Pride and Prejudice, a play founded on Jane Austen's novel. Джейн ОÑтин
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And Miss Elizabeth will also testify that you yielded with the celerity and ease of long practice.
Wickham.
[Laughing; to Elizabeth.] But in this case who was the tempter?
Elizabeth.
Oh, I will admit that Mr. Collins was partially responsible.
[All laugh.]
Mrs. Bennet.
Come, Lizzy, you have been talking to Mr. Wickham all the morning. Now, let some of the rest of us have a chance. [Turning to Wickham.] You must stay to dinner, Mr. Wickham.
Wickham.
I wish I might. That is indeed a temptation. But you know Miss Elizabeth has just reminded me of my duty.
Mrs. Bennet.
Oh, nobody ever minds Lizzy!
Wickham.
Truly, I cannot to-day, Mrs. Bennet. It is too bad, but I am to meet Colonel Forster [Smiling at Elizabeth] on important business at the Drake Farm.
Mrs. Bennet.
Well, I am very sorry.
Wickham.
[Hesitatingly.] I might perhaps bring Colonel Forster in for a few moments on the way back—that is, if we return this way.
All.
Oh, yes, do.
Mrs. Bennet.
Yes, indeed. Tell Colonel Forster we should be delighted to see him.
Wickham.
Thank you, I will. But now I really must be gone. [Bowing brightly to Jane and Lydia.] Good morning.
[To Charlotte Lucas.] Good morning, Miss Lucas. You must let me hear more about those clever plans of yours. I am vastly interested in them. [To Elizabeth.] Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. [Laughing.] You must try to temper your justice with mercy the next time I join you in a walk. [Pausing, he looks at Mrs. Bennet, who is standing between her daughters.] Do you know, Mrs. Bennet, that you always remind me of one of my old schoolboy phrases. Filiæ pulchræ!—Mater pulchrior! Good-bye.
[He runs off laughing. He has only gone a few steps when Lydia, who has been standing close to the door, runs out and calls to him.]
Lydia.
Oh, Mr. Wickham!
[Wickham turns and Lydia runs up to him and whispers something in his ear. Wickham laughs, then shakes his finger at her, still laughing, and goes off. Lydia stops outside and watches him.]
Jane.
Really, mamma, I think you should speak to Lydia. She is too forward.
Mrs. Bennet.
Nonsense! You are jealous.
Jane.
Jealous! Of Lydia?
Mrs. Bennet.
Well, she is no more forward than any of you. All you girls are crazy about Mr. Wickham. [Indulgently.] 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?
Elizabeth.
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.
Mrs. Bennet.
My dear Lizzy, I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I don't pretend to be anything extraordinary now. [Mr. Collins enters.] Oh, Mr. Collins, there you are.
Mr. Collins.
[Bowing profoundly.] I do not find Mr. Bennet in the library, Madam. Do you know where he is?
Mrs. Bennet.
Why, really, Mr. Collins, I can't imagine. Did you enjoy your walk?
Mr. Collins.
Most assuredly, Madam. The beauties of nature, not only in the landscape, but also [Bowing to Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas.] in the blooming countenances of my fair companions, made our expedition a peculiarly enjoyable one.
Mrs. Bennet.
Well, I am very glad of it, I am sure. [To Jane and Lydia.] Girls, we haven't told Lizzy and Charlotte the news.
Elizabeth.
What news, mamma?
Mrs. Bennet.
[Looking at Charlotte with an ill-concealed triumph.] 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.
Elizabeth.
Oh, Mr. Bingley! That will be entertaining. [Suddenly with mischief she turns to Mr. Collins, who all through this latter conversation has been staring at Jane with solemn persistence.] Do not you think so, Mr. Collins?
Mr. Collins.
[Starting from his absorption.] Eh? What? [Pompously again.] Excuse me, Miss Elizabeth, on what subject did you ask my opinion?
Elizabeth.
I asked you if you didn't think it was a very pleasant thing to meet new neighbours.
Mr. Collins.
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. [To Mrs. Bennet.] You realise, I am sure, Madam, the caution which should ever be exercised where my amiable young cousins are concerned.
Elizabeth.
Yes, mamma, you really should be cautious.
Mrs. Bennet.
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.
Mr. Collins.
[In amazement.] 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 my humble abode. I am surprised, indeed, by this civility on his part. [Anxiously.] 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.
Elizabeth.
We will promise you, Mr. Collins, never for one instant to forget either Mr. Darcy's exalted position or our own insignificance.
Mr. Collins.
[Looking at her with admiration.] With that assurance, Miss Elizabeth, I think even Lady Catherine would be satisfied. So I need no longer withhold my sanction.
Elizabeth.
[Curtsying.] We thank you, sir.
Mr. Collins.
This is the very attitude of mind I could desire. [To Mrs. Bennet.] I think, with your permission,