Strona 332 z 817

Mr. Collins's triumph, in consequence of this invitation, was

complete. The power of displaying the grandeur of his patroness

to his wondering visitors, and of letting them see her civility

towards himself and his wife, was exactly what he had wished for;

and that an opportunity of doing it should be given so soon was

such an instance of Lady Catherine's condescension as he knew not

how to admire enough.

"I confess," said he, "that I should not have been at all

surprised by her Ladyship's asking us on Sunday to drink tea and

spend the evening at Rosings. I rather expected, from my

knowledge of her affability, that it would happen. But who could

have foreseen such an attention as this? Who could have imagined

that we should receive an invitation to dine there (an

invitation, moreover, including the whole party) so immediately

after your arrival?"