Page 198 of 817

Elizabeth tried hard to dissuade him from such a scheme; assuring

him that Mr. Darcy would consider his addressing him without

introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment

to his aunt; that it was not in the least necessary there should

be any notice on either side, and that if it were, it must belong

to Mr. Darcy, the superior in consequence, to begin the

acquaintance. Mr. Collins listened to her with the determined air

of following his own inclination, and when she ceased speaking,

replied thus,--