[_Peeps in--then enters._] Isn't this pretty! Come in here for a moment, Eliza. I want to tell you something.

ELIZABETH.

[_Following her._] Why _did_ I promise to dance with Mr. Darcy just now!

Why did not I have more presence of mind!

[_They sit on the bench together while they talk; the guests, at the back, pa.s.s to and from the drawing-room and ball-room, and the sound of music is heard faintly._]

CHARLOTTE.

I dare say you will find him very agreeable.

ELIZABETH.

Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all. To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an evil.

CHARLOTTE.

I wouldn't be a simpleton, Eliza. You are angry because Wickham is not here, but I wouldn't allow my fancy for him to make me unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten times his consequence.

ELIZABETH.

My _fancy_ for Wickham, as you choose to call it, is simply my sympathy for a most ill-used man: also the relief of meeting with good manners and a good understanding after the insufferable pride of Mr. Darcy, and the stupid pomposity of that _dreadful_ Mr. Collins! [CHARLOTTE _starts_.] Oh, my dear Charlotte, I have never thanked you half enough for helping us to endure that man. It was so good-natured in you to sacrifice yourself by listening to those interminable speeches of his.--I am more obliged to you than I can express. But oh, what a relief it is to know that he is really gone!

CHARLOTTE.

[_Who has listened to all this tirade in increasing embarra.s.sment._] Oh, don't! Don't, Eliza! You are making it so terribly hard for me.

But,--but I must tell you.--I am engaged to Mr. Collins!

[ELIZABETH _is stupefied with surprise and looks at_ CHARLOTTE _for a moment in silent and incredulous amazement. Then with difficulty she speaks._]

ELIZABETH.

Engaged! Engaged to--to Mr. Collins! Oh, my dear Charlotte--_impossible_! [_Hopefully._] You are joking!

CHARLOTTE.

[_With spirit._] No, indeed, Eliza, I am in most serious earnest. Why should you be so surprised? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure _any_ woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?

ELIZABETH.

[_Confused._] Oh, no--no--of course not. And,--and you must forgive all I have just said. I couldn't possibly have imagined----

CHARLOTTE.

[_More sweetly._] No, Eliza, indeed you could not. [_She puts her hand on_ ELIZABETH'S _shoulder_.] And we shall be friends still?

ELIZABETH.

Why, of course, of course, dear Charlotte. It was only the--the surprise. You know how fond I am of you. You know I wish you all imaginable happiness.

CHARLOTTE.

Yes, I am sure of it. You must be surprised--very much surprised, so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But, dear Eliza, when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic. I ask only a comfortable home, and, considering Mr. Collins' situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.

ELIZABETH.

[_In an absent manner._] Undoubtedly.

CHARLOTTE.

[_Looking at Elizabeth affectionately and wistfully._] And you will come to visit me sometimes? I could not bear to lose you, Eliza!

ELIZABETH.

[_Looking up, and patting_ CHARLOTTE'S _hand_.] Surely, Charlotte!

[_Smiling._] We are to be cousins, you know.

CHARLOTTE.

[_Cheerfully._] Why, so we are!

[COLONEL FORSTER _comes from the ball-room_. LYDIA _and_ DENNY _enter from the drawing-room_.]

COLONEL FORSTER.

[_Hurriedly going to_ CHARLOTTE.] I am to have the honour of this reel, I believe, Miss Lucas.

CHARLOTTE.

Oh yes, Colonel Forster.

[_She goes out with_ FORSTER, _leaving_ ELIZABETH _alone, still seated_. LYDIA _and_ DENNY _approach_ ELIZABETH.]