ACT III

[Footmennow come in with small tables, which they place about the stage.Bingleycomes in and directs them.Darcyfollows him.]

Bingley.

[ToElizabeth,Jane,his sister, and others who have entered.] I thought it would be pleasant to have some of the tables here. [ToJane.] We must have places together.

[With some bustle, all seat themselves. At the table on one side are seatedDarcy,Elizabeth,BingleyandJane:A little behind them areMiss BingleywithColonel Forster,Charlotte Lucaswith an officer. At the table on the opposite side isMrs. BennetwithSir WilliamandLady Lucas.Behind them are more tables at which other guests are seated.]

Lydia.

[Entering withDenny,much excited, goes toMrs. Bennet.] 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?

Mrs. Bennet.

[Sympathetically.] Are they really going? Well, my love, itistoo bad! I know how you feel. I am sure Icried for two days together when Colonel Millar's regiment went away, five-and-twenty years ago. I thought I should have broken my heart.

Lydia.

I am sure I shall break mine. [Coaxingly.] Mamma, might we notallgo to Brighton?

Mrs. Bennet.

Oh, if we only could! But I fear your father will not hear of it.

Lydia.

Oh, papa is so disagreeable! I am sure a little sea-bathing would set me up forever! Wouldn't it, Mr. Denny?

Denny.

Surely, Miss Lydia. Oh, you must manage it in some way.

[They move off and take their places at one of the tables.]

Mrs. Bennet.

[Looking after them.] 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, [Looking atBingleyandJane.] we are not likely to have it so very dull in the future. [In a loud whisper toLady Lucas.] You know what I mean—[Nudging her and laughing.] Jane and Bingley!

Lady Lucas.

Ah! Indeed!

Mrs. Bennet.

[With importance and in a still louder tone.] 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.

Elizabeth.

[Who has heard the beginning of this conversation, makes a pretext to go to arrange her mother's scarf and says in low tones.] Oh, mamma! Be careful, I beg. Mr. Darcy can hear you!

Mrs. Bennet.

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 nothinghemay not like to hear!

Elizabeth.

[In distress.] 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.

Mrs. Bennet.

That is enough, Lizzy! I think I can take care of myself. I never knew before that it was a crime to speakto one's friends about what everybody can see plainly enough, who has eyes in his head. [Turning toSir William.] Didyou, Sir William?

Sir William.

[Smiling.] Our friends usually have very sharp eyes for what is going on, Mrs. Bennet! [Significantly.] I have, indeed, sometimes expected thatyouwould observe what has been going on in our own household of late.

Mrs. Bennet.

[Sharply.] Going on? Whathasbeen going on, Sir William?

Sir William.

[With an important air.] 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.

Mrs. Bennet.

Charlotte! Engaged! Why, who in the world is going to marryher?

[Sir Williamdraws himself up with offended dignity;Lady Lucasbridles.]

Sir William.

The gentleman whom my daughter has honoured with her hand is your husband's cousin—Mr. Collins!

Mrs. Bennet.

[Rising in rage and amazement.] 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!

Lady Lucas.

Well, really, Mrs. Bennet!

Sir William.

[Offended.] 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.

Elizabeth.

[Hastily.] Oh, but youare, Sir William! Charlotte has already told me all about her engagement, and we shall be most happy to welcome her as a cousin.

Sir William.

[Mollified and with gallantry.] Thank you, Miss Elizabeth! I am sure other congratulations will shortly be in order.

[He glances significantly atDarcy;Elizabethdraws herself up.Sir William,smiling, makes a little bow and then turns to the table, where he andLady Lucasbusy themselves with their supper.]

Mrs. Bennet.

[ToElizabeth.] So Charlotte has told you, has she? I don't believe a word of it!

Elizabeth.

Oh, mamma!

Mrs. Bennet.

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.

Elizabeth.

[Imploringly.] Mamma!

Mrs. Bennet.

[Turning onElizabethin a rage.] Andyouare the cause of the whole mischief, Lizzy! I think I have been barbarously used by you all!

[While this conversation has been going on, the other guests have been taking their supper.Colonel Forsternow rises with a glass of wine in his hand.]

Colonel Forster.

Ladies and gentlemen—— [The buzz of conversation ceases.] Ladies and gentlemen, I should like to propose the health of Mr. Bingley.

All.

Mr. Bingley!

Colonel Forster.

[Raising his glass.] 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 bothreceiveandgivein this community.

All.

Mr. Bingley—Colonel Forster!—Mr. Bingley!

[All drink asBingleybows.]

Sir William.

[Rising.] And mayIbe 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? [Raising his glass.] To the Master of Netherfield! May he retain that title from his present fortunate youth, to his future green and honoured old age!

All.

[Drinking.] Mr. Bingley! Sir William! Mr. Bingley!

Bingley.

[Rising.] Ladies and gentlemen! Friends!

All.

Hear! Hear!

Bingley.

I—I really cannot tell you how much I am touched bythe very kind words of Colonel Forster and Sir William! And—and I only wish that I deserved them.

All.

Indeed, you do!

Bingley.

[Embarrassed and looking towardDarcy,who with folded arms, is staring at the ceiling.] 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.

All.

Leave Netherfield! Oh! Oh!

Bingley.

[Still more ill at ease.] Yes.—It is a very sudden decision, but—but important interests have made it necessary for me to—[Lamely.] to leave Netherfield.

Sir William.

But only for a time, Mr. Bingley! Let us hope it will only be a—atemporaryseparation.

Mrs. Bennet.

Why, surely, Mr. Bingley, you will be back again very soon.

Bingley.

[In a dogged manner.] No—no. I am afraid my returning at all is extremely uncertain. In fact, I—I expect to leave Netherfieldpermanently.

[Great consternation.Janelooks down.Elizabethlooks atDarcy.Miss Bingleyhas a triumphant smile.]

Colonel Forster.

[Incredulously.] Oh, my dear Mr. Bingley!

Sir William.

[Solemnly.] This is, indeed, a calamity.

Mrs. Bennet.

[ToElizabeth.] Good Lord, Lizzy, poor Jane! What——

Elizabeth.

Oh, hush, mamma!

Bingley.

[Looks again atDarcy,who remains perfectly calm through all this commotion. This time the sight of him seems to makeBingleysomewhat angry, and he pulls himself together and speaks in a firmer tone and in a more cheerful manner.] But, my friends, nobody knows what may happen. We shall undoubtedly all meet again sometime, and meanwhile, you must not let what I have saidspoil your pleasure. [The music is now heard again in the ball-room.] There is the music. We must have another dance together.

[There is a general movement among the guests. Those at the back of the room begin to go into the ball-room.]

Bingley.

[ToJane,Colonel Forster,and others near him.] Let us make up a set here; I think there will be room.

Colonel Forster.

Capital idea!

[TheFootmenremove the tables.]

Miss Bingley.

Oh, yes, capital! [With meaning, toDarcy.] Do not you think so, Mr. Darcy?

[Darcybows stiffly, without speaking.]

Colonel Forster.

Miss Bingley, may I have the pleasure?

[She bows, looks daggers atDarcy,and takes her place in the dance.]

Bingley.

[ToJane.] Miss Bennet, will you grant me the happiness? [Darcygives him a look whichElizabethsees.] The—thefinalhappiness of my stay at Netherfield.

Jane.

[Curtsies, a tremor in her voice.] Thank you.

[They begin to form a set withMiss BingleyandColonel Forster,LydiaandDenny.]

Darcy.

[Crossing toElizabeth.] May I have the honour, Miss Elizabeth?

Elizabeth.

[Looking at him with frank hauteur.] Thank you, Mr. Darcy, I am indisposed.

[Darcybows, reddens, and crosses to the other side of the room. The music begins. Amid embarrassed astonishment,Sir WilliamandCharlotte Lucasfill the quadrille set. As the dance commences,ElizabethandDarcy,standing at either side of the dancers, exchange a glance of the keenest pride and prejudice.]

The parlour ofMr. Collins'sparsonage 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 ofLady Catherine de Bourg—"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.Elizabethis discovered standing at the open door and looking up at some one outside who is evidently climbing the trellis.

A Voice(outside.)

Is this the cluster you wish, Miss Bennet?

Elizabeth.

[Mischievously.] No, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Those are buds; the ones higher still. There—by the eaves.

[Elizabethlaughingly watchesColonel Fitzwilliamuntil he appears with a cluster of half opened roses, which he presents to her with a gallant air.]

Elizabeth.

[Taking the roses and putting them in her girdle.]

Thank you.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

May not I haveone, as my reward, Miss Bennet?

Elizabeth.

Is not accomplishment its own reward?

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

And is not the power to be generous the highest reward that can be given to any accomplishment?

Elizabeth.

Oh, surely! And soyouwould 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. [She gives it to him.]

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

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.

Elizabeth.

But we should hardly have the time for such a project.You say that you and Mr. Darcy are to leave Lady Catherine on Saturday.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

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.

Elizabeth.

I do not know anybody who seems more to enjoy the power of doing what he pleases than Mr. Darcy.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

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. [Looking at his watch.] I suppose I ought to go and look for him now. I expected to find him here, [With a meaning smile.] as not unfrequently happens. But since he is not, he probably expects me to meet him at the Crossroads.

Elizabeth.

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.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

No—that is an advantage which he must share with me. I am joined with him in the guardianship of Miss Darcy.

Elizabeth.

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.

[Colonel Fitzwilliamlooks atElizabethvery suspiciously as she makes this last remark.]

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Why—what?—Why do you suppose Miss Darcy is likely to give us any uneasiness, Miss Bennet?

Elizabeth.

[Carelessly.] 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.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

I know her a little. Her brother is a pleasant, gentlemanlike man. He is a great friend of Darcy's.

Elizabeth.

Oh, yes. Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley and takes a prodigious deal of care of him.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

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. [Stopping.] But I ought to beg his pardon, for I have no right to suppose that Bingley was the person meant.

Elizabeth.

[Curiously, and with ill-concealed anxiety.] What is it you mean?

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

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.

Elizabeth.

You may depend upon my not mentioning it.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

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.

Elizabeth.

[Trying to suppress her feeling.] Did Mr. Darcy give you his reasons for this interference?

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

I understood that there were some very strong objections against the lady.

Elizabeth.

Indeed! [Trying to speak calmly.] And what arts did he use to separate them?

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

[Smiling.] He did not talk to me of his own arts. He only toldme, what I have now toldyou.

Elizabeth.

Why was your cousin to be the judge?

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

You are rather disposed to call his interference officious?

Elizabeth.

[Growing excited.] I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to decide on the propriety of his friend's inclination; why, upon hisownjudgment alone, Mr. Darcy was to determine in what manner his friend was to be happy. [Recovering herself.] 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.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

That is not an unnatural surmise, and I believe Darcytold 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.

Elizabeth.

Your cousin's triumph——

[Greatly excited, she is about to continue, whenCharlotte'svoice is heard outside.]

Charlotte.

Yes, Mr. Darcy, I think I saw Colonel Fitzwilliam go up the garden path a few moments ago. [Protesting.] Oh, no, Mr. Darcy, you are too kind! Really——

Darcy.

[Outside.] Pray, allow me.

[Charlotteenters, accompanied byDarcy,who is carrying a basket of eggs. She wears a garden hat and gloves.]

Charlotte.

Ah, here he is. Good morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam. [ToDarcy.] Pray let me have the basket now, Mr. Darcy. [DarcygivesCharlottethe basket, and then turns toElizabeth.]

Darcy.

Good morning, Miss Bennet. [ElizabethreturnsDarcy'sgreeting with a self-consciousness which does notescape his notice, but the motive of which he mistakes.Darcygives a quick glance fromElizabethtoColonel Fitzwilliam,as he turns to speak to the latter.] Ah, Fitzwilliam, I thought I might find you here.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

[Lightly.] Yes, I have been so fortunate as to secure some of Mrs. Collins's early roses for Miss Bennet.

Charlotte.

[In surprise.] Really! Have they already opened?

Elizabeth.

[Who has by this time recovered her self-possession.] A very few of them. But Colonel Fitzwilliam was obliged to climb very near to the sun to get me these. [She looks admiringly upon the flowers as she speaks.]

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

[Showing the rose whichElizabethhas given him.]

And you see I have my reward.

Darcy.

[Smiling faintly.] Colonel Fitzwilliam might not have won his prize so easily, Miss Bennet, had there been others in the field.

Elizabeth.

Ah, no, Mr. Darcy, I cannot lessen Colonel Fitzwilliam's achievement by admitting any such possibility.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

[Gallantly.] Thank you, Miss Bennet!

[Darcyturns away with an unconscious look of chagrin.]

Charlotte.

Well, surely, my roses will have to bloom their prettiest this season in return for all the attention they have received. [To the young men.] Will not you be seated, gentlemen?

Darcy.

[Tartly.] 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.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

By no means, Darcy, that pleasure has only been deferred.

Darcy.

Very good then. We will go at once, if Mrs. Collins and Miss Bennet will pardon me this hasty call.

Charlotte.

Certainly, Mr. Darcy! [Elizabethalso, absent-mindedly, murmurs her assent, for whichDarcylingers with vague uneasiness before departing withFitzwilliam.Charlottelooks atElizabethcuriously, then calls to the little maid, who enters.]

Charlotte.

Martha—take these eggs to the pantry. Do not disturb them.

Martha.

Very well, ma'am.

[She curtsies and goes out.]

Charlotte.

[Taking off her hat and gloves.] 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.

Elizabeth.

[Getting out her embroidery.] Yes, you promised me a quiet visit, Charlotte. But I find you are more lively here than we are at Longbourn.

[The two ladies sit at the table with their embroidery.]

Charlotte.

But how could I have anticipated the arrival here of two very attentive young gentlemen? [Smiling atElizabeth.] 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.

Elizabeth.

[With a little temper.] You may thank a lack of occupation on their part. You know very well my opinion of Mr. Darcy!

Charlotte.

Yes. You have often expressed it. I wish I were as well informed of Mr. Darcy's opinion of Eliza.

Elizabeth.

When you know the one, you know the other. They are identical.

Charlotte.

Well, perhaps under the circumstances, that is the most satisfactory condition of things. And do we hold the same opinion of Colonel Fitzwilliam?

Elizabeth.

[Tossing her head.] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam!

Charlotte.

[Looking atElizabethsharply, and after a short silence.] 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?

Elizabeth.

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,too ignorant and wilful to be trusted away from home. I only hope that no harm will come of it.

Charlotte.

And is Mr. Wickham still with the regiment?

Elizabeth.

Yes, he went with it to Brighton.

Charlotte.

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.

Elizabeth.

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?

Charlotte.

Hernot objecting does not justify—him.

Elizabeth.

[Emphatically.] Well, have it as you choose.Heshall be mercenary, andsheshall 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!

Charlotte.

[Smiling.] Well, well, Eliza! That speech savours a little of—disappointment.

Elizabeth.

Oh, yes—anything you please!

Charlotte.

[Changing the subject.] And you say that Jane is not in her usual spirits?

Elizabeth.

[Shortly.] Yes.

Charlotte.

And she is looking poorly?

Elizabeth.

[Still more shortly.] Yes—very!

Charlotte.

Did she see much of the Bingleys in London?

Elizabeth.

[Bursting out hotly.] She saw nothing of them. Oh, Charlotte, I have just had all my suspicions verified.

Charlotte.

Your suspicions?

Elizabeth.

Yes, there has been an arrangement in all this. Mr.Bingley has been kept away from Jane by—— [Stops suddenly.]

Charlotte.

[Looks up curiously, then speaks quickly.] 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.

Elizabeth.

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.

Charlotte.

But were they so violently in love?

Elizabeth.

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?

Charlotte.

[Smiling.] It is usually a good test. But if Jane did not return his affection—— It really did not seem to me that there was anythingviolentin Jane's attitude. I could never see that she showed any extreme affection for Bingley.

Elizabeth.

[Hotly.] 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.

Charlotte.

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.

Elizabeth.

[Demurely.] In some cases that is undoubtedly true.

Mr. Collins.

[Appears at the garden door. He wears a wide-brimmed hat and carries a hoe—also a large basket. He looks in.] Ah! A very charming domestic picture! [Taking a bunch of radishes from the basket, he speaks toCharlotte.] 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. [He sits upon the chair near the doorway.]

Charlotte.

I fear the apothecary might object.

Mr. Collins.

True—they might not be suitable, but [Looking at them proudly.] they are very fine radishes. [ToElizabeth.] 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. [Looking at the radishes again.] 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.

Elizabeth.

Yes, Charlotte has told me that Miss de Bourg is sickly. She will make Mr. Darcy a very proper wife.

[Charlottelooks anxiously atMr. CollinsasElizabethsays this, but he is gazing out of the door and does not seem to notice the remark.]

Mr. Collins.

I hope you are pleased with Kent, Miss Elizabeth.

Elizabeth.

Very much, Mr. Collins.

Mr. Collins.

I do not think the kingdom can boast a grander scenethan the one now spread before our eyes: [Pointing.] This garden—that park with Rosings in the distance. Do not you think my dear Charlotte is most fortunately placed, Miss Elizabeth?

Elizabeth.

Most fortunately, Mr. Collins.

Mr. Collins.

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.

Martha.

[Enters in great excitement.] Oh, Mrs. Collins! Lady Catherine's carriage is turning into the lane andsheis in it!

Mr. Collins.

[Rising in great excitement.] Lady Catherine—at this hour! What amazing condescension! [He turns in a helpless manner toCharlotte.] But, my dear, I am quiteunprepared. My habiliments—I would not be wanting in respect.—What shall I do?

Charlotte.

[Hurriedly putting up her work and giving her hat and gloves to the maid.] Go make yourself ready, Mr. Collins. We will do the same. [CharlottepushesMr. Collinsgently toward the door.]

Mr. Collins.

[Protesting.] Yes—yes! But this implement——

[He holds out the hoe.]

Charlotte.

Give it to Martha!

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