第174页 / 共817页

"While I can have my mornings to myself," said she, "it is

enough. I think it is no sacrifice to join occasionally in

evening engagements. Society has claims on us all; and I profess

myself one of those who consider intervals of recreation and

amusement as desirable for everybody."

Elizabeth's spirits were so high on the occasion, that though she

did not often speak unnecessarily to Mr. Collins, she could not

help asking him whether he intended to accept Mr. Bingley's

invitation, and if he did, whether he would think it proper to

join in the evening's amusement; and she was rather surprised to

find that he entertained no scruple whatever on that head, and

was very far from dreading a rebuke, either from the Archbishop

or Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by venturing to dance.