صفحة 264 من 817

Elizabeth was sitting with her mother and sisters, reflecting on

what she had heard, and doubting whether she was authorized to

mention it, when Sir William Lucas himself appeared, sent by his

daughter to announce her engagement to the family. With many

compliments to them, and much self-gratulation on the prospect of

a connection between the houses, he unfolded the matter,--to an

audience not merely wondering, but incredulous; for Mrs. Bennet,

with more perseverance than politeness, protested he must be

entirely mistaken; and Lydia, always unguarded and often uncivil,

boisterously exclaimed,--

"Good Lord! Sir William, how can you tell such a story? Do not

you know that Mr. Collins wants to marry Lizzy?"