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Chapter 20.

Mr. Collins was not left long to the silent contemplation of his successful love.

For Mrs. Bennett, having dawdled about

in the vestibule to watch for the end of the conference, no sooner saw Elizabeth open the door,

and with quick step past her towards the staircase, then she entered the breakfast room,

and congratulated both him and herself, in warm terms, on the happy prospect of their nearer connection.

Mr. Collins received and returned these felicitations with equal pleasure,

and then proceeded to relate the particulars of their interview,

with the result of which he trusted he had every reason to be satisfied,

since the refusal, which his cousin had steadfastly given him, would

naturally flow from her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her character.

This information, however, startled Mrs. Bennett. She would have been glad to be equally

satisfied that her daughter had meant to encourage him by protesting against

his proposals. But she dared not believe it, and could not help saying so. But depend upon it,

Mr. Collins, she added, that Lizzie shall be brought to reason. I will speak to her about it myself

directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl, and does not know her own interest. But I will make her know it.

"'Pardon me for interrupting you, madam,' cried Mr. Collins. But if she is really headstrong and

foolish, I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation,

...