by Jane Austen
55. wonderfully: amazingly, astonishingly.
56. plead my apology: provide my plea or apology, i.e., be my excuse.
57. yesterday se'nnight: a week ago yesterday. Mr. Collins left his home on the previous Monday, and it is now Tuesday.
58. The standard practice was to speak to someone you did not know only after a mutual acquaintance had introduced you to that person.
59. The person of higher social position (the “superior in consequence”), in this case Darcy, should have the freedom to decide whether two people should speak and become acquainted. This is a basic social rule of the time, which we will see applied elsewhere in the novel.
60. clerical office: position or function of being a clergyman.
61. This special exception for the clergy has no basis in current social practice. Members of the clergy were thoroughly enmeshed in the prevailing social hierarchy, and were regularly ranked in relation to people in other walks of life. Mr. Collins is here following a practice he displays elsewhere, that of proclaiming whatever principles of conduct happen to suit his convenience; in this case, the convenience involves his ambition to make himself known to a rich and powerful man. His action would be regarded by almost anyone of the time as impudent, and it stands in direct contrast to his normal professions of extreme humility.
62. An allusion to his upcoming proposal to Elizabeth, and his hope that she will soon become his wife.
63. In fact, Elizabeth, in addition to being far more intelligent than Mr. Collins, has grown up in superior social and economic circumstances, which would have given her a much better sense of social proprieties.
64. expose himself: make an exhibition of himself, make himself look ridiculous.
65. It is signifcant that Darcy's comment stays in the realm of supposition, i.e. he is sure in general that his aunt could not bestow a favor unworthily. He does not say that, judging from Mr. Collins, she appears to have bestowed it worthily in this case.
66. train: sequence, series.
67. in idea: in her mind or imagination.
68. At this time guests at parties were not assigned seats for meals, whether for supper or dinner. Seating was determined by chance, and no attempt was made to alternate men and women at the table (this last custom would only develop later in the nineteenth century). Thus Elizabeth, Lady Lucas, and Mrs. Bennet can sit one after the other.
69. one person: the one person between Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet.
70. self-gratulation: self-congratulation.
71. so greatly: in such a high rank.
72. As a married woman Jane would be able to conduct her sisters into company, thereby relieving Mrs. Bennet of the necessity. Single women could not go to social occasions without being accompanied or chaperoned; even their freedom to visit others, especially where there might be eligible men, had definite limits. In Jane Austen's youthful story “Three Sisters,” a sister considering marriage sees one of its benefits to be that it will allow her to chaperone the other two sisters to balls. Lydia will express a similar interest later in this novel.
73. chief: bulk.
74. Elizabeth has a solid basis for her worry that provoking Darcy's disdain could have unfortunate consequences with regard to Bingley. At the same time, Elizabeth's extreme concern about Darcy could also indicate that there is something about him that particularly occupies her attention and thoughts, regardless of other considerations.
75. views: expectations, hopes.
76. Elizabeth's surmise of Darcy's careful attention to Mrs. Bennet will turn out to be correct.
77. cold ham and chicken: since supper is a less formal meal, cold foods would be the basic fare. The supper given here at the ball might be more substantial than others mentioned in the novel, for balls ran well past midnight and those attending, especially if dancing, would certainly need nourishment. In Emma “a private dance, without sitting down to supper, was pronounced [by a number of characters] an infamous fraud upon the rights of men and women.”
78. complaisance: obligingness, desire to please (here the term has a negative connotation, since it suggests excessive desire to please).
79. favour them again: a standard courtesy, which would not necessarily indicate any real interest in hearing her further. Since it is only a “hint of a hope” in Mary's case, it is likely that her listeners do not wish her to continue.
80. was weak: hence it would tire and grow worse as she kept going. Mary is almost certainly accompanying herself on the piano. Most piano playing at the time, unless it was being used for dancing, involved such accompaniment; part of the reason was that the talents of most amateur pianists were insufficient for playing purely instrumental pieces. In Mary's case the weakness of her voice means that an accompanied song hardly represents a happy alternative to an instrumental piece.
81. Meaning that the intervention by her father that she provoked turned out to be as bad as the piano-playing he stopped. The problem with Mr. Ben-net's speech is that, in addition to possibly insulting Mary with its seemingly sarcastic, ‘You have delighted us long enough,” it has certainly insulted both Mary and other musical young ladies by implying that their only reason for playing is a vain desire to exhibit before others. Furthermore, his speaking aloud, rather than walking over to her, has caused everyone to hear his sharp words and has made him look too blunt in the process. This incident is probably one of the things Darcy has in mind when he later says that even Elizabeth's father has occasionally shown impropriety.
82. More puritanical religious figures argued that music was not compatible with the profession of a clergyman, though their opinion was far from the dominant one at the time.
83. Tythes, or tithes, were a binding legal obligation on everyone in a parish to pay 10% of their gross agricultural produce to the clergyman for his support. Determing exactly what each person's produce was, and how a payment would be made, could become very complicated. It was naturally an important matter for a clergyman to arrange, and an enterprising one could try to improve his income by showing that parishioners, due perhaps to increased productivity on their land, owed more than they had heretofore been paying; this often led to disputes that had to be settled in court. Jane Austen's father improved his income that way, though he was less energetic in doing so than many. In a letter she expresses the hope that he will be able to increase his income to 600 pounds a year by raising his tithes; in another she wonders similarly whether a sparse living accepted by an acquaintance “may be improvable” (Jan. 3,1801; Jan. 21,1799). Thus such financial considerations were a normal part of clerical life, although most clergymen would probably not give them the prominence in a list of their duties that Mr. Collins does.
84. light: slight.
85. preferment: advancement or appointment to his post. One sees that, according to Mr. Collins, a clergyman's duty consists mostly of attending to his own comfort and interest, or of pleasing his patron—the one to whom he owes his preferment. The one real exception to this rule is his advocacy of writing his own sermons, something many clergy did not do (they used published sermons instead). It is possible that this aspiration comes from Mr. Collins's interest in cutting a figure as a speaker, an interest seen in his making such an unnecessary speech now at the ball. It is also possible Lady Catherine, who loves to lay down guidance, has expressed her belief in writing one's own sermons.
86. the family: the family of his patron—hence his bow to Darcy.
87. Mr. Bennet's reaction contrasts with Elizabeth's. While both derive amusement from others' absurdities, she does not see everything as an opportunity for such laughter. In this case, her concern for Jane's chances with Bingley, and for the family reputation, make her take seriously her family's follies; her concern will turn out to be justified.
88. spirit: zeal, vigor.
89. teazed: bothered with constant attention.
90. Elizabeth could keep refusing Mr. Collins, and not be rude, only by also refusing everyone else who asked her.<
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91. stand up: dance.
92. In fact, Darcy's silence stems not from what Elizabeth supposes but from a preoccupation with other matters, ones revealed later in his letter to her (see pp. 364 and 366).
93. carriages: the Bennets, who now number eight including Mr. Collins, would need more than one carriage since their own vehicle, a coach, would seat only six. They have presumably hired a second, smaller one for the evening.
94. Mrs. Bennet wishes to secure as much time as possible for Jane to be with Bingley.
95. Their fatigue is understandable, for most balls ended very late. One in Mansfield Park goes well past 3 a.m.; in a letter Jane Austen describes a ball in which, “We began at 10, supped at 1, & were at Deane [where she was staying] before 5” (Nov. 20, 1800).
96. He presumably enjoys the spectacle of his wife being snubbed and of Mr. Collins displaying more of his foolish politeness.
97. waiting on: calling upon.
98. Thus at this point Bingley signals every intention of seeing Jane again soon—and he does not seem one to say this without meaning it. We find out later what prevents his fulfilling his intention.
99. settlements, new carriages, and wedding clothes: matters to be taken care of before a wedding. Settlements were legal agreements regarding money (for further discussion, see p. 549, note 12). Agreements about new carriages were often part of this; in Jane Austen's “The Three Sisters,” a marriage is almost broken off because of disagreements over settlements, with the bitterest argument between the prospective bride and groom being over the color and style of the carriage he shall purchase when they are married. Later in the novel Mrs. Bennet will reveal a strong interest in wedding clothes for a daughter about to be married.
Chapter Nineteen1
The next day opened a new scene at Longbourn. Mr. Collins made his declaration in form.2 Having resolved to do it without loss of time, as his leave of absence extended only to the following Saturday, and having no feelings of diffidence to make it distressing to himself even at the moment, he set about it in a very orderly manner, with all the observances which he supposed a regular part of the business.3 On finding Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and one of the younger girls together, soon after breakfast, he addressed the mother in these words,
“May I hope, Madam, for your interest4 with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning?”
Before Elizabeth had time for any thing but a blush of surprise, Mrs. Bennet instantly answered,
“Oh dear!—Yes —certainly.—I am sure Lizzy will be very happy —I am sure she can have no objection. —Come, Kitty, I want you up stairs.” And gathering her work5 together, she was hastening away, when Elizabeth called out,
“Dear Ma'am, do not go.—I beg you will not go.—Mr. Collins must excuse me. —He can have nothing to say to me that any body need not hear. I am going away myself”6
“No, no, nonsense, Lizzy.—I desire you will stay where you are.”—And upon Elizabeth's seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed looks, about to escape, she added, “Lizzy, I insist upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins.”
Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction —and a moment's consideration making her also sensible7 that it would be wisest to get it over as soon and as quietly as possible, she sat down again, and tried to conceal by incessant employment8 the feelings which were divided between distress and diversion. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty walked off, and as soon as they were gone Mr. Collins began.
“Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty, so far from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other perfections.9 You would have been less amiable in my eyes had there not been this little unwillingness; but allow me to assure you that I have your respected mother's permission for this address.10 You can hardly doubt the purport11 of my discourse, however your natural delicacy12 may lead you to dissemble; my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life.13 But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it will be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying14 —and moreover for coming into Hertfordshire with the design of selecting a wife, as I certainly did.”
The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn composure, being run away with by his feelings, made Elizabeth so near laughing that she could not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt to stop him farther, and he continued:
“My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy15 circumstances (like myself)16 to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly17—which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion (unasked too!) on this subject;18 and it was but the very Saturday night before I left Hunsford—between our pools at quadrille,19 while Mrs. Jenkin-son was arranging Miss De Bourgh's foot-stool, that she said, ‘Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry.—Chuse properly, chuse a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high,20 but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her.'21 Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair cousin, that I do not reckon the notice22 and kindness of Lady Catherine de Bourgh as among the least of the advantages in my power to offer. You will find her manners beyond any thing I can describe; and your wit and vivacity I think must be acceptable to her, especially when tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite.23 Thus much for my general intention in favour of matrimony; it remains to be told why my views were directed to Longbourn instead of my own neighbourhood, where I assure you there are many amiable young women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit this estate after the death of your honoured father, (who, however, may live many years longer,) I could not satisfy myself without resolving to chuse a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event takes place—which, however, as I have already said, may not be for several years.24 This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your esteem.25 And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection.26 To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand ofthat nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could not be complied with; and that one thousand pounds in the 4 per cents.27 which will not be yours till after your mother's decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On that head, therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married.”
It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now.
“You are too hasty, Sir,” she cried. ‘You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without farther loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them.”
“I am not now to learn,” replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, “that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long.”28
“Upon my word, Sir” cried Elizabeth, “your hope is rather an extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal—You could not make me ha
ppy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who would make you so.—Nay, were your friend Lady Catherine to know me, I am persuaded she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation.”29
“Were it certain that Lady Catherine would think so,” said Mr. Collins very gravely—”but I cannot imagine that her ladyship would at all disapprove of you. And you may be certain that when I have the honour of seeing her again I shall speak in the highest terms of your modesty, economy,30 and other amiable qualifications.”
“Indeed, Mr. Collins, all praise of me will be unnecessary. You must give me leave to judge for myself, and pay me the compliment of believing what I say. I wish you very happy and very rich, and by refusing your hand, do all in my power to prevent your being otherwise. In making me the offer, you must have satisfied the delicacy of your feelings with regard to my family, and may take possession of Longbourn estate whenever it falls,31 without any self-reproach. This matter may be considered, therefore, as finally settled.” And rising as she thus spoke, she would have quitted the room, had not Mr. Collins thus addressed her,
“When I do myself the honour of speaking to you next on this subject I shall hope to receive a more favourable answer than you have now given me; though I am far from accusing you of cruelty at present,32 because I know it to be the established custom of your sex to reject a man on the first application, and perhaps you have even now said as much to encourage my suit as would be consistent with the true delicacy of the female character.”33
“Really, Mr. Collins,” cried Elizabeth with some warmth, “you puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as may convince you of its being one.”34
“You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My reasons for believing it are briefly these: —It does not appear to me that my hand is unworthy your acceptance, or that the establishment35 I can offer would be any other than highly desirable. My situation in life, my connections with the family of De Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in my favour;36 and you should take it into farther consideration that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications.37 As I must therefore conclude that you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall chuse to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense,38 according to the usual practice of elegant females.”39