Part 3
To treat in such a manner the godson--the friend--the favourite of his father! How abominable!
WICKHAM.
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.
ELIZABETH.
Oh, he has a sister?
WICKHAM.
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.
ELIZABETH.
Contemptible!
COLONEL FORSTER.
[_Interrupting._] Wickham!
WICKHAM.
[_Starting._] Yes, Colonel Forster.
COLONEL FORSTER.
I fear we must be going.
WICKHAM.
[_Hurriedly to Elizabeth._] Thank you for listening to me. It is hard to be misjudged.
ELIZABETH.
Thank you for your confidence. It is well to know the truth.
COLONEL FORSTER.
Well, Miss Elizabeth, I hope we shall see you all at your aunt's on Wednesday. Good morning. [_To_ JANE.] Good morning, Miss Bennet. Thank you for the music. Please present my respects to Mrs. Bennet. I am sorry that we cannot wait longer.
WICKHAM.
[_Effusively._] Yes, Miss Bennet, be sure to give your mother my best regards. Good morning--[_All bow and curtsy. As he is leaving he speaks aside._] Oh, Miss Elizabeth, may I entreat----
ELIZABETH.
You may depend upon my sympathy.
WICKHAM.
[_Looking at her with an understanding smile._] I am most grateful.
[_The gentlemen go out of the door._ JANE _and_ ELIZABETH _go into the recess and look from the window. There is a short pause._]
MRS. BENNET.
[_Enters, flurried, and looks about her._] Well, have they gone?
[MR. COLLINS _enters through the glass doors at the center. He sees_ MRS. BENNET.]
MR. COLLINS.
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.
MRS. BENNET.
Well, really, Mr. Collins!
[_A titter is heard from the recess where the girls are seated, and then_ JANE'S _voice_.]
JANE.
Oh, Lizzy, hush!
MR. COLLINS.
[_Hearing this, turns and discovers the two girls. Then he speaks to_ MRS. BENNET _with lowered voice, as if an idea had just come to him_.] This meeting is most opportune. Will you kindly step this way for a moment? [_He draws_ MRS. BENNET _aside_.] 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.
MRS. BENNET.
Certainly, Mr. Collins. [_Hesitating._] But there have been some changes since then. Some things have happened--I think it is right you should know, that--that Jane is very likely to be soon engaged. [_Encouragingly._] 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.
[MRS. BENNET _goes to the fire and stirs it_.]
MR. COLLINS.
[_As soon as she has finished._] 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.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Looking rather astonished at this last speech, but recovering herself._] Yes, my daughter Elizabeth knows what is proper. She will be very happy to listen to you. Shall I call her now?
MR. COLLINS.
I think, Madam, there should be no further loss of time, as my leave of absence extends only to the coming Saturday.
MRS. BENNET.
Very well--[_She goes to the recess where the two girls are talking together._] Jane, I want you upstairs. Lizzy, Mr. Collins has something he wishes to say to you.
ELIZABETH.
[_Suspicious and dismayed._] Dear ma'am, Mr. Collins must excuse me. I was just going away myself.
MRS. BENNET.
Now, no nonsense, Lizzy! I desire you will stay. Mr. Collins has something _very_ particular to say to you. [_As_ ELIZABETH _tries to escape_.] Lizzy, I insist upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins. Come, Jane--[MRS. BENNET _and_ JANE _go out_.]
MR. COLLINS.
[_Approaching_ ELIZABETH, _who does not move from the place where her mother left her_.] 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. [_He escorts_ ELIZABETH _with clumsy gallantry to the sofa, then brings a chair and seats himself opposite to her_. ELIZABETH _has recovered herself sufficiently to begin to enjoy the humour of the situation_.] 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. [ELIZABETH _is so overcome with laughter at this idea that she can hardly speak, or keep a decent countenance_.]
ELIZABETH.
Oh, I beg, Mr. Collins----
MR. COLLINS.
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.
ELIZABETH.
[_With more command of her voice._] Believe me, Mr. Collins----
MR. COLLINS.
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.
ELIZABETH.
Mr. Collins,--I----
MR. COLLINS.
[_Rising and approaching nearer to_ ELIZABETH.] 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.
ELIZABETH.
[_Rising in her turn._] 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.
MR. COLLINS.
[_With another formal wave of the hand._] 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.
ELIZABETH.
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 to prevent your being otherwise. This matter may be considered, therefore, as definitely settled.
[_She is about to leave the room when_ MR. COLLINS _detains her_.]
MR. COLLINS.
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.
ELIZABETH.
[_Becoming angry._] 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.
MR. COLLINS.
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.
ELIZABETH.
[_Very decidedly._] 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?
MR. COLLINS.
[_With awkward gallantry._] 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.
[_He bows and withdraws to the door._ ELIZABETH _with a gesture as if she gave the whole matter up in despair, and yet half amused, goes to the fireplace. Just as_ MR. COLLINS _reaches the door_ MRS. BENNET _opens it_.]
MRS. BENNET.
Well, Mr. Collins, are we to congratulate each other? [_Looking doubtfully at_ ELIZABETH.] Has all gone as you could wish?
MR. COLLINS.
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.
MRS. BENNET.
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.
MR. COLLINS.
[_Alarmed._] 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.
MRS. BENNET.
[_Alarmed in her turn._] 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.
MR. COLLINS.
But Madam--I----
MRS. BENNET.
[_Almost forcing_ MR. COLLINS _out of the room_.] Oh, I shall very soon settle it with her, I am sure. [MR. COLLINS _goes out_. MRS. BENNET _goes quickly to_ ELIZABETH.] Lizzy, what is the meaning of all this? Have you refused Mr. Collins?
ELIZABETH.
Yes, mamma, but please listen----
MRS. BENNET.
[_Angrily._] 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 at all. I am going at once to the library and speak to your father. You will listen _to him_ perhaps.
[MRS. BENNET _starts to go when she sees_ MR. BENNET _outside passing the glass doors. He is just returning from his walk and carries a book under his arm_.]
MRS. BENNET.
Oh, there he is now! [_She runs to the door, and opens it._] Oh, Mr. Bennet--Mr. Bennet! [MR. BENNET _turns_. MRS. BENNET _runs out, takes him by the arm, and tries to pull him into the room by main force_. MR. BENNET, _puzzled, submits_.]
MRS. BENNET.
[_While she draws_ MR. BENNET _into the room_.] 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 _her_.
MR. BENNET.
I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what are you talking?
MRS. BENNET.
Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy! Lizzy declares she will not have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say he will not have Lizzy.
MR. BENNET.
Lizzy? I thought it was Jane.
MRS. BENNET.
No--no--It's Lizzy now!
MR. BENNET.
Ah! And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless business.
MRS. BENNET.
Speak to Lizzy. There she is. [_Pointing to_ ELIZABETH _at the fireplace_.] Tell her that you insist upon her marrying him.
MR. BENNET.
[_Turning to_ ELIZABETH.] Come here, child. [ELIZABETH _goes to her father_.] This is an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is this true?
ELIZABETH.
Yes--papa--it--is.
MR. BENNET.
Very well--and this offer of marriage you have refused.
ELIZABETH.
I have, sir.
MR. BENNET.
We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting him. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?
MRS. BENNET.
Yes, or I will never see her again!
MR. BENNET.
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 _not_ marry Mr. Collins; and _I_ will never see you again if you _do_.
## ACT II
_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._ BINGLEY _is discovered directing two_ FOOTMEN, _who are putting a bench in place_. DARCY _stands watching him_.
BINGLEY.
A little more to the right, Martin. That will do. Push those lights farther back--behind the trees. Yes, that is better. [_Looking about him._] I think that is all. You may go. [_The men leave the room._] Well, Darcy, do you approve of the arrangements? Have you anything to suggest? Any criticisms?
DARCY.
I have no criticisms for the arrangements.
BINGLEY.
[_Laughing._] But you have for the _ball_. Yes, I know--still I was really obliged to keep my promise.
DARCY.
I am glad to find that a promise is with you an obligation.
BINGLEY.
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.
DARCY.
[_Coldly._] Common danger?
BINGLEY.
[_Smiling._] Yes, common danger! I, too, have eyes. Where will you match the wit and vivacity of Miss Elizabeth Bennet?
DARCY.
[_Quietly._] She is indeed charming, and I admit that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, I might be in some danger. [_Very coolly and confidently._] But they form, for me, an insurmountable barrier against any possible peril.
BINGLEY.
Love laughs at bars, Darcy! [DARCY _looks annoyed_.] 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----
[_Stopping suddenly, and with an entire change from his former bantering tone, he says in a hesitating manner._] Darcy, do you really think you should be silent about Wickham?
DARCY.
[_Haughtily._] Decidedly! I do not choose to lay my private affairs before the world.
BINGLEY.
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. [DARCY _makes an impatient gesture_.] 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.
DARCY.
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.
BINGLEY.
Even so--I---- [_He is interrupted by_ MISS BINGLEY, _who enters gaily from the drawing-room_.]
MISS BINGLEY.
Ah! Here you are! [_To_ DARCY.] Will you be so kind? [_She holds out her arm for him to clasp her bracelet._] Your sister Georgiana should be here, Mr. Darcy. [_To her brother._] Charles, you should have insisted on her coming.
BINGLEY.
I am not in the habit of insisting with Darcy.
MISS BINGLEY.
[_Laughingly._] Very true. [_To_ DARCY, _who has at length succeeded in fastening the bracelet_.] Thank you. [_Looking about her._] 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.
BINGLEY.
[_Laughing._] If you mean Darcy, he may go to bed, if he pleases, before it begins.
MISS BINGLEY.
But, Charles, it would certainly be more rational if conversation instead of dancing were made the order of the day.
BINGLEY.
Much more rational, my dear Caroline, but it would not be near so much like a ball.
MARTIN, THE FOOTMAN.
[_Entering, to_ BINGLEY.] Several of the carriages have arrived, sir, and the guests will soon be entering the ball-room.
BINGLEY.
[_To the_ FOOTMAN.] Very well. [_To_ MISS BINGLEY.] Come Caroline, we must be at our post. We will leave Darcy to make up his mind whether he will join us later.
[BINGLEY _and his sister disappear through the archway leading to the ball-room_. DARCY _does not follow them, but walks thoughtfully up and down the room. The sound of a voice is heard announcing_.]
THE VOICE.
Mrs. Long--the Miss Longs. [_A pause._] Colonel Forster and Mr. Denny. [_A pause._] Mr. and Mrs. Goulding. [_A pause._] Mrs. Bennet--the Miss Bennets. [DARCY _stops in his walk and goes toward the ball-room archway--then he walks once more up and down_.] Mrs. King--Miss King. [DARCY _again moves toward the ball-room; he lifts the curtain, hesitates--looks in--then disappears_.] Sir William and Lady Lucas--Miss Lucas--Mr. Robinson.
[_The music now begins, the stage is left empty. After a short pause_, ELIZABETH _and_ CHARLOTTE _appear between the curtains of the ball-room archway_.]
CHARLOTTE.
[_Peeps in--then enters._] Isn't this pretty! Come in here for a moment, Eliza. I want to tell you something.
ELIZABETH.
[_Following her._] Why _did_ I promise to dance with Mr. Darcy just now! Why did not I have more presence of mind!
[_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._]
CHARLOTTE.
I dare say you will find him very agreeable.
ELIZABETH.
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.
CHARLOTTE.
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.
ELIZABETH.
My _fancy_ 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 _dreadful_ Mr. Collins! [CHARLOTTE _starts_.] 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!
CHARLOTTE.
[_Who has listened to all this tirade in increasing embarrassment._] 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!
[ELIZABETH _is stupefied with surprise and looks at_ CHARLOTTE _for a moment in silent and incredulous amazement. Then with difficulty she speaks._]
ELIZABETH.
Engaged! Engaged to--to Mr. Collins! Oh, my dear Charlotte--_impossible_! [_Hopefully._] You are joking!
CHARLOTTE.
[_With spirit._] 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 _any_ woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?
ELIZABETH.
[_Confused._] Oh, no--no--of course not. And,--and you must forgive all I have just said. I couldn't possibly have imagined----
CHARLOTTE.
[_More sweetly._] No, Eliza, indeed you could not. [_She puts her hand on_ ELIZABETH'S _shoulder_.] And we shall be friends still?
ELIZABETH.
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.
CHARLOTTE.
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.
ELIZABETH.
[_In an absent manner._] Undoubtedly.
CHARLOTTE.
[_Looking at Elizabeth affectionately and wistfully._] And you will come to visit me sometimes? I could not bear to lose you, Eliza!
ELIZABETH.
[_Looking up, and patting_ CHARLOTTE'S _hand_.] Surely, Charlotte! [_Smiling._] We are to be cousins, you know.
CHARLOTTE.
[_Cheerfully._] Why, so we are!
[COLONEL FORSTER _comes from the ball-room_. LYDIA _and_ DENNY _enter from the drawing-room_.]
COLONEL FORSTER.
[_Hurriedly going to_ CHARLOTTE.] I am to have the honour of this reel, I believe, Miss Lucas.
CHARLOTTE.
Oh yes, Colonel Forster.
[_She goes out with_ FORSTER, _leaving_ ELIZABETH _alone, still seated_. LYDIA _and_ DENNY _approach_ ELIZABETH.]
LYDIA.
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. [LYDIA _looks off toward the ball-room_.]
DENNY.
[_Aside to_ ELIZABETH _significantly_.] I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now if he had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman.
LYDIA.
[_Suddenly._] Why, Mr. Denny--I do believe the reel is half over--I dearly love a reel! We shall miss it, altogether. Come! [_She drags_ DENNY _off_.]
ELIZABETH.
[_Alone._] Well! Well! The world is surely upside down. Charlotte and--Collins! _What_ a match!
DARCY.
[_Approaching from the ball-room._] Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?
[ELIZABETH _makes no answer_.]
Do not you enjoy the reel, Miss Bennet?
ELIZABETH.
[_Looking up._] 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!
DARCY.
[_Smiling._] I do not dare.
[MISS BINGLEY _enters from the ball-room with an officer. They talk together._]
COLONEL FORSTER.
[_Entering from the ball-room, and looking about him, sees_ ELIZABETH _and comes to her_.] May I have the honour, Miss Bennet?
ELIZABETH.
I do not dance the reel, Colonel Forster.
COLONEL FORSTER.
Oh, the reel is over. This is our dance.
ELIZABETH.
Oh!
[_She goes off with_ COLONEL FORSTER. DARCY _remains where_ ELIZABETH _leaves him and watches her till she disappears into the ball-room. The officer bows and leaves_ MISS BINGLEY.]
MISS BINGLEY.