Pagina 234 de 817

While the family were in this confusion, Charlotte Lucas came to

spend the day with them. She was met in the vestibule by Lydia,

who, flying to her, cried in a half whisper, "I am glad you are

come, for there is such fun here! What do you think has happened

this morning? Mr. Collins has made an offer to Lizzy, and she

will not have him."

Charlotte had hardly time to answer before they were joined by

Kitty, who came to tell the same news; and no sooner had they

entered the breakfast-room, where Mrs. Bennet was alone, than she

likewise began on the subject, calling on Miss Lucas for her

compassion, and entreating her to persuade her friend Lizzy to

comply with the wishes of her family. "Pray do, my dear Miss

Lucas," she added, in a melancholy tone; "for nobody is on my

side, nobody takes part with me; I am cruelly used, nobody feels

for my poor nerves."

Charlotte's reply was spared by the entrance of Jane and

Elizabeth.