A Novel by Jane Austen
The evening was spent in a way that, to Elizabeth, was most delightful. The conversation between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley was very animated, and as she had reason to believe, honourable to herself. Mr. Wickham was not invited, and his absence was felt by every one but herself as a matter of course.
In the morning, as she was at breakfast, she was told that Mr. Collins had been to the door and had left his card. She thanked the person who informed her, and said that she had no doubt he would call again. She found him soon after at the door of the parlour, and he enquired after her health in a most complaisant manner, and told her that he had been to call upon her father, who was not at home, and that he hoped she would be able to come and dine with him at the Grange on Monday next.
"I am very sorry," said Elizabeth, "but I cannot have the pleasure of dining with you on Monday next. I have promised to dine with my aunt Gardiner on that day."
"You are very obliging," replied Mr. Collins, "and I am sure that you will not be disappointed in your aunt Gardiner. She is a very sensible woman, and I have no doubt that you will find her agreeable."
Elizabeth thanked him for his civility, and he took his leave. She could not help smiling at the thought of the polite attention with which he had made his offer, and the still more polite way in which she had declined it. It was not in her nature to be uncivil, and she therefore answered him with civility, though she did not at all wish for his company.
The next morning, as she was walking in the park, she met Mr. Darcy, and they fell into conversation. He spoke of the ball at Netherfield, and expressed his regret that she had not been able to attend. Elizabeth assured him that she had been very sorry to miss it, and that she had hoped to have had the pleasure of meeting him there.
"I am very happy to hear you say so," said Mr. Darcy, and he looked at her with a smile, which she had never seen before. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks, and turned away, not knowing what to say.
He continued, "I have always been of opinion that the society of women is a great advantage to men, and that they ought to be more cultivated in their conversation. I am sure that I have found it so, and I hope that I may have the pleasure of conversing with you often."
Elizabeth could not help smiling at his compliment, and she said, "I am very glad that you think so, and I hope that I may have the pleasure of conversing with you too."