Pagina 339 de 817

The dinner was exceedingly handsome, and there were all the

servants, and all the articles of plate which Mr. Collins had

promised; and, as he had likewise foretold, he took his seat at

the bottom of the table, by her Ladyship's desire, and looked as

if he felt that life could furnish nothing greater. He carved and

ate and praised with delighted alacrity; and every dish was

commended first by him, and then by Sir William, who was now

enough recovered to echo whatever his son-in-law said, in a

manner which Elizabeth wondered Lady Catherine could bear. But

Lady Catherine seemed gratified by their excessive admiration,

and gave most gracious smiles, especially when any dish on the

table proved a novelty to them. The party did not supply much

conversation. Elizabeth was ready to speak whenever there was an

opening, but she was seated between Charlotte and Miss de

Bourgh--the former of whom was engaged in listening to Lady

Catherine, and the latter said not a word to her all the

dinnertime.