Page 369 of 817

He took the hint and soon began with, "This seems a very

comfortable house. Lady Catherine, I believe, did a great deal to

it when Mr. Collins first came to Hunsford."

"I believe she did--and I am sure she could not have bestowed her

kindness on a more grateful object."

"Mr. Collins appears very fortunate in his choice of a wife."

"Yes, indeed; his friends may well rejoice in his having met with

one of the very few sensible women who would have accepted him,

or have made him happy if they had. My friend has an excellent

understanding--though I am not certain that I consider her

marrying Mr. Collins as the wisest thing she ever did. She seems

perfectly happy, however; and, in a prudential light, it is

certainly a very good match for her."

"It must be very agreeable to her to be settled within so easy a

distance of her own family and friends."

"An easy distance do you call it? It is nearly fifty miles."