself? It has been my own +doing, and I ought to feel it<a name="page_150" id="page_150"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>You must not be too severe upon yourself.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>You may well warn me against such an evil. No, Lizzy, let me once in my +life feel how much I have been to blame. The impression will pass away +soon enough.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>But, papa, how did you persuade them to marry?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>I didn't persuade them; I haven't the means. It is all your uncle's +doing. He has managed to buy Wickham for us.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, dear good uncle!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>quizzically</i>.] But there are two things that I want +very much to know—one is how much money your uncle has laid down to +bring it about, and the other, how I am ever to pay him.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>But my uncle did not do it all?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>No, papa. My Aunt Gardiner has written me that you are to give Lydia an +allowance<a name="page_151" id="page_151"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, one hundred a year. Do you think that any man in his proper senses +would marry Lydia on so slight a temptation as one hundred a year?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>That is very true, though it had not occurred to me before. Oh, it must +be my uncle's doings. Generous man! I am afraid he has distressed +himself. A small sum could not do all this.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>No, Wickham's a fool if he takes Lydia with a farthing less than ten +thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think so ill of him in the very +beginning of our relationship.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is one-half such a sum to be +repaid?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>That is what I should like to know.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Well, my uncle's kindness can never be requited. If such goodness as his +does not make Lydia miserable, then she will never deserve to be happy.</p> + +<p>[<i>Laughter and voices are heard outside.</i><a name="page_152" id="page_152"></a>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Surely I hear voices. [<i>Looking off.</i>] Why, they have come. See +papa—Jane—there are Lydia and Wickham.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mr. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, here they are. I will go to the library. I can receive their +congratulations later. You know I am prodigiously fond of Wickham, +Lizzy. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable +son-in-law.</p> + +<p>[<i>He goes out.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>I must run and tell mamma.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She is just starting when</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>enter. They are +in travelling dress and are followed by servants bringing all sorts +of bandboxes, wraps and parcels. They come in with the utmost +unconcern and no shadow of shame.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>Well, Jane, well, Lizzy, here we are!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling and unabashed.</i>] My sister, Jane—My sister Elizabeth.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He kisses their hands.</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>are confused and +blushing. Neither</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>nor</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>is in the least +discomposed</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking about.</i>] Good gracious! Here I am again! I am sure I had no +idea of being married when I went away, though I thought it would be +very good fun if I was. Why don't you take the boxes in, Harris? +Wickham, have you seen my pink-flowered bandbox? [<i>Looking over the +parcels.</i>] No, it isn't here. Oh, my dear Wickham, do go fetch it—you +know 'tis the box with the white satin hat you bought me. I wouldn't +lose it for the world. Go, go!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Wickham.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly, my dear. [<i>To the girls.</i>] You see how eagerly I embrace my +new opportunities!</p> + +<p>[<i>He runs out, laughing.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.] Oh, girls, I am dying to give you an +account of my wedding.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I think there cannot be too little said on that subject.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>La, you are so strange. But Jane wants to hear, I know. Anyway, I want +to tell you. Well, there was such a fuss! My aunt was preaching and +talking away to me all the time I was dressing, just as if she was +reading a sermon. I didn't hear one word in ten of it all. I was<a name="page_154" id="page_154"></a> +thinking of my dear Wickham. I longed to know whether he would be +married in his blue coat. Well, we got to church, and then my uncle gave +me a fright after we got there, because he was so late, and he was going +to give me away, you know. But then, if he hadn't come, Mr. Darcy might +have done as well.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane and Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Darcy!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes, Darcy was there. He came along with Wickham. [<i>Suddenly +stopping.</i>] But gracious me! I quite forgot. I ought not to have said a +word about it. I promised them as faithfully—what will Wickham say? It +was to be such a secret.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>If it was to be a secret, Lydia, say not another word on the subject. We +shall ask you no questions.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>looks most anxious, but says nothing</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>Thank you—for if you did, I should certainly tell you all, and then +Wickham would be angry. [<i>She sees</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet</span>, <i>who enters in great +excitement from the house</i>.] Oh, there is mamma.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They rush into each other's arms.</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>returns at about the +same time</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, my dear, dear Lydia! [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>with affectionate warmth</i>.] My +dear Wickham!</p> + +<p>[<i>They also embrace.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, mamma! Aren't you glad to see us? [<span class="smcap">Wickham</span> <i>turns and talks to</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.] Do all the people hereabouts know that I am married? I +was afraid they might not, and so I let my hand just rest on the +window-frame outside the carriage, so that everybody could see my +wedding ring; and then I bowed and smiled like everything.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>You may be sure, my dear, that everybody will rejoice with us in our +good luck. [<i>Sighing.</i>] Your marriage is a great compensation to me +after all my disappointment about Jane and Lizzy. I do not blame Jane, +for she would have got Mr. Bingley if she could. But Lizzy! Oh, Lydia, +it is very hard to think she might now have been Mrs. Collins! But how +about your clothes?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I have a lot already. You may be sure I would not forget <i>them</i>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Bennet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Alarmed.</i>] But you didn't know the best warehouses! Well, never mind, +we will see to that later. Now you must<a name="page_156" id="page_156"></a> all come in and have dinner. +You must be famished. Come, girls. Come, my dear Wickham.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They all go toward the house. At the door</i> <span class="smcap">Lydia</span> <i>pushes</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> +<i>back</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lydia.</span></p> + +<p>Ah, Jane, I take your place now. I go first because I am a married +woman.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They all go into the house. After a pause</i>, <span class="smcap">Harris's</span> <i>voice is +heard outside</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Harris.</span></p> + +<p>Will not you come into the house, Madam?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Entering, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Harris</span>.] No, I prefer to remain here. Tell Miss +Elizabeth Bennet that a lady wishes to see her at once. Remember, I +cannot be kept waiting.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Harris.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Madam. [<i>He bows and goes out.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looks about her with a sniff, then deliberately seats herself in the +big garden chair with the umbrella over it. She mutters to herself from +time to time and taps her foot impatiently.</i>] Insufferable impudence! +Conceited little minx! She shall have a piece of my mind.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>comes to her from the house</i>.<a name="page_157" id="page_157"></a>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Without moving.</i>] Miss Bennet, you can be at no loss to understand the +reason of my journey hither. Your own heart—your own conscience must +tell you why I come.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In unaffected astonishment.</i>] Indeed, you are mistaken, Madam. I am +not at all able to account for the honour of seeing you here.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Miss Bennet, you ought to know that I am not to be trifled with. I have +just been told that you—that Miss Elizabeth Bennet would in all +likelihood be soon married to my nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I know it to +be a scandalous falsehood, I instantly resolved on setting off for this +place that I might make my sentiments known to you.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With astonishment and disdain.</i>] If you believed it impossible to be +true, I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. What could your +Ladyship propose by it?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>At once to insist upon having such a report universally contradicted.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Coolly.</i>] Your coming to Longbourn to see me and my<a name="page_158" id="page_158"></a> family, will be +rather a confirmation of it, if indeed such a report is in existence.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>If! Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Do you not know that such +a report is spread about?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I never heard that it was.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>And can you likewise declare that there is no foundation for it?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Your Ladyship may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist upon being satisfied. Has +he—has my nephew made you an offer of marriage?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Your Ladyship has declared it to be impossible.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>It ought to be so. But your arts and allurements may have made him +forget what he owes to himself and to all his family. You may have drawn +him in<a name="page_159" id="page_159"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such +language as this. I am Mr. Darcy's own aunt, and am entitled to know all +his dearest concerns.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>But you are not entitled to know <i>mine</i>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Let me be rightly understood. This match can never take place. No, +never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you got to +say?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Only this—that if it is so, you can have no reason to suppose Mr. Darcy +will make an offer to me.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hesitating.</i>] The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. While +in their cradles, my sister and I planned their union. Do you pay no +regard to the wishes of his friends? Do not you see that honour, +decorum—nay, interest, forbid you marrying my nephew? Yes <i>interest</i>, +Miss Bennet. For you will be slighted and despised by everyone connected +with him<a name="page_160" id="page_160"></a>!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>These are heavy misfortunes. But the wife of Mr. Darcy must have such +extraordinary sources of happiness that she could have no cause to +repine.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In a rage.</i>] Obstinate, headstrong girl! Tell me once for all—are you +engaged to my nephew?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hesitates, then firmly.</i>] I am not.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Relieved.</i>] And will you promise me never to enter into such an +engagement?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>I will make no promise of the kind.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Miss Bennet, I am shocked and astonished. I shall not go away until you +have given me the assurance I require.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>And I certainly never shall give it. I must beg, therefore, to be +importuned no further on the subject.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In a fury, but trying to speak calmly.</i>] Not so hasty, if you please. +I had hoped to spare you this last humiliation<a name="page_161" id="page_161"></a>—but your insolence +forbids it. I am no stranger to the particulars of your sister's +infamous elopement. I know all! The young man's marrying her was a +patched-up business at the expense of <i>my nephew</i>. [<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>starts +violently</i>.] Oh, you needn't start, Miss! Nobody knows about the whole +affair better than you. But I don't wonder you blush to find yourself +discovered. You used your arts well. My nephew must have spent full five +or six thousand pounds to save your family from disgrace. I should think +that such generosity might appeal a little to your gratitude and your +sense of decency.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Amazed.</i>] Oh, Madam,—I——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>It is quite useless to protest. I have my facts from the best authority. +Heaven knows Darcy has reason enough to keep away from Wickham's +flirtations and entanglements, but [<i>stopping herself.</i>] that is a +family affair. However, <i>you</i> have managed to get him mixed up in them +again to the extent of five thousand pounds. But that is not +enough,—you want to make this shameless girl my nephew's <i>sister</i>, and +the son of his father's steward his brother. Heaven and Earth! Are the +shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Speaking with great effort.</i>] Madam, you have insulted<a name="page_162" id="page_162"></a> me in every +possible manner. I must beg to return to the house. This is beyond +endurance.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>Selfish girl! You are then resolved to have him?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Lady Catherine.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Rising from her chair.</i>] Very well. I shall now know how to act. Do +not imagine your ambition will be gratified. Depend upon it, I shall +carry my point. [<i>Going.</i>] I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. You +deserve no such attention. You will see what it is to rouse my +displeasure.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Lady Catherine</span> <i>goes out</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Sinking upon the garden seat, overwhelmed.</i>] Can it be possible? Do we +owe all this to Darcy? Oh, it is intolerable! [<i>She puts her hands over +her face in an abandonment of grief.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Is heard outside calling.</i>] Lizzy! Lizzy! [<i>She enters, and on seeing +her sister rushes to her.</i>] Lizzy dear! What is it? Is there any new +trouble?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Throwing her arms about her sister.</i>] Oh, Jane, Jane!<a name="page_163" id="page_163"></a> Yes, there is +no end of trouble. Lady Catherine has been here.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Astounded.</i>] Lady Catherine!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, yes, and—she says—that—oh, Jane——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Distressed.</i>] <i>Tell</i> me, Lizzy!</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>She says it was Darcy who paid all the money to Wickham—it was Darcy +saved us—and—and she says I persuaded him. <i>I</i> ensnared him, and—and +she has insulted me.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, dear Lizzy. There <i>must</i> be some mistake. It was my good uncle +who——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>A little calmer.</i>] No—no, Jane, it must be true. I can put things +together now. My aunt's hints in the letter—you know I did not want to +show it you. Then what Lydia let fall, and her fear of Wickham's anger.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Jane.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Soothingly.</i>] Well, dear, even so, Mr. Darcy's <i>motive</i> is clear +enough—and that should give you no pain<a name="page_164" id="page_164"></a>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>You are mistaken. I know his motive. He feels that he is responsible +because he was silent about Wickham's true character. He told me that +all this would never have happened, had he done his duty. And now, he +will despise us. He will never wish to see us again as long as he lives!</p> + +<p>[<i>She walks up and down in great excitement.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Harris.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Entering; to</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.] The young gentlemen from Netherfield, Madam. I +told them they would find you here.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Jane, I <i>cannot</i> see them.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She tries to run away, but before she can escape</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> +<i>enters, all smiles, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>, <i>who looks very much +troubled and excited. They are both in riding dress</i>; <span class="smcap">Darcy</span> +<i>carries a whip</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Shaking hands.</i>] Miss Bennet, I am so happy to see you again. Miss +Elizabeth, it is good indeed to be back once more at Longbourn.</p> + +<p>[<i>He takes</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>to a garden seat</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Embarrassed.</i>] Miss Bennet, believe me, I should not have followed my +friend. I only expected to ride with<a name="page_165" id="page_165"></a> him to the Lodge, but—but I met +my aunt coming away from here, and from something she said, I feared,—I +imagined she might have offended—distressed you.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>does not reply</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Bingley.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] Miss Bennet is going to show me the Hermitage. We shall be +back directly.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Jane</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>go out</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking anxiously at</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <i>who remains silent</i>.] Forgive my +intrusion. I will go.</p> + +<p>[<i>He starts to go away.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Recovering herself.</i>] No—stay, Mr. Darcy. Excuse my own incivility. +Your aunt's visit has excited me. I shall be myself in a moment. [<span class="smcap">Darcy</span> +<i>stands by, miserable. At length she speaks in a calmer tone.</i>] Mr. +Darcy, your aunt has told me of our overwhelming obligation to you. You +must let me thank you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Exploding and banging his whip against his knees.</i>]</p> + +<p>Damn!—Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet. I <i>beg</i> your pardon. What +right has my aunt to meddle in my affairs? How <i>dare</i> she give you such +distress<a name="page_166" id="page_166"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>It is far better that we know the truth, Mr. Darcy. For my part, I can +never express to you our obligation.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Miss Bennet—I beg of you! The obligation was entirely my own. I +only did what was my decent, plain duty. [<i>Faltering.</i>] You remember—I +told you—if I had spoken, this would never have happened.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I remember. But you exaggerated your responsibility. I—we—of +course my father will see you about your loan to us. I would not have +Lady Catherine think——</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Furious again.</i>] Oh, I will settle matters with Lady Catherine! Have +no fears on that score, Miss Bennet. <i>She</i> shall be set right, I assure +you.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>Thank you. And for all your trouble—your kindness—my family can never +repay you.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Your family owes me nothing. If I had any thought beyond my duty, it was +a thought of—you. [<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>turns away</i>.] Oh, pardon me. Perhaps, I +ought not to say all this—but I owe you a great deal, Miss +Bennet—<a name="page_167" id="page_167"></a>more than you can know; and I want you to understand me better. +I really am not the pretentious prig I must have seemed to you. I wish +you could forgive my abominable pride.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at him with a half smile.</i>] I will, on one condition.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Name it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>That you forget my unwarrantable prejudice.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Miss Bennet! [<i>He goes impetuously forward—then restraining +himself, smiles and looks down at her.</i>] I really think, after all, I +shall have to be grateful to my aunt. She has done us an enormous +service.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling still more.</i>] Well, Lady Catherine loves to be useful!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>At the back of the scene</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>, <i>absorbed in each +other, pass by, hand in hand</i>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>looks at them, then turns +to</i> <span class="smcap">Darcy</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Archly.</i>] Is <i>that</i> by your permission<a name="page_168" id="page_168"></a>?</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Ruefully.</i>] Yes, I told you I had been kinder to my friend than to +myself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <i>silent, still looks after</i> <span class="smcap">Bingley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Jane</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Continues in a discouraged tone.</i>] Well, I deserve it. It is my own +fault. My selfish conceit has wounded you past help. Every sentiment of +your nature has felt it—seen it.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Demurely.</i>] But <i>one</i> sentiment they say is <i>blind</i>.</p> + +<p class="charct"><span class="smcap">Darcy.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Stunned.</i>] Miss Bennet! [<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>looks up at him. He rushes toward +her.</i>] Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth!</p> + +<p>[<i>He holds her in his arms.</i>]</p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<p class="c">CURTAIN.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pride and Prejudice, a play, by +Mary Keith Medbery Mackaye + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, A PLAY *** + +***** This file should be named 37431-h.htm or 37431-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/4/3/37431/ + +Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Internet Archive.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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