पृष्ठ 275 / 817

"My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope

for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that I may be the

survivor."

This was not very consoling to Mrs. Bennet; and, therefore,

instead of making any answer, she went on as before.

"I cannot bear to think that they should have all this estate. If

it was not for the entail, I should not mind it."

"What should not you mind?"

"I should not mind anything at all."

"Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state of such

insensibility."

"I never can be thankful, Mr. Bennet, for anything about the

entail. How anyone could have the conscience to entail away an

estate from one's own daughters I cannot understand; and all for

the sake of Mr. Collins, too! Why should he have it more than

anybody else?"

"I leave it to yourself to determine," said Mr. Bennet.

CHAPTER XXIV.