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It is admirable!"

Elizabeth tried to join in her father's pleasantry, but could

only force one most reluctant smile. Never had his wit been

directed in a manner so little agreeable to her.

"Are you not diverted?"

"Oh, yes. Pray read on."

"'After mentioning the likelihood of this marriage to her

Ladyship last night, she immediately, with her usual

condescension, expressed what she felt on the occasion; when it

became apparent, that, on the score of some family objections on

the part of my cousin, she would never give her consent to what

she termed so disgraceful a match. I thought it my duty to give

the speediest intelligence of this to my cousin, that she and her

noble admirer may be aware of what they are about, and not run

hastily into a marriage which has not been properly sanctioned.'

Mr. Collins, moreover, adds, 'I am truly rejoiced that my cousin

Lydia's sad business has been so well hushed up, and am only

concerned that their living together before the marriage took

place should be so generally known. I must not, however, neglect

the duties of my station, or refrain from declaring my amazement,

at hearing that you received the young couple into your house as

soon as they were married.