MRS. BENNET.

[_While she draws_ MR. BENNET _into the room_.] 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, Mr. Collins will change his mind and not have _her_.

MR. BENNET.

I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what are you talking?

MRS. BENNET.

Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy! Lizzy declares she will not have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say he will not have Lizzy.

MR. BENNET.

Lizzy? I thought it was Jane.

MRS. BENNET.

No--no--It's Lizzy now!

MR. BENNET.

Ah! And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless business.

MRS. BENNET.

Speak to Lizzy. There she is. [_Pointing to_ ELIZABETH _at the fireplace_.] Tell her that you insist upon her marrying him.

MR. BENNET.

[_Turning to_ ELIZABETH.] Come here, child. [ELIZABETH _goes to her father_.] This is an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is this true?

ELIZABETH.

Yes--papa--it--is.

MR. BENNET.

Very well--and this offer of marriage you have refused.

ELIZABETH.

I have, sir.

MR. BENNET.

We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting him.

Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?

MRS. BENNET.

Yes, or I will never see her again!

MR. BENNET.

An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day, you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again, if you do _not_ marry Mr. Collins; and _I_ will never see you again if you _do_.

ACT II

_The Conservatory or Orangery at Netherfield. On one side, an archway, approached by two or three steps and hung with curtains, separates the Orangery from the ball-room. On the opposite side is a smaller archway with curtains, which are looped back, giving a glimpse of the drawing-room beyond. There is another door on the right._ BINGLEY _is discovered directing two_ FOOTMEN, _who are putting a bench in place_. DARCY _stands watching him_.

BINGLEY.

A little more to the right, Martin. That will do. Push those lights farther back--behind the trees. Yes, that is better. [_Looking about him._] I think that is all. You may go. [_The men leave the room._]

Well, Darcy, do you approve of the arrangements? Have you anything to suggest? Any criticisms?

DARCY.

I have no criticisms for the arrangements.

BINGLEY.

[_Laughing._] But you have for the _ball_. Yes, I know--still I was really obliged to keep my promise.

DARCY.

I am glad to find that a promise is with you an obligation.