Strona 805 z 817

The joy which Miss Darcy expressed on receiving similar

information was as sincere as her brother's in sending it. Four

sides of paper were insufficient to contain all her delight, and

all her earnest desire of being loved by her sister.

Before any answer could arrive from Mr. Collins, or any

congratulations to Elizabeth from his wife, the Longbourn family

heard that the Collinses were come themselves to Lucas Lodge. The

reason of this sudden removal was soon evident. Lady Catherine

had been rendered so exceedingly angry by the contents of her

nephew's letter, that Charlotte, really rejoicing in the match,

was anxious to get away till the storm was blown over. At such a

moment, the arrival of her friend was a sincere pleasure to

Elizabeth, though in the course of their meetings she must

sometimes think the pleasure dearly bought, when she saw Mr.

Darcy exposed to all the parading and obsequious civility of her

husband. He bore it, however, with admirable calmness. He could

even listen to Sir William Lucas, when he complimented him on

carrying away the brightest jewel of the country, and expressed

his hopes of their all meeting frequently at St. James's, with

very decent composure.