Page 142 of 817

Mrs. Philips was always glad to see her nieces; and the two

eldest, from their recent absence, were particularly welcome; and

she was eagerly expressing her surprise at their sudden return

home, which, as their own carriage had not fetched them, she

should have known nothing about, if she had not happened to see

Mr. Jones's shopboy in the street, who had told her that they

were not to send any more draughts to Netherfield, because the

Miss Bennets were come away, when her civility was claimed

towards Mr. Collins by Jane's introduction of him. She received

him with her very best politeness, which he returned with as much

more, apologizing for his intrusion, without any previous

acquaintance with her, which he could not help flattering

himself, however, might be justified by his relationship to the

young ladies who introduced him to her notice. Mrs.