第79章[第1页/共4页]

The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning, and Mr. Collins having been in waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, was able to bring home the pleasing intelligence, of their appearing in very good health, and in as tolerable spirits as could be expected,after the melancholy scene so lately gone through at Rosings.To Rosings he then hastened, to console Lady Catherine and her daughter; and on his return brought back, with great satisfaction, a message from her ladyship, importing that she felt herself so dull as to make her very desirous of having them all to dine with her.

“Why,at that rate,you will have been here only six weeks. I expected you to stay two months. I told Mrs. Collins so before you came. There can be no occasion for your going so soon. Mrs. Bennet could certainly spare you for another fortnight.”

“My uncle is to send a servant for us.”

Mr.Collins had a compliment,and an allusion to throw in here, which were kindly smiled on by the mother and daughter.

Lady Catherine seemed resigned.“Mrs. Collins, you must send a servant with them.You know I always speak my mind, and I cannot bear the idea of two young women travelling post by themselves.It is highly improper.You must contrive to send somebody. I have the greatest dislike in the world to that sort of thing.Young women should always be properly guarded and attended, according to their situation in life.When my niece Georgiana went to Ramsgate last summer,I made a point of her having two men-servants go with her.Miss Darcy,the daughter of Mr.Darcy,of Pemberley,and Lady Anne,could not have appeared with propriety in a different manner.I am excessively attentive to all those things.You must send John with the young ladies,Mrs. Collins.I am glad it occurred to me to mention it;for it would really be discreditable to you to let them go alone.”