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"When I do myself the honour of speaking to you next on the

subject, I shall hope to receive a more favourable answer than

you have now given me; though I am far from accusing you of

cruelty at present, because I know it to be the established

custom of your sex to reject a man on the first application, and,

perhaps, you have even now said as much to encourage my suit as

would be consistent with the true delicacy of the female

character."

"Really, Mr. Collins," cried Elizabeth, with some warmth, "you

puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to

you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my

refusal in such a way as may convince you of its being one."