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It was a handsome modern building, well situated on rising

ground.

From his garden, Mr. Collins would have led them round his two

meadows; but the ladies, not having shoes to encounter the

remains of a white frost, turned back; and while Sir William

accompanied him, Charlotte took her sister and friend over the

house, extremely well pleased, probably, to have the opportunity

of showing it without her husband's help. It was rather small,

but well built and convenient; and everything was fitted up and

arranged with a neatness and consistency, of which Elizabeth gave

Charlotte all the credit. When Mr. Collins could be forgotten,

there was really a great air of comfort throughout, and by

Charlotte's evident enjoyment of it, Elizabeth supposed he must

be often forgotten.

She had already learnt that Lady Catherine was still in the

country. It was spoken of again while they were at dinner, when

Mr. Collins joining in, observed,--