Страница 228 из 817

Mr. Collins was not left long to the silent contemplation of his

successful love; for Mrs. Bennet, having dawdled about in the

vestibule to watch for the end of the conference, no sooner saw

Elizabeth open the door and with quick step pass her towards the

staircase, than she entered the breakfast-room, and congratulated

both him and herself in warm terms on the happy prospect of their

nearer connection. Mr. Collins received and returned these

felicitations with equal pleasure, and then proceeded to relate

the particulars of their interview, with the result of which he

trusted he had every reason to be satisfied, since the refusal

which his cousin had steadfastly given him would naturally flow

from her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her

character.