WICKHAM.

I wish I might. That is indeed a temptation. But you know Miss Elizabeth has just reminded me of my duty.

MRS. BENNET.

Oh, n.o.body ever minds Lizzy!

WICKHAM.

Truly, I cannot to-day, Mrs. Bennet. It is too bad, but I am to meet Colonel Forster [_Smiling at_ ELIZABETH] on important _business_ at the Drake Farm.

MRS. BENNET.

Well, I am very sorry.

WICKHAM.

[_Hesitatingly._] I might perhaps bring Colonel Forster in for a few moments on the way back--that is, if we return this way.

ALL.

Oh, yes, do.

MRS. BENNET.

Yes, indeed. Tell Colonel Forster we should be delighted to see him.

WICKHAM.

Thank you, I will. But now I really must be gone. [_Bowing brightly to_ JANE _and_ LYDIA.] Good morning.

[_To_ CHARLOTTE LUCAS.] Good morning, Miss Lucas. You must let me hear more about those clever plans of yours. I am vastly interested in them.

[_To_ ELIZABETH.] Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. [_Laughing._] You must try to temper your justice with mercy the next time I join you in a walk. [_Pausing, he looks at_ MRS. BENNET, _who is standing between her daughters._] Do you know, Mrs. Bennet, that you always remind me of one of my old schoolboy phrases. _Filiae pulchrae!--Mater pulchrior!_ Good-bye.

[_He runs off laughing. He has only gone a few steps when_ LYDIA, _who has been standing close to the door, runs out and calls to him._]

LYDIA.

Oh, Mr. Wickham!

[WICKHAM _turns and_ LYDIA _runs up to him and whispers something in his ear._ WICKHAM _laughs, then shakes his finger at her, still laughing, and goes off._ LYDIA _stops outside and watches him._]

JANE.

Really, mamma, I think you should speak to Lydia. She is too forward.

MRS. BENNET.

Nonsense! You are jealous.

JANE.

Jealous! Of Lydia?

MRS. BENNET.

Well, she is no more forward than any of you. All you girls are crazy about Mr. Wickham. [_Indulgently._] But I can't wonder at it. He certainly is a most engaging young man. What were those French words he said to me as he went out, Lizzy?

ELIZABETH.

They were Latin, dear. He paid a very charming compliment to our pretty mamma. He said--The daughters are lovely, but the mother is lovelier.

You know papa always says that you are handsomer than any of us.

MRS. BENNET.

My dear Lizzy, I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I don't pretend to be anything extraordinary now. [MR. COLLINS _enters._] Oh, Mr. Collins, there you are.

MR. COLLINS.

[_Bowing profoundly._] I do not find Mr. Bennet in the library, Madam.

Do you know where he is?

MRS. BENNET.

Why, really, Mr. Collins, I can't imagine. Did you enjoy your walk?

MR. COLLINS.

Most a.s.suredly, Madam. The beauties of nature, not only in the landscape, but also [_Bowing to_ ELIZABETH _and_ CHARLOTTE LUCAS.] in the blooming countenances of my fair companions, made our expedition a peculiarly enjoyable one.

MRS. BENNET.