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"Oh dear! Yes, certainly. I am sure Lizzy will be very happy--I

am sure she can have no objection. Come, Kitty, I want you

upstairs." And gathering her work together, she was hastening

away, when Elizabeth called out,--

"Dear ma'am, do not go. I beg you will not go. Mr. Collins must

excuse me. He can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not

hear. I am going away myself."

"No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you will stay where you are."

And upon Elizabeth's seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed

looks, about to escape, she added, "Lizzy, I insist upon your

staying and hearing Mr. Collins."

Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction; and a moment's

consideration making her also sensible that it would be wisest to

get it over as soon and as quietly as possible, she sat down

again, and tried to conceal, by incessant employment, the

feelings which were divided between distress and diversion. Mrs.

Bennet and Kitty walked off, and as soon as they were gone, Mr.

Collins began,--