Pride and Prejudice, a play founded on Jane Austen's novel. Джейн ОÑтинЧитать онлайн книгу.
I haven't seen it, Mr. Collins. I will try to find it for you. [She starts as if to go out of the room.]
Mrs. Bennet.
[Wishing to leave them together.] No—no, Lydia will find it. Lydia, my love, go see if you can find the sermons for Mr. Collins.
[Lydia, with a grimace, rises slowly from her chair.]
Charlotte Lucas.
Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I am quite sure that I saw the book in the hall. I will go fetch it.
Mrs. Bennet.
[Sharply.] On no account, Charlotte. Lydia will find the book. Lizzy, go and get the mud off your shoes.
Mr. Collins.
Oh, I will not trouble any of you ladies.
Mrs. Bennet.
It is no trouble, Mr. Collins. Charlotte, if you will come with me, I have a parcel I should like to send your mother.
Mr. Collins.
But I assure you, Madam——
[As they go out, Mrs. Bennet—looking daggers at Charlotte—tries to keep Mr. Collins with Jane.]
Mrs. Bennet.
Lydia will find your book, Mr. Collins.
Mr. Collins.
On no account, Madam——
[With awkward gallantry Mr. Collins ushers out the ladies—Lydia rebellious, Charlotte somewhat offended.]
Elizabeth.
[With an amused smile, having watched the party vanish, turns to Jane and speaks to her in mock-heroic fashion.] Miss Bennet! Do you realise the honour which is so soon to fall upon our humble home, and our gratefully humble selves?
Jane.
[Smiling.] Oh, Lizzy!
Elizabeth.
Do you really grasp in its full significance the fact that we may soon be honoured by a visit from Mr. Bingley of Netherfield and Mr. Fitzgerald Darcy, nephew of the Lady Catherine de Bourg?
Jane.
Oh, Lizzy, Mr. Collins is a little pompous, but he seems a very well-meaning young man—indeed, sometimes quite agreeable.
Elizabeth.
[Looking quizzically, but affectionately, at her sister.] No one can be anything but agreeable in the mind of our dear Jane. This time, however, I quite agree with you, I am as delighted as papa with Mr. Collins. I can see that his mixture of servility and importance promises well.
Jane.
And I think Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy promise well. If the half of what our neighbours say is true, Mr. Bingley will give us all sorts of gaieties. [Slyly.] Who knows? We may find him as entertaining as Mr. Wickham.
Elizabeth.
As Mr. Wickham? Then, dear Jane, we shall be rich indeed. [Counting on her fingers.] For hospitality—Mr. Bingley; for conversation—Mr. Wickham; for grandeur—Mr. Darcy, and the agreeable Mr. Collins!
Jane.
Oh, Lizzy! Can not you let the poor man alone?
Elizabeth.
With all my heart. I will gladly let him alone. You shall have him all to yourself. [Mischievously.] If only Mr. Collins knew your good opinion of him! But he is too modest to find it out for himself.
Jane.
[Playfully pulling Elizabeth's ear.] You are a tease!
Harris.
[Entering.] The two gentlemen from Netherfield have just brought their horses into the paddock, Madam.
Jane.
Show them in, Harris, and speak to Mrs. Bennet at once.
[Harris bows and goes out.]
Jane.
They have come soon, Lizzy. Really this is very civil in them.
Elizabeth.
Uncommonly civil. Come with me, Jane. I must make myself tidy. Mud and dirty petticoats for Mr. Darcy!—Oh, that would never do.
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