Sayfa 760 / 817

"I have received a letter this morning that has astonished me

exceedingly. As it principally concerns yourself, you ought to

know its contents. I did not know before that I had two daughters

on the brink of matrimony. Let me congratulate you on a very

important conquest."

The colour now rushed into Elizabeth's cheeks in the

instantaneous conviction of its being a letter from the nephew,

instead of the aunt; and she was undetermined whether most to be

pleased that he explained himself at all, or offended that his

letter was not rather addressed to herself, when her father

continued,--

"You look conscious. Young ladies have great penetration in such

matters as these; but I think I may defy even your sagacity to

discover the name of your admirer. This letter is from Mr.

Collins."

"From Mr. Collins! and what can he have to say?"