صفحة 133 من 817

to read aloud to the ladies. Mr. Collins readily assented, and a

book was produced; but on beholding it (for everything announced

it to be from a circulating library) he started back, and,

begging pardon, protested that he never read novels. Kitty stared

at him, and Lydia exclaimed. Other books were produced, and after

some deliberation he chose "Fordyce's Sermons." Lydia gaped as he

opened the volume; and before he had, with very monotonous

solemnity, read three pages, she interrupted him with,--

"Do you know, mamma, that my uncle Philips talks of turning away

Richard? and if he does, Colonel Forster will hire him. My aunt

told me so herself on Saturday. I shall walk to Meryton to-morrow

to hear more about it, and to ask when Mr. Denny comes back from

town."

Lydia was bid by her two eldest sisters to hold her tongue; but

Mr. Collins, much offended, laid aside his book, and said,--