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"Sir, you quite misunderstand me," said Mrs. Bennet, alarmed.

"Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these. In everything

else she is as good-natured a girl as ever lived. I will go

directly to Mr. Bennet, and we shall very soon settle it with

her, I am sure."

She would not give him time to reply, but hurrying instantly to

her husband, called out, as she entered the library,--

"Oh, Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an

uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she

vows she will not have him; and if you do not make haste he will

change his mind and not have her."

Mr. Bennet raised his eyes from his book as she entered, and

fixed them on her face with a calm unconcern, which was not in

the least altered by her communication.

"I have not the pleasure of understanding you," said he, when she

had finished her speech. "Of what are you talking?"