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Chapter 1, Mr Collins’ Visit

Longbourn, November 21, 1812

“Lady Catherine de Bourgh has confided inyou this, as I do so only in praise of her grandeur—that she is having the cupola at Rosings gilded for Christmas, at a cost of 4,000 pounds!”

Mr Collins’ broad face glowed, and Elizabeth thought he could not possibly appear happier had his soul been transported by joy; a contingent which, she had to allow, ht, in fact, be the case

“What could better ular ostentation?” She was convinced that her cousin, should he ever turn hisup His ance is fully equal to her resources”

“Indeed!” said Mr Collins, pleased she’d taken his point “Her condescension to ht”

“Do not sell yourself short, sir,” Elizabeth said, the solemnity of her tone achieved at no little exertion “For do you not also serve one whose wealth beggars that august lady’s?”

Mr Collins’ countenance froze Elizabeth was able to resist the urge to sue The clergy with sohty matter of faith

“Ah, ‘tis true,” Mr Collins said finally with relief “And her Ladyship is the nearest areatest portion of earthly wealth”

“You must point that out to her Ladyship,” said Elizabeth She permitted herself to smile

The worthy clergyether his plump hands

They were in the drawing roobourn Mr Collins had arrived unexpectedly; no letter had preceded his visit

He had insisted upon erness was such that there could be no thought of refusing him

Elizabeth wondered what could be the occasion for his visit At first, she had been alarht be amiss with Charlotte, but as Mr Collins seemed to fluctuate between exciteh concern, his visit could not have been occasioned by uess at its purpose She decided to try prodding him