PRIDE & PREJUDICE: JANE AUSTEN: CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Mr Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little education or society.  The greater part of his life having been spent under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father, and though belonged to one of the universities, he had merely kept the necessary terms without forming at it necessary acquaintance.  A fortunate chance had recommended him to Lady Catherine de Borough when the living of Hunsford was vacant.  Her patronage, his authority as a clergy man and his right as a rector made him a mixture of pride and obsequiousness.

Having now a good house and sufficient income, he intended to marry and in seeking a reconciliation with Longbourn family he had a wife in view, as he meant to choose one of the daughters, if he found them as handsome and amiable as they were represented by common report. This was his plan of atonement.

His plan did not vary on seeing them. Miss Bennet's lovely face confirmed his views, and for the first evening she was his settled choice.  The next morning, however made an alteration; for in a quarter of an hour's tete-a-tete with Mrs Bennet before breakfast, a conversation beginning with his parsonage house, and leading naturally to the avowal of his hopes, that a mistress might be found for it at Longbourn, produced from her, and very complaisant smiles and general encouragement, a caution against the very Jane he had fixed on.  "She felt it incumbent on her to hint, was likely to be soon engaged."

Mr Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth - and it was soon done - done while Mrs Bennet was stirring the fire.  Elizabeth equally next to Jane in birth and beauty.

Mrs Bennet treasured up the hint, and trusted that she might soon have two daughters married; and the man whom she could not bear to speak of the day before was now high in her good graces.

Lydia's intention of walking to Meryton was not forgotten; every sister except Mary agreed to go with her; and Mr Collins was to attend them, at the request of Mr Bennet, who was most anxious to get rid of him, and have his library to himself; for tither Mr Collins had followed him after breakfast; and there he would continue, nominally engaged with one of the largest folios in the collection, but really talking to Mr Bennet, with little cessation, of his house and garden at Hunsford. Such doings discomposed Mr Bennet exceedingly.  His civility, therefore, was most prompt in inviting Mr Collins to join the daughters in their walk; and Mr Collins, being in fact much fitted for a walker than a reader was extremely pleased.

Collins and the girls came to Meryton.  The attention of the younger ones was no longer to be gained by him.  Their eyes were wandering up the street in quest of the officers, and nothing less than a smart bonnet or a new muslin in a shop window, could recall them.

The attention of the young ladies was soon caught by a young man, whom they had never seen before, of most gentleman like appearance, walking with another officer on the other side of the way.  The officer was the very Mr Denny concerning whose return from London Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. All were struck with the stranger's air, all wondered who he could be, and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way accross the street, under the pretense of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement when two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot.  Mr Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town and had accepted a commission in their corps.  He had a fine countenance, good figure, and very pleasing address.

The introduction was followed by conversation and the whole party were still standing and talking when the sound of horses drew, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the ladies they came directly towards them. Bingley said that he was on his way to Longbourn to inquire after Miss Bennet. Mr Darcy corroborated it with a bow, but but took care not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of a stranger, and Elizabeth happening to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other, was all astonishment at the affect of meeting. Both changed colour, one looked white, the other red. Mr Wickham, after a few moments touched his hat - a salutation which Mr Darcy deigned to return.  What could be the meaning of it? 

In another minute, Mr Bingley, without noticing what passed, took leave and rode on with his friend.

Mr Denny and Wickham walked with the young ladies to the door of Mr Philips house, and then made their bows, in spite of Lydia's pressing entreaties that they should come in, and even in spite of Mrs Phillips's throwing up the parlour window and loudly seconding the invitation.

Mrs Phillips was glad to see her nieces, and the two eldest, from their recent absence, were particularly welcome.  Jane introduced Mr Collins to Mrs Phillips.  She received him politely, which he duely returned. He apologized for his intrusion. Mrs Phillips could only tell them what she knew about Wickham.  Mr Denny had brought him from London, and that he was to have a lieutenant's commission in the ---shire. Some of the officers were to dine with the Philipses the next day. She promised to make her husband call on Mr Wickham, and give him an invitation also, if the family from Longbourn would come in the evening. They agreed to and parted in mutual good spirits.  Mr Collins repeated his apology while parting. 

As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she had seen passed between the two gentlemen, but Jane could give no explanation.

Mr Collins on his return highly gratified Mrs Bennet by admiring Mrs Phillips manners and politeness, and pointedly included him in her invitation for the next evening, though utterly unknown to her.

THE END