Page 448 of 817

"I know not, Miss Elizabeth," said he, "whether Mrs. Collins has

yet expressed her sense of your kindness in coming to us; but I

am very certain you will not leave the house without receiving

her thanks for it. The favour of your company has been much felt,

I assure you. We know how little there is to tempt anyone to our

humble abode. Our plain manner of living, our small rooms, and

few domestics, and the little we see of the world, must make

Hunsford extremely dull to a young lady like yourself; but I hope

you will believe us grateful for the condescension, and that we

have done everything in our power to prevent you spending your

time unpleasantly."

Elizabeth was eager with her thanks and assurances of happiness.

She had spent six weeks with great enjoyment; and the pleasure of

being with Charlotte, and the kind attention she had received,

must make her feel the obliged. Mr. Collins was gratified; and

with a more smiling solemnity replied,--